Thursday 21st April 2011

New Corsa VXR Nürburgring Revealed

Bilstein-fettled suspension and power tweak for new edition

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The new Corsa VXR Nurburgring

This new Corsa VXR Nürburgring Edition from Vauxhall boasts small power and torque upgrades, and a specially fettled Bilstein suspension set-up to justify its £22,295 sticker price.

The new edition, pictured for the first time here, goes on sale in May at which point you'll be able to test Vauxhall's claim that it's going to 'raise the bar in the hot-hatch class for performance and dynamics'.

The car gets a re-worked version of the Corsa VXR's 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, producing 202hp at 5,750rpm (up from 189hp) and 206lb ft of max torque (up from 196lb ft). A modified engine management and turbocharger system, sports exhaust with reduced back pressure - and the ability to run on 98-octane fuel - have all contributed to the rise in power, says Vauxhall.

The Nurburgring edition has also been fitted with a mechanical, multi-plate limited-slip differential, and Vauxhall commissioned Bilstein to develop bespoke spring and damper units for the new model - with ride height reduced by 20mm at the front and 15mm at the rear.

Newly developed Brembo brakes are 30 per cent lighter than before, and have high-performance brake linings covering a 10 per cent larger area. In addition, the Corsa VXR's ABS, Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control systems have all been recalibrated to take into account the Nürburgring's new set-up, the company reckons.

With performance of 0-60mph in just 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 143mph, the Corsa Nürburgring should feel pretty quick. Visual identifiers include a stainless steel dual exhaust, newly designed forged aluminium wheels in high-gloss grey, and 'Nürburgring' logos on the B-Pillars and front spoiler lip. There are also two new colours available - apple green 'Grasshopper' and red 'Henna'.

[quantum_man]

At least they can now change their slogan from "C'mon" to "Slow Down!"...

[Deranged Granny]

Wonder if a quarter of the engine will still blow up.

[Diabolik]

£22.3k for a Vauxhall Corsa.

A VAUXHALL CORSA.

[Chris-R]

Diabolik said:

£22.3k for a Vauxhall Corsa.

A VAUXHALL CORSA.

Yes, but you do save on 'Ring stickers.

[ellisd82]

Fettled Suspension and upgrade engine is still not worth the £22K price tag. Rediculous price for a little hatch back.
You could get this http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2733930.htm Or This http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2308207.htm
You could get a Porsche for that money!

[Greenwich Ross]

ARGH TORQUE STEEEEEEEEEEEER!

• crash*

[Fittster]

ellisd82 said:

Fettled Suspension and upgrade engine is still not worth the £22K price tag. Rediculous price for a little hatch back.
You could get this http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2733930.htm Or This http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2308207.htm
You could get a Porsche for that money!

You are comparing new list prices for a Vauxhall (and let's face it there will be discounts) against used prices. Any new car will look bad value against a used model.

[300bhp/ton]

Sounds li it should be quite a capable package. How heavy are these?

Really goes to show how prices and performance have changed over the past 25 years. £22k for a little hatch would seem expensive, but it's right on par with others in this segment these days. How long ago was it when this sort of money would have bouht you a nearly new TVR?

And performance. 140mph+ is not to be sniffed at. Suspect this little Corsa could seriously ps off some exotics like a F348 or n/a 964's.

[Tonberry]

Greenwich Ross said:

ARGH TORQUE STEEEEEEEEEEEER!

• crash*

[anonymous-user]

300bhp/ton said:

Sounds li it should be quite a capable package. How heavy are these?

Judging from its power output, 0-60 time and FF layout I think it's about 1200kg.

[Funk]

Fittster said:

ellisd82 said:

Fettled Suspension and upgrade engine is still not worth the £22K price tag. Rediculous price for a little hatch back.
You could get this http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2733930.htm Or This http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2308207.htm
You could get a Porsche for that money!

You are comparing new list prices for a Vauxhall (and let's face it there will be discounts) against used prices. Any new car will look bad value against a used model.

I've never understood that either.

People who constantly bh about the price of new cars seem to forget that in order for there to be a supply of used cars, someone has to buy it new in the first place. I'm sure they'll also bh and whine if their used value plummets due to price cutting on new models.

[drb5]

Would rather have a brand new Mini Cooper S for 18k.

Only half a second slower to 60 and yet returns nearly 50mpg combined.

[Rawwr]

I never thought I'd see the words 'Corsa' and 'Nurburgring' together anywhere outside of a punchline.

[drb5]

Our's was getting 42 mpg combined and that was one of the first R56's.

I'm quite sure it'll do better nowadays.

What's a Corsa VXR gonna do??? 30 if your lucky. I know what i'd STILL rather buy.

[Chrisw666]

drb5 said:

Would rather have a brand new Mini Cooper S for 18k.

If you could go into a Mini dealer and walk out with a Cooper S at list price then you are doing well. Talking to someone from the dealer near here £21k + seemed more normal.

[Leeds220]

Think I'll stick with my order for a new Fabia vRS at £14k.

I wonder if this model will also receive Vauxhall's 'lifetime' warranty?

[Grovsie26]

22k for a Corsa?

Clio 200 and change thanks.

[Si_man306]

Heavier + more power = same figures (roughly) as the fantastic 306 rallye I used to have (actual 0-60 6.9, 137mph, superb handling agility). Cost nowadays £3k for a sorted one (stick that in your new vs old pipe and smoke it).

Car manufacturers always seem to claim to be 'moving the game on' with their technology but all they seem to be able to manage is to increase the power to allow you to tug along increasing numbers of cup holders and leather accessories (and of course the electronic stability systems to cope with the increase in power the FWD system is dealing with).

Leading the pack in terms of hatchback handling it will not- that trophy ('scuse the pun!) will be with renault for some time to come. The only people interested in this car will be those who find it difficult to look up from their pixelated xbox world.

It's such a shame that such a wonderful place as the 'ring is becoming so commercialised.

[MintyChris]

Coming to a Nurburg Ring corner near you (on its roof).

[zebedee]

Diabolik said:

£22.3k for a Vauxhall Corsa.

A VAUXHALL CORSA.

In a recession too. Craziness. Off topic as they are older Corsas I am on about, but why do boy racers love Corsas? Aren't they dynamically horrible? 106s and Saxos I could understand, but you just see so many of them and they always look really proud. Has always baffled me.