Holden’s E3 GTS Transforms into the 2012 Vauxhall VXR8 in Britain

Based on Holden’s most recent E3 series GTS model, the 2012 Vauxhall VXR8 will hit UK dealers next March, featuring several improvements over the previous model, which was built on the lower-spec ClubSport R8. Priced at £49,500 (VAT included), the new model is still considered a bargain in the country, considering that there’s a 6.2-liter V8 powerhouse under the bonnet.

The VXR8 undercuts the competition, such as the Mercedes E63 AMG, by between £13k and £29k, and even performance saloons from the class below, like the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG, but truth be said, it was always a little rough around the edges. Some consider that a perk, others a drawback. Nevertheless, the VXR8 was mildly revised for the 2012 model year, featuring a redesigned grille, LED daytime running lights and tail lamps, new wing vents and rear spoiler.

Inside, there’s an updated instrument cluster and full leather trim is standard. Other amenities include HSV Performance Seats and an Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI), which is a fancy name for a smarter onboard computer. EDI can record such data as G-forces, engine parameters and lap times, which can be later analyzed by owners using special software provided with the car.

In order to deliver performance that’s worth recording, the VXR8 comes with a fourth generation GM-sourced LS3 engine, delivering 431 ponies and 550 Nm (407 lb-ft) of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels, either through a six-speed manual gearbox or an automatic transmission. A limited slip differential comes as standard.

The 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) sprint takes just 4.9 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).

To improve handling, engineers fitted the VXR8 for the first time with electronically controlled dampers. The system is called Magnetic Ride Control and it’s based on technology borrowed from the Corvette ZR1.

The VXR8 can be ordered in the UK through six dealers at the moment, but it will be available in a total of 34 locations later on.

By Csaba Daradics

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Holden’s E3 GTS Transforms into the 2012 Vauxhall VXR8 in Britain

Based on Holden’s most recent E3 series GTS model, the 2012 Vauxhall VXR8 will hit UK dealers next March, featuring several improvements over the previous model, which was built on the lower-spec ClubSport R8. Priced at £49,500 (VAT included), the new model is still considered a bargain in the country, considering that there’s a 6.2-liter V8 powerhouse under the bonnet.

The VXR8 undercuts the competition, such as the Mercedes E63 AMG, by between £13k and £29k, and even performance saloons from the class below, like the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG, but truth be said, it was always a little rough around the edges. Some consider that a perk, others a drawback. Nevertheless, the VXR8 was mildly revised for the 2012 model year, featuring a redesigned grille, LED daytime running lights and tail lamps, new wing vents and rear spoiler.

Inside, there’s an updated instrument cluster and full leather trim is standard. Other amenities include HSV Performance Seats and an Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI), which is a fancy name for a smarter onboard computer. EDI can record such data as G-forces, engine parameters and lap times, which can be later analyzed by owners using special software provided with the car.

In order to deliver performance that’s worth recording, the VXR8 comes with a fourth generation GM-sourced LS3 engine, delivering 431 ponies and 550 Nm (407 lb-ft) of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels, either through a six-speed manual gearbox or an automatic transmission. A limited slip differential comes as standard.

The 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) sprint takes just 4.9 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).

To improve handling, engineers fitted the VXR8 for the first time with electronically controlled dampers. The system is called Magnetic Ride Control and it’s based on technology borrowed from the Corvette ZR1.

The VXR8 can be ordered in the UK through six dealers at the moment, but it will be available in a total of 34 locations later on.

By Csaba Daradics

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

GM gets World's Fastest Man to Drive Insignia OPC at Goodwood

General Motors' Vauxhall division announced today that World Land Speed Record holder, Andy Green, will be behind the wheel of the all-new, 325HP Insignia VXR (OPC for the rest of Europe) at this weekend's Goodwood's hillclimb course. Andy Green, a British Royal Air Force pilot, is the first and only person to break the sound barrier on land when he recorded a top speed o 763mph or 1,227km/h in 1997 driving Richard Noble's Thrust SSC (SuperSonic Car).

"The Festival of Speed is one of the highlights of my year," said Andy. "So when I was offered the chance to drive Vauxhall's new high-performance Insignia up the Hill, it was just the icing on the cake! Fast road cars are the essence of the Festival and I am really looking forward to giving the Insignia a good run up the Hill this weekend."

Insignia VXR to Make UK Debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed

The high-performance version of the Opel /Vauxhall Insignia will make its first appearance in Britain at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed that runs from July 3-5. The 325HP Insignia VXR (OPC for the rest of Europe) will run the famous hillclimb course twice a day. Joining the Insignia will be the most powerful production model in Vauxhall's history, the rear-wheel-drive, 6.2-litre supercharged V8 engined VXR8 Bathurst S Edition 560HP that will be performing a 'Smoke Gets in Your Eyes' display in front of the Goodwood House.

GM's British arm will also showcase two concept studies from the past, the gullwing-door XVR that was displayed at the 1966 Geneva Salon and the SRV that made its debut at the 1970 Earls Court Motor Show.

Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst S with 560HP Supercharged V8

In the land Down-Under, there's a saying that goes "there's nothing like a V8". Well, let's say that for the sake of conversation, we agree with our fellow Australians. What's even better than a 'normal' V8? The answer comes all the way from Great Britain and Vauxhall which introduced a new supercharged version of the Holden Commodore based (Pontiac G8 in the States), HSV Clubsport R8. Thanks to the addition of a Walkinshaw 122 Supercharger, the Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst S' 6.0-liter V8 dispenses a mighty 560-horsepower, compared with the standard car's 431HP.

Furthermore, Walkinshaw's 122 Supercharger also boosts torque from 550Nm to an impressive 715Nm (529-lbs /ft). No performance figures have been announced, but let's just tell you that the standard 431HP VRX8 with an automatic gearbox accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 4.9 seconds...

For the record, Vauxhall did not only bolt-on a blower to the LS3 V8. The engineered package also includes a large capacity intercooler, high-flow fuel injectors, a separate cold air intake and Walkinshaw-developed ECU map, while the standard manual gearbox is upgraded with a high-torque capacity clutch.

Buyers also have the option of adding a new Bi-Modal Exhaust that raises power by up to 10-horsepower and allows drivers to select one of two noise settings: 'Street', with an upper limit of 92dbA, or 'Optimum', which releases the LS3 V8's full 102dbA. The two-and-a-half inch diameter system is manufactured from stainless steel with unique chrome tail-pipe finishers and costs £1600.

Other modifications concern the new six-pot front and four-pot rear brake calipers stiffer, height-adjustable springs and Walkinshaw-developed coil-over dampers that have 15 separate valve settings with independent corner adjustment for the owner's preferred setup.

On the outside, the Bathurst S is identifiable by a distinctive graphic pack, front fog light covers and 'Bathurst' badges while inside a console-mounted badge showing the car's build number complements the 'Walkinshaw Performance' tread plates found inside each door opening.

The Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst S will be produced in a limited number of units with prices in the U.K. set at £44,995 which comes to $66,520 U.S, $99,520 AUS and €51,300 with today's exchange rates.

Vauxhall VXR8 Gets New 425Hp LS3 6.2L V8

Like its Australian counterpart, the Holden Commodore based HSV Clubsport R8, the UK market Vauxhall VXR8 is being enhanced with GM’s new and more powerful LS3 engine. The new V8 engine’s capacity grows from 6.0-liters to 6.2-liters and thanks to various improvements over the outgoing LS2 unit, power is up by 14 PS to 431 PS (317kw or 425 Hp) at 6,000rpm.

With the new LS3 the automatic VXR8 goes from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.9 sec, a 0.1 sec improvement over the LS2 model. Moreover, in-gear acceleration for manual models has also improved with 50-70mph in 3rd gear dropping from 2.8 to 2.6 sec while 30-50mph in 2nd gear drops from 2.0 to 1.9 sec. -Continued

Vauxhall supports that, despite the VXR8’s enhanced performance credentials, its LS3 produces the same emissions and fuel consumption as the outgoing LS2 unit. In addition, the VXR8 automatic receives a transmission oil cooler as standard.

The LS3 VXR8 is also offered with all-new body colour - Heron White – at no extra cost, as well as the option of factory-fit 20-inch rims for the first time on this model. Prices for both manual and automatic versions of the LS3-powered VXR8, which are on sale in the UK now, rise by £485 to £35,695.

Video: 5th-Gear Pits the Vauxhall VXR8 Against the 382Hp Vauxhall Lotus Carlton

Back in the beginning of the 1990’s, Vauxhall -Opel’s UK counterpart- introduced the Omega based, Lotus Carlton which was developed in co-operation with Lotus (then owned by GM) and equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 engine developing 382Hp.

Nearly two decades after, Vauxhall found the Lotus Carlton’s spiritual successor in the form of the Aussie made, VXR8 which is practically a rebadged Holden Commodore based HSV Clubsport R8. Check out 5th Gear’s video with Vicki Butler-Henderson testing out both cars on the race track right after the jump. -Continued

Video: Holden HSV R8 Supercharged vs BMW M3 vs Mercedes C63 AMG

While we wouldn’t mind having the keys of any of these V8-powered high-performance saloons tested by Brit car magazine, EVO, we’re curious to see how the supercharged version of the HSV Clubsport R8 (called Vauxhall VXR8 in the UK) holds up against the BMW M3 and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. Since we don’t want to spoil any surprises, we’ll let you find out for yourselves by seeing the video.

Fifth Gear Tests The Vauxhall VXR8

The spec-sheet says it all: 6.0-liter V8 engine, 412 Hp and a rear-wheel drive layout. Come on GM, all you have to do is order a couple of Pontiac badges, stick them on and presto, there you have it; the perfect “halo car”. Is it that difficult?

Vauxhall VXR8 Gets Supercharged

Funny ain't it; while Americans are still patiently waiting for the 362 Hp Pontiac G8, on the other side of the Atlantic, the Brits are being offered a supped up version of the HSV! As of this October, Vauxhall will offer a supercharger kit on the option list of the Holden Commodore HSV Clubsport R8 based, VXR8. The addition of the supercharger boosts the 6.0L V8’s output from the standard car’s 412 Hp (307 KW) to a massive 540 Hp while maximum torque is also enhanced by around 30 per cent.

Vauxhall hasn’t released any performance figures but since the standard 412 Hp version with the manual gearbox sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4,9 seconds we wouldn’t be surprised if it managed a sub 4,5 sec. time. The supercharger can be ordered either as an extra or it can be fitted retrospectively by any of you luck Brits who’ve already parked a VXR8 under your garage. Either way, the cost of the kit is £6995 or $14,100 and it comes with a three-year factory guarantee.

Holden HSV GTS gets... "Hot Wheels"

This special edition of Holden’s latest HSV GTS (basically the same model as the HSV Clubsport R8 / Vauxhall VXR8) dressed in a "Hot Wheels" suite was presented at the Melbourne Auto Show. Not bad but we would’ve liked to see this HSV wearing a different set of "hot wheels", preferably black or dark grey colored rims. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the press release & one more pic

HSV Teams With Hot Wheels
Holden Special Vehicles and Mattel's Hot Wheels have teamed up to bring to life a HSV GTS in exclusive livery, as part of the Melbourne Motor Show. Between March 3 and 7, the Hot Wheels/HSV GTS will stand proudly on the Hot Wheels stand, in the Concourse Foyer near the Clarendon St entrance, alongside the Hot Wheels Mega Track and fashion displays.

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Vauxhall VXR8 420Hp - UK version of the Holden HSV Clubsport R8 breaks cover

Brits are going to get a taste of "Down Unda" V8 thunder as GM’s UK subsidiary just revealed the Holden HSV Clubsport R8 based, Vauxhall VXR8. Fitted witth GM’s 6,1-liter V8 that pumps out 420Hp, the VXR8 sprints from 0-60mph (96km/h) in just 4.9 seconds. It will be available with a 6speed manual or 6speed sequential auto-box. With a tag price of 34.995 BP (68,700 USD or 52.200 EUR) the VXR8 is a tad cheaper than its American rival, the 425Hp Chrysler 300C SRT-8 (39.700 BP) and significantly cheaper than the 507Hp BMW M5 but then again, the M5 is a different story. Still though, one can’t stop wondering why Pontiac didn’t go all the way with the G8 adding an HSV based version in its range. -Continued: Click "Read More…" below to check out the press release and a high-res image gallery

PRESS RELEASE: DON’T MOURN MONARO – HERE COMES THE VXR8!

New Vauxhall supersaloon on sale in July, priced at £34,995
6.0-litre V8, 420bhp, 0-60mph in 4.9 secs.
First VXR model available with an auto gearbox

Motoring enthusiasts across Britain mourned the passing of the Monaro. The only Australian-built car to be sold in the UK offered raw and exciting performance thanks to its 6.0-litre V8 and rear-wheel drive set up. But the thunder from down under hasn’t stopped yet – in fact it’s only going to get louder. Vauxhall has announced the arrival of a new Aussie musclecar – the VXR8 – and it’s more powerful and exciting than even the legendary Monaro.

The dramatic-looking new saloon is powered by the same 6.0-litre V8 as the outgoing Monaro VXR, but revisions to the engine have made it even more efficient. It now develops a massive 420PS and 550Nm of torque, giving it enough grunt to sprint from 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds. No other supercar offers this sort of power for anywhere near the VXR8’s price.

Yet the VXR8, based on Australia ’s Holden HSV Clubsport R8, offers more in the way of practicality than the outgoing Monaro, with four doors and space for all the family. Although practical, with a spacious boot, comfortable, long-legged cruising ability and luxuries such as climate control and leather trim, the VXR8 is certainly no softie. Driver aids such as the stability system and traction control can be turned off at the flick of a switch – perfect for drivers who want to hone their skills on a track day!

And VXR8 goes as well as it stops, too, with powerful 365mm front disc brakes that slow the car down from 60mph to a standstill faster than a Lamborghini Murcielago or BMW M5. In response to customer demand, the VXR8 will also be the first VXR model to be offered with an automatic gearbox. In order to maintain the control which VXR buyers require, the optional £1,400 self-shifter has a manual override and a sport setting which ensure the performance isn’t blunted – in fact the auto is only half a second slower to 60mph than the manual!

Satellite navigation and 20-inch wheels will be offered as options for those who want to make their VXR8 look more distinctive and help find their way to the best driving roads. Even with all the option boxes ticked however, the VXR8 is still around half the price of other cars with comparable performance. As all fast car fans know, Aussie rules…

Technorati: Vauxhall+VXR8, Holden+Commodore, GM, HSV+Clubsport+R8, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007