► VRX8 GTS goes auto
► Paddle shifters on steering wheel
► Transmission copes well with 6.2L
Surely putting an automatic gearbox in the VXR8 flies in the face of the car’s simple, mechanical charm? Au contraire, mate. It suits the big-torque, low-effort muscle-car ethos down to a T. You’ll pay around £1700 extra for the auto, a GM-sourced torque converter with six speeds and override paddles on the wheel. Like the manual car, it puts the rear wheels in touch with 6.2 litres of supercharged aluminium V8, but if you’re expecting a Bathurst iron thunder soundtrack you might be disappointed by the muffled, muttery reality. The transmission has its hands full – the V8 can summon 546lb ft of twist from 3850rpm – but it copes admirably, shifting smartly with the paddles and unobtrusively by itself. There’s an occasional reluctance to kick down, but that’s easily sorted by a click of a paddle.
Feels like there’s a bit of twist going on in the body too; at speed on a bumpy B-road you get the impression the heavy (yet dead-feeling) steering isn’t completely in charge, although that long wheelbase does make for predictable handling overall. None of the niggles matter, anyway. The VXR8 has its own niche but loyal following, who would never buy an M3 or C63 and are likely to take advantage of the LS7 engine’s endless tuneability. In which case, picking the manual gearbox, all the better for burnouts, probably makes more sense.
Vauxhall VXR8 GTS 6.2 paddleshift auto: the specs
Price: £56,234
Engine: 6162cc 16v V8 supercharged, 577bhp @ 6150rpm, 546lb ft @ 3850rpm
Transmission: Six-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Performance: 4.1sec 0-60mph, 155mph, 18.0mpg, 373g/km CO2
Weight: 1892kg
On sale: Now
Verdict: Row your own, mate
Rating: ***