The Vauxhall VXR8 GTS is, according to its makers, the cheapest way to own a 500bhp sports car.
Want access to a 500bhp monster but don’t have enough cash lying around for a Ferrari? Vauxhall has you covered. It’s developed the frankly terrifying-sounding Vauxhall VXR8 GTS, which it claims is the least expensive way of gaining membership into the 500bhp+ club.
It uses a hefty GM-sourced 6.2-litre V8 paired with an equally hefty supercharger, giving the VXR8 GTS a whopping 576bhp. That’s more than the BMW M5, Mercedes C63 AMG, Ferrari 458 Jaguar F-Type Coupe R ─ we could go on.
Power is rated at 150bhp more than the old VXR8 and torque has been upped by 190Nm, allowing it to hit 0 to 62mph in 4.2 seconds (0.7 seconds faster than the non-supercharged VXR8). Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph — not bad given this is a spacious car with four seats and a large boot.
The Vauxhall VXR8 GTS benefits from a Brake-Torque Vectoring system that applies braking to the inside rear wheel and shifts power to the outside rear wheel to alleviate the effect of understeer. It also has Magnetic Ride Control, a suspension system that is meant to improve handling and body control.
Other new additions include wider tyres, front and rear Park Assist, Automatic Park Assist, a head up display and Forward Collision Alert for alerting the driver to an impending crash and pre-preparing the brakes.
We love the idea of this thing. If you can get past the Vauxhall badge, £5k price hike over the outgoing model and the likely dire fuel consumption figures then it’s certainly worthy of being on your petrolhead hotlist.
Vauxhall will debut the VXR8 GTS at the Performance Car Show and Autosport International. First orders are expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2014. It’s set to cost £54,999.
Keep your eyes peeled for our verdict early in 2014. If we survive the test drive.
Vauxhall VXR8 GTS images
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