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Vauxhall VXR8 gets new engine

Tuesday, 06 May 2008 11:27
The new V8 engine is said to produce the same emissions as its forebear
Vauxhall has announced the addition of a powerful new V8 engine to its already impressive VXR8 super-saloon, as well as a host of other changes.

The new VXR8 will receive an optimised rear-wheel drive chassis and new colour and equipment options are also available.

Known as the LS3, the new V8 engine's capacity has improved from 5967cc to 6162cc, thanks to various upgrades on the outgoing LS2 unit. These include high-flow cylinder heads, new pistons and an enhanced valve-train, bringing power levels up by 14PS to 431PS, at 6,000rpm.

This means a reduced 0-60mph time for automatics (down from five seconds to 4.9) and improved in-gear acceleration for manual modes. 50-70mph in third gear drops from 2.8 to 2.6 seconds, for example, with second gear seeing a two to 1.9 seconds fall.

Despite the enhancements, Vauxhall maintain the LS3 engine produces the same emissions and has the same fuel consumption rates as the outgoing unit. Additionally, the VXR8 automatic receives a transmission oil cooler as standard.

Those who opt for the LS3-engined VXR8s will also receive the choice of a new body colour - Heron White - at no extra cost, as well as factory-fit 20-inch rims for the first time on the model.

Prices begin at £35,695 for both manual and automatic versions, a rise of £485 from the outgoing model.

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