Vauxhall Wins MPG Marathon In 6.2 Litre V8

LUTON, UNITED KINGDOM – Oct 10, 2011: Vauxhall's VXR8 super-saloon is the unlikely winner of the Fleet World MPG Marathon, with an astounding 53 per cent improvement on the combined figure.

Driven by Top Gear Online editor Chris Mooney with help from navigator, Andrew Duerden, Vauxhall’s archivist and resident eco-driving expert, the V8-powered VXR8 registered 32.14mpg against a combined figure of 21mpg.

The Fleet World MPG Marathon is the UK longest-running economy driving event. The two-day event took place in the Cotswolds this year with separate routes covering 350 miles of countryside including a mixture of A and B roads and motorway driving.

“Andrew and I are, as they say, over the moon to win the overall best percentage improvement in the VXR8,” said Chris Mooney. “It just goes to show that the person behind the wheel can make a massive difference to fuel costs and carbon emissions. And, of course, that a 6.2 litre V8 is a very sensible choice of engine in the right hands.”

Chris and Andrew will pick up their trophy at a presentation at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall, London on Wednesday.

The VXR8 stormed back with a vengeance earlier this year, packing heavily revised front- and rear-end styling, a new cabin and a raft of new technology to enhance its appeal to drivers in search of one of the last, great rear-drive V8 super-saloons.