Autoblog

Click either image for a high-res gallery of the Vauxhall VXR8.

Our friends across the pond finally get to enjoy the new LS3 that's currently powering the Pontiac G8 GXP and Holden Commodore HSV, with the revised Vauxhall VXR8. The upgraded V8 has grown from 5,967 cc to 6,162 cc and is producing 425 hp at 6,000 rpm. Coupled with the revised automatic gearbox, 0-60 times drop to 4.9 seconds (from five), and the run from 80 to 100 mph is reduced from 4.3 seconds to four seconds flat. Fuel economy remains the same as the outgoing LS2 and automatic-equipped models now get a transmission cooler standard. The new VXR8 is currently on sale in the UK for £35,695, an extra £485 over the outgoing model.

Hit the jump for the full press release.


[Source: Vauxhall]

Click image for a gallery of the VXR8

GM loves to tease its American customers. While we patiently await the arrival of the Pontiac G8 GT, in Australia, multiple high-performance flavors of the VE Commodore its based on are available from HSV. In the UK, one of those cars, the HSV Clubsport R8, is offered as the Vauxhall VXR8.

With 412 horsepower (417 PS) and 405 lb-ft of torque on tap, one would think that the rebadged HSV would be sufficiently awesome for our former colonial overlords. One would also be incorrect. Carscoop reports the Brits will be offered a supercharger option that elevates power to a staggering 540 horses and adds 30-percent more torque (figure a new rating of 526 lb-ft or so). The non-supercharged VXR8 does 0-60 in 4.9 seconds, so you can expect the blown sedan to shave a few more tenths off that number while making expensive tires cry for their mothers. The cost of the kit is £6,995.

Please, General: Pontiac G8 GXP Supercharged, okay?

[Source: Carscoop]