HSV Rivalry
To be or not to be, that is the question. Well, the question really is whether or not the new Vauxhall VXR8 Estate will ever reach the shores of the UK.
The Vauxhall VXR8 is a 6 litre V8 sports car that can achieve 0-60mph in 4.9 secs with independent rear suspension ensuring a smooth ride at all times and a drive that is always exhilarating. Most people in the car world know that the V8-powered VXR8 is in fact an Australian built vehicle. It is in fact a rebadged Holden. (Rumour has it that they are shipped to our shores in big reinforced crates filled with Fosters and kangaroo meat.)
Like its saloon counterpart, the newcomer, Vauxhall VXR8 Estate, would essentially be a rebadged version of the Australian-built HSV ClubSport R8 Tourer of sister company Holden. As you can see, the model gets the same aggressive nose as the four-door version, complete with a deeper bumper, wider wheel arches and extra cooling vents in the front wings.
But from the B-pillars back, the VXR8 gets a practical new rear. Being based on the standard Commodore Sportwagon means this high performance version majors on versatility. The tailgate gets an extra wide opening as a result of being hinged deep into the roof panel, while folding the backbench flat frees up 2,000litres of luggage space.
But fans will be pleased to hear that performance hasn’t been sacrificed in the search for practicality. Under the bonnet is the familiar 425bhp 6.2-litre V8. Connected to a six-speed manual it should allow the VXR8 to sprint from standstill to 60mph in around 5.0 seconds.
The car will also feature the same up rated suspension as the saloon, boasting stiffer springs and dampers. However, the rear will be beefed up still further to cope with the possibility of heavier loads.
Bosses at Vauxhall have not yet decided whether this rapid estate car will find its way onto UK soil. If it does get the green light, then expect to see the first examples hit showrooms in early 2009.
