Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-R – Oz bruiser’s 595 PS farewell

Here’s a fitting farewell to the big bruiser of a sedan that has been anything but subtle. The Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-R is a last-of-line variant and also the most powerful car in Vauxhall’s 114-year history. It’s exclusive to the UK.

Powered by an evolution of the current VXR8 GTS‘s supercharged 6.2 litre V8 engine, the GTS-R makes 595 PS (up from 576 PS) and 740 Nm of torque, with gains derived from a remap and high-flow air filter. The LSA V8 engine is also found in the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. 0-96 km/h (0-60 mph) is done in 4.2 seconds.

Delivering drive to the rear axle via a limited slip differential is a heavy-duty GM/2F six-speed automatic transmission with Active Select Function and paddle shifters. Better yet, get a six-speed manual with launch control.

The GTS-R retains the previous GTS’ torque vectoring system, but gets upgraded brakes – six-piston monoblock calipers and 410 mm discs up front. It wears new 20-inch forged alloys with 255/35 tyres in front and fat 275/35 donuts at the back. The third-gen Magnetic Ride Control, controllable via the Driver Preference Dial, comes with Touring, Sport, Performance and Track modes. The head-up display even has a G-force reading.

Visually, the GTS-R has a fresh and overtly aggressive face; with a new front fascia, splitter, wings and carbon fibre vents. At the back, there’s a new-look diffuser, spoiler (with CF upper), lower panel and quad exhaust outlets with diamond-shaped exhaust tips. Inside, the diamond theme continues in the Alcantara and leather seat trim.

Just 15 units of the VXR8 GTS-R’s will reach the UK, at an OTR price of £74,500 (RM412,739). Production of the Holden Commodore, on which the GTS-R is based, comes to an end in Australia in October, when GM’s facility Down Under shuts down. Vauxhall has been importing the VXR8 to the UK in various forms since 2007.

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