The heart of the VXR8 GTS is that terrific supercharged 6.2-litre LSA V8. The Eaton supercharger helps boost power to a meaty 577bhp with an equally meaty 436lb ft of torque. Normally it’s allied to a six-speed manual gearbox which works well but now, for an extra £1725, you have the option of a heavy-duty automatic gearbox.

This comes with paddle shifts on the steering wheel as well as a transmission cooler so you get some options and some durability. Does it work? It works, but the sensations have been dulled. Instead of a mighty bellow from that V8 as the tyres fought for traction in say third gear, the whole experience is quieter and seems to have the edge knocked off it.

This is despite the official figures giving an equal 4.2sec for the 0-60mph, whether in manual or auto configuration. With the auto box it just doesn’t feel as fast. Sure, the paddles work well and, once you’ve got that supercharger and big V8 spinning up, everything feels like you’re riding a big wave of torque and horsepower even with the auto.

So maybe this should best be viewed as a luxury saloon rather than a rear-wheel drive super saloon. The cabin is pretty luxurious and definitely quieter with the automatic gearbox and the ride is comfortable in all but the most extreme suspension set-ups. Also, given the power and rear-wheel drive, in everyday driving the automatic will soften that delivery, making it a tractable, easy-to-drive luxurious saloon with the capability of leaping towards the horizon at one depressing of the foot.

But there is one problem with that – fuel consumption will struggle to hit 18mpg with the auto box, and if you make it work hard you’ll be a long way from that already heavy consumption. Maybe owners won’t care about that, but it seems a high price to pay, along with the increased purchase price, for a joyous machine that has been quietened and softened just for ease of use.

2015 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS automatic

Location: Bedfordshire

On sale: Now

Price: £56,245

Engine: 8 cyls, 6162cc, supercharged, petrol

Power: 577bhp at 6150rpm

Torque: 546lb ft at 3850rpm

Kerbweight: 1892kg

Gearbox: 6-spd automatic

0-60mph: 4.2sec

Top speed: 155mph

Economy: 18.0mpg (combined)

CO2/tax band: 373g/km / 37%