THERE seems to be no stopping the tide of hugely powerful new cars coming to market as an increasing number of manufacturers aim to create new performance records.
Despite the UK's general obsession with political correctness and the proliferation of speed cameras for motorists, massively powerful motors are suddenly back in fashion.
Among the latest will be Vauxhall's new high performance version of its Monaro model, which is expected to be the fastest ever Vauxhall when it arrives here in spring.
The previous record was held by the controversial Lotus-powered Carlton model which was axed in the early 1990s amid claims that its speed potential was not socially acceptable at the time.
A host of other high performance versions of everyday hatchbacks and family models either disappeared or were dumbed down for a while but now they are back with a vengeance.
This latest sporty version of the Monaro builds on the popularity of the original VXR version that sold out in less powerful form within three months earlier this year.
In its latest guise with the same six-litre, V8 engine as the iconic Corvette power is raised from 388PS to 404PS with an increase in torque from 510Nm to 530Nm.
This translates into a 0-60mph acceleration time of about five seconds and a top speed in excess of 180mph.
The Lotus Carlton managed a recorded 177mph but was widely condemned at the time for being too powerful for everyday use on British roads.
However, these power and glory cars are in great demand now and Vauxhall is keen to establish its VXR badge as a serious rival to the likes of the BMW M models and Mercedes-Benz AMG versions that are extremely profitable.
In the case of the Monaro VXR, however, a relatively paltry price tag of under £40,000 is likely, which is extremely bad news for MG's rival SV-R.
MG is attempting to achieve a similar image boost with the SV-R, which uses a five-litre V8 engine to give it a 0-60mph acceleration time of just under five seconds and a top speed of 175mph.
With a price tag of up to virtually £90,000 for a fully-loaded example, the MG is looking increasingly like little more than a collectors' item when facing opposition such as the bargain-basement Monaro VXR.
It uses a traditional front engine and rear wheel drive layout with only a pair of bonnet vents, quad exhaust tail pipes, new ten-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels and VXR-branded brake callipers to give the game away.
Prices have yet to be confirmed but it is expected that the latest Monaro VXR will cost about half the price of most other 180mph supercars at around £37,000. The first examples should arrive in March.