New V8 for VXR8: same calories, fuller flavour

[MattB]

• New 6.2-litre V8 engine
• Improved in-gear performance
• Option of 20” alloy wheels
• Gearbox oil cooler standard on auto
• Addition of Heron White to colour palette

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.

[mc_orion]

Ya think that would fit in the vectra?

[Big-Pete]

I Like that Matt.. Not sure of the little recessed red grille, i'd prefer that black, nice motor though..
bet it looks good in white...!

[phil67]

Now that the price has gone up by £485 to £35,695. I am now only £35,500 short. Lol.

[wickedwillie]

Jees, in my 30 years of motoring, I bet if I added the values together for every car that I have purchased in that time, it would not top £25k. Personnal choice, I could afford a car at that price but my 11k Vectra is just fine for me. Call me old man, I call it contentment.

[S14RRJ]

very nice i just wish

[AntB]

We saw a black VXR8 while my car was at the stealer's today, even the missus was drooling over it (and a car is typically a car to her), so I'm half way there.

/wanders off to check for loose change down the back of the sofas.

[GSiFan]

Very, very nice. I have had the pleasure of a short ride in a 5.7-litre VXR8 and they are quite a piece of kit!

Paul

[glenboy]

Saw one of these the other day an 08 plate in black,looked absolutely awesome,what a car for the money...........

[Big Sig]

Goes off to sell a few body organs!