VAUXHALL INSIGNIA VXR HITS MARKET AFTER 10,000KM SIGN OFF AT ‘RING
- Extensive durability sign-off at Germany 's notorious Nurbürgring
- Turbocharged V6 engine with race-bred design features
- Unique-to-range chassis features for optimised grip and traction
- Priced from £30,995.00
Luton – Packing 325 horsepower, a sophisticated four-wheel-drive chassis and a sub-six second 0-60 time, Vauxhall's new Insignia VXR is set to take the mid-size performance saloon market by storm when it appears in UK showrooms this September, priced from £30,995.00.
Based on the successful 2009 European Car of the Year, and available in hatch, saloon and Sports Tourer body styles, the high-performance Insignia will be Vauxhall's first VXR model to adopt 4X4 technology, using a bespoke chassis developed through an extensive test programme at the gruelling Nürburgring circuit in Germany .
Highlights are a ‘HiPerStrut' front suspension system, Adaptive 4X4 with electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) and a 10 millimetre reduction in ride height over the Insignia SRi.
The HiPerStrut system is unique to the VXR and serves two primary functions: firstly, to reduce torque-steer, but also to maintain negative camber during cornering, thereby improving ultimate grip levels in wet or dry conditions.
Complementing these features are standard 19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch lightweight forged alloys are a cost option) with bespoke tyres, revised bushing and damper settings on both axles, and Brembo brakes with colour-keyed callipers and vented/cross-drilled discs.
‘The Insignia VXR is not just about absolute power, but a combination of usable performance and chassis sophistication which is the match of premium rivals, such as Audi's new S4,' said Andy Gilson, Vauxhall's Marketing Director. ‘In essence, it's an ultra-fast performance saloon that will appeal to buyers who appreciate subtle yet distinctive styling, but who need to know that there's real substance below the car's metal.'
And substance the VXR has a-plenty. At the heart of the Insignia VXR is Vauxhall's advanced 2.8-litre V6 Turbo ECOTEC engine, with its micro-alloy forged steel crank, classic 60-degree cylinder angle and die-cast alloy oil sump – all features found in many a race engine. Producing 325PS, the engine uses a single, twin-scroll turbocharger and variable valve control for quick throttle response, and accelerates from 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds, achieving an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.
With a design inspired by the Vauxhall/Opel GTC concept car, many of the Insignia VXR's styling cues will be familiar to those who saw this groundbreaking concept at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. A deeper bumper, incorporating bold, twin mesh grilles either side of the main grille, dominates the front of the car, and at the rear, all models gain a rear spoiler, while all VXRs have a bespoke bumper moulding incorporating dual matt chrome exhausts.
This sporting theme continues in the Insignia VXR's cabin. Recaro front seats, a new VXR steering wheel, VXR gearknob and unique mouldings are standard on all cars, along with different instrument graphics, VXR sill plates and a black headlining.
Combining all the technical highlights of the VXR hatch and saloon with best in class-matching luggage capacity (rear seats up), the VXR Sports Tourer version is not only the fastest estate car Vauxhall has ever produced, but also the first to incorporate Adaptive 4X4 and an electronic limited slip differential.
A 540-litre load space behind its 60:40 split rear seats increases to 1530-litres with the seats down. And accessing this area has never been easier, thanks to the VXR Sports Tourer's standard electronic tailgate, which can be operated off the driver's key fob, or via a rotary knob on the inside of the driver's door.
All VXRs are available with a colour palette comprising Arden Blue, Power Red, Carbon Flash Black, Silver Lake , Olympic White and Technical Grey.
Sitting at the top of the Insignia range, the new models will be an important addition to Vauxhall's performance-bred VXR family, which already includes the Corsa VXR, Astra VXR and 562 horsepower VXR8 Bathurst S.
Well, that's a car that catches your eye... Maybe it is not one of the famous brands, but it sure looks to me that it has future. Vauxhall offers a great opportunity for a good price.
Still the brand is not that famous, and that is leading to not making big sales. The only way I can see that, Vauxhall brand has is that they continue with their dedication and use it to increase their sales and wait to get famous!
I can only say: Good Luck Guys!!!
