Vauxhall Vectra VXR
VXR treatment takes new Vectra past 160mph - for less than UKP 24,000
- Vauxhall creates Britain's fastest hatchback and estate with 255PS Vectra VXR
- New 2.8-litre V6 turbo powers family favourite to a supercar-rivalling 161mph
- On sale in November, priced at UKP 23,995
Any car bearing the VXR badge has to be special - Vauxhall Astra, Monaro and VXR220 have already set the scene for what enthusiastic buyers can expect from the marque. Vauxhall Vectra VXR can certainly meet that criteria, thanks to an all-new 2.8-litre turbo engine with enough power and performance to make rivals look distinctly puny.
Producing a massive 255PS and 355Nm of torque (259lb/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 hatchback from zero to 60mph in 6.5 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, Vauxhall Vectra 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 (and Zafira VXR) the first production cars from a mainstream manufacturer to feature the latest generation electronic damping control with two processors instead of the usual one. Comparable systems are currently only available in 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 345mm diameter discs at the front, and 292 mm 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 Vauxhall 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 multispoke rims will be available.
But the most irresistible part of Vauxhall Vectra VXR will be the price. With a price of UKP 23,995 for the hatch and UKP 24,995 for the estate, it aggressively undercuts far less powerful rivals from mainstream manufacturers while making so-called 'prestige' marques' offerings look overpriced and underpowered.
Vauxhall Vectra VXR - Stylish Design
- VXR treatment brings out best in New Vectra style
- Hatch or estate body styles available
- Unique VXR interior styling
When Vauxhall introduced New Vectra, critics were amazed at the car's sharp new look. Vauxhall Vectra VXR takes that stylish design and moves it into fresh territory, with a bold, appearance that marks out the performance flagship of the range as a car with a seriously sporting presence - without being overly aggressive.
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