Vauxhall pick-up fastest in UK 18 | 12 | 2015
VAUXHALL'S ALL-NEW SUPERCHARGED 6.2-litre, 534bhp V8 Maloo LSA pick-up isn't likely to win any economy competitions, but it'll certainly impress the guys behind the trade counter at Jewsons.
Capable of hitting 62mph from standstill in just 4.6-seconds, the new Maloo — the UK's fastest pick-up — can also haul half a tonne. And because it's classed as a commercial vehicle, business users can claim the VAT back from its £54,500 on-the-road price.
For 2016, the new LSA engine brings maximum power up from 428bhp for the outgoing LS3 V8 to 534bhp, and an increase in torque from 570Nm to 671Nm.
First seen in the current VXR8 GTS launched last year, the LSA is essentially the same unit fitted to the Camaro ZL1, albeit in a slightly re-tuned form.
An Eaton 4-lobe supercharger, stand-alone water-to-air charge-air cooling system and high-flow exhaust system with bi-modal exhaust function turn the Maloo into the fastest production ‘ute’ manufactured in Australia, and the fastest CV available in the UK.
To cater for the extra 106bhp of power and 101Nm of torque compared with the outgoing Maloo, modifications have been made to the vehicle’s chassis. Spring and damper rates have been stiffened to reduce body-roll and further improve turn-in, while the unique rear suspension module delivers improved rear stiffness and rear braking efficiency.
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Also now standard on the Maloo LSA are Launch Control (manual models only), a limited slip differential, sat-nav, Bluetooth, Onyx Leather trim, and EDI (Enhanced Driver Interface).
In addition to more power and standard equipment, the 2016 Maloo also benefits from a raft of exterior styling upgrades. The front end features a re-designed fascia incorporating a subtle splitter, plus there's the addition of pitch-black bonnet air vents.
The pitch-black theme is carried through to the mirror-backs and wing-vents, with a new 20-inch, five-spoke alloy wheel design completing the styling package. Two new colours — Slipstream (vibrant blue) and Some Like it Hot (metallic red) — complement the Maloo’s fresh new look.
Vauxhall’s VXR8 GTS, the other model in Vauxhall’s V8, rear-wheel-drive range, also has some subtle changes for 2016. While power remains unchanged at 582bhp, and torque at 740Nm, the five-seat, four door saloon receives new bonnet vents, bumper grilles and side sills, as well as a new centre-stack arrangement inside the cabin and two new exterior colours. On the road price for the 2016 VXR8 is £55,500 with six-speed manual transmission and £57,200 with the six-speed auto, with oil cooler.
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Jim McGill