Vauxhall introduces the VXR8 GTS-R in the U.K.

The new Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-R is powered by an evolution of the current GTS' supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine, producing 587bhp (up from 568bhp) and 740Nm of torque, making it Vauxhall's most powerful car in the company's 114-year history. Production of the Holden Commodore model, on which the GTS-R is based, comes to an end in Australia this October when Holden's manufacturing plant finally closes. Vauxhall - a sister brand to Holden in the GM family - has been importing the VXR8 in various forms since 2007.

As befits its last-of-line status, the GTS-R is no ordinary VXR8 - and in this form, it's exclusive to the U.K., too. Sending drive via a limited-slip differential to the rear wheels, the GTS-R retains the previous GTS clever torque vectoring system, but adds an upgraded braking system with six-piston, monoblock calipers and 410mm discs up front. In addition, the GTS-R wears all new 20-inch forged alloy rims (10-inch width at the rear, 9.0-inch at the front).

At the heart of the VXR8 GTS-R is a supercharged LSA V8 delivering 587bhp. Performance figures back this up, with 100km/h arriving in just 4.2 seconds from standstill and a limited top speed of 249km/h. Delivering drive to the rear axle is a heavy-duty GM/2F six-speed automatic transmission with Active Select Function and paddle shift. To optimise its performance at higher operating temperatures, the transmission has its own oil cooler. A six-speed manual transmission is also available. Just 15 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-Rs will arrive in the U.K.