Introducing Vauxhall's most powerful auto ever

Seems like the flawless way to mark the end of the VXR8 range, if you ask us. The standard VXR8 is hardly a subtle auto, but these changes, as well as the option of bright new colours are likely to make it stand out at the next Vauxhall owners meet. The final Vauxhall VXR8 has been announced.

The GTS-R will share the standard car's 6.2-litre supercharged LSA V8 with light modifications resulting in a peak power of 586bhp and 546lb ft of torque (improvements of 10bhp and 1lbft respectively). Torque, meanwhile, is 456lb/ft (740Nm), making it a similarly noteworthy figure. In addition, the GTS-R wears all-new 20-inch forged alloy rims (ten-inch width at the rear, 9-inch at the front).

That means a pricey set of four rubbers whenever you decide to do a burnout.

Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a limited slip differential and a six-speed automatic gearbox. 410mm discs, meanwhile, provide a very large surface for the front calipers to grab onto. Around the back there's a new part-carbon rear diffuser, and exhausts with diamond shaped tips flank it. Inside, the diamond theme continues in the Alcantara and leather seat trim, with the steering wheel and gear-lever also trimmed in Alcantara. The regular vehicle is restrained at the top end by an electronic 155mph muzzle, and it's unclear if Vauxhall will let the GTS-R completely off the leash.

Known as the Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-R, the new model is powered by an evolution of the current GTS's supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine, producing 595PS (up from 576PS) and 740Nm of torque, making it Vauxhall's most powerful vehicle in the company's 114-year history. The VXR8 has been on sale since 2007 in the United Kingdom and is known as a Holden Commodore in Australia. These figures help the GTS-R claim the title of Vauxhall's most powerful vehicle ever, an accolade likely to stand for quite some time. We are hoping this time we can take it for a spin because it deserves a proper farewell.