Revised Vauxhall VXR8

UK buyers will once again be able to get their hands on the Vauxhall VXR8. Available from next March, this latest version is based on the just-launched E Series 3 GTS model from Holden’s HSV division.

Power comes from GM’s 6.2 litre LS3 V8, which also sees service in the Chevrolet Camaro SS and Corvette LT. In the VXR8, it’s rated at 425 bhp (316 kW / 431 PS) with 550 Nm (405 lb/ft) of torque, which is enough to propel the Vauxhall from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).



Drive is to the rear wheels, although customers can choose whether this goes through a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. A mechanical limited slip differential features as standard.

The VXR8 also comes with some trick chassis technology. Magnetic Ride Control has been borrowed from the Corvette ZR1, and it allows for continuously adjustable suspension via magnetic particles in the dampers. Launch Control meanwhile does pretty much as the name suggests. Engaged when the Electronic Stability Control’s Competition Mode is selected, it governs how much torque is delivered to the rear wheels for maximum traction when accelerating away from standstill.



Inside the cabin, the 2011 VXR8 is equipped with leather-trimmed HSV performance seats, which have eight-way electric adjustment. Those of an enthusiastic nature can monitor their progress via the Enhanced Driver Interface. This displays things like G-force, how much the car is drifting and lap times on the dashboard’s five-inch screen. The data can then be downloaded later to let the driver bore their friends with endless analysis and bragging. Handy for track days, though.

Only six dealers have been chosen to sell the VXR8 in the UK, although a further 28 have been authorised to service it. The on the road price, including VAT at 20%, has been set at £49,500 and orders can be placed from later this month.



That’s certainly a lot for a Vauxhall, and it’ll doubtless put some badge snobs off. But that would be missing the point. Similarly-sized V8 sports saloons from the premium manufacturers are much more expensive, with the Jaguar XFR and Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Saloon costing £62,600 and £71,900 respectively. The smaller BMW M3 Saloon is currently listed at £51,805, and it's probably more of a natural competitor to the VXR8 on price and performance, if not on size.

BMW ‘M1’ here at last

BMW’s M division has, following a strung-out teaser campaign, finally revealed its take on the 1 Series.

The result should logically wear an M1 badge, but that was never really going to happen. BMW, it seems, doesn’t want people getting confused with the similarly-named mid-engine car of three decades ago.



Something like M135i might have been chosen instead, as it conforms to the traditions of BMW nomenclature. However, that too was rejected for reasons unknown. So the new arrival has been lumbered with the lengthy title of BMW 1 Series M Coupé, which isn’t exactly snappy but at least it’s descriptive.

Under the bonnet sits the three-litre six-cylinder engine out of the Z4 sDrive35is (another model that has fallen victim to BMW’s odd naming conventions), connected to a six-speed manual transmission. While some purists might moan that an M car should have a bespoke engine, the stats indicate that it’s a good enough match for the 1 Series Coupé.



Thanks to twin turbochargers, it produces 335 bhp (250 kW / 340 PS) while maximum torque is 450 Nm - although this can be increased to 500 Nm via an overboost function. As a result, the 1 Series M Coupé will accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in just 4.9 seconds, before going onto a limited 155 mph (250 km/h). By comparison, the 135i M Sport takes an extra 0.4 of a second to reach 62 mph, but it has the same top speed as the full-bore M car.



Combined cycle fuel consumption is not too bad at 29.4 mpg (9.6 l/100km) and CO2 emissions are 224 g/km, which lets the 1 Series M Coupé just sneak into Band K for UK road tax purposes. That’s just as well, because another 2 g/km would have put it into Band L resulting in an annual fee of £425, instead of the £245 of the band below.

Chassis enhancements include a variable M differential lock, which is said to redirect torque between the rear wheels within a fraction of a second. The braking system has also been upgraded, with 360 mm and 350 mm discs at the front and rear respectively.



Naturally, BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control system is fitted as standard, but the 1 Series M Coupé additionally comes with an M Dynamic Mode. This delays the intervention of the DSC and even allows the driver to enjoy some oversteer.



Visually the 1 Series M Coupé is distinguished from lesser models by  redesigned front and rear aprons, wider wheel arches, a boot spoiler and 19” Y-spoke alloy wheels. Colour choice is limited to Alpine White, Sapphire Black or the exclusive Valencia Orange, while the only upholstery option is black leather with orange stitching.



The UK price for the 1 Series M Coupé is confirmed at £39,990 on the road. There aren’t too many direct competitors, but the Audi TT RS Coupé is an obvious rival. It has exactly the same power as the BMW, although its quattro all-wheel drive means it’s 0.3 of a second quicker to 62 mph. However, at £45,810, the TT RS is considerably more expensive.



Related posts:

BMW M1 confirmed

Audi TT RS heads for US

Audi unveils R18 race car

Audi has revealed the car it hopes will add to the marque’s tally of Le Mans 24 Hours wins.



The new R18 TDI will, like its R15 TDI predecessor, compete in the LMP1 class and it does run on diesel. But there are a couple of significant differences compared to the old car.

Firstly, the R18 is a closed coupé. This change in configuration has come about because Audi believes that, compared to an open-cockpit car, benefits from improved aerodynamics will outweigh any time lost through slower driver change-overs.

Secondly, the 5.5 litre V10 engine of the R15 has been dropped in favour of a 3.7 litre V6, which is coupled to a specially modified six-speed transmission. Such a radical down-sizing is due to revised regulations that are being introduced for the 2011 season. Their purpose is to erode the recent dominance of diesel-powered cars at Le Mans, with the last petrol car to take overall victory in the French 24 hours race being an Audi R8 back in 2005.

Although the R18 completed its first test runs last month, a competition debut is not scheduled until next May’s Spa-Francorchamps 6 Hours. The Belgian event is the second round of the expanded-for-2011 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, which will comprise seven races including the Le Mans 24 Hours for the first time.



Audi Sport Team Joest will be contending all rounds of the ILMC, although for the series-opener at Sebring in March it will be using a pair of R15 ‘plus plus’ cars.

Intercontinental Le Mans Cup 2011
Round	Event	Country	Date
1	Sebring 12 Hours	USA	19th March
2	Spa-Francorchamps 6 Hours	Belgium	8th May
3	Le Mans 24 Hours	France	11th - 12th June
4	Imola 6 Hours	Italy	3rd July
5	Silverstone 6 Hours	UK	11th September
6	Petit Le Mans (Road Atlanta)	USA	1st October
7	(Circuit TBC) 6 Hours	China	12th November