Models
When it comes to pickup trucks, the U.S. is arguably the world’s largest consumer. However, North America misses one of the coolest commercial vehicles in the world: the Holden Ute. Also available in supercharged guise as the Maloo R8 LSA in Australia, the Ute has long been a forbidden fruit in America, despite rumors that GM may import it as a rebadged Chevrolet El Camino. And, with Holden set to cease all manufacturing in 2016, the Ute will pass into the history books without setting wheels in the U.S. Not the same can be said about the U.K. though, which just received a batch of Maloo LSAs wearing the local Vauxhall badge.
Lucky bastards!
The Ute isn’t actually new on British roads. Enthusiasts already had access to a version powered by the V-8 LS3, but that engine is now being replaced by a more potent LSA, which first debuted in the U.K. in the VXR8 GTS sedan.
But the Maloo LSA is about more than just a powerful drivetrain. The two-door utility also benefits from new styling upgrades and new standard equipment. Pricing is similar to the VXR8 GTS, which makes it pretty affordable for a performance car. And, although it’s among the most expensive commercial vehicles available in the U.K., it’s definitely the fastest and the most powerful. Keep reading to find out more.
Continue reading to learn more about the Vauxhall Maloo LSA.
The BBC’s best automotive journal, Top Gear, has a problem with proper German sports saloons built for businessmen and that is that they are all just too similar. So that is why Richard Hammond decided to introduce a pair of very special GM cars from Australia. First up was the Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst Edition. Aside from being the most popular track on the V8 Super car calendar, it is also a blindingly fast version of what we here in America have come to know as the Pontiac G8. The Bathurst comes complete with a set of racing stripes on the hood and a supercharger underneath it. The VXR8 wears some very race inspired bodywork to go along with the 560 HP and the bargain £44,995 price tag.
Continued after the jump.