Advertisement
BBC TopGear
BBC TopGear
Subscribe to Top Gear newsletter
Sign up now for more news, reviews and exclusives from Top Gear.
Subscribe
Advertisement
Not sophisticated, doesn't matter. M5 pace for M3 money

Good stuff

Successor to the wonderful Monaro, and the engine’s an even bigger V8. What’s not to like?

Bad stuff

You'll need a healthy supply of fuel and tyres to satisfy its smoking habit...

Overview

What is it?

When Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) calls its latest 576bhp, 546lb ft supercharged, 6.2-litre V8 vehicle, "The most powerful performance production car ever built in Australia", you can well believe it. It's badged as the new Vauxhall VXR8 GTS. This is a good thing. Top Gear has always appreciated the VXR8's robust attitude to sophistication, what with its habit of jamming a big V8 into a rear-drive saloon and charging relatively little for it. But times have changed. The VXR8 is officially no longer unsophisticated. It is also officially no longer cheap.

Advertisement - Page continues below
Advertisement - Page continues below

Our choice from the range

What's the verdict?

Still a wonderful V8, RWD bruiser at heart, but the extra electronics means it feels slightly confused

The Rivals

Find another car review

Subscribe to the Top Gear Newsletter

Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.

By clicking subscribe, you agree to receive news, promotions and offers by email from Top Gear and BBC Studios. Your information will be used in accordance with our privacy policy.

BBC TopGear

Try BBC Top Gear Magazine

subscribe