Vauxhall VXR8 gets new V8

By Ben Pulman

First Official Pictures

06 May 2008 10:06

Vauxhall’s VXR8 is getting a new V8. The latest bent eight – designated LS3 – gains an extra 195cc to take power up to 425bhp. The 6.2-litre V8 is same engine that has also found its way into the revised Corvette and Pontiac’s version of the VXR8, the G8.

Torque figures for the Griffin-badged saloon remain unchanged with 405lb ft, while emissions and fuel consumption figures are equally static. That’s 365g/km CO2 and 18.5mpg if you pick the manual 'box.

The six-speed stick shift’s 0-60mph still takes 4.9 seconds, but opt for the auto and that’ll now run the benchmark sprint in the same sub-5.0sec time. Massive 20-inch wheels are now available for the first time on the VXR8, prices are up £485 to £35,695, and the new car is available to order now with cars arriving in the UK from late June 2008.

By Ben Pulman