Vauxhall Unveils New 576bhp VXR8 GTS

Vauxhall has recently unveiled the new VXR8 GTS. It is said to be the most powerful production car ever to emerge from Australia. It features a new supercharged LSA V8 -identical to that used in the recently launched Chevrolet Camaro ZL1- delivering 576bhp and 545 lb ft of torque. This is an increase of 150bhp and 140lb ft respectively over the outgoing VXR8 with a LS3 engine. The front end design is new with bold graphics and shallow ramp angles that emphasize width and stance of the VXR8 GTS. With a 'twin nostril' grille and an all new fascia that helps deliver both an aggressive look and an air intake surface large enough to cool the LSA V8. Daytime running lights and 20 inch 'Blade' forged alloy wheels complete the front end design. At the rear, the VXR8 GTS has distinctive LED tail lights, while the diffuser has quad exhaust outlets finished in shadow chrome. It also has a unique body coloured performance rear spoiler with black accents which helps set the vehicle apart.

OneShift Editorial Team

03 Jun 2013

The interior of the VXR8 has some design changes. With an upgraded instrument panel with suede-style inserts, a new instrument cluster, gauges, centre console, and door trims all combine to achieve a more premium look and feel. The seats are wrapped in Onyx leather trim and feature 8 way electric adjustment and seat heaters for both the driver and front passenger.

To accommodate for the extra performance offered by the LSA engine, the VXR8 GTS is fitted with an all-new Brake Torque Vectoring technology. Brake Torque Vectoring helps reduce understeer by generating a ‘rotational moment’ in the rear axle while the car is under power. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system detects the under steer, applies braking to the inside rear wheel and transfers torque to the outside rear wheel, preventing the front end from washing wide.

The VXR8 GTS also receives third-generation Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) with three independent settings namely Touring, Sport and Track. Hardware and software improvements combine to deliver greater body control, sharper handling and a significantly more flexible ride quality, compared with the outgoing model.

The VXR8 has now come of age, and features an array of technologies never seen before in this model like the Side Blind Zone Alert with Reverse Traffic Alert, Automatic Park Assist, Front and Rear Park Assist, Reversing Camera and Passive Entry/Push Button Start; the GTS also picks up a number of additional driver convenience and safety technologies.

Head Up Display is standard and shows driver information on the windscreen, such as vehicle speed, engine temperature, and even G-forces.

Forward Collision Alert is another technology fitted standard to the GTS, and is the first system of its kind to be available in a Vauxhall product. A camera, located above the rear-view mirror scans the road ahead up to 14 times per second. When a crash is predicted, the driver is alerted with an audible tone and a visible alert on the car’s HUD. Anticipating hard braking, the system applies sufficient brake pressure to close the space between the brake pads and discs, thus delivering a quicker brake response time.

Credits: Oneshift News Team