2015 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS Gains HSV Goodies
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While the 2015 Chevrolet SS sits stale after the introduction of magnetic ride control and a six-speed manual gearbox option, our friends across the pond have received quite the update to the VF based super saloon.
The 2015 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS clones what makes the HSV ClubSport GTS a super star, and offers it up to the British buying public. During the process, the Eaton supercharged 6.2-liter LSA V8 snaps 603 hp to the rear wheels and provides increased fit, finish and refinement.
The exterior and interior have undergone what Vauxhall calls a “substantially” revised design. Vauxhall badge or HSV badge, this is one boss looking sedan.
New technology is abundant, too. The 2015 VXR8 GTS receives brake vectoring and forward collision alert systems. The performance and technology packed into the 2015 VXR8 GTS does raise starting prices, however. £5,000 to be exact, or $7,816.75 USD.
But, let’s talk about the value proposition once again. The 2015 Vauxhall VXR8 offers performance AMG and M cars dream of locally at the car’s price of £54,509, or $86,780 USD. Stepping into a German sport sedan of this nature? That will be some £20,000 more. Not to mention, those power figures mentioned earlier are up a mighty 152 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque.
The 2015 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS may seem like an oddball for the UK market, but we’re sure those lucky enough to sign on the dotted line for one aren’t complaining much at all.
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I suspect this is what the Ventiports are for on the VF Series II. The Chevy SS will finish its run with the LS3 alongside the LSA on the GNX. A very limited-run Buick halo car that just needs an EPA test to be cleared for sale over here.
With 640hp on the CTS-V, it won’t cause problems for the hierarchy like the last one – you’ll have 460-ish on the SS, 605 on the GNX, and 640hp on the CTS-V.
GM can stockpile 2,000 units and sell them off as orders are filled over 2017-2019. If they sell out quick, it’ll give cause to Holden bean counters seeking Alpha captive imports… particularly as Opel-only “festivities” keep looming large down under.
The only real problem with the strategy is that the VF II was meant to be aligned with a Pontiac G8 GXP, not a luxury GNX. So it will likely stall in terms of sales, hindering the case that Alpha has a role outside of Camaro/CTS/ATS.
Chris,
Hope you are correct in your forecasting. In addition to the engines add in the 8L90 eight-speed automatic to both a Buick and a Chevy option.
It seems that the SS updates where out of sync with the avialbilty of drivelines and interior content (no Recaro option, no heads up display as examples).
We are in for a few exciting years…GM’s engineers have had the mojo….we need to see if the divisons can capitalize on it.
I’m not so confident 8L90 will make the cut. It would be great if it did, and a bit of a game changer… but I’m not sure Holden was given the budget to do so, seeing as VF Series II will only have a two year production run.
As to Recaros, I expect they will be standard on the GNX. The GNX is shaping up to be like the SS, where the only options are likely to be a manual and a sunroof. That will help Buick stockpile them ahead of the production shutdown in Oz.
GM has the engineering talent, but the business strategy is leaving budget performance off the table. This is the last “affordable” RWD sedan in GM’s lineup, and it never really got a fair shot with 2.0T and V6 engine options where they matter most (US & EU).
Rather than offer a Pontiac/Holden pairing, GM is just serving these customers over to Dodge.
Such a failed article! Get your facts right before posting. A little bit of research goes a long way…..
The only fact that I’m seeing incorrect might be the Frontal Collision Avoidance tech – which is standard on the Chevy SS and available on other VXR8 models. and of course available across the VF line domestically. The only change is that it’s now standard on the GTS, whereas before Vauxhall had it as optional on VXR8.
I wouldn’t call it much of an addition – mostly in there to help justify the 5,000 pound price hike.