Tuesday 15th June 2010

Next Astra VXR To Get 300bhp

Vauxhall's new hot hatch will become a full-on Focus RS rival

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How the next hot Astra could look

The VXR version of the next three-door Vuaxhall Astra will get 300bhp to enable it to target the Ford Focus RS and Renaultsport Megane head-on.

A Vauxhall source told Autocar that "the VXR brand is about extreme performance. It's safe to say that the next Astra will build on where the current car is and react to market trends. It'll be quite a power hike over the current car."

GM will apparently stick to the turbocharged 2.0-litre formula used in the current car, using a more highly-strung set-up rather than switching to a hefty V6 to make the extra power - the current VXR makes only 237bhp.

Autocar reckons that the next VXR will get some sort of electronic differential, Golf GTI-style, to help control all the power and the torque going through the front wheels.

The regular Astra Sport Coupe three-door will make its debut at the Paris show this September, but we'll have to wait until the end of 2011 for the VXR version.

[Fire99]

300 bhp 2 litre.. I have to say, yes things have moved on alot over the years but it's impressive for a fully warrantied road car that's got to do six figure mileage.

I'm guessing that unless the dynamics have changed alot, it'll be a frisky chap.

[Ry_B]

The current one torque steers like mad, let's hope they've sorted it like Ford have with the Focus

[Fire99]

Ry_B said:

The current one torque steers like mad, let's hope they've sorted it like Ford have with the Focus

I didn't see that much of a problem if i'm honest. Just felt a little more hardcore than the more 'poised' ST I drove.

[V88Dicky]

Do it properly Vauxhall FFS. Take the engine from the Insignia VXR and stick it in the Astra and connect it to a proper 4WD system, and blow the Focus into the weeds.

[Ojc]

Ry_B said:

The current one torque steers like mad, let's hope they've sorted it like Ford have with the Focus

Driven one have you? Or you just a bit limp wristed?

[ArtVandelay]

Can I ask what the benefits of an electrical slippy diff are over a mechanical one. Is it purely a cost thing (which I suspect) or do they offer better performance?

[Jayho]

Hmmmm... I think i'd prefer my 300bhp feeding from all four wheels in the shape of a subaru or Evo tbh... But kudos for them upping there market to compete with the big boys! so that will take the VXR from ST territory to RS... Wonder if they will still have a tamer version to compete with the ST? Probably a good thing as they'll be out of reach from the chavs with some dosh!

[KenBlocksPants]

V88Dicky said:

Do it properly Vauxhall FFS. Take the engine from the Insignia VXR and stick it in the Astra and connect it to a proper 4WD system, and blow the Focus into the weeds.

+1

All it will take is one of these manufacturers to wake up to this and they will blow them all out of the water.

[Fire99]

V88Dicky said:

Do it properly Vauxhall FFS. Take the engine from the Insignia VXR and stick it in the Astra and connect it to a proper 4WD system, and blow the Focus into the weeds.

Will that not make it a bit big and a bit heavy?

edit - and a bit expensive?

Edited by Fire99 on Tuesday 15th June 12:49

[vz-r_dave]

V88Dicky said:

Do it properly Vauxhall FFS. Take the engine from the Insignia VXR and stick it in the Astra and connect it to a proper 4WD system, and blow the Focus into the weeds.

But why is 4X4 doing it properly in a Hot hatch? I would much prefer a FWD torque steering montser that you have to drive. Not something that assists your every move.

Keep it FWD I say.

[Mafioso]

the article said:

the current VXR makes only 237bhp

ONLY!? Bloody hell, that's still a lot of power for an Astra!

[ArtVandelay]

50 pence on this turning into a FWD vs 4WD argument (as per every Focus RS thread)

[Ry_B]

Ojc said:

Ry_B said:

The current one torque steers like mad, let's hope they've sorted it like Ford have with the Focus

Driven one have you? Or you just a bit limp wristed?

Yes I have driven one, calm down FFS did I upset you?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdGzy2Lun2I&fea...

[JR Hartley]

Great, add more power instead of removing weight.

When will they learn?

[Ry_B]

ArtVandelay said:

50 pence on this turning into a FWD vs 4WD argument (as per every Focus RS thread)

I thought that as soon as I saw it

[V88Dicky]

Fire99 said:

V88Dicky said:

Do it properly Vauxhall FFS. Take the engine from the Insignia VXR and stick it in the Astra and connect it to a proper 4WD system, and blow the Focus into the weeds.

Will that not make it a bit big and a bit heavy?

20 years ago maybe. With today's technology and materials a 4WD version of any particular car doesn't have to be that much more expensive or heavier. Any weight disadvantage could be overcome with easily available power from the turbocharged V6.

[Fire99]

JR Hartley said:

Great, add more power instead of removing weight.

When will they learn?

Cost. I don't think the Astra is currently that heavy compared to its peers and to lose significant weight would little doubt, require expensive construction materials.

[russy01]

All this torque steer talk is rubbish. Ive got the 888 CDTI astra, same car, same gearbox, just a shed load more torque. (VXR has 236lbs, 888CDTI 330lbs)

I drive mine everyday, most days pretty damn quickly. Providing you use the throttle sensibly through corners and pulling away (Not just flat everywhere) and hold the steering wheel like you should (With two hands), its absolutely fine.

Clarksons test of torque steer on the VXR was a joke. You take any car with a decent amount of power, dont hold the wheel and boot it, you'll see.

[Fire99]

V88Dicky said:

Fire99 said:

V88Dicky said:

Do it properly Vauxhall FFS. Take the engine from the Insignia VXR and stick it in the Astra and connect it to a proper 4WD system, and blow the Focus into the weeds.

Will that not make it a bit big and a bit heavy?

20 years ago maybe. With today's technology and materials a 4WD version of any particular car doesn't have to be that much more expensive or heavier. Any weight disadvantage could be overcome with easily available power from the turbocharged V6.

I don't agree, otherwise, and let's be honest, I think Ford would of done the same with the RS.

[mnkiboy]

There are already a number of 4wd hot hatches on the market - Audi S3, Golf R, 37 different variations of Impreza. They're no better than the 2wd cars, other than knocking a second or so off the 0-60 time.