What's the news?
When it comes to tyre shredding saloons the German trio of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have held something of a monopoly, but the RS 7, M5 and E 63 AMG have a new pretender to the crown to contend with. For the latest update to the VXR8 range, Vauxhall has shoehorned a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine under the bonnet that produces 584hp and comes with an asking price of £54,999.
Your move Germany!
Exterior
Much of the VXR8 GTS's cosmetic changes were necessary to funnel even more air into the engine bay. This has led to a 'twin-nostril' design that serves not only as a design focal point, but also ensures the LSA V8 engine's voracious appetite for air is taken care of.
LED daytime running lights - which now operate when the headlights are turned on - and 20-inch 'Blade' forged alloy wheels complete the front-end design while at the rear the GTS gets distinctive LED tail lamps and a diffuser that houses the quad exhaust system, the pipes of which are finished in 'shadow chrome'. A unique body-coloured rear spoiler with black accents also distinguishes the GTS from lesser VXR8 models.
Interior
Inside, the VXR8's cabin has been updated with a new instrument panel featuring suede-style inserts, a new instrument cluster, gauges, centre console and door trims. The GTS model also gains VXR Performance Seats that are wrapped in Onyx leather trim and feature eight-way electric adjustment and seat heaters for both the driver and front passenger.
Mechanicals
This is where things get interesting; for 2013 the VXR8 GTS gains the same GM LSA V8 engine as the recently launched Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. This replaces the 6.2-litre LS3 V8 of old, and with good reason; by adding a four-lobe Eaton supercharger the engine produces 584hp and 739Nm of torque. This is an increase of 152hp and 190Nm, and while performance figures are yet to be released, the new car is expected to better the 4.9 seconds the LS3-powered car took to complete the 0-62mph sprint.
Power is delivered to the rear wheels via the latest MG9-spec six-speed manual transmission with oil cooler and twin-plate clutch, though an optional six-speed automatic transmission is also available.
To go with the increased power the GTS is equipped with Brake Torque Vectoring technology and the third-generation Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) with three independent settings: Touring, Sport and Track. Hardware and software improvements have been made to the latter to deliver greater body control, handling and ride quality than the outgoing model.
A new Driver Preference Dial has also been developed that allows the driver to choose between Touring, Sport, Performance and Track. The vehicle's ESC, Traction Control, Launch Control (manual transmission only) and Bi-Modal Exhaust, as well as its Brake Torque Vectoring and new Electronic Power Steering, all react to a change in settings.
At the rear, 275-section Continental tyres are tasked with the job of laying the power down and keeping the car on the tarmac while new forged six-piston calipers from brake specialist AP allow the driver to 'weight anchors' should the worst happen.
Anything else?
In addition to the power increase the VXR8 also gains a range of safety technologies not previously offered. These include a Head Up Display that shows vehicle speed, engine temperature and even G-forces, plus a Forward Collision Alert system that will pull the car up if it senses an impending collision.
Paul Healy - 29 May 2013