simonb Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 Just been sent this - official press release! EMBARGO: MONDAY 8 AUGUST 2005 VXR TREATMENT TAKES NEW VECTRA PAST 160MPH Vauxhall creates Britain’s fastest hatchback with awesome 255PS Vectra VXR New 2.8-litre V6 turbo powers family favourite to a supercar-rivalling 161mph On sale in November, priced at under £25,000 The Frankfurt motor show is sure to be packed full of exotic performance machinery, but no other hatchback will be able to offer the performance of the new Vectra VXR. The new model, which makes its debut at the German show on 12th September, has a top speed of 161mph – faster than many other super-saloons which cost twice the price. Using an all-new 2.8-litre V6 turbo producing a massive 255PS and 320Nm of torque (236lb ft), Vauxhall’s engineers have created the most powerful car in the class – and created a suitably dynamic big brother for the red-hot Astra VXR. With variable valve timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger, the V6 is supremely flexible too, taking the car from zero to 60mph in 6.6 seconds, and dispatching the 50-70mph sprint (in fifth gear) in just 7.6 seconds. A six-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard. Using the heavily revised chassis of the new Vectra range as its base, the VXR has been tuned even further to handle the engine’s awesome power. A new evolution of Vauxhall’s acclaimed IDS-plus system is used, making the Vectra the first production car from a mainstream manufacturer to feature the latest generation electronic damping control - comparable systems are currently only available on a handful of low-volume supercars. The sophisticated system minimises body movements exceptionally quickly with the help of two separate processing modules. The result is a noticeable enhancement in body roll prevention and damper control while still maintaining the Vectra’s legendary ride comfort. The brakes are the largest fitted to any production Vauxhall too, with massive 345mm diameter discs at the front, and 292mm at the rear. These provide ultra-powerful deceleration from high speeds and precise feel through the pedal. When it came to designing the exterior, the stylists made the Vectra VXR look purposeful without being overly aggressive. The front end features a deeper front bumper incorporating the VXR trademark honeycomb mesh and a body coloured ‘V’’ grille which is unique to Vauxhall’s flagship performance models. At the rear, a subtle rear spoiler, pair of trapezoidal tailpipes and lowered bumper hint at the performance without being too ostentatious, while the side profile is accentuated with large 18-inch alloys. As with the Astra VXR, 19-inch rims will be available. But the most irresistible part of the Vectra VXR will be the price. With an expected cost of well under £25,000, it aggressively undercuts far less powerful rivals from mainstream manufacturers while making so-called ‘prestige’ marques’ offerings look massively overpriced and underpowered. Sales of the Vectra VXR hatchback will begin in November, and it is rumoured an estate version is under consideration, which could appear in the UK as early as spring 2006. Pics available too but quite big to put on here - will try to get something uploaded! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonb Posted August 8, 2005 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 What do we all think?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonb Posted August 8, 2005 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 I think i like it. Not sure of some of the very biased comments in the text though - clearly Vauxhall PR Dept spin! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
collease Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 does this all mean it will torque steer like nobodies business? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malagus Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 that front is dire. might look OK in black, but that weird grin. make a good copper car, and a nice little sleeper, but the Astra VXR does the biz, and looks acceptable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonb Posted August 8, 2005 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 collease - i reckon so. I'm sure Clarkson will let us all know! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brabus Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 That says "chav done well" to me... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
collease Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 if the astra was anything to go by im a dead man then. As for the looks i agree not great might be better in black. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcon magnifique Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 2.8 V6 turbo - that'll be the unit that's in the new Saab 9-3 Aero then... It'll have to be good to get close to the Mondeo ST220 (also "well under £25k"...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonb Posted August 8, 2005 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 I think that there will be 200 silver models on order by HM's boys in blue. Nice motorway tool for chasing criminals and us innocent who drive at 75/80! Plus, expensive too so fits the police's car policy nicely!! Would look ok sat next to all those Range Rovers and Merc MLs! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 [ QUOTE ] New 2.8-litre V6 turbo powers family favourite to a supercar-rivalling 161mph [/ QUOTE ] Yeah right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonb Posted August 8, 2005 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 Missed that bit - lmao - who they trying to kid! The guys who write this stuff must drive 800cc Vauxhall Agilas!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcon magnifique Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 0-60 = 6.6 secs. I can think of a good half dozen diesels that are quicker than that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malagus Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 wow! 161!!!!!!!! our 1.6 astra does 120 without topping 3500 revs. its hardly revolutionary speed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ari Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] New 2.8-litre V6 turbo powers family favourite to a supercar-rivalling 161mph [/ QUOTE ] Yeah right. [/ QUOTE ] But it does make it faster than your 4.5 litre V8 6 Series doesn't it...? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcon magnifique Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 Not if he takes the limiter off it doesn't... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonb Posted August 8, 2005 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 LOL! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 [ QUOTE ] But it does make it faster than your 4.5 litre V8 6 Series doesn't it...? [/ QUOTE ] I am reliably informed that should I decide to remove the restrictor....that it'll go to 187 mph. Not that I would ever dream of doing that of course. If I don't do it, then you're right. I'd only be in fourth gear of course... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonb Posted August 8, 2005 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 Good return! Plus - you don't have a big ugly 'V' looking at you whilst you drive!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 [ QUOTE ] you don't have a big ugly 'V' looking at you whilst you drive!! [/ QUOTE ] True, but I have a feeling I'll get a few of them flicked at me... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 [ QUOTE ] I am reliably informed that should I decide to remove the restrictor.... [/ QUOTE ] So the Vauxhall is quicker then Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malagus Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] you don't have a big ugly 'V' looking at you whilst you drive!! [/ QUOTE ] True, but I have a feeling I'll get a few of them flicked at me... [/ QUOTE ] just the one from me. for all you vauxhall haters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] I am reliably informed that should I decide to remove the restrictor.... [/ QUOTE ] So the Vauxhall is quicker then [/ QUOTE ] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] you don't have a big ugly 'V' looking at you whilst you drive!! [/ QUOTE ] True, but I have a feeling I'll get a few of them flicked at me... [/ QUOTE ] just the one from me. for all you vauxhall haters. [/ QUOTE ] I don't hate Vauxhall. I don't particularly like them, but they have their merits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brabus Posted August 8, 2005 Report Share Posted August 8, 2005 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] you don't have a big ugly 'V' looking at you whilst you drive!! [/ QUOTE ] True, but I have a feeling I'll get a few of them flicked at me... [/ QUOTE ] just the one from me. for all you vauxhall haters. [/ QUOTE ] I don't hate Vauxhall. I don't particularly like them, but they have their merits. [/ QUOTE ] Yes, they are perfect rental cars... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now