Vauxhall VXR8 (2007 – 2018) Review
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Vauxhall VXR8 (2007 – 2018) At A Glance
Huge amount of performance and rear-drive fun for the money. Thunderous V8. Surprisingly practical with four-door body and large boot.
V8 engine has an insatiable thirst for fuel. Group 50 insurance. Residual values aren't great.
The Vauxhall VXR8 GTS costs around £55,000, has all the subtlety of tank and is about as efficient as one, with official economy of 18.5mpg. For the average car buyer – even one who appreciates high performance – there’s nothing about it that makes any sense. But if your life is like a big game of Top Trumps then its blend of price and performance will hold lots of appeal.
The brutal, 6.2-litre supercharged V8 produces 585PS and a huge 740Nm of torque – figures that wouldn’t look out of place for a supercar. Performance is suitably impressive – 0-62mph takes 4.2 seconds and top speed is limited to 155mph. If you want a new car with more than 500PS there is no cheaper option.
Drive is sent to the rear wheels, so judicious use of the throttle pedal is essential in order to maintain traction, whether the manual or automatic transmission is specified. That said, the VXR8 isn’t just a crude way of destroying expensive tyres – it has selectable drive modes, clever suspension and electronics that try hard to keep things on the straight and narrow.
The result is surprisingly capable handling and cornering grip. Even so, it won’t take fools lightly - more effort and delicacy is required to drive a VXR8 than something like an all-wheel drive Audi RS model though bends. It’s the same story in town. The VXR8 GTS is big, making multi-storey car parks and narrow streets something of a challenge.
On the plus side, that size means it’s practical. The back row is more than big enough to seat adults in comfort and the boot is big – though the lack of a hatchback limits its usefulness. Build quality isn’t bad, but nor is there anything particularly special about the dashboard layout or choice of materials – it just feels like any Vauxhall.
The only other car on sale with the same sort of muscular, blue-collar personality as the VXR8 is the Ford Mustang V8, which is significantly cheaper, but less powerful and less practical. For showing off, the VXR8 is great, but it’s also huge and thirsty, while there are better - albeit slower - driver’s cars on sale for less money.
Reviews for Vauxhall VXR8 (2007 – 2018)'s top 3 rivals
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Vauxhall VXR8 (2007 – 2018) handling and engines
- Engines range from 6.0i V8 to 6.2i V8 GTS 599 Automatic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 18–25 mpg
Under the bonnet of the VXR8 GTS is a 6.2-litre V8 engine with a supercharger, producing peak power of 585PS and peak torque of 740Nm. Those are some seriously impressive numbers for a car priced at less than £60,000. But if you’re seeking an affordable performance car then think again – running costs are huge.
The official economy figure for the manual model is 18.5mpg, or 18mpg for the auto – meaning 10,000 miles a year would cost almost £3000 in fuel. Emissions are 363g/km, so VED costs £1120 in the first year and more than £500 annually afterwards (at pre-2017 rates). The VXR8 might offer impressive performance for its price, but it’s hardly a thrifty buy.
Howver, it's quick. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes just 4.2 seconds and top speed is limited to 155mph, numbers almost matched by the V8 Ford Mustang, a car that costs around £20,000 less and has a similar muscle car personality. The VXR8 has much more torque than the Mustang, though – 740Nm versus 530Nm.
The result is better in-gear acceleration. Overtaking requires nothing more than a gentle flex of the right foot – any more than that and the car feels like it might hit the horizon. The way the VXR8 picks up pace is very, very impressive. Plus it’s accompanied by a wonderful exhaust growl and whistling chirps from the supercharger. It feels genuinely special.
Drivers need to pay attention though. The VXR8 GTS is rear-wheel drive and unless you’re gentle with the throttle it will break traction even at higher speeds. Fortunately, with a delicate right foot it is surprisingly grippy through corners, helped by magnetic dampers that constantly adjust to the situation, blending decent comfort with good body control.
The steering is very well-weighted and accurate, enabling the driver to place the car with surprising deftness, despite its size and weight. The driver can choose from different driving modes which adjust suspension firmness, traction control and even the level of noise depending on situation, with Tour, Sport, Performance and Track settings.
In Tour mode the VXR8 GTS is genuinely quite civilised, burbling away noticeably but quietly and absorbing most bumps. The other modes sharpen things up, but regardless of which setting is selected the VXR8 is seriously quick and it corners in a way that belies its huge size. It’s a competent cruiser too – the engine isn’t straining at all at 70mph. It’s just a shame it has such an appetite for fuel.
The manual transmission is snappy and accurate but the automatic is sometimes a little clumsy and unpredictable, especially when accelerating out of corners. It can be overridden with steering wheel-mounted paddles, but even so the manual is probably a better bet, not least because it’s marginally more economical. Every little helps.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0i V8 | 19 mpg | - | 365 g/km |
| 6.2i V8 | 19–21 mpg | 4.9 s | 320–364 g/km |
| 6.2i V8 Automatic | 21 mpg | 5.0 s | 324 g/km |
| 6.2i V8 GTS | 19–21 mpg | 4.9–5.1 s | 320–363 g/km |
| 6.2i V8 GTS 599 | 19 mpg | 5.1 s | 363 g/km |
| 6.2i V8 GTS 599 Automatic | 18 mpg | 5.2 s | 373 g/km |
| 6.2i V8 GTS Automatic | 18–21 mpg | 5.0–5.2 s | 324–373 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Vauxhall VXR8 (2007 – 2018)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
113%
Real MPG
18–25 mpg
MPGs submitted
14
Vauxhall VXR8 (2007 – 2018) interior
- Boot space is 496–2000 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4941–4988 mm |
| Width | 1899–2174 mm |
| Height | 1457–1468 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2915 mm |
The Vauxhall VXR8 GTS is actually made in Australia by Holden – which is immediately apparent from the driver’s seat, since most of the Holden badges are still present. It’s big compared to the average UK car, with spacious back seats with more than enough leg and headroom for adults, but its size means parking can be hard work.
Boot capacity is 496 litres, but since this is a saloon rather than a hatchback its practicality is limited. Getting bulky items in and out is impossible and the rear seats don’t fold, although there is a ski hatch. Up front the leather-trimmed seats are comfortable and supportive plus there is plenty of adjustment, meaning most drivers will be able to get comfortable.
The General Motors DNA is obvious despite the car hailing from the opposite side of the world. Material choices are typical Vauxhall – the dashboard is finished in hardwearing but soft-touch plastic, while switches and dials are embellished with fake chrome. The indicator and wiper stalks are back to front, but familiar from the Insignia and previous Astra.
Standard equipment is good – as you’d hope at this price. Leather upholstery, a touchscreen system with navigation, cruise control, a head up display and collision warning are all included in the price, along with an impressive BOSE audio system and heated seats. The automatic transmission costs an extra £1725, money better spent at a filling station.
Standard Equipment:
VXR8 GTS comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, electric driver’s seat adjustment, heated front seats, multi-function steering wheel, BOSE audio, touchscreen, navigation and Bluetooth connection.
Vauxhall VXR8 (2007 – 2018) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4941–4988 mm |
| Width | 1899–2174 mm |
| Height | 1457–1468 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2915 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1831–1834 kg |
| Boot Space | 496–2000 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 10000–20000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Tyre-repair kit | ||
| Alternative | Full-size spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £35,210–£76,270 |
| Insurance Groups | 50 |
| Road Tax Bands | M |
| Official MPG | 18.0–20.9 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until July 2019
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Saloon 6.2i V8 599ps Gtsr 4dr | £74,570 | 18.5 mpg | 5.1 s |
| Saloon 6.2i V8 599ps Gtsr Auto 4dr | £76,270 | 18.0 mpg | 5.2 s |
On sale until November 2017
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Saloon 6.2i V8 585ps Gts 4dr | £56,380 | 18.5 mpg | 5.1 s |
| Saloon 6.2i V8 585ps Gts Auto 4dr | £58,080 | 18.0 mpg | 5.2 s |
On sale until May 2017
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 6.2i V8 585ps Gts 4dr | £54,529 | 18.5 mpg | 4.9 s |
| 6.2i V8 585ps Gts Auto 4dr | £56,254 | 18.0 mpg | 5.0 s |
| 6.2i V8 Gts 4dr | £49,670 | 20.9 mpg | 4.9 s |
| 6.2i V8 Gts Auto 4dr | £51,370 | 20.6 mpg | 5.0 s |
On sale until September 2013
| Estate | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Clubsport 6.2i V8 5dr | £49,500 | - | - |
| Clubsport 6.2i V8 Automatic 5dr | - | - | - |
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Clubsport 6.2i V8 4dr | £45,065 | 20.9 mpg | 4.9 s |
| Clubsport 6.2i V8 Automatic 4dr | £46,765 | 20.6 mpg | 5.0 s |
| GTS 6.2i V8 4dr | £49,615 | 20.9 mpg | 4.9 s |
| GTS 6.2i V8 Automatic 4dr | £51,315 | 20.6 mpg | 5.0 s |
On sale until August 2009
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 6.2i V8 | £35,275 | 18.6 mpg | - |
| 6.2i V8 Auto | £35,275 | - | - |
On sale until April 2008
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 6.0i V8 | £35,210 | 18.5 mpg | - |
| 6.0i V8 Auto | £35,210 | - | - |
Model History
- July 2007: Monaro-replacing VXR8 goes on sale
- May 2008: New 6.2-litre V8 engine announced giving improved in-gear performance
- December 2008: Supercharged VXR8 announced
- February 2009: Bathurst edition added to the range
- December 2010: New styling and interior for facelifted VXR8
- March 2011: VXR8 pricing details
July 2007
Monaro-replacing VXR8 goes on sale
RHD rear-drive Australian built Holden saloon rebadged Vauxhall on sale in UK from July, priced at £34,995, 6.0-litre V8, 420PS, 550Nm torque, 0-60mph in 4.9 secs. Manual or auto transmission. 4,941mm long x 2,174mm wide.
May 2008
New 6.2-litre V8 engine announced giving improved in-gear performance
Transmission oil cooler standard on auto. Addition of Heron White to colour choice. Option of 20-inch alloys. Known as LS3, the new V8 engine’s capacity grows from 5967cc to 6162cc, and thanks to various improvements over the outgoing LS2 unit, such as high-flow cylinder heads, new pistons and an enhanced valvetrain, power is up to 431PS at 6000rpm.
This translates to a reduced 0-60mph time for cars with automatic transmissions (down from 5.0 seconds to 4.9) and improved in-gear acceleration for manuals (50-70mph in 3rd gear drops from 2.8 to 2.6 seconds; 30-50mph in 2nd gear drops from 2.0 to 1.9 seconds). And 80-100mph times fall from 4.3 to just 4.0 seconds in 4th gear. Same emissions and fuel consumption as outgoing LS2. Prices for both manual and automatic versions of the LS3-powered VXR8, which are on sale now, rise by £485 to £35,695.
December 2008
Supercharged VXR8 announced
VXR8 Supercharged announced December 2008 with 532bhp at 6,000rpm and 568 lb ft torque at 4,400rpm. 0-60 in 4.8, top speed 180, price £48,190.
February 2009
Bathurst edition added to the range
Thanks to the addition of a Walkinshaw Performance 122 Supercharger, the VXR 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.
The Bathurst S Edition joins the normally aspirated Bathurst Edition at the top of the Vauxhall family tree, with both cars receiving a raft of technical and cosmetic upgrades over the standard VXR8. Only a limited number of Bathurst Editions will be sold through selected Vauxhall retailers.
To exploit the Bathurst’s greater power potential, six-pot front and four-pot rear callipers are now standard on both models, along with stiffer, height-adjustable springs and Walkinshaw-developed coil-over dampers. The bespoke damper units have 15 separate valve settings with independent corner adjustment for the owner’s preferred setup. Dynamically, both Bathursts retain the VXR8’s much praised ride quality, but body control is enhanced and the handling made more exploitable for the enthusiastic driver.
At the heart of the Bathurst S is Walkinshaw’s 122 Supercharger, which not only boosts power by 30 per cent, but escalates torque from an eye-catching 550Nm to an eye-watering 715Nm. Such is the strength of the LS3 V8 engine that extracting bigger figures would have been possible, but retaining the VXR8’s driveability and durability was Walkinshaw’s priority. The comprehensively engineered package also includes a large capacity intercooler, high-flow fuel injectors, a separate cold air intake and Walkinshaw-developed ECU map, while the standard manual gearbox is upgraded with a high-torque capacity clutch.
As with most supercharged cars, the S’s power delivery is exceptionally linear, with a huge slug of torque available from very low down in the rev range; but push the engine towards its redline and there’s no let up in the car’s performance, just a seamless stream of power.
Outside, both Bathursts are instantly recognisable by their distinctive graphic packs, front fog light covers and ‘Bathurst’ badges (only the addition of a discreet ‘S’ badge reveals the supercharged model’s extra 129PS), while inside a console-mounted badge showing the car’s build number complements the ‘Walkinshaw Performance’ tread plates found inside each door opening.
Putting icing on the cake for serious drivers is the option of the new Bi-Modal Exhaust, which is available on both Bathurst models. Raising power by up to 10PS, the ingenious system allows drivers to select one of two noise settings: ‘Street’, with an upper limit of 92dbA, or ‘Optimum’, which releases the LS3 V8’s full 102dbA. The two-and-a-half inch diameter system is manufactured from stainless steel with unique chrome tail-pipe finishers and costs £1,600.
Both Bathurst models retain the VXR8’s standard colour palette, and can also be specified with optional 20” alloy rims at £1500. List price for the Bathurst Edition is £37,995 – just £2757 above the standard VXR8 – while the Bathurst S costs £44,995.
December 2010
New styling and interior for facelifted VXR8
Vauxhall VXR8 back with heavily revised front- and rear-end styling, a new cabin and new technology to enhance its appeal to drivers in search of one of the last, great rear-drive V8 super-saloons.
Priced at £49,500 (inc. 20 per cent VAT) and available to order from late December 2010, the new VXR8 is now based on HSV’s E3 GTS model, just launched in Australia, the previous VXR8 representing the old version of the lower-spec ClubSport R8. That means it still undercuts full-size super saloons like the Audi RS6, Jaguar XFR and Mercedes E63 AMG by between £13k and £29k, and even performance saloons from the class below, such as the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG.
A new, ‘Shockwave’ grille, LED daytime running lights and sleek new wing-vents mark the new car out from the front, while the rear features a new ‘Superflow’ rear spoiler, LED tail lamps and twin exhaust tips that mimic the shape of the front grille. As you can see from these first official press shots of our Hazard Yellow car, the new VXR8 will never blend into the scenery!
As before, the new VXR8’s chassis uses MacPherson struts/progressive rate coil springs at the front and a multi-link independent set-up at the rear. But for the first time on a VXR8, Vauxhall has employed Magnetic Ride Control (MRC), a suspension system that adapts up to 1000 times a seconds to road conditions and driver inputs. Based on technology used in GM’s current Corvette ZR1 supercar, MRC works by sending an electric current through damper units filled with ‘soft’ magnetic particles. These particles harden as the input reaches its maximum value, providing drivers with exceptional levels of ride, handling and stopping power.
Complementing the new VXR8’s MRC is Launch Control, which is engaged when drivers select the ESC’s (Electronic Stability Control) Competition Mode. The system dictates the level of torque delivered to the rear wheels for maximum acceleration, according to surface conditions. All the driver has to do is floor the throttle and let the car do the rest. Extensive testing has proved that LC results in acceleration runs no more than 0.1 second apart.
The fourth generation 6.2-litre LS3 V8 produces 431PS and 550Nm of torque, enough to propel the VXR8 from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds and on to a governed top speed of 155mph. As before, drive is delivered to the rear axle via either a six-speed manual or auto transmission, working through a mechanical limited slip differential.
Inside, the new VXR8 has undergone a transformation. Full leather trim is now standard, and front occupants are cocooned in special HSV Performance Seats with eight-way adjustability. A new instrument cluster and surround, centre stack and switchgear provide a cleaner and more integrated look, while standard equipment also includes Aux-in/USB inputs, iPod support and Bluetooth with phone book display and touch-screen dialling.
But for drivers who want to engage with their VXR8 like never before, Vauxhall has introduced EDI, or Enhanced Driver Interface. EDI connects with the on-board computer to constantly stream real-time vehicle dynamics and performance to the car’s main 5-inch monitor. At the touch of the screen, drivers can access a variety of data such as vehicle G-forces, power and torque and lap times – even the degree to which their VXR8 is drifting. Completing the clever package is the ability for drivers to download data, such as track day performance, and analyse it using the MOTEC i2 software provided.
Befitting its exclusivity, the VXR8 is now available through just six highly specialist VXR dealers in the UK, though a total of 34 VXR outlets will be authorised to maintain the model.
March 2011
VXR8 pricing details
On the Road Price of £51,200 includes number plates and delicvery to dealer (£700 inc £116.67 VAT), £950 first year registration VED and new vehicle registration fee of £55.
