Once upon a time, Vauxhall offered a unique blend of muscle car performance and practicality with the VXR8 Tourer. This vehicle was part of a series that included the Monaro coupe and VXR8 sedan, rebadged versions of Holden’s iconic Commodore line. Positioned as a high-performance estate car, the VXR8 Tourer combined an impressive 6.2-liter V8 engine with ample cargo space, making it a rare gem in the UK market. Despite its compelling proposition, historical records suggest that very few, if any, units were ever sold or even produced beyond the prototype stage.
In the early 2010s, when Vauxhall was still under General Motors’ umbrella, they introduced the VXR8 Tourer to the British market. As a rebadged version of Australia’s HSV Clubsport R8 Tourer, this wagon retained the heart of a muscle car while offering the utility of a station wagon. Under the hood sat a roaring 6.2-liter GM LS3 V8 engine, capable of delivering 425 horsepower through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. This powertrain propelled the car from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.
What set the VXR8 Tourer apart was not only its raw performance but also its generous cargo capacity. With 895 liters of storage space behind the rear seats and up to 2000 liters when folded down, it outclassed competitors like the Skoda Superb. At the time, priced at £49,500, it offered exceptional value compared to premium rivals such as the Mercedes E63 AMG Estate and Audi RS6 Avant, which commanded significantly higher prices. Yet, despite these appealing attributes, evidence suggests that production numbers were minuscule, possibly limited to just one example.
The scarcity of the VXR8 Tourer is puzzling. Websites tracking vehicle registrations show no listings for this model, and online forums lack firsthand accounts from owners. Searches across second-hand car platforms yield similarly fruitless results. The only traceable instance appears to be the original press car, last seen for sale in 2014 bearing the registration 'DE51 RED.' Its mysterious absence leaves enthusiasts wondering whether other examples exist or if this remarkable vehicle remains confined to automotive lore.
Though promising on paper, the VXR8 Tourer failed to leave a lasting mark on the automotive landscape. Its combination of brawn and practicality could have redefined the estate car segment, yet its legacy rests precariously on anecdotal evidence and fleeting appearances. For now, the enigma of the VXR8 Tourer persists, inviting speculation about what might have been had it gained broader acceptance.