Vauxhall have been meddlling with the Vectra and Monaro VXR models to give them more grunt.
New 2007 model year versions of the Vectra VXR have had the power boosted from 252bhp to 276bhp, thanks to a redesigned induction system, modified engine components and retuned electronic engine control software. These revisions to the 2.8-litre V6 turbo engine knock four-tenths of a second off the 0-60mph sprint time, taking it down to 6.1 seconds for the hatchback and 6.3 seconds for the estate.
To match the engine’s extra power, Vauxhall’s engineers have also tweaked the chassis to give more dynamic handling. Modified spring and shock absorber settings and correspondingly retuned IDSPlus2 chassis control software is said to optimise the pitch, roll and turn-in characteristics to make the most of the increased performance. All this activated by a dashboard-mounted Sport Switch.
Meanwhile the Vectra’s big brother has had an even more dramatic power boost, thanks to a supercharger.
The limited-edition VXR500 is based on the standard 6.0-litre Monaro VXR, but uses forced induction to take the power from 403 to 500PS and torque up from 530Nm to a massive 677Nm. In addition to the positive displacement supercharger, the conversion also includes an upgraded fuel system, clutch revisions and bespoke engine tune.
It’s expected that the VXR500 will have a sub five second 0-60 time and a top speed in excess of 180mph.
This limited edition model is available for only £35,995 on-the-road. That’s less than half the price of any other coupe with 500bhp!
While the Vectra VXR is available to order now from any Vauxhall retailer, the VXR 500 can only be sourced from Greens Vauxhall on 01634 246755.
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