What's the news?

Vauxhall is set to unleash its most powerful car at the Autosport International Show in January. With 580hp and 740Nm of torque the new VXR8 GTS is also the cheapest way into the exclusive 500hp+ club with prices starting from £54,999.

Based on the Australian HSV (Holden Special Vehicles) GEN-F GTS, the VXR packs a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 that can also be found in the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. The new LSA unit is said to be 150hp more powerful than its LS3 predecessor thanks mainly to the addition of a supercharger, but also thanks to changes to the exhaust system and improved cooling and air intake systems. That power output puts it 20 or so horsepower ahead of the likes of the BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG and Jaguar XFR-S. The tarmac punishing power is fed through a six-speed manual transmission as standard but an automatic gearbox is also available.

Mechanicals

To cater for the extra performance, the GTS is fitted with an all-new Brake-Torque Vectoring system that applies braking to the inside rear wheel and transfers torque to the outside rear wheel to reduce understeer during high-speed manoeuvres.

The GTS also receives Magnetic Ride Control with three independent settings that Vauxhall claims "delivers greater body control, sharper handling and a significantly more pliant ride quality" compared to the outgoing model. Forged aluminium six-piston calipers with two-piece discs provide the stopping power and the GTS runs on 20-inch alloy wheels with 255/35 R20 Continental tyres up front, and 275/35 R20 tyres at the rear.

Anything else?

The Vauxhall VXR8 GTS will be unveiled at the Performance Car Show, part of the Autosport International Show, which takes place at Birmingham's NEC Arena between January 9 and 12, 2014.