We spend perhaps too much free time lamenting the loss of the Pontiac G8, but it was the best sports sedan America has built since, well, ever. Yet GM giveth, and GM taketh away, at least in America – the Australians and those microcar-driving, diesel-loving, espresso-swirling Eurosnobs both get their own versions of the G8. It just ain’t fair.

Next March, Vauxhall’s XVR8 will be the newest version of the Holden-built Commodore that underpinned the old Pontiac G8. Looks too good for the United Kingdom if you ask us.

Based on the Commodore E3 GTS that just came out in Australia, it gets an LS3 engine not unlike the one found in the Camaro. With 431 horsepower and 408 ft-lbs of torque on tap, it is rated about the same as the American version, despite having to adhere to much more stringent emissions standards. The cost has been driven way up to, with the Vauxhall VXR8 starting at £49,500 thanks to a 20% Value Added Tax (VAT). That translates to over $77,000 in the U.S., yet it is still vastly cheaper than many of the cars in its class, including the Mercedes E63 and Jaguar XFR, while delivering sometimes superior performance.

The suspension has borrowed its electronically managed dampers from the Corvette’s Magnetic Ride System to improve handling. The VXR8 also has some cosmetic upgrades like LED daytime-running lights, a new “Shockwave” grille and “Superflow” rear spoiler. It certainly looks like a sharp contender, but does it look better than the Pontiac G8? And what will an eventual American Chevy version look like?

Official Release

REAR-DRIVE, 6.2-LITRE V8, SUB-£50K: IT HAS TO BE THE NEW VXR8!

New VXR8 hits UK dealers next March, based on higher-spec GTS model

Re-designed exterior and new interior with full leather trim as standard

Magnetic Ride Control & Launch Control complement 431PS V8 powertrain

Luton – 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.