The Vauxhall VXR8 is a performance car marketed by Vauxhall in the United Kingdom between 2007 and 2017, based on two different models produced by Holden Special Vehicles: the HSV Clubsport (2007–2009) and HSV GTS (2010–2017). The VXR8 is the successor to both the Vauxhall Monaro VXR and the Vauxhall Omega/Carlton. Initially powered by a 411 bhp (306 kW) Gen IV LS2 6.0 litre V8, from late 2009 it was upgraded to the Gen IV LS3 6.2 litre V8 with 425 bhp (317 kW), shared with the Chevrolet Corvette C6 and the Chevrolet Camaro SS. The Vauxhall initially mainly competed with other large sport sedans such as the Audi RS6, BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E55/E63 AMG, and although it was somewhat bigger in almost all dimensions than them, was not enough to touch luxury territory.

Vauxhall VXR8
2008 Vauxhall VXR8
Overview
ManufacturerHolden
Also calledHSV Clubsport
HSV GTS
Production2007-2017
AssemblyAustralia: Elizabeth, South Australia
Body and chassis
ClassExecutive (E)
Body style4-door sedan
2-door coupé utility
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel drive
PlatformGM Zeta
RelatedHolden Commodore VE
Holden Commodore VF
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,915–3,009 mm (114.8–118.5 in)
Length4,966 mm (195.5 in)
5,083 mm (200.1 in) (ute)
Width1,898 mm (74.7 in)
Height1,471–1,495 mm (57.9–58.9 in)
Curb weight1,832 kg (4,039 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorVauxhall Monaro
Vauxhall Omega
SuccessorVauxhall Insignia GSi

In 2009, the 425 bhp (317 kW) VXR8 Bathurst and supercharged 552 bhp (412 kW) 'S' editions were offered using the same Gen IV LS2 V8 but with a Walkinshaw Performance supercharger in the Bathurst S. They were named for the famous Bathurst race in Australia.[1][2][3]

A rebadged version of the Maloo pickup (coupé utility) was also offered under the Vauxhall brand but only a few were ever sold as the "sport coupé utility" market was only a niche on the British market.

In 2013, the VXR8 GTS (based on the HSV GTS Gen-f) was introduced with a 577 bhp (430 kW) supercharged Gen IV 6.2 litre LSA engine, also used in the second generation Cadillac CTS-V and fifth generation Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

In 2017, the VXR8 was discontinued due to the closure of Holden's Australian factories and discontinuation of the HSV GTS. The final run was 15 of the Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-R; fitted with a 587 bhp (438 kW) version of the supercharged LSA V8 engine.[4]

References

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  1. ^ Noah Joseph (15 December 2010). "2011 Vauxhall VXR8 is all we really want for the holidays". Autoblog. Retrieved 16 December 2010.
  2. ^ Hammerton, Ron (16 December 2010). "HSV back in business in UK". GoAuto. John Mellor. Retrieved 17 December 2010.
  3. ^ Andy Travis (31 May 2012). "VXR8 LS3 6.2 Litre Engine". VXR8.com. Retrieved 2 June 2012.
  4. ^ Bovingdon, Jethro (11 June 2022). "Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-R review". Evo. Autovia Ltd. Archived from the original on 1 January 2024.