Vauxhall’s new VXR8

Squeeze a barrel-chested heavyweight boxer into a stripy loud-mouthed suit, and you have an idea of what the VXR8 is all about. It's back, and it's still rather loud.

The Luton thundersaloon is now based on the Aussie HSV E3 GTS - the top spec model - complete with the 6.2-litre ‘LS3' V8 of old packing 425bp and 406lb ft of torque. That's good for a 0-60mph time of 4.9 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph.

The new VXR8 gets Magnetic Ride Control based on the Corvette ZR1, which sends an electric current through the magnetic particle-filled dampers to adapt the ride. It also gets launch control and a mechanical limited slip diff.

The innards get full leather as standard, HSV performance seats up front, a new instrument cluster and a ‘cleaner, more integrated' look to the switchgear, together with MePod support, Bluetooth and touch-screen phone dialling.

It also comes with something called Enhanced Driver Interface, which relays info from the ECU straight to your fact-deprived brain about bragging data such as G-force levels, lap-times and even the degree of drift you are currently running. We suspect this last unit of measurement will simply glow red.

Just six UK Vaux' dealers will sell you a bright, in-yer-face VXR8, and at £49,500 including the 20 per cent VAT, is still (wait for it) cheaper than rivals from the BMW/Merc/Audi/AnythingElse stable. And look, an entire story without saying bang-for-your-buck. Oh, wait...

Hammond vs the VXR8 Bathurst S