Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst Edition Hits The Streets Of The UK

Vauxhall has raided the Walkinshaw Performance catalogue to produce two very special versions of the VXR8. The special edition Bathurst and Bathurst S models take the standard VXR8 (our HSV ClubSport R8) and add some very tantalising handling and performance additions. All while adhering to the VXR ethos of big performance at an affordable price.

The Bathurst edition adds six-piston front and four-piston rear brake calipers, stiffened height-adjustable springs and bespoke Walkinshaw-developed coil-over dampers with 15 separate valve settings and independent corner adjustment.

The Bathurst S includes all of this as well as a Walkinshaw 122 supercharger to boost power from the 321 kW (425hp) we know and love up to 417 Kw (560hp), while torque jumps from 550 Nm (405lb-ft) to an earth shaking 715 Nm (527lb-ft).

Other upgrades as part of the Bathurst S edition include a re-mapped ECU, high-flow fuel injectors, a high capacity intercooler and cold air intake system. A high-torque clutch has also been added to cope with the extra grunt.

Vauxhall boasts that even higher outputs could’ve been achieved, but in the interests of drivability and durability the company decided against it.

On the options list for both cars is a new 2.5 inch stainless steel bi-modal exhaust with the potential to unleash a further (hold onto your hats) 7kW. The real beauty of the system is its driver-selectable 92 dbA ‘street’ mode or the full noise ‘optimum’ mode rated at 102 dbA. Also available are 20” alloy wheels.

Cosmetically the Bathurst editions feature front fog lamp covers, Bathurst and Bathurst S badges, and a stripe package. Inside, ‘Walkinshaw Performance’ adorns the sill plates and a plate featuring the car's build number is attached to the centre console.

Pricing for the Bathurst Edition is £37,995 (AUD$83,410) adding £2757 (AUD$6052) to the standard VXR8. The Bathurst S is available from £44,995 (AUD$98,770).

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