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Image credits: © Vauxhall. GM Corp
2012 Vauxhall Astra VXR news, pictures, and information | ||
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Most powerful Astra ever makes show debut
Based on the GTC's platform and powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine, the Astra VXR produces 280PS of power and a mighty 400Nm of torque, enough for it to achieve a top speed of 155mph.But while the Astra VXR is based on the new GTC, it has benefited from a raft of bespoke chassis modifications, transforming it into a focused, high-performance coupe. Setting it apart from all other current Astras is a specially developed mechanical limited slip differential, which works on the front wheels. In conjunction wîth the GTC's sophisticated HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut), the LSD provides the Astra VXR wîth exceptional lateral grip and traction through bends.
Further changes to the chassis include brakes developed by competition supplier, Brembo, and standard fitment of Vauxhall's fully adaptive FlexRide system. In the Astra VXR, FlexRide features not only a Sport button, but a VXR button, offering drivers the choice of two, more focused stages of damper, throttle and §teering control.
VAÚXHALL REVEALS GENEVA SHOW STARSVauxhall is to unveil a brace of stunning new models and a groundbreaking concept car at this year's Geneva Show, which opens to press on March 6.
The hotly awaited, 280PS Astra VXR will wow Geneva show crowds ahead of its summer launch in the ÚK, and promises to raise the bar in the hot-hatch class, taking its lead from iconic predecessors like the Astra GTE Mk 1, 2 and 3 and outgoing VXR model.
In stark contrast, the Mokka breaks new ground for Vauxhall, as it enters the growing small SÚV market wîth its sharp design, choice of front- and four-wheel drive and high degree of interior versatility.
But Vauxhall/Opel can also reveal that it will use Geneva to show off a radical and innovative concept vehicle that will reinforce the true breadth of its design and engineering expertise….
Vauxhall/Opel concept breaks cover
These are the first official images of Vauxhall/Opel's RAD e concept vehicle. Vauxhall/Opel will present the 'RAD e' design study in Geneva - a futuristic e-bike that complements the brand's existing e-mobility strategy and offers a concept of integrated individual and urban mobility. The RAD e – the first e-bike to be built around automotive construction and production principles – carries much of Vauxhall/Opel's typical design language such as the boomerang shaped features associated wîth the Ampera and the RAK e concept car. Its pedelec technology, wîth a 250 watt motor, gives the rider motorised support when pedaling and achieves a range of between 37 and 90 miles. In that sense, the RAD e responds to customer needs to be mobile when car use is restricted or not possible. The RAD e is unveiled at a time when e-bikes are widely expected to play a key role in future integrated urban transport, linking e-bikes, cars and buses.Source - Vauxhall
Vauxhall Astra GTC : Vehicle Highlights
The all-new Astra GTC replaces the successful Astra Sports Hatch, and will lay down the gauntlet to VW's Scirocco and Renault's Megane Coupe when it appears in showrooms at the end of November 2011 wîth a heady mix of dynamic excellence, dramatic design and competitive pricing.
Closely based on last year's stunning GTC Paris concept, the Astra GTC enters the ÚK market – the biggest in Europe for this model – priced from just £18,495, nearly £1,350 less than the basic VW Scirocco. But even in entry-level trim, the Astra GTC adopts the sophisticated HiPerStrut front suspension derived from the Insignia VXR, offering precision handling and unmatched stability.
The third body style to come off the Astra's Delta platform (following the Hatch and last year's Sports Tourer), the only exterior design elements the GTC shares wîth its siblings are door handles and the roof aerial – even the wheelbase and tracks are different. Brit, Mark Adams, Vauxhall's Vice President of Design, has aimed to create a car that looks like it's been plucked from the class above, wîth its low, wide stance and simple, yet rakish lines.
ÚK Coupe market & rivals
Vauxhall's current Astra has already laid down successful foundations on which the GTC can thrive. In 2010, it was the ÚK's second best-selling car overall, as well as the best-seller in its §egmènt, wîth sales of 79,330, beating both the Focus (76,892) and the Golf (62,912).
The Astra's lower medium §egmènt is the second largest in the ÚK, accounting for 20.9 per cent of the total new car market, and coupe and three-door hatch sales make up 11.7 per cent of this §egmènt (figures based on YTD April '11).
And in previous years, the Astra Sport Hatch – GTC's predecessor – dominated this class. In 2007 and 2008 it out-sold its nearest competitor by three-to-one, and up until last year was still the clear leader wîth total registrations of 11,451 in 2010 (Scirocco was 2nd, Audi A3 3rd, Megane Coupe 4th).
Overall in this §egmènt, fleet and retail sales are split evenly at around 50:50 per cent and the GTC is expected to account for around 20 per of all Astra sales, much like its predecessor.
Naturally, the three key rivals Vauxhall identifies for the GTC reflect the main players in the current market: Volkswagen Scirocco, Renault Megane Coupe and the Audi A3 3-door. However, given the GTC's premium design and sophisticated underpinnings, Vauxhall also expects the BMW 1-Series to be potential competition.
Vauxhall's traditional rival, Ford, has already announced that there will be no three-door Focus, giving the GTC a real advantage in this arena.
ASTRA VXR
• ÚK pricing revealed + 0-60mph time• The most powerful production model in Astra's 32-year history
• 280PS and 400Nm of torque, wîth top speed of 155mph
• Bespoke chassis wîth mechanical limited slip diff and Brembo brakes
• Lightweight front bucket seats wîth prestigious ‘AGR' health seal
• On sale in ÚK in Spring; first deliveries this Summer
Source - Vauxhall
| 'THE SPORTIEST CARS OF 2013' - THREE BMW MODELS LEAD THE FIELD | |
 | Munich. With the award of three first places in three different classes, the readers of the specialist German magazine 'Sport Auto' have returned their verdict and named three current BMW models as 'The sportiest cars of 2013', expressing once again their preference for pure driving pleasure. In the diesel category, the BMW M550d xDrive was voted into first place again, continuing the trend it set the previous year. Two more first-in-class awards were won by the BMW 335i Sedan and the BMW...[Read more...] |
| Land Rover Celebrates 65 Years Of Technology And Innovation | |
 | SIXTY-FIVE YEARS OF LAND ROVER From our earliest days, the desire to create a vehicle that will tackle any terrain has made Land Rover famous around the world. Over the past 65 years, the Land Rover family has grown into the highly respected range of vehicles that are sold in record numbers today. As Land Rover continues to go from strength to strength, we thought it was time to look back at the milestones in our history that have got us here. The last 65 years have been an adventure. ...[Read more...] |
| Kia Motors Announces Pricing For All-New 2014 Cadenza Premium Sedan | |
 | Kia's Flagship Sedan Offers Premium Amenities at a Starting Price of $35,1001 MSRP
• The most powerful and technologically advanced Kia in the U.S. market is defined by European-influenced styling and extraordinary levels of refinement and amenities
• Cadenza features class-leading interior room2 and is offered in one trim level with two available option packages IRVINE, Calif., April 19, 2013 – Kia Motors America (KMA) is pleased to announce pricing for its most powerful and ...[Read more...] |
| VOLVO CAR GROUP LAUNCHES WORLD-FIRST INJECTION TECHNOLOGY IN THE NEW VEA ENGINE FAMILY | |
 | Volvo Car Group's new engine family VEA (Volvo Engine Architecture) will be launched this autumn with world-first i-ART technology that helps to cut fuel consumption in the new diesel engines. By featuring pressure feedback from each fuel injector instead of using a traditional single pressure sensor in the common rail, i-ART makes it possible to continuously monitor and adapt fuel injection per combustion in each of the four cylinders. 'Increasing the rail pressure to an exceptionally hig...[Read more...] |
| JAGUAR EXPANDS POWERTRAIN CHOICE WITH TWO ADDITIONAL FORCED-INDUCTION PETROL ENGINES | |
 | As Jaguar expands its product offer in key global markets it is introducing two additional petrol units to its range to enhance customer choice; the new 3.0-litre V6 Supercharged Petrol, and the 2.0-litre I4 Turbocharged Petrol. Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars, said: 'Jaguar currently has its strongest range of products for several decades. Our continued growth is dependent on two things; activating the awareness of the brand, and expanding our range to enable us to access...[Read more...] |
 2012
Vauxhall
models |
| Vauxhall Insignia BiTurbo |
| Vauxhall Insignia VXR SuperSport |
| Vauxhall Mokka |
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| Vauxhall: 2011-2020 |
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