Automobiles Review

Tag: VXR8

  • Vauxhall VXR8 Maloo LSA vs 1903 Vauxhall 5HP and what they (surprisingly) have in common

    Vauxhall VXR8 Maloo LSA vs 1903 Vauxhall 5HP side viewVauxhall VXR8 Maloo LSA is Britain’s most powerful light commercial vehicle (LCV) and it will be also one of the main attractions at the Goodwood’s Festival of Speed next week. What is more, the VXR8 will be accommodating Vauxhall’s very first car in its generous load-bay!

    In addition, the new model is 107 times more powerful that the ancestor, called for a reason “5HP”. Built in 1903, it weighs just 272kgs (and the Maloo’s load bay is 500 kg) and can hit a maximum speed of… 25mph! If we have to compare it with the Maloo: it is barely a sixth of what it can achieve. By the way that was quite quick by early twentieth century standards.

    SEE ALSO: Iconic 1957 BMW 507 makes exclusive comeback at Goodwood

    Did you know that the Vauxhall VXR8 Maloo LSA is driven by the 6.2-litre, supercharged V8 which is also to be found in its Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 sibling? The car deploys its power through a limited slip differential to the rear wheels, producing a total of 536 hp and capable of achieving 155 mph. The 0-60 acceleration time is reached in 4.3 seconds. Maloo also benefits from a neat Launch Control system for maximum-attack starts.

    Vauxhall VXR8 Maloo LSA and 1903 Vauxhall 5HP front view

    If we dare to compare both car’s times on the Goodwood’s famous hill climb (and although there isn’t an official timing in the First Glance class in which the Maloo can be seen this year), estimates say that it would reach the finish line of the 1.16-mile course in 55 seconds, while the 113-year-old 5HP can do this for at least three minutes.

    And despite that it seems that both vehicles have nothing in common besides the brand, there’s actually one feature which is shared by both vehicles. And very surprisingly – it is the monocoque! Since 1903 Vauxhall’s engineers joined the chassis and the lower part of the 5HP’s body into a composite steel and wood structure, effectively creating a very early form of a monocoque design. Now, this feature is employed by almost all production cars around the world.

    This year Goodwood proves to be very exciting!

    1903 VAUXHALL 5HP vs 2016 VAUXHALL VXR8 MALOO LSA

    5HP Maloo
    • Engine capacity
    		 978cc 6,162cc
    • Cylinders
    		 1 8
    • Power
    		 5bhp 536bhp (544PS)
    • Torque
    		 N/A 671Nm @3850rpm
    • Engine construction
    		 Integrally cast head/block All-aluminium heads/block
    • Fuel delivery
    		 Vauxhall spray carb Electronic fuel injection
    • Crankshaft
    		 2-bearing Cross-bolted, 5-bearing
    • Transmission
    		 Clutchless, 2-speed 6-speed manual
    • Drive
    		 Via chain to rear axle Via limited slip diff. to rear axle
    • Suspension – front
    		 Spiral springs/no dampers MacPherson Strut
    • Suspension – rear
    		 Spiral springs/no dampers Fully independent, multi-link
    • Steering
    		 By tiller / plenty of faith By wheel / rack & pinion
    • Brakes  – front
    		 None 367mm diameter ventilated discs
    • Brakes – rear
    		 Drums 372mm diameter ventilated discs
    • Wheels
    		 26-inch / wire construction 20-inch / alloy
    • Tyres – front
    		 26/3 255/35 x 20
    • Tyres – rear
    		 26/3 275/35 x 20
    • Top speed
    		 25mph 155mph (limited/est)
    • Acceleration (0-60mph)
    		 Uh, never… 4.3 seconds (est)
    • Fuel consumption
    		 38mpg (unofficial) 18.5mpg (official combined)
    • Price
    		 130 guineas (£136) £54,520
    2016 Vauxhall VXR8 Maloo LSA
    2016 Vauxhall VXR8 Maloo LSA
    2016 Vauxhall VXR8 Maloo LSA
    2016 Vauxhall VXR8 Maloo LSA

    Source: Vauxhall 

  • 2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS – Price £54,999

    The new Vauxhall VXR8 GTS is the most powerful production car ever to emerge from Australia. It is priced at £54,999 in the UK and allows owners the least expensive membership into the 500+HP club.

    The new VXR8 GTS is powered by a 6.2 liter LSA supercharged V8 – 576HP (426 kW) and 739Nm (545 lb-ft) of torque, which is 150HP and 190Nm more than the previous VXR8. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

    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 the latest generation Magnetic Ride Control with three independent settings. Hardware and software improvements deliver greater body control, sharper handling and a significantly more pliant ride quality, compared with the outgoing model.

    2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS
    2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS
    2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS
    2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS
    2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS
    2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS
    2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS

    Source: Vauxhall

  • DEBUT: 2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS Delivers 576 Horsepower

    2014-Vauxhall-VXR8-GTS-THUMBThe new 2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS is equipped with Eaton supercharger and 6.2-litre LSA V8 engine that drives the rear wheels. This means that it is capable of delivering nearly 600 hp (441 kW) and a soundtrack guaranteed to make your hairs stand on end.

    The vehicle is based on HSV’s GEN-F GTS and it is propelled by the new supercharged LSA V8 unit that is identical to that utilized in the recently launched Chevrolet Camaro ZL. To be more precise it delivers 576 hp (426 kW) and 739 Nm (545 lb-ft) of torque. This means an addition of 150 hp (110 kW) and 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) respectively over the outgoing LS3-engined VXR8.

    In addition, the other highlight featured in this Vauxhall GTS model is the new VXR8’s Eaton supercharger which has 4-lobe rotors, 9 psi boost and 1.9 litres of air per revolution. The supercharger provides the VXR8 with stronger and more linear performance across its entire rev-range. Moreover, the other LSA features are the stand-alone water to air charge cooling system, the separate transmission and differential cooling system, the water to oil engine cooling system, the Bi-modal air-intake system and the high-flow exhaust manifolds and exhaust system with Bi-modal silencers.

    This unique engine is matched with the latest MG9 spec six-speed manual transmission with oil cooler and twin-plate clutch as a standard. There is also available an optional six-speed automatic transmission.

    The VXR8 GTS has a brand new front-end design: bold graphics and shallow ramp angles emphasize vehicle’s width and stance. However, the highlight of the front fascia is the ‘twin-nostril’ grille which effects in more aggressive look and an air intake surface large enough to cool the LSA V8. The daytime running lights now work when the headlights are turned on. What complete the design are the 20-inch ‘Blade’ forged alloy wheels.

    On the other hand, there are also some changes made to the rear. For instance, this vehicle is equipped with distinctive LED tail lamps, a ‘diffuser’ with exhaust outlets finished in shadow chrome and body-coloured performance rear spoiler with black accents.

    The interior of the car has also received numerous changes when compared to the previous model. There is an upgraded instrument panel with suede-style inserts, a new instrument cluster, gauges, centre console, appliqués and door trims. In addition, there can also be seen VXR Performance Seats wrapped in Onyx leather trim and feature 8-way electric adjustment and seat heaters.

    Some extra performance is ensured by Brake Torque Vectoring technology that helps decrease the understeer by producing a ‘rotational moment’ in the rear axle while the car is under power. What is more, there is also featured an Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) with three independent settings: Touring, Sport and Track, hardware and software improvements.

    Vauxhall VXR8 GTS runs on wide tyres, namely the Continental 255/35 R20 at the front and 275/35 R20 at the rear. Additionally, vehicle’s braking capacity has been enhanced thanks to the fitment of AP forged 6-piston calipers with two-piece discs front and rear.

    Finally, the range of technologies included in the VXR8 feature Side Blind Zone Alert with Reverse Traffic Alert, Automatic Park Assist, Front, Rear Park Assist, Reversing Camera, Passive Entry/Push Button Start, Head Up Display, Forward Collision Alert, a camera above the rear-view mirror and Lane Departure Warning.

    2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS has a starting price of £54 999.

    2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS
    2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS
    2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS
    2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS
    2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS
    2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS
    2014 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS

    Source: Vauxhall

  • 2013 Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer – 431HP

    Vauxhall has announced the new 2013 VXR8 Tourer, which is the fastest Estate car in the UK. The drifting machine is equipped with powerful V8 engine, big wheels, spoilers and other nice performance parts.

    The engine is 6.2 liter V8 with 431HP (317 kW). It is connected to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

    The power is put on the road through an LSD (limited-slip differential) at the rear wheels.

    The exterior boasts an aggressive front bumper with black accents and LED daytime running lights. There are also ventilated front fenders, big sports exhaust system and a set of 20” alloy wheels fitted with ultra-low profile performance tires.

    The interior boasts full leather trim as standard and front occupants are cocooned in special HSV Performance Seats with 8-way adjustability. Aux-in/USB inputs; iPod support and Bluetooth with phonebook display and touch-screen dialling.

    The boot has capacity of 895 liters with rear seats up and up to 2,000 liters with rear seats folded down.

    The Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer comes with a lifetime warranty and priced at £49,500

    2013 Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer
    2013 Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer
    2013 Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer
    2013 Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer
    2013 Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer
    2013 Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer
    2013 Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer
    2013 Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer
    2013 Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer
    2013 Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer
    2013 Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer
    2013 Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer
    2013 Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer
    2013 Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer
    2013 Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer
    2013 Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer
    2013 Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer
    2013 Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer
    2013 Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer
    2013 Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer
    2013 Vauxhall VXR8 Tourer

    Source: Vauxhall

  • 2011 Vauxhall VXR8

    Vauxhall VXR8 hits the UK market. The car is performance sedan with RWD and enormous engine. It is based on the facelifted Holden HSV E3 GTS, which was recently launched in Australia.

    VXR8 is powered by 6.2 liter LS3 engine with 431PS (317 kW) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, which sends all that power to the LSD at rear wheels. 0 to 60mph is in 4.9 seconds and the top speed is electronically limited to 155MPH (250 km/h) (more…)

  • Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst S Edition

    Few will claim that Vauxhall’s storming VXR8 super-saloon is lacking in the power stakes, but just in case there were any doubters, the Bathurst S Edition will put them straight.

    Thanks to the addition of a Walkinshaw Performance 122 Supercharger, the Bathurst S dispenses 560 V8 horsepower, compared with the standard car’s 431 horsepower, and produces searing acceleration throughout the rev-range and a spine-tingling, banshee wail when you hit the loud pedal. (more…)

  • Lotus Carlton Voted Favourite Vauxhall Of All Time

    The 176mph Lotus Carlton super-saloon has been voted the UK’s favourite Vauxhall in a poll of 630 owners ran by the website vauxhalldriverscentre.

    The results – which also included votes for the favourite Vauxhall from the last five years – were gathered over a single month and put the Lotus Carlton in first place ahead of the Calibra and Cavalier.

    The Lotus Carlton was a technical tour de force for Vauxhall and garnered immense press respect for its power, performance and dynamics. Officially, the fastest four-door production car in the world when it was launched in 1989, the Lotus Carlton’s twin-turbocharged, 377bhp engine powered the car from 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds and all the way to 176mph.

    1992 Lotus Carlton

    Favourite model from the last five years was the current VXR8’s wild predecessor, the Monaro, which entered UK showrooms in 2004. Branded ‘…a true rear-wheel drive muscle car for enthusiasts’, the Monaro combined a fiercely competitive price with plenty of standard kit and a 5.7-litre V8 engine. A year later, a VXR version received the 6.0-litre engine from the Corvette, making it the fastest car Vauxhall had ever produced. The VXR8 and Astra Sports Hatch came in second and third respectively.

    Monaro VXR versus Lotus Carlton

    Running second overall to the Lotus Carlton as favourite Vauxhall of all-time was the Calibra, with its class-leading Cd figure of just 0.26. Based on the Cavalier’s chassis, the Calibra wowed buyers and media alike at the Frankfurt Show in 1989 with its swooping lines and four-seater capability. Four-wheel drive and turbocharging enhanced the package in later years, with a total of 40,000-plus cars being sold in its six-year production run.

    97 Calibra SE9

    The Vauxhall Drivers’ Centre website was created exclusively for Vauxhall owners, adding value to their ownership experience with on-line technical support, special offers, event information and an enhanced level of general information about the Vauxhall brand.