Shortly after HSV unveiled the 2013 GEN-F GTS, Vauxhall also announced the launch of the new VXR8 GTS - or the most powerful VXR8 offered by the company. The model borrowed all the technology and the design language from its Australian brother, so for sure you pretty much know what to expect from this new model.

When designing the new VXR8 GTS, Vauxhall->ke92 focused on making the car looking as aggressive and as sporty as possible. For this it opted for bold graphics and shallow ramp angles that emphasize the car's width and stance.

The new Vauxhall VXR8 GTS->ke2828 is now available for order at a price of £54,999 - or about $84,000 at the current exchange rates. According to Vauxhall this is about £20k less than any other German rival, while delivering pretty much the same performance figures.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2013 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS.

2013 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 576
  • Torque: 545
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

For the exterior Vauxhall prepared a new "twin-nostril" grille and an all-new fascia with larger air intakes that provide a better cooling for the LSA V-8 engine. The headlights are now equipped with daytime running lights.

For the rear the model received distinctive LED tail lamps and a new diffuser that houses the quad exhaust outlets finished in shadow chrome. For an even more distinctive styling the model also received a rear spoiler offered in the same color as the rest of the body.

Interior

For the interior the new VXR8 received a redesigned instrument panel with suede-style inserts, a new instrument cluster, gauges, center console, appliques and door trims. As standard feature the model will be offered with all-new VXR Performance Seats are wrapped in Onyx leather trim and an 8-way electric adjustment and seat heaters for both the driver and front passenger.

Drivetrain

Under the hood the model keeps the same engine as the 2013 GEN-F GTS: a new supercharged LSA V-8 engine that delivers a total of 576 horsepower and 545 pound-feet of torque. This output represents an increase of 150 horsepower and 140 pound-feet over the outgoing, LS3-engined VXR8.

Performance figures were not reveal just yet, but we expect the new GTS to deliver better figures than the naturally-aspirated VXR8 which sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and can hit a limited top speed of 155 mph.

The engine is mated to a standard MG9 spec 6-speed manual transmission with oil cooler and twin-plate clutch, while a 6-speed automatic transmission is being offered as an option.

Suspensions and brakes

The new VXR8 GTS will be equipped with an ll-new Brake Torque Vectoring technology that helps reducing understeer by generating a "rotational moment" in the rear axle while the car is under power. The model also received the third-generation Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) with three independent settings: Touring, Sport and Track.

The car sits on new 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Continental tires sized 255/35 R20 up front and 275/35 R20 at the rear.

Prices

The new Vauxhall VXR8 GTS is now available for order at a price of £54,999 - or about $84,000 at the current exchange rates.

Competition

BMW M5

According to Vauxhall, the new VXR8 GTS delivers the same performance as any other German high-performance sedan, but it is about £20k ($30k) cheaper.

For example, the BMW M5 is powered by a 4.4-liter V-8 unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology that delivers a total of 560 horsepower between 6,000 and 7,000 rpm, and peak torque of 502 pound-feet between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm. The M5 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and goes up to a top speed of 190 mph.

Mercedes E63 AMG

The E63 AMG gets a 5.5-liter V-8 biturbo engine that delivers a total of 550 horsepower at 5500 rpm and a peak torque of 531 pound-feet delivered between 1,750 and 5,250 rpm. The model can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and up to a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited).

Conclusion

The new Vauxhall VXR8 GTS is a cool-looking, powerful sports sedan and, according to the company it delivers the same performance as any German rival for less money. While we are not very sure this is quite true, we'll have to wait for the official performance figures before deciding.