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Vauxhall Magazine; 2009

Ignition Excitement

Power play for Insignia VXR


 

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Packing a thumping 325PS, a sophisticated four-wheel-drive chassis and a sub-six second 0-60mph sprint time, Vauxhall’s new Insignia VXR is set to take the mid-size performance market by storm.
Available in hatch, saloon and Sports Tourer body styles, the high-performance Insignia will be our first VXR model to adopt 4x4 technology, using a bespoke chassis developed through an extensive test programme at the gruelling Nürburgring circuit in Germany.


A technical highlight is the ‘HiPerStrut’ (High Performance Strut) front suspension system which is unique to the VXR, and reduces torque-steer and maintains negative camber during cornering, thereby improving grip levels in wet and dry conditions. Complementing this are 19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch lightweight forged alloys are a cost option) with bespoke tyres and Brembo brakes.


“The Insignia VXR is not just about absolute power, but a combination of usable performance and chassis sophistication which is the match of premium rivals, such as Audi’s new S4,” explains Andy Gilson, Vauxhall’s Marketing Director. “In essence, it’s an ultra-fast performance car that will appeal to buyers who appreciate subtle yet distinctive styling, but who need to know there’s real substance underneath.”
And substance the VXR has. Vauxhall’s advanced 2.8-litre V6 Turbo ECOTEC engine carries features found in many a race engine, uses a turbocharger and variable valve control for quick throttle response and accelerates from 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds.

Visually the Insignia VXR is distinguished by a deeper front bumper, twin mesh grilles either side of the main grille and, at the rear, a bespoke bumper incorporating dual matt chrome exhausts. The sporting theme continues inside with Recaro front seats, a new VXR steering wheel and gearknob along with different instrument graphics, VXR sill plates and a black headlining.


The VXR Sports Tourer, meantime, becomes the fastest Vauxhall estate car ever and, with 540 litres of load space with the 40:60 split rear seats up, matches the best in class and underscores its versatility. Maximum load volume is 1530 litres with the seats dropped.

 

Sitting at the top of the Insignia range, the new VXR is an important addition to Vauxhall’s performance family, which already includes the Corsa VXR, Astra VXR, Meriva VXR, Zafira VXR and VXR8.



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TO FIND OUT MORE, go to WWW.Vxr.CO.UK OR call 0845 600 1500