Chalk up another benefit of being a right-hand drive nation of the Commonwealth Realm — first dibs on muscle cars. Right, so before the Pontiac G8 GT makes its first appearance among the Yankery, Brits will get their shot at its Australian cousin, the Holden Commodore HSV Clubsport R8. In the UK, it'll be badged a Vauxhall VRX8, natch, but the VXR8 will be identical to its brother from down under. That means 414 hp and 406 lbs-ft of torque via GM's 6.0-liter V8. That's quite a shade above the Pontiac G8 GT's prospective 362 hp and 391 lbs-ft, but that's because its gotten the once-over from Holden's HSV performance group. But will the Brits bite? They may, considering at 35,000 pounds, it's a bargain compared to competitors from Germany. Of course, Clarkson will hate it for its crudeness, and it'll become the butt of jokes told over pints. But we'll be here slugging down weak, over-cold beer and pining away. Sometimes it's good to have a queen. [Thanks to Joe for the tip.]
[via Car]
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Chicago Auto Show: Pontiac G8 GT Show Car [internal]