 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |
2012 Vauxhall Astra VXR news, pictures, and information | ||
| Tweet | ||
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
 2012
Vauxhall
models |
| Vauxhall Insignia BiTurbo |
| Vauxhall Mokka |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Alfa Romeo | Citroen |
| Fiat | Lancia |
| Morgan | Opel |
| Peugeot | Renault |
| Seat | Skoda |
| Similarly Sized Vehicles from 2012 |
| Arrinera Supercar |
| Audi A3 |
| Audi A6 Hybrid Concept |
| Audi R8 GRAND-AM |
| Audi R8 LMS ultra |
| Audi S5 |
| BMW 3 Series |
| BMW i3 Concept |
| BMW i8 Concept Spyder |
| BMW X1 |
| Tags | |
| 2.0-litre, direct injection, 2012, 2012 Vauxhall, Astra VXR | |
| Vauxhall: 2011-2020 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Other models by Vauxhall |
| Related Articles and Event Coverage |
| 2012 Geneva Salon International de l'Auto |
| 30/98 BX Velox VX220 |
© 1998-2012. All rights reserved. The material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
