The news regarding the axing of Holden has, like just about everything else of note, all but disappeared from the public consciousness as the nation grapples with COVID-19. But while that story, and the apparent battle of wills between GM and Holden dealers, continues to rumble along, the demise of the Aussie icon has rippled across the world.

Holden cars, often performance models, were exported to other nations and rebadged as models from whichever local brand was owned by GM – think the Pontiac GTO of the mid-2000s in the U.S., which was a rebadged Monaro with a slightly different facia.

In the UK, these models were renamed under the Vauxhall brand.

Vauxhall, like Holden to Australia, is a foundation automotive business – a manufacturer that became a national icon – and the company has, over the past few months, been celebrating its 12th decade in business by showcasing some of its past models.

On the list are some classics, including the outstanding Lotus Carlton from the early 1990s and the VXR Concept from the 1960s. Joining this stellar list is the VXR8 GTS-R, the final performance version of a car based on the Holden Commodore.

Powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine, it produced 595PS (587hp) and 740Nm of torque, making it the most powerful car in Vauxhall’s 117-year history.

The model was exclusive to the UK. Sending drive via a limited slip differential to the rear wheels, the GTS-R retained the previous version’s torque vectoring system but added an upgraded braking system with six-piston, monoblock calipers and 410mm discs up front. The GTS-R wore all-new 20-inch forged alloy rims of 10-inch width at the rear and looked fantastic.

Just 15 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-Rs went to the UK, at an on-the-road price of £74,500 ($AU146,000).

It’s nice to see the Holden legacy celebrated elsewhere. Looks like the Brits are just as upset at the company’s demise as we are.

Source: Motor Trader E-magazine (June 2020)

2 June 2020