It looks like Vauxhall is ready to load up on performance. This teaser image is the first glimpse of what is set to become the scorching VXR8 estate.
Boasting a 425bhp V8, scintillating performance, a sporty rear-wheel drive chassis and a projected price of less then £40,000, it has the much more expensive BMW M5 Touring firmly in its sights.
Like its saloon counterpart, the newcomer would essentially be a rebadged version of the Australian-built HSV R8 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 uprated 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.
Boasting a 425bhp V8, scintillating performance, a sporty rear-wheel drive chassis and a projected price of less then £40,000, it has the much more expensive BMW M5 Touring firmly in its sights.
Like its saloon counterpart, the newcomer would essentially be a rebadged version of the Australian-built HSV R8 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 uprated 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.
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