- Sat Nov 05, 2011 10:26 pm
#3137326
I really like the look of this and with 276bhp will go like stink!
No sooner have we written about the Astra GTC, than Vauxhall unveils a properly hot version - its new Astra VXR.
With 276bhp and 295lb ft from its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor, the new hot hatch will be one of the most powerful hot hatches in its class, as well as the most powerful production Astra ever, although Vauxhall is yet to reveal full details of the car's performance.
The old VXR recipe of bunging in a load of power and hang the finesse seems to have been dropped as well - because looking at the spec sheet it seems the new Astra VXR might actually have a chance of matching its pace with some polished handling.
As with its GTC cousin, the new VXR comes equipped for starters with Vauxhall's HiPer Strut front suspension, which helps to both improve agility and reduce torque steer. On top of that there's also a proper mechanical LSD, adaptive switchable dampers and a Nurburgring sign-off programme helped along by touring car hero (and Le Mans winner) Jo Winkelhock (and what a legend he is).
Visually, the VXR gets a set of unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts, an aerodynamic roof spoiler and two trapezoidal exhaust tail pipes. Inside, the VXR's cabin gets 'performance' seats with embossed logos in the backs, a flat-bottomed VXR steering wheel and upgraded instruments.
There's no word on prices as yet, but we would bet against somewhere around the £25k mark when it goes on sale next year - putting it head to head with the new Ford Focus ST and Megane Renaultsport (both of which it will comfortably outgun).
