In 2009 the HSV Maloo ute was deemed 'greener' than the likes of the Suzuki Alto and Ford Fiesta EcoNetic in the Global Green Car Challenge, a 3000km competitive eco drive from Darwin to Adelaid and proving that the win was no fluke, another 6.2-litre V8-powered HSV has again taken top honours in a prestigious eco car event.
The Vauxhall VXR8 GTS, essentially a rebadged HSV GTS, presented a claimed manufacturer's fuel consumption of 13.4L/100km (21mpg) and recorded the largest overall drop in its category, a 53 per cent reduction to 8.7L/100km (32.14mpg).
The Australian-made super saloon is powered by a relatively low-tech pushrod V8 engine built by Chevrolet. It displaces 6.2-litres and outputs 317kW/550Nm, yet in this competition it saw the largest overall drop in fuel consumption.
One of the UK's oldest economy driving events, the Fleet World MPG Marathon is a two-day competition that was held in the Cotswolds for 2011. It covered around 560km of roads; the driving mix including highway and also A and B country roads.
The UK's Top Gear Online editor Chris Mooney was behind the wheel, with Vauxhall staff member and archivist Andrew Duerden acting as navigator.
"Andrew and I are, as they say, over the moon to win the overall best percentage improvement in the VXR8," said 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."
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