Vaux­hall VXR8

22nd February 2007

Take a front-on look at the Pontiac G8 - which made its debut at the recent Chicago Motor Show. The all-American brand's new high-performance saloon won't be coming to the UK, but British buyers needn't feel dejected.

That's because the hot four-door is based on the Australian-market Holden Com­modore SS V, which we drove in Issue 942. The model will come to these shores badged as the Vaux­hall VXR8.

When the performance marque's flagship goes on sale in the summer, it will be fitted with a 420bhp 6.0-litre V8 sourced from the latest Cor­vette. The big motor will ensure the saloon can cover 0-60mph in less than five seconds. However, Vauxhall is also likely to offer a range of upgrade kits to boost performance for buyers who want more power.

Fans of the outgoing Monaro coupé may be disappointed by the replacement's more practical saloon configuration, but despite the extra pair of doors, prices for the newcomer are unlikely to be higher.

That means the entry-level variant will cost from £36,000 when it hits VXR-appointed Vauxhall dealers.