We review the Vauxhall VXR8 GTS from price to economy and all its features

STREWTH... is it really 10 years of VXR?

I drove the first Monaro VXR in Melbourne in 2004 and it was an absolute beaut.

Now a decade of VXR decadence arrives with this ultimate V model, the VXR8 GTS which, like the first VXR in 2004, is from Vauxhall’s Australian cousins Holden. It costs £54,499 which seems ridiculous for a Vauxhall in a cork hat.

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Brawn to be wild ... Vauxhall VXR8 GTS

But when you consider it boasts a 6.2litre V8 with 576bhp, powering you to 60mph in 4.2 seconds, that’s a lot of bang for your bucks. Especially when you consider that rivals Mercedes E63 AMG and BMW M5 cost around 20 grand more.

It might lack the premium class of the Germans but it has a no-nonsense Aussie charm.

The VXR8 GTS looks the kangaroo’s danglies — especially in dayglo orange. It’ s like a Glaswegian tanning salon staff night out. Let’s hope the future is orange for VXR — here’s to the next 10 years.

The VXR8 GTS looks the kangaroo’s danglies — especially in dayglo orange

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

This is all muscle from Melbourne. In flourescent orange it leaps our at you like the old Tango ad man and slaps you round the face. Every hunky panel oozes powerful intent.

There aren’t many muscle cars on the roads these days and from every angle this VXR8 GTS looks sensational if you like that sort of thing — and I do.

HOW DOES IT DRIVE?

Pure thunder from Down Under. The 6.2litre V8 feels monstrous from the second you press the start button. The GTS immediately rumbles into action like you’ve just woken up Godzilla from its slumber.

Like some sort of cartoon car, the VXR8 actually vibrates heavily when sitting idle. The power is almost begging you to let it out.

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This supercharged 576bhp engine is the sister of the powertrain used in the Chevrolet Camaro and drives the rear wheels through a very solid and chunky six-speed manual gearbox, auto is an option but why would you? It also gets sporty techno upgrades including launch control.

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Kangaroo's danglies ... macho VXR8 styling

But you hardly need it — the acceleration is mind-blowing.

What I like the most about the GTS is that, thanks to adaptive dampers, you can switch to Tour mode and it’s very comfortable to drive with a very smooth ride.

Switch the mode to Performance, Sport or Track and it becomes more focused but never loses composure even on bad road surfaces.

Despite being a big brute it feels fairly nimble on corners but it will let go on bends if you turn off traction control — if you’re brave enough.

INSIDE STORY

The inside lacks the drama of the outside. There’s a huge VXR8 badge on the console but the boost gauge is sadly lost behind the gearstick and some of the material quality is lacking for a car that costs over £50k. It’s also disappointing that the Australian Holden performance logos HSV are still in the cabin.

But it’s roomy enough and gets a very big boot. Room for at least 10 slabs of Fosters lager — or 10 shopping bags in supermarket speak.