2016 Vauxhall Maloo LSA

This is the 2016 Maloo LSA and its packing a 6.2-liter 536 PS supercharged V8 engine, which is starting to look a little ridiculous in a world where everybody is fighting over higher mpg figures. The Maloo LSA is a lot more preoccupied with hauling up to 540 kg from a standstill to 60 mph in a very short space of time.

On top of that, it's actually classed as a commercial vehicle, which means business users can even claim the VAT back from its £54,500 on-the-road price tag.

The power upgrade for the 2016 model is most welcome, especially considering how the previous car "only" had 431 PS. Torque has also gone up from 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) to 671 Nm (494 lb-ft) and those are some very impressive numbers - in fact, this is essentially the same unit fitted to the Camaro ZL1, though re-tuned.

In order for the Maloo LSA to make good use of the extra 105 PS and 101 Nm of torque, Vauxhall had to make some modifications to the vehicle's chassis, where spring and damper rates were stiffened to reduce body-roll and further improve turn-in. The rear suspension module also delivers improved rear stiffness and better rear braking efficiency.

Thanks to the Eaton 4-lobe supercharged, stand-alone water-to-air charge-air cooling system and high-flow exhaust system with bi-modal exhaust function, the Maloo is by far the fastest production pick up in not just the UK but also the fastest 'ute' manufactured in Australia.

Also, the Maloo LSA now comes standard with Launch Control (manual models only), a limited slip differential, Sat-Nav, Bluetooth, Onyx Leather, and EDI (Enhanced Driver Interface). In addition, the 2016 Maloo gets a redesigned front fascia with a new splitter and pitch-black bonnet air vents.

The same pitch-black theme makes its way to the mirror casings and wing-vents, whereas the new 20" five-spoke alloys complete the styling package quite aggressively. The Maloo's fresh look also comes courtesy of two new colors, namely Slipstream (vibrant blue) and Some Like It Hot (metallic red), which is arguably the best moniker ever given to a color.

Vauxhall also worked on the VXR8 GTS and gave it a couple of subtle changes, such as these very same bonnet vents, bumper grilles and side sills as well as a new center-stack arrangement inside and two new colors for the exterior. Power and torque figures remain unchanged at 585 PS and 740 Nm (545 lb-ft).

The 2016 Maloo LSA will set customers back some £54,500, while the 2016 VXR8 costs £55,500 with the 6-speed manual transmission, or £57,200 if you go for the 6-speed auto.

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