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COUSINS UNDER THE SKIN
For 2007, VXRacing switches to the Vectra to take up the BTCC racing challenge, and with the season fast approaching, we get a flavour of the racing car's dynamic character, through its brilliant road-going cousin, the Vectra SRi… Words by James Mills, pictures by Stuart Collins
It's a long haul from Brands Hatch to Thruxton, but if you take your racing seriously, think of it as a pilgrimage, and throw in Donington and Goodwood, just for good measure. Which is how we came to drive the Vectra SRi Nav with Exterior Pack over 1200 miles as we limbered up for the 2007 British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).
We pre-programmed the satellite navigation system for a stress-free trip, stocked up on fresh fruit and smoothies - our crucifix and garlic equivalents to fend off life-sucking service stations- and headed for the first of our destinations, Brands Hatch.
Tucked away at the 5 o'clock position on that most glorious of British roads, the perpetually frantic M25, the historic Kent circuit is said by those in the know to be a 'proper' track. By which they mean scarier than a rickety roller coaster ride and with a tendency to bite the unwary. On 1 April it will welcome Round 1 of the BTCC, and VXRacing's Vectras, which will be hungry to put Vauxhall on the podium.
The atmospheric 1.2-mile Indy circuit is a natural amphitheatre, serving up unrivalled front row action and the opportunity to watch VXRacing's drivers, Tom Chilton and Fabrizio Giovanardi, for virtually the whole of every lap.
Sadly, there's no time for high-speed laps or kerb hopping today, and we're soon back to the reality of modern-day motoring. We join the M25 from the A20, and begin the journey to Donington.
Tucked away at the 5 o'clock position on that most glorious of British roads, the perpetually frantic M25, the historic Kent circuit is said by those in the know to be a 'proper' track.
The SRi's sporty driver's seat is wonderfully comfortable, with height adjustment and variable lumbar support. The sporty three-spoke leather steering wheel adjusts for rake and reach, while its very handy remote controls for the audio system help keep your eyes on the road. With perfectly spaced pedals for spirited driving (of which more later) a left-foot rest and masses of space around you, plus the smart and stylish dashboard with SRi's unique sports instruments, you will be travelling first class.
On the motorway, you fully appreciate the flexibility of the smooth, quiet turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder ECOTEC engine. With a healthy 265Nm of torque - at a usefully low 2500rpm, you don't have to drive this super-willing road-going Vectra like a BTCC wannabe. Just sit back and relax, letting that midrange punch whisk you past slower traffic quickly and effortlessly.