Self-shifting version of Vauxhall's supercharged saloon packs a lot of charm but it's a niche choice that lags behind its rivals in some key areas It’s an automatic version of Vauxhall’s much-admired, grin-inducing supercharged saloon, the VXR8 GTS.We’ve always had plenty of time for the GTS, in part thanks to the fact that on the scale of bang-for-buck it represents something of a limited nuclear exchange for a few cents.Key to its appeal is its supercharged 6.2-litre ‘LSA’ V8. Thanks to a four-lobe, twin-rotor Eaton supercharger, which crams nine pounds of boost into the all-aluminium V8, peak power is rated at a hefty 577bhp. Likewise, torque is an equally impressive 546lb ft. Compared to the similarly priced four-star Mercedes-AMG C63, it outmuscles its twin-turbocharged German alternative by 108bhp and 67lb ft. Not the be-all and end-all, by any stretch, but nevertheless impressive, and that’s before you start taking into account the myriad, affordable and almost limitless tuning options for the LS range of engines.As standard, the rear-wheel-drive GTS comes with a stout six-speed Tremec TR-6060 manual gearbox. Those in the market for an automatic, however, can opt for a version that replaces the Tremec and its associated twin-plate clutch with a heavy-duty GM-sourced 6L90E automatic gearbox.This traditional torque convertor-equipped transmission commands a £1725 premium over the manual version, but it does also come with wheel-mounted paddle shifters for easily commanded manual shifts. Durability hasn’t been overlooked either, as - like the manual version - a transmission cooler is also included. This should help keep the gearbox's fluid temperatures at sensible levels and prolong the life of both the fluid and the transmission.
from Autocar RSS Feed http://ift.tt/1Kt6WK5
via
AGYA
