Skip advert
Advertisement

Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst S

White-hot special has power to match Lambo!

Overall Auto Express rating

5.0

How we review cars
Find your Vauxhall VXR8
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

For most drivers, the standard VXR8 offers more than enough performance – this Bathurst S edition is for those who want even more. It delivers an intoxicating experience, with incredible acceleration and a simply awesome V8 soundtrack. The revised chassis copes well with the extra power and the upgraded brakes are superb. For the pace it offers, this car represents decent value for money – yet buyers should bear in mind that it’s very thirsty indeed. It’s not subtle, but it’s certainly fun.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Down under, there’s no more famous circuit than Bathurst. The twisty mountain course hosts one of Australia’s biggest sporting events: a 1,000km race for the V8 Supercar series. So what better name for a limited run of Vauxhall’s brutish VXR8?

There’s a choice of a normally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 or this supercharged version. It’s badged the Bathurst S, and is modified by race specialist Tom Walkinshaw to produce 564bhp and 742Nm of torque – so it’s as powerful as a Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, but nearly £100,000 cheaper.

Predictably, it’s fast, with 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds and a 155mph top speed. The manual box gets an uprated clutch and the suspension is stiffer, with adjustable springs and fresh dampers. Revised brakes with six-cylinder front and four-cylinder rear calipers are standard.

The supercharger provides amazing pull from low revs, and you’re pinned to the seat as the engine thrusts to the red line. But the best bit is the noise – a mix of supercharger whine and V8 rumble. Our car’s optional two-stage exhaust had a special ‘loud’ setting for track use, too!

The steering is meaty, if not full of feel, and the VXR8 handles sharply given its size. It rides well, too. In the wet – and even in the dry – all that torque will easily spin the rear wheels. But if you’re careful with the throttle, you can corner at great speed.
Not surprisingly, economy is poor (expect 15mpg), and the Bathurst S’s black stripes aren’t subtle. But if you want a large four-door Lamborghini beater, this is it.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £5,330 off RRP*
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £3,189 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,754 off RRP*Used from £14,000
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,575Avg. savings £2,614 off RRP*Used from £7,850
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years
MG Cyber X design render - front

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years

Boxy small SUV is gearing up for production, and our exclusive images show how the model might look
News
30 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Ford Puma Gen-E granted ultra-low £132 monthly lease
Ford Puma Gen-E - front action

Car Deal of the Day: Ford Puma Gen-E granted ultra-low £132 monthly lease

The EV grant has made the Ford Puma Gen-E a lot cheaper, and lease customers can cash-in with today’s Deal of the Day
News
29 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month

The Renault 5 is taking the market by storm – and at this price it’s easy to see why. It’s our Deal of the Day for August 30
News
30 Aug 2025