There’s a choice of a normally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 or this supercharged version. It’s badged the Bathurst S, and is modified by race specialist Tom Walkinshaw to produce 420kW and 742Nm of torque – so it’s as powerful as a Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, but nearly £100 000 cheaper.

Predictably, it’s fast, with zero to 100km/h in just 4.6 seconds and a 250km/h. The manual box gets an uprated clutch and the suspension is stiffer, with adjustable springs and fresh dampers. Revised brakes with six-cylinder front and four-cylinder rear calipers are standard.

The supercharger provides amazing pull from low revs, and you’re pinned to the seat as the engine thrusts to the red line. But the best bit is the noise – a mix of supercharger whine and V8 rumble. The car’s optional two-stage exhaust had a special ‘loud’ setting for track use too.

The steering is meaty, if not full of feel, and the VXR8 handles sharply given its size. It rides well, too. In the wet – and even in the dry – all that torque will easily spin the rear wheels. But if you’re careful with the throttle, you can corner at great speed.
Not surprisingly, economy is poor (expect 19l/100km), and the Bathurst S’s black stripes aren’t subtle. But if you want a large four-door Lamborghini beater, this is it.

Adpated from AutoExpress

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