If a car was able to have chest hair sticking out of their front bumper to illustrate the testosterone hidden in the panels, then this Vauxhall VXR8->ke2828 would definitely be needing a trimmer. Coming into the 2011 model year, the VXR8 will be one hot little performance sedan with some styling modifications and some new technology. But we can't get too excited because this Vauxhall->ke92 is obviously only available in the UK. Stupid Atlantic Ocean.

The 2011 VXR8 is powered by the fourth generation 6.2-liter LS3 unit that delivers an impressive 431 HP and 550Nm of torque. This is just enough to sprint the VXR8 from 0 to 60mph in 4.9 seconds and to hit a top speed limited to 155mph.

Anyone would be just about insane not to want a piece of this action so some must-have information is where one can find the 2011 Vauxhall VXR8. It will be available through just six specialist VXR dealers in the UK, though a total of 34 VXR outlets will be authorized to maintain the model.

Hit the jump to get the details on the new 2011 Vauxhall VXR8.

Exterior and Interior

For 2011, the VXR8 has received a new ‘Shockwave’ grille, LED daytime running lights, and sleek new wing-vents. The rear of the vehicle also gets a new ‘Superflow’ rear spoiler, LED tail lamps, and twin exhaust tips that mimic the shape of the front grille.

The interior offers full leather seats, special HSV Performance Seats with eight-way adjustability, and a new instrument cluster, surround, center stack, and switchgear.

The technology behind the updated VXR8 also gets a new addition with the Enhanced Driver Interface. This system connects with the on-board computer to constantly stream real-time vehicle dynamics and performance to the car’s main 5-inch monitor.

Engine

As previously mentioned, Vauxhall has placed the fourth generation 6.2-liter LS3 unit into their new little toy. This engine propels the sedan with 431 HP and 550Nm of torque and gets it to 60mph in 4.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155mph.

The VXR8 is built on a race-bred chassis that uses MacPherson struts/progressive rate coil springs at the front and a multi-link independent set-up at the rear. A first for the model is the Magnetic Ride Control (MRC), a suspension system which adapts to road conditions and driver inputs up to 1000 times a second.

Pricing

The 2011 Vauxhall VXR8 will go on sale in March 2011 at a price of £49,500.

The Competition

The new VXR8 is going to dare of a lot of the sports sedans out there to be better at what they do. Models like the Audi RS6->ke1305, Jaguar XFR, and Mercedes E63 AMG will be second guessed now that this spicy sports sedan is on the market. However, one advantage these vehicles will have is that only the British will be able to opt for the VXR8.

Of course, the Brits will have some thinking to do as the VXR8 is cheaper than any of these other models and also carries with it a luxurious and even sportier appearance. The competition may be fierce, but whereas they are relying solely on luxury to sell their vehicles, the Vauxhall is bringing the sportiness factor into the equation, and that will definitely serve in their favor.

Press release

Vauxhall’s storming VXR8 model is back with a vengeance, packing heavily revised front- and rear-end styling, a new cabin and a raft of new technology to enhance its appeal to drivers in search of one of the last, great rear-drive V8 super-saloons.

Priced at £49,500 (inc. 20 per cent VAT) and available to order later this month, the new VXR8 is now based on HSV’s E3 GTS model, just launched in Australia, the previous VXR8 representing the old version of the lower-spec ClubSport R8. That means it still undercuts full-size super saloons like the Audi RS6, Jaguar XFR and Mercedes E63 AMG by between £13k and £29k, and even performance saloons from the class below, such as the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG.

A new, ‘Shockwave’ grille, LED daytime running lights and sleek new wing-vents mark the new car out from the front, while the rear features a new ‘Superflow’ rear spoiler, LED tail lamps and twin exhaust tips that mimic the shape of the front grille. As you can see from these first official press shots of our Hazard Yellow car, the new VXR8 will never blend into the scenery!

As before, the new VXR8’s race-bred chassis uses MacPherson struts/progressive rate coil springs at the front and a multi-link independent set-up at the rear. But for the first time on a VXR8, Vauxhall has employed Magnetic Ride Control (MRC), a suspension system which adapts up to 1000 times a seconds to road conditions and driver inputs. Based on technology used in GM’s current Corvette ZR1 supercar, MRC works by sending an electric current through damper units filled with ‘soft’ magnetic particles. These particles harden as the input reaches its maximum value, providing drivers with exceptional levels of ride, handling and stopping power.

Complementing the new VXR8’s MRC is Launch Control, which is engaged when drivers select the ESC’s (Electronic Stability Control) Competition Mode. The system dictates the level of torque delivered to the rear wheels for maximum acceleration, according to surface conditions. All the driver has to do is floor the throttle and let the car do the rest. Extensive testing has proved that LC results in acceleration runs no more than 0.1 second apart.

Of course, no VXR8 would be complete without a large-capacity V8, and this latest version doesn’t disappoint. The fourth generation 6.2-litre LS3 unit produces 431PS and a massive 550Nm of torque, enough to propel the VXR8 from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds and on to a governed top speed of 155mph. As before, drive is delivered to the rear axle via either a six-speed manual or auto transmission, working through a mechanical limited slip differential.

Inside, the new VXR8 has undergone a transformation. Full leather trim is now standard, and front occupants are cocooned in special HSV Performance Seats with eight-way adjustability. A new instrument cluster and surround, centre stack and switchgear provide a cleaner and more integrated look, while standard equipment also includes Aux-in/USB inputs, iPod support and Bluetooth with phone book display and touch-screen dialling.

But for drivers who want to engage with their VXR8 like never before, Vauxhall has introduced EDI, or Enhanced Driver Interface. EDI connects with the on-board computer to constantly stream real-time vehicle dynamics and performance to the car’s main 5-inch monitor. At the touch of the screen, drivers can access a variety of data such as vehicle G-forces, power and torque and lap times – even the degree to which their VXR8 is drifting. Completing the clever package is the ability for drivers to download data, such as track day performance, and analyse it using the MOTEC i2 software provided.

Befitting its exclusivity, the VXR8 is now available through just six highly specialist VXR dealers in the UK, though a total of 34 VXR outlets will be authorised to maintain the model.