Vauxhall VXR8 GTS is the Chevy SS’ Insane Supercharged Cousin

 BOLD RIDE

Posted  by Jeff Perez on                          

 

 

It’s a shame really, that in the next few years, GM will be dropping many of its foreign production divisions for good. Especially when they still build amazing cars like this. The new Vauxhall VXR8 GTS is the Chevy SS’ British cousin, but it’s so, so much more insane.

Where the measly Chevy SS puts down 415 horsepower from a 6.3-liter V8, the VXR8 GTS throws down the gauntlet with 576 horsepower from a supercharged 6.2-liter V8. Eat your heart out, Chevy.



Admittedly, both can reach 60 mph in about five seconds, but there’s one other thing the VXR8 has going for it that the SS doesn’t — you can shift your own gears. The GTS sports a standard MG9 6-speed manual gearbox, and an optional 6-speed automatic for the not-so-thrill-seeking crowd.
While the two share virtually the same architecture, the GTS is loaded with more aerodynamic enhancements, and an arguably better looking set of lines. Gone are the chrome wheels of the SS; they’ve been replaced with a new blacked out set of alloys. These new shoes pair well to the more aggressive front fascia and rear diffuser. Vauxhall even wants to prove the GTS is race-ready with a fancy new spoiler.



But when it’s all said and done, the Chevy SS does surpass the GTS in one big area — the price. While you can snag up an SS for just about $44,470, the VXR8 GTS will set you back £54,999 big ones in the UK. Or if you know your conversions, that’s about $91,000. Yup.
So, while the VXR8 GTS is faster and arguably better looking, $90K is a load of cash to spend on a sports sedan. But hey, if you’re in the market, it’s still cheaper than the rivaling M5 or Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. So there’s that.