Vauxhall Reveals New VXR8 GTS

British performance sedan gets HSV's latest upgrades - including a 576-horsepower supercharged V8. 

GM’s Holden brand in Australia and its HSV performance division don’t just make performance sedans for local consumption, they also export them to other markets under different names. The Chevy SS has already been revealed for America, but over in the UK, the same platform underpins the Vauxhall VXR8. Now the British brand has revealed a new, more powerful version. The latest Vauxhall VXR8 GTS benefits from similar upgrades performed by HSV for the new Gen-F GTS.

The update centers around the supercharged 6.2-liter LSA V8, the same engine that powers the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and the outgoing Cadillac CTS-V. The 576 horsepower and 545 lb-ft of torque it packs represent a boost of 150 hp and 140 lb-ft , channeled to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic. It also benefits from Electronic Stability Control, Magnetic Ride Control and a Driver Preference Dial to adjust all the parameters. Visually conveying the upgraded engine are revised styling, 20-inch forged alloys, LED taillamps, quad exhausts, rear wing and an updated interior. Although Vauxhall hasn’t released performance figures for the new VXR8 GTS, the previous version ran 0-60 in 4.9 seconds and reached a top speed of 155 mph. Expect the new model to be that much faster, sticking it to the likes of the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, but while those Germans each retail in the UK for over £73k, the VXR8 GTS goes for less than £55,000.