Vauxhall on the fast-track

Vauxhall is celebrating 10 years of its VXR performance brand with the launch of a new VXR8.

The GTS variant joins an illustrious line of hot Vauxhalls, since the memorable VXR220 roadster and Aussie bruiser, the Monaro VXR, hit the showrooms back in 2004.

There are five cars in Vauxhall’s VXR range: the Corsa VXR, the 210 horsepower Corsa VXR ClubSport, the 280 horsepower Astra VXR, the 325 horsepower Insignia VXR, and the 576 horsepower VXR8 GTS.

This year also marks the anniversaries of two iconic performance Vauxhalls that never wore the VXR badge. Launched in 1989, both the Calibra and Lotus Carlton are celebrating their 25ths.

The Calibra was the most aerodynamic car in its class, which, combined with up to 200bhp and all-wheel drive in later models, made it a credible rival to cars like the Sierra Cosworth and Lancia Delta Integrale.

With 377 horsepower from its twin-turbcharged, straight-six engine, Vauxhall’s Lotus Carlton super-saloon could crack 176mph and accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds.