Motor Authority - blog Tag: VXR

With Opel’s new Astra now out in the open, attention can turn to variants other than the regular five-door Hatchback that’s been plastered all over the web in recent months. While a new Wagon and stylish Cabrio have already been speculated on, new reports indicate the sporty three-door hatch will also make a return but time around it will be much more agressively styled than the regular five-door.

Speaking with Autocar at the launch of the new Insigna OPC, the Astra's chief designer, Malcolm Ward, revealed that the sports hatch would feature a far more rakish and lower profile than the current model and would arrive on the... With Opel’s new Astra now out in the open, attention can turn to variants other than the regular five-door Hatchback that’s been plastered all over the web in recent months. While a new Wagon and stylish Cabrio have already been speculated on, new reports indicate the sporty three-door hatch will also make a return but time around it will be much more agressively styled than the regular five-door. Speaking with Autocar at the launch of the new Insigna OPC, the Astra's chief designer, Malcolm Ward, revealed that the sports hatch would feature a far more rakish and lower profile than the current model and would arrive on the market in 2011. The car will also spawn a high-performance OPC (VXR) variant, though details on this model are yet to be confirmed. OPC, which stands for ‘Opel Performance Center,’ is the name given to models developed by Opel’s official in-house tuner and typically feature minor engine and handling mods as well as styling and performance upgrades such as bigger wheels and sporty bodykits. Opel's designers will be building upon more than 600 hours of wind tunnel testing that went into the regular five-door model to ensure the new sports hatch is much more aerodynamic. Opel is taking the economy gains that can be had from better aerodynamics very seriously and utilized a number of new design touches to improve efficiency. The front bumper, for example, will be angled to direct air past the wheel and on to the side of the car. There will also be sculpted areas around the rear lights to reduce the pool of air that gathers behind hatchbacks, cutting drag. The new Astra is crucial for Opel as it will need to recover market share lost by the current model to Ford’s strong-selling Focus hatch as well as fend off the Fiesta compact, and with a number of new and exciting variants in the works it may just accomplish this goal.2010 Opel Astra Read More

Following last month’s reveal of the 325hp (242kW) Opel Insignia OPC comes the wagon or ‘Sports Tourer’ version, which is set to go on sale in Opel and Vauxhall showrooms in the second half of the year. Like its sedan counterpart, the OPC Sports Tourer comes packing the same twin-turbocharged powerplant, sophisticated AWD chassis and a sub-six second 0-60mph time.

For the uninitiated, OPC, which stands for Opel Performance Center, is the name given to models developed by GM’s official in-house tuner in Europe, and in the past has been used for cars like the Astra and compact Corsa hatchbacks. OPC models are rebadged... Following last month’s reveal of the 325hp (242kW) Opel Insignia OPC comes the wagon or ‘Sports Tourer’ version, which is set to go on sale in Opel and Vauxhall showrooms in the second half of the year. Like its sedan counterpart, the OPC Sports Tourer comes packing the same twin-turbocharged powerplant, sophisticated AWD chassis and a sub-six second 0-60mph time. For the uninitiated, OPC, which stands for Opel Performance Center, is the name given to models developed by GM’s official in-house tuner in Europe, and in the past has been used for cars like the Astra and compact Corsa hatchbacks. OPC models are rebadged as VXRs when sold under the UK’s Vauxhall brand. The only discernable difference between the sedan and Sports Tourer is the extra storage space of the wagon body, which offers 540L of load space with the 40:60 split rear seats up and 1,530L when folded down. The Insignia OPC is the first model from the performance division to be offered with AWD and is available in sedan, hatch and Sports Tourer wagon bodystyles. Highlights are a ‘HiPerStrut’ (High Performance Strut) front suspension system, an adaptable AWD system with an electronic Limited Slip Differential and a 10mm reduction in ride height over the standard Insignia. The HiPerStrut system is unique to the OPC model 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. Drive comes from a 2.8L V6 turbocharged engine rated at 325hp (242kW), which is enough to send the car from 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds and an electronically controlled top speed of 155mph. Complementing these features are standard 19in alloy wheels (20in lightweight forged alloys are optional), revised bushing and damper settings on both axles, and Brembo brakes with color-keyed calipers and vented and cross-drilled discs. The sporting theme continues inside with Recaro front seats, a new steering wheel, gearknob and unique moldings, as well as different instrument graphics and sill plates.2009 Opel (Vauxhall) Insignia wagon2010 Opel Insignia OPC (Vauxhall Insignia VXR)2010 Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer (Vauxhall Insignia VXR) Read More

Packing 325hp (242kW), a sophisticated AWD chassis and a sub-six second 0-60mph time, Opel’s new Insignia OPC is set to take the midsize performance saloon market by storm when it goes on sale in the middle of the year. OPC, which stands for ‘Opel Performance Center,’ is the name given to models developed by GM’s official in-house tuner in Europe, and in the past has been used for cars like the Astra and compact Corsa hatchbacks.

OPC cars typically feature minor engine and handling mods as well as styling and performance upgrades such as bigger wheels and sporty bodykits. In the UK, the car will be known as the... Packing 325hp (242kW), a sophisticated AWD chassis and a sub-six second 0-60mph time, Opel’s new Insignia OPC is set to take the midsize performance saloon market by storm when it goes on sale in the middle of the year. OPC, which stands for ‘Opel Performance Center,’ is the name given to models developed by GM’s official in-house tuner in Europe, and in the past has been used for cars like the Astra and compact Corsa hatchbacks. OPC cars typically feature minor engine and handling mods as well as styling and performance upgrades such as bigger wheels and sporty bodykits. In the UK, the car will be known as the Vauxhall Insignia VXR. The new Insignia OPC is the first model from the performance division to be offered with AWD and is available in hatch, saloon, and wagon bodystyles. Highlights are a ‘HiPerStrut’ (High Performance Strut) front suspension system, an adaptable AWD system with an electronic Limited Slip Differential and a 10mm reduction in ride height over the standard Insignia. The HiPerStrut system is unique to the OPC model 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 19in alloy wheels (20in lightweight forged alloys are optional), revised bushing and damper settings on both axles, and Brembo brakes with color-keyed calipers and vented and cross-drilled discs. Drive comes from a 2.8L V6 turbocharged engine rated at 325hp (242kW), which is enough to send the car from 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds and an electronically controlled top speed of 155mph. The sporting theme continues inside with Recaro front seats, a new steering wheel, gearknob and unique moldings, as well as different instrument graphics and sill plates.2010 Opel Insignia OPC (Vauxhall Insignia VXR) Read More

We’ve seen a number of prototypes for the upcoming OPC Opel Insignia sedan and Sports Tourer wagon in the past 12 months but this is the first time that we have seen the car in its almost production ready state. OPC, which stands for ‘Opel Performance Center,’ is the name given to models developed by GM’s official in-house tuner in Europe, and in the past has been used for cars like the Astra and compact Corsa hatchbacks.

OPC cars typically feature minor engine and handling mods as well as styling and performance upgrades such as bigger wheels and sporty bodykits. In the UK, the car will likely be known as the... We’ve seen a number of prototypes for the upcoming OPC Opel Insignia sedan and Sports Tourer wagon in the past 12 months but this is the first time that we have seen the car in its almost production ready state. OPC, which stands for ‘Opel Performance Center,’ is the name given to models developed by GM’s official in-house tuner in Europe, and in the past has been used for cars like the Astra and compact Corsa hatchbacks. OPC cars typically feature minor engine and handling mods as well as styling and performance upgrades such as bigger wheels and sporty bodykits. In the UK, the car will likely be known as the Vauxhall Insignia VXR. The oversized wheels and cross-drilled brake discs of this latest prototype suggest there will be some serious performance modifications implemented by Opel’s engineers this time around. A V6 badge at the rear of previous prototypes, meanwhile, confirms that the 260hp (194kW) 2.8L engine from the standard model will also be used in the OPC, however, the addition of a turbocharger system could boost power levels beyond 300hp (225kW). Previous reports suggest that a new AWD system will be fitted to the car to improve handling, while stiffer suspension and an uprated steering system will also improve track performance. The expected AWD system is the same torque-splitting electronic differential used by Saab for its 9-3 Turbo X. With rumors the Insignia could be heading Stateside as the 2010 Buick Regal, there’s now a chance that this high-performance OPC model could be offered in the U.S. as well - let’s keep our fingers crossed.Opel Insignia OPC with Brembo brakes spy shots2010 Opel Insignia Sports Tourer OPC Read More

Get ready to fight off the green-eyed monster of jealousy, as those lucky Brits have landed yet another pair of spicy limited-edition hatches. The already-impressive Vauxhall Astra and Corsa VXR will now be available with special Racing Edition packages to celebrate the company's success in the 2008 BTCC season and to kick of the 2009 series.

Liveried in colors to replicate the race team, buyers of the VXR Race Editions also get VXR Performance Center parts discounts as part of their ownership package.

Performance and comfort enhancements are also included, with up to 20 extra horsepower (15kW) on tap thanks to a new, optional, Remus... Get ready to fight off the green-eyed monster of jealousy, as those lucky Brits have landed yet another pair of spicy limited-edition hatches. The already-impressive Vauxhall Astra and Corsa VXR will now be available with special Racing Edition packages to celebrate the company's success in the 2008 BTCC season and to kick of the 2009 series. Liveried in colors to replicate the race team, buyers of the VXR Race Editions also get VXR Performance Center parts discounts as part of their ownership package. Performance and comfort enhancements are also included, with up to 20 extra horsepower (15kW) on tap thanks to a new, optional, Remus exhaust system. Full leather Recaro seats are standard, and a handful of VX Racing badges are applied to the B-pillars, door sills, and other areas. Tinted rear glass, a black rear diffuser, black mirror covers and door bump-strips and - in the Astra - piano black interior decor strips all help mark the Racing Editions out as more than a typical VXR. Gloss-black alloy wheels sized 18in for the Corsa and 19in for the Astra complete the sinister racing look. The cars are UK-only and priced to start from £17,425.00 ($24,800) for the Corsa and £21,445 ($30,500) for the Astra.Vauxhall Astra and Corsa VXR Racing Editions Read More

General Motors has already cast doubt on next-generation hopes for the Pontiac G8 in the U.S., but the current generation of the car is still slated to get its GXP variant, equivalent to Vauxhall's VXR8 in the UK. But the lucky drivers in Great Britain have a hotter car yet headed their way with the unveiling of the VXR8 Bathurst S edition.

The VXR8 is already an impressive sedan, rated at 431hp (321kW), but the Bathurst S edition cranks that up to 560hp (418kW) and 528lb-ft (715Nm) of torque thanks to a Walkinshaw Performance 122 supercharger. That makes the car the UK's least expensive 500+hp car at £44,995 ($65,000). It's even in the... General Motors has already cast doubt on next-generation hopes for the Pontiac G8 in the U.S., but the current generation of the car is still slated to get its GXP variant, equivalent to Vauxhall's VXR8 in the UK. But the lucky drivers in Great Britain have a hotter car yet headed their way with the unveiling of the VXR8 Bathurst S edition. The VXR8 is already an impressive sedan, rated at 431hp (321kW), but the Bathurst S edition cranks that up to 560hp (418kW) and 528lb-ft (715Nm) of torque thanks to a Walkinshaw Performance 122 supercharger. That makes the car the UK's least expensive 500+hp car at £44,995 ($65,000). It's even in the running in the performance-per-dollar sweepstakes agains the bargain-priced U.S. version of the Cadillac CTS-V, rated at 556hp and priced at $59,999. Helping to keep all that power under control is a set of upgraded six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes plus stiffer, height-adjustable springs and special Walkinshaw coilover dampers with 15 selectable settings. The goal of the new suspension was preserving the car's ride quality while helping to control body roll and improve transitional ability. For those slightly less insane, Vauxhall also offers a VXR8 Bathurst edition, which does away with the supercharger of the Bathurst S. Both Bathurst versions also get a distinctive exterior treatment including front fog light covers and ‘Bathurst’ badges, though the addition of a discreet ‘S’ badge reveals the supercharged model’s extra 129hp, while inside a console-mounted badge showing the car’s build number complements the ‘Walkinshaw Performance’ tread plates found inside each door opening. The final touch is a sonorous and performance-enhancing exhaust that opens up the car's breathing, adding up to 10hp and offering two settings for performance and street use. Setting the exhaust to 'street' limits output to 92dbA, while ticking the 'optimum' setting raises the limit to 102dbA. The standard Bathurst edition starts at £37,995 ($55,000), only £2,757 ($4,000) more than the standard VXR8.Vauxhall VXR8 upgraded with LS3 V8Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst Edition with 552hp Read More