Tag: Vauxhall Astra

  • A Glimpse At The Vauxhall Astra VXR Extreme

    Vauxhall-Astra-VXR-Extreme-Concept-shadowVauxhall-Astra-VXR-Extreme-Concept-mediumIt’s always exciting to talk about something that’s supposed to be the -iest of its kind. That’s why when we saw the “Radical Vauxhall Concept Heralds Fastest Production Astra” title, we flinched a bit. Still not resistant enough to sensationalist headings then

    But Vauxhall are indeed up to something. Here’s the first picture ever (sorry) of the Astra VXR Extreme…concept. It’s essentially a “sibling” to the current 280 PS and 400 Nm Astra VXR. We are not good at taking hints. Does that mean no more than that power or no less than that? We do know for a fact, however, that the Extreme will be on a strict carbon fiber diet. Even though its interior spots an integrated safety structure and racing seats and six-point safety belts, the Extreme will be completely road-legal. However, with the Astra Cup race car playing the role of a biological mother, it will feel most at home on closed grounds. Anyone up for making some history at the local track day circuit in the fastest production Astra ever?! (Darn it, we did it again, didn’t we?)

    The full reveal is expected at the 2014 Geneva expo. More to come in the coming month.

    Source: Vauxhall

  • Vauxhall Astra – 18 Speed Endurance Records in 24 hours [video]

    Vauxhall Astra 2.0CDTi with 165HP has attempted to set and break 18 Speed Endurance Records in 24 hours. All this happened at the Millbrook Proving Grounds race track.

    The event started on October 5th, when he first of two Ellesmere Port-built Vauxhall Astra 2.0 CDTi Hatches approached the start line on Millbrook Proving Ground’s High Speed Bowl. Precisely 24 hours later it crossed the same marker, having covered almost 3,000 miles (more than 4800 km) at an average, yet-to-be ratified speed of 200km/h (125mph). The previous record was “just” 161.2 km/h (100.2 mph).

    Proving the Astra’s exceptional reliability and driveability in extreme conditions was the main focus of the record programme from the start.

    “We chose the 165PS 2.0 CDTi Astra for its mix of strong performance and economy. But to be subjected to 24 hours of flat-out driving on the challenging top lane of Millbrook’s High Speed Bowl it needed to be ultra-reliable, predictable and safe for our drivers.”, commented Simon Hucknall, Vauxhall’s PR Manager.

    Enjoy the video!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGZEZnGzHzw

    Source: Vauxhall

  • Vauxhall 18-way adjustable ultimate hot seats

    Vauxhall will introduce their most powerful Astra VXR at the Geneva Motor Show with front seats that are substantially lighter thanks to cutting-edge technology. The hot seats have a lower seating position and enhanced side support to cater for increased cornering loads.

    The special technology includes an injection moulded sheet in the seat shells, which reduces their weight by 45% compared with a conventional shell. The sheet is filled with a composite material made from polyamide and fibreglass, and its strength and agility means that it only needs to be 2-3 mm deep, and therefore a lot lighter.

    Bringing driver and front passenger lower to the Astra VXR’s centre of gravity, the new seats are mounted 17 mm lower than in the Astra GTC, and 40 mm lower than in the Astra Hatch. In addition, the new seats can be adjusted up to 18 ways, depending upon specification:

    •    Entire seat backwards and forwards (2)
    •    Entire seat upwards and downwards (2)
    •    Seat backrest forwards and backwards (2)
    •    Seat cushion angle adjustment (2)
    •    Seat cushion length adjustment (2)
    •    Four-way lumbar support adjustment (4)
    •    Adjustable side bolster support in back (2)
    •    Adjustable side bolster support in seat cushion (2)

    Pneumatically adjustable cushions, found in the seats’ flanks, add further levels of adjustability at the push of a button, and provide ‘tailor-made’ seating comfort and security normally reserved for competition drivers.

    The new 2012 Vauxhall Astra VXR will come with extremely powerful engine with 280PS and 400Nm. It will also feature LSD on front wheels and Brembo brake system.

    Vauxhall 18-way adjustable ultimate hot seats
    Vauxhall 18-way adjustable ultimate hot seats

    Source: Vauxhall

  • 2011 Vauxhall Astra GTC

    Vauxhall has priced the new 2011 Astra GTC at just £18 495, which is £1 100 less than the alternative – a basic Volkswagen Scirocco. The new hot hatchback from Vauxhall comes with the sophisticated front suspension from the Insignia VXR combined with the clever Watt’s link rear axle.

    “The GTC is a high-profile addition to the Astra range and one that’s sure to appeal to anyone who loves cars and driving,” commented Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall’s Managing Director.

    “Better still, its chassis has been fine-tuned by Vauxhall Engineering Centre in the UK, reflecting the importance of our Millbrook-based operation, and also the fact that the UK will be the dominant market for GTC when it arrives in showrooms later this year.”, he added.

    2011 Vauxhall Astra GTC will make its official debut at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed, which will be held from July 1st to 3rd.

    2011 Vauxhall Astra GTC

    There will be four engines in the line-up. The first one is a 2.0 liter CDTi with 165PS and 380Nm of torque (including overboost function). It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and Start/Stop as standard. 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 209 km/h (130 mph). Last, but not least is the fuel consumption – 57.6mpg with emissions of just 129 g/km of CO2. The range of Astra GTC 2.0 CDTi is over  1126 km (700 miles).

    The second choice is 1.4 litre turbo petrol engine with either 120PS or 140PS with 200Nm available between 1850 and 4200RPM. It also achieves staggering fuel consumption – 47.9 mpg and 139 g/km of C02. Again, Start/Stop and a six-speed gearbox are also standard.

    The top-of-range 1.6 litre Turbo delivers 180PS. However, nothing is mentioned about performance characteristics, but it will be definitely a real hot hatch.

    Standard equipment is generous. The entry level Sport trim features 18” alloy wheels, DAB stereo and USB functionality. The top-spec Sri adds tinted glass, onboard computer, leather-trimmed steering wheel and fog lamps. There are also Bi-Xenon Advanced Forward Lighting (AFL), which offers nine separate light beams, is optional across the range.

    2011 Vauxhall Astra GTC is priced at £18 495 for the 120PS Sport 1.4 Turbo.
    2011 Vauxhall Astra GTC

    Source: Vauxhall

  • 2012 Vauxhall Astra GTC

    Vauxhall has announced the new 2012 Astra GTC. The vehicle will actually go in production and it will have its official debut on September 15 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. For now, the company has released a few pictures, where the hot hatch races down an imaginary road.

    Full details about the new GTC like pricing, technology, equipment and powertrains will be revealed closer to the release date.

    2012 Astra GTC is based on the last year’s GTC Paris Concept Car. The production Astra GTC will include a 3-door body with dramatic proportions, yet will be capable of carrying five adults. It will also feature the latest safety technologies as well as nice equipment and good materials.

    Stay tuned for more information!

    2012 Vauxhall Astra GTC

    Source: Vauxhall

  • 2011 Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer – full details

    2011 Astra Sports Tourer is almost here. The vehicle will make its official debut at this year’s Paris Motor Show in September and hit UK showrooms by the end of 2010.

    The Sports Tourer will boost the model range of the new Astra, which has now sold over 28 000 units in the UK since its launch in December 2009.

    The Astra Sports Tourer and hatchback version will be among the first Vauxhall models to adopt Start/Stop technology, which significantly reduce emissions and fuel consumption. (more…)

  • Vauxhall Astra won “BEST NEW CAR” from 2010 Fleet World Awards

    Vauxhall new Astra was voted for “Best New Car” at the 2010 Fleet World Awards held on 18 Mauy at the Royal Automobile Club in London.

    The improvements for the new Astra include better engine efficiency with over 13 per cent and revised standard equipment. It now features ESP, six airbags, air conditioning, electric windows, and CD/radio with MP3 format and aux-in. (more…)

  • Astra-Nomical Ecoflex is Vauxhall’s New Fuel-Miser

    With CO2 emissions of just 109g/km and combined fuel consumption of 67.3mpg, the new Astra ecoFLEX brings even greater efficiency to Vauxhall’s recently launched compact hatch range, which has already seen a 13.3 per cent average improvement over the previous model.

    A raft of mechanical and aero improvements have resulted in the latest Astra ecoFLEX achieving a 12.1 per cent improvement in emissions over the 1.7 CDTi model, currently the new range’s most efficient model. Better still, the ecoFLEX’s added tax benefits – VED down to £35.00, and BIK down to 13 per cent – take effect from the new tax year in April, when the car will hit UK showrooms with a starting price of £17,920. (more…)

  • Vauxhall Astra with whole new range of greener engines

    Seems like all car makers try to make the greenest car. The big naturally aspirated engines are history, because small turbo charged engines take their place. More power efficient, less CO2 is the perfect formula for catching customer attention.

    Vauxhall’s all new Astra will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15 with a highly competitive line-up of petrol and diesel engines boasting reductions in CO2 over almost all equivalent models in the current Astra range. (more…)

  • The upcoming Vauxhall Astra promise more comfort than ever

    The upcoming Vauxhall Astra, which will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, will not only feature a longer wheelbase and wider tracks for improved stability and ride comfort, but also a cleverly positioned Watts link rear suspension system that is set to offer drivers class-leading handling and ride comfort. (more…)

  • Art Car To Star At Heritage Centre Drive It Day!

    Fans of classic and vintage vehicles are gearing up for ‘Drive it Day’ – the one day a year where owners of old cars, bikes and trucks are encouraged to take to the road and celebrate the freedom of motoring.

    And to mark the occasion, Vauxhall is once again opening up its Heritage Centre as a Drive it Day destination – with a very special guest. (more…)

  • Seat Starts The New Year With A Revolution

    Spanish car maker SEAT is revolutionising the new car market with a set of truly stunning offers this January.Forget 1917’s February Revolution, the dynamic Latin motor maker is launching its very own assault on the automotive establishment with a set of stunning offers across its model range. (more…)