Vauxhall’s mighty VXR8 super-saloon gets a potent new V8 engine this summer,
with even more power and improved performance. The new unit allows the VXR8 to
raise the bar yet again among its rivals, optimising its sophisticated
rear-wheel drive chassis still further and retaining its mantle as a driver’s
car like no other in its class. New colour and equipment options further enhance
this, the fastest car to wear the Griffin badge.
Known as LS3, the new
V8 engine’s capacity grows from 5967cc to 6162cc, and thanks to various
improvements over the outgoing LS2 unit, such as high-flow cylinder heads, new
pistons and an enhanced valvetrain, power is up by 14PS to 431PS at
6000rpm.
This translates to a reduced 0-60mph time for cars with
automatic transmissions (down from 5.0 seconds to 4.9) and improved in-gear
acceleration for manual models (50-70mph in 3rd gear drops from 2.8 to 2.6
seconds; 30-50mph in 2nd gear drops from 2.0 to 1.9 seconds). And if
you fancy smoking your VXR8 at a track day, you’ll see 80-100mph times fall from
4.3 to just 4.0 seconds in 4th gear.
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.
Buyers for the LS3-engined VXR8s
also receive the choice of an 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 now, rise by £485 to £35,695.
