What is it?
It’s an automatic version of Vauxhall’s much-admired, grin-inducing supercharged saloon, the VXR8 GTS.
We’ve always had plenty of time for the GTS, in part thanks to the fact that on the scale of bang-for-buck it represents something of a limited nuclear exchange for a few cents.
Key to its appeal is its supercharged 6.2-litre ‘LSA’ V8. Thanks to a four-lobe, twin-rotor Eaton supercharger, which crams nine pounds of boost into the all-aluminium V8, peak power is rated at a hefty 577bhp. Likewise, torque is an equally impressive 546lb ft.
Compared to the similarly priced four-star Mercedes-AMG C63, it outmuscles its twin-turbocharged German alternative by 108bhp and 67lb ft. Not the be-all and end-all, by any stretch, but nevertheless impressive - and that’s before you start taking into account the myriad, affordable and almost limitless tuning options for the LS range of engines.
As standard, the rear-wheel-drive GTS comes with a stout six-speed Tremec TR-6060 manual gearbox. Those in the market for an automatic, however, can opt for a version that replaces the Tremec and its associated twin-plate clutch with a heavy-duty GM-sourced 6L90E automatic gearbox.
This traditional torque convertor-equipped transmission commands a £1725 premium over the manual version, but it does also come with wheel-mounted paddle shifters for easily commanded manual shifts.
Durability hasn’t been overlooked either, as - like the manual version - a transmission cooler is also included. This should help keep the gearbox's fluid temperatures at sensible levels and prolong the life of both the fluid and the transmission.
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What Car JD Powers survey
Sorry NO
RE: XFR
Afternoon Citytiger. The XFR is a good shout, although somewhat down on power compared to the Vauxhall and £10k more expensive, new. The 543bhp S version would set you back an extra £24k, for comparison. Much to my surprise they don't hold their value as well as the VXR8 either, but then they are an older model - originally launched in 2009 and now superseded.
Citytiger wrote: You can get
ANd I could buy a 2008 model and bolt a supercharger on and save £35k - your point being? Why do people compare a new car with a second hand one is beyond me - you do know cars go down in value don't you?
gazza5 wrote: Citytiger wrote
Is a 64 plate ex demonstrator for £45, as can be seen on Autotrader from a main dealer really a second hand car, and would the ownership prospects, the dealer network and support be anywhere near as good from Vauxhall as it would from Jaguar, almost any survey you care to mention, usually finds the Jaguar network somewhere near the top, and Vauxhall near the bottom.
RE: Reliability
In the most recent Warranty Direct survey, Jaguar finished 30th out of 37 manufacturers. Vauxhall finished 19th. Not the ultimate benchmark, but could be indicative of a general trend. The GTS is a pretty stout bit of kit, too, so I'd hope major issues would be few and far between. Dealership care might be better for Jaguars, though, but I can't say for sure with regards to the VXR8.
Lewis, have you ever had any
RE: Personal ownership
Evening Citytiger. Apologies for the delay in responding, I've been away. Outside of long-term test cars, run for between six months and a year, no. Most of the cars I own myself are typically far older, anyway, so I service them myself. What was your experience with Vauxhall? I will certainly bear it in mind, next time. The JD Power results are a good indicator, indeed. I used our latest results which are not from JD Power, hence the stark difference, but I will concede that the JD Power ones are likely a more accurate representation. Thank you for taking the time to come back and comment, by the way.
far bigger than a m3
If I had th emoney I probably would take the merc e class - but is it worth 25 - 30k more? Also 8 year old VXR8 are still around 15k mark and have been for a while now - with nice ones going for 17k.