Triple Eight Engineering tunes the Opel Astra VXR

Triple Eight Engineering, the same team responsible for preparing the Opel Vectra VRX race car for 2008 BTCC Drivers’ Champion Fabrizio Giovanardi, has now worked its magic on the smaller Astra VXR, lifting its power output and improving its handling.

Triple Eight provide a raft of different tuning parts for all VXR models, however the already potent Astra VXR is the latest to get the treatment with some special components developed exclusively for the car. One of these is a Remus exhaust, which improves the exhaust note and gives the Astra a 20hp (15kW) boost, bringing the total power output to 257hp (192kW).

According to Triple Eight, the Astra VXR can take even more power than this, hence the option to have a modified ECU installed. This helps to liberate a further 48hp (36kW), bringing the maximum output to a substantial 305hp (227kW) in the front-wheel-drive sports hatch, reports EVO.

Triple Eight also offer a wheel and tire package, comprising bespoke 18in, heat-treated wheels with 235mm Toyo Proxy tires. Complementing this is the VX Racing brake kit, developed with AP Racing, which includes four-pot front calipers and larger 343mm x 26mm front discs for more stopping power.

Completing the package is Triple Eight’s Eibach Sport Spring Lowering Kit, which drops the Astra’s ride-height by up to 15mm in order to improve handling and maintain composure through corners.