VAUXHALL VXR8

The same but…well, not that different actually. The old Vauxhall VXR8 was fats and lairy. Just a year after its launch, the Aussie built Vauxhall VXR8 has already been upgrade. That might seems like bad news if you have bought an early one but, to be honest, the driving experience remains much the same; the big Vauxhall still feels like a saloon version of the Nissan 350z in that, it is a bit of a blunt instrument, but it is still great rear wheel drive fun. Suspension and braking specs remain identical and the former could do with some attraction for UK roads as, while it is not too harsh, the wheels do feel very busy. Heron white paint and 20 inch alloys are new optional auto models get and oil cooler as standard. But the big change Is the removal of the previous LS 2.6.o liter V8 and its replacement with an extra 200cc of displacement courtesy of the LS 3.o. not only is the LS3 bigger, it is also more efficient. That thanks to high flow cylinder heads, new pistons and a revised valvetrain. Peak power climbs from 411bhp to 425bhp, torque stays pegged as 405lb ft and fuel economy and carbon emissions are unchanged. In fact the only downside is the price increase but it is hard to begrudge the $400 premiums the improvements bring.

On the road you will notice a little more mid range 00mph, the factory figures claims 50 to 70mph in third drop from 2.8sec to 2.6sec, while the 80 to 100mph falls from 4.3sec. However the old 6.0 liter was hardly lacking and, driving old and new several months apart as we have, its pretty tough to spot the difference.