Vauxhall's voracious Vectra VXR
08 August 2005
Vauxhall is breathing fire into the belly of its Vectra family car with a new 252bhp VXR version, which arrives in November.
Vauxhall is breathing fire into the belly of its Vectra family car with a new 252bhp VXR version, which arrives in November.
Priced 'well under' £25,000, according to Vauxhall, the fast hatchback can muscle its way to 60mph in just 6.6sec and go on to 161mph.
With more power than existing rivals, such as the £24,200 217bhp Ford Mondeo ST220, the new VXR is a spiritual successor to Vauxhall's awesome Lotus-tuned Carlton from the 1990s. Although the VXR's output is nowhere near that of the Lotus Carlton's 377bhp 3.6-litre engine, it is not far off its forebear's 5.4sec 0-60mph time and 177mph top speed.
The Vectra VXR uses a new turbocharged 2.8-litre petrol engine and will be fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. It will also have uprated brakes and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Styling changes are relatively reserved and include a small rear spoiler, twin tailpipes, and a deeper front bumper.
Vauxhall is also considering an estate version of the Vectra VXR, and said it could be on sale as soon as spring next year. There are currently no plans for a saloon version of the car.
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