Motoring editor Malcolm Baylis discovers Vauxhall's missing link - the fastest road car ever produced by the manufacturer.

VAUXHALL poses an interesting question while unveiling its new Monaro VXR.

"Could this be the car where no Vauxhall has ever gone before?"

Well, looking into the car's DNA, it seems highly likely.

Here we have a Vauxhall with 404Ps of power supplied by a 6.0-litre LS2 V8 engine, and as it is also the first ever production Vauxhall to top 180mph, it finally overtakes the Lotus Carlton to become the fastest ever Vauxhall.

This latest version of the company's performance flagship takes over from the original Monaro VXR, which sold out within three months of going on sale early last year.

A similar demand is expected for this latest version: not surprisingly so because it goes on sale in March for around £37,000 - half the price of other 180mph speedsters.

Power is through the high-output 6.0-litre, the same as fitted in the Corvette C6, producing 404PS (up from the last model's 388PS) and a massive 530Nm of torque, compared to 510Nm.

Performance figures have still to be officially recorded, but early tests show the VXR comfortably topping the 177mph record set by the Lotus Carlton in 1990. A zero to 60mph time of around five seconds is also on the cards.

An upgraded drive train, revised suspension and also bigger brakes have helped in getting the car up to speed.

However, the rear-wheel drive VXR has moved forward a great deal when it comes to looks: styling changes have been kept to a minimum. To help the car's engine breathe more efficiently and keep the bonnet cool, a pair of "nostrils" vents have been added to the bonnet, while the rear gets a line-up of two-by-two exhaust pipes. The car sits on ten-spoke alloy wheels.

Dealers: CD Bramall, Malton Road, Monks Cross, York, (01904 426688); Ryedale Garages, Piercy End, Kirkbymoorside, Ryedale (01751 431343); JB Motors, Wentworth Street, Malton (01653 695118).

Updated: 11:25 Friday, January 21, 2005