Just when we thought it was time to wave a teary goodbye to the fabulous
Vauxhall Monaro VXR, there arrives news of a final special edition and the Monaro VXR500 is not your regular run-out model with new alloys and naff stickers.
Indeed, Vauxhall has not tweaked the exterior of the new car at all. The clue is in the name, as some crazy person somewhere within General Motors gave the go ahead to strap a supercharger to the mighty 6-litre V8 engine, in the process upping peak power from 398bhp to 493bhp (500PS). Maximum torque jumps by an equally impressive margin, from 390lb.ft to 499lb.ft. Assuming you can contain the wheelspin, the Monaro VXR500 will hit 60mph from rest is less than five seconds and should exceed 180mph.
To help the rest of the car cope with the extra performance, a revised clutch has been fitted, the fuel system uprated and naturally it features a new engine map. Amazingly, the VXR500 will cost just £35,995 on-the-road, actually £1,000 LESS than the regular VXR. You may have to travel to get your place on the queue though, as only one dealer will be taking orders, that's Greens Vauxhall on 01634 246755. Stop reading and get calling. Now godammit!
Shane O' Donoghue - 8 Sep 2006