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 March 20, 2012. Vauxhall’s new Astra VXR will produce more power and torque than any car in its class and will achieve a sub 6-second 0-60mph time – quicker than any main rival - when it arrives in UK showrooms this summer.
Its keen UK pricing of £26,995 will undercut that of the less powerful Scirocco R, and will include a mechanical limited slip differential and 19-inch rims in its kit-list, neither of which is standard on either the VW or the Renault Megane Sport, the VXR’s other main competitor.
Vauxhall’s unique Lifetime Warranty will also provide first owners of the Astra VXR with the reassurance of comprehensive cover, for however long they own the car.
The UK will be the largest market for the Astra VXR and media will have the chance to see the wraps come off the first Vauxhall version at Geneva. Based on the GTC’s platform and powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine, the VXR produces 280PS and a mighty 400Nm of torque – 40-50Nm more than key rivals - enough for it to achieve a top speed of 155mph and accelerate from 0-60mph in just 5.9 seconds.
But while the Astra VXR is based on the new GTC, it has benefited from a raft of bespoke chassis modifications, transforming it into a focused, high-performance coupe. Setting it apart from all other current Astras is a specially developed mechanical limited slip differential, which works on the front wheels. In conjunction with the GTC’s sophisticated HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut), the LSD provides the Astra VXR with exceptional lateral grip and traction through bends.
Further changes to the chassis include brakes developed by competition supplier, Brembo, and standard fitment of Vauxhall’s fully adaptive FlexRide system. In the Astra VXR, FlexRide features not only a Sport button, but a VXR button, offering drivers the choice of two, more focused stages of damper, throttle and steering control.
Much of the chassis sign-off was done at the Northern Loop (Nordschleife) of the Nürburgring, and was overseen by Le Mans 24-hour race winner, “Smokin’ Jo” Winkelhock. “We have devised a great package that will convince even the most experienced and enthusiastic drivers – and not just on the Nürburgring!” said Winkelhock.
Visual identifiers for the Astra VXR comprise a set of specially sculpted front and rear bumpers, side skirts, an aerodynamic roof spoiler and two exhaust tail pipes in a trapeze shape. There will also be the option of an Aero Pack (£995), which includes a Bi-Plane roof spoiler, extended side skirts and 20-inch forged bi-colour alloy rims. Inside, the VXR’s cabin gets bespoke light-weight performance seats with embossed logos in the backs, a flat-bottomed VXR steering wheel and upgraded instruments.
Vauxhall is opening UK order books today for the Astra VXR, and anticipates that customers will receive first cars in July.
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source : Vauxhall Press
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