How a British badge, an Australian build, and American muscle combined to create the UK’s final true muscle car.
London, UK, 10November, 2025 — Muscle cars are often seen as a symbol of American power and attitude. When most people think of muscle cars, names like the Chevrolet Chevelle SS or the Dodge Charger come to mind. Some argue that the first muscle car was the 1949 Oldsmobile 88, while others point to the 1964 Pontiac GTO. No matter the exact starting point, the muscle car tradition was deeply rooted in the United States.
However, the idea of the muscle car did not stay in America. Other countries tried their hand at building powerful, high-performance street cars too. In England, cars such as the Jensen Interceptor, Bristol Fighter, Morgan Plus 8, and the Aston Martin V8 Vantage showed what British muscle could look like. But one model stood out as perhaps the last real British muscle car: the Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-R.
This car, produced until 2017, marked the end of an era for the UK. While the Vauxhall name is British, the VXR8 GTS-R itself was truly international in design and build.
Key Details of the Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-R
Last production year: 2017
Platform: GM Zeta platform
Built in: Australia
Engine: Supercharged 6.2-liter V8 (LSA)
Developed by: Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), under the Vauxhall name
To understand the VXR8 GTS-R, it helps to know a bit about Vauxhall. The company began in 1857, first making marine equipment like pumps and steam engines. It was not until 1903 that
Vauxhall built its first car. Over time, Vauxhall earned a reputation for producing reliable and family-friendly cars.
Financial troubles in the early 1900s led to Vauxhall being purchased by General Motors in 1925. This partnership kept Vauxhall running for decades. But by the early 2000s, the brand faced challenges once again. Before Vauxhall was sold to Stellantis, it made one last statement of performance: the VXR8 GTS-R.
The VXR8 GTS-R was based on the Australian-built Holden Commodore and shared technology with American models like the Chevrolet SS and Cadillac CTS-V. That is why many people refer to it as a mix of British branding, Australian engineering, and American muscle.
Under the hood sat the LSA 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine. This same engine powered the Cadillac CTS-V and the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive came standard, and the suspension included Magnetic Ride Control for sharper handling.
For braking power, six-piston front and four-piston rear brake calipers were installed. Exterior touches like flared fenders and a large rear spoiler gave the car a strong, sporty look. Inside, the VXR8 GTS-R offered four doors, leather trim, and useful gauges for supercharger boost and oil pressure.
Sadly, if someone in the United States wants to buy this car, they must wait because of the 25-Year Import Rule. That means it cannot be legally imported into the US as a regular road car until it becomes old enough.
But there are alternatives that share its spirit. The 2009–2015 Cadillac CTS-V has the same LSA engine and can be found with a manual transmission. The Chevrolet SS is another option, though it lacks the supercharger.
The Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-R remains an important car because it represents the final chapter of British muscle. It showed what could happen when global engineering and performance passion come together.
Even though it came from British roots, Australian hands, and American muscle DNA, the VXR8 GTS-R stands as a powerful goodbye to the UK’s muscle car era.
