Vauxhall Confirms new Astra VXR

Aug 4 2011

Auto loan buyers who have been looking forward to a high performance version of the Vauxhall Astra GTC won't have to wait much longer: Vauxhall has finally confirmed that a super fast VXR Astra GTC coupe is on the cards for 2012.

The company describes the newcomer as the most exciting development of the performance brand to date. According to press reports it will be a virtual carbon copy of the concept GTC that was showcased at the Paris Motor Show in 2010.

A Vauxhall insider confirmed that even the stunning red paint will make it to the production car. It will have oversized 20-inch alloy wheels, colour coded bodywork and racing bucket seats.

The motoring press recently tested a 180bhp 1.6-litre Astra GTC with a turbo engine to get a taste of things to come. Although this already proved to be a real pocket rocket, the VXR will have a much more powerful engine: 295bhp to be exact. With an updated turbo petrol engine the car is poised to set new standards for acceleration and performance in the hot hatchback category.

Under the paintwork will be the same suspension we saw in the Insignia VXR. The VXR will get a louder exhaust system and larger brakes though. It will be fitted with Vauxhall's FlexRide system as standard, providing drivers with a choice of driving modes. This is expected to include a specially developed VXR setting, which will reduce input from the ESP system and provide the car with sharper steering.

Author - Louise Hutchinson

 

More from VAUXHALL News

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---