Wednesday 22nd September 2004

240bhp Astra concept at Paris Show

GM's bid for petrolhead cred

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Set to be unveiled alongside the new Sport Hatch and the innovative glass-roofed Panorama at the show later this week, the new Astra HPC gives a taster of the performance version of the Astra, which is due in the UK next summer, according to Vauxhall. With 240bhp and 310Nm of torque from its 2-litre turbo engine, the Astra is said to have a top speed of around 150mph and a 0-60mph time of less than 6.5 seconds.

Using a modified version of the 2-litre turbo engine from the VXR220 roadster, the HPC’s engine output is increased by modifications to the intake and exhaust systems. To handle the power, the car uses the advanced IDSPlus electronic chassis control and a six-speed manual gearbox linked to 19-inch wheels.

The HPC features a wider and lower air intake, a new honeycomb grille and deeper front spoiler. Extended side sills, profiled towards the rear, lead to a sculpted rear bumper that incorporates a diffuser. This directs airflow and, along with a new roof spoiler, keeps the Astra planted on the ground at high speed, said Vauxhall.

Inside, Recaro seats and leather trim details will be colour matched to the exterior paint. New instruments and a piano-black finish to the centre console "also differentiate the HPC from other Astras in the range."

Vauxhall expects the Astra VXR to hit British showrooms next summer but hasn't yet priced it.

[Beast]

can't open the pictures

[manek]

It works now.

[Apache]

God almighty, have Vauxhall got no creativity at all? this is just another unimaginitive copy of something else completely uninteresting with a hint of a boring car whose name escapes me.

>> Edited by Apache on Wednesday 22 September 12:48

[Witchfinder]

It'll need to be cheap, that's all I'll say.

[squirrelz]

Jeez - 19 inch wheels!!

[lanciachris]

I daresay well see a few of these with neon underlights soon. Performance sounds pretty good though!

[stin hambo]

I think it looks nice but I wonder what HSV could do with it ?

[zebedee]

what a complete and under tart of a car.

[hendry]

To date I would rather have my eyes forced down a cheesgrater before buying a Vauxhall, but I *really* like the look of this! Sounds like they have been getting their chassis' in order recently too.

Assuming they have done an effective job of controlling 240bhp through the steering wheels, may be worth a steer. The C4 website is saying it would come in at under £20k as well (highly likely given that is where the Golf V GTi and next Focus ST are landing), which sounds like a lot of go for the dosh.

[Robbo1]

It is a bit Max Power, but I've seen worse...
So if the interior is colour-coded to the exterior, what the hell does a silver one look like???
Oh, and they seem to have attached the chrome exhaust trims upside down.

[kevinday]

>> Edited by kevinday on Wednesday 22 September 18:17

[agent006]

FWD, 240bhp? That'll be fun won't it. Now even a 190 bhp rwd astra would be better than that.

[rossh]

It's pretty derivative of the new Mazda 3 - which as far as hatches go, I reckon is rather handsome

www.arabam.com/fuar/2003/frankfurt/mazda3_xx.jpg

[fastfrank]

Sounds a bit like that alfa GTV thingy that had 240bhp through the front wheels.

Anything above 200 needs 4x4 IMO.

[hendry]

fastfrank said:

Anything above 200 needs 4x4 IMO.

That has been conventionaly thinking, certainly. And I recall that the SAAB 9-3 Viggen reminded everybody why that conclusion was drawn in the first place. However, modern traction and stability control systems (sounding like my dad!) seem to allo a reasonable amount more power can be transmitted through the steering wheels than used to be possible.

When evo drove the Autodelta Alfa 147 GTA with 328bhp through the front wheels they were amazed!

Doesn't beat keeping the tasks of steering and powering separate though, I agree, for all those who think I am mad...

[Apache]

I've driven a 250bhp Saab 9000, it worked perfectly.....with an LSD