And to reel in the power, Vauxhall Vectra VXR has the biggest brakes ever fitted to a production Vauxhall, with 345mm ventilated discs at the front and 292mm solid discs at the rear - naturally backed up by ABD, Brake Assist and EBD - helping to bring things to an abrupt halt if necessary.

Under the skin, Vauxhall Vectra VXR has Macpherson struts at the front and wishbones at the rear. The steering geometry is specific to the VXR, giving heightened feedback and a weightier feel at high speed, along with sharper responses on twisty tarmac. Performance bushes and bearings add to the car's impressive dynamics.


Vauxhall Vectra VXR - Engine and performance

- New all-alloy 2.8-litre V6
- Produces 255PS and 355Nm of torque
- 0-62mph in 6.5secs, top speed 161mph
 
When a car looks as good as Vectra VXR, it has to deliver in the power department - after all, what's the point of shouting about something if you can't deliver?

Luckily, Vauxhall Vectra VXR can. With a top speed of 161mph, the five-door model is the fastest hatchback available on the British market, while the 158mph estate is also the most rapid load-lugger that money can buy - and it's all thanks to a technically advanced powerplant that makes its debut in the model.

The all-alloy 2.8-litre V6 engine is brand new, and uses a twin-scroll turbocharger and variable valve timing in order to deliver smooth yet breathtaking power.

The unit develops a maximum of 255PS (188kw) at 5,500rpm, while a peak torque figure of 355Nm (262lb/ft) is available from as little as 1,800rpm in order to avoid the turbo lag and brutal, unexpected bursts of power.

What this means is that not only is the Vectra VXR capable of effortless performance regardless of what gear you're in, but it also provides incredible smoothness and refinement.

The hatchback model can accelerate from rest to 60mph in just 6.5 seconds, while the estate can do the same sprint in 6.7 seconds. Power is transferred to the road via a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox specially developed for the model, and thanks to the highly-tuned IDS2-Plus chassis, it has no trouble getting its prodigious pulling power onto the tarmac.


Vauxhall Vectra VXR - Safety and quality

- High levels of active and passive safety
- Unique 'Crashbox' structure
- Active head restraints as standard
 
Performance cars should be used responsibly, and with that in mind Vauxhall has ensured that Vectra VXR is one of the safest and most dynamically able cars in its class.

That's why, as well as the reassuring handling characteristics of the IDS2-Plus chassis, Vauxhall has equipped Vectra VXR with some of the most advanced active safety features on the market. Enormous 345mm disc brakes front and rear should keep things in check for starters, while ESP-Plus, traction control, understeer control logic, cornering brake control and CDC Continuous Damping Control further add to the feeling of security on board.

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