Vauxhall’s new Astra VXR will incorporate motorsport in its transmission and deliver 400Nm of torque, giving it a 0-60mph time of 5.9 seconds and mid-range performance when it arrives in the UK this July.
The VXR’s turbocharged, 2.0-litre direct-injection engine harks from the Insignia family, but while its aluminium block is similar, the VXR has an aluminium cylinder head and new turbocharger to liberate 280PS and over 200Nm per litre of torque – the highest specific output in its class.
Developing a high-torque engine for the Astra VXR was the key to unlocking the car’s mid-range performance, rather than focusing on power alone.
The turbocharger itself was also improved to take more charge-air pressure, which builds from as early as 1400rpm for linear and strong acceleration. The maximum charge pressure is now 1.5 bar – 25 per cent more than in the Insignia 2.0T.
And while the Astra VXR can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 5.9 seconds and hit a maximum 155mph, standard Start/Stop technology has reduced fuel consumption by 14 per cent (compared with the previous model) to a combined 34.9mpg, and reduced emissions to 189g/km.
Login to comment
Comments
No comments have been made yet.