Vauxhall have announced the launch of sub 6 second Insignia. Referred to as the “Über Insignia in Vauxhalls press release the new Insignia VXR is due to hit showrooms in early summer 2009 and again, according to Vauxhall, “has a level of dynamic prowess which aims to raise the bar in its class”, what ever that means.
Before we go on, it’s fair to say we have always liked the fast Vauxhalls and like Ford, we have been grateful to them over the years for making what effectively have been aspirational performance vehicles for the ordinary bloke in the street. Their products have featured in many kinds of motorsport, giving us the chance to see our heroes driving what’s (on the face of it) pretty much, the same car that we go to work in.
This however wouldn’t appear to be the right time to be launching a 155MPH 4×4 powered by a 325BHP Turbo Charged V6, but that hasn’t deterred Vauxhall, although they are obviously sensitive about it, as their 600 word press release tells you some of the most obscure detail about the new car, but fails to give any indication as to what the CO2 reading will be, or what you can expect to get for your gallon of gas.
So I will tell you a little about what we do know. The car will use the 2.8 Ecotec V6 engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger and variable valve control for quick throttle response (don’t you just love the use of the word ‘Eco’ in the name of the engine). The chassis is a bespoke item developed through an extensive test programme at the gruelling Nurburgring circuit in Germany and uses an Adaptive 4X4 with electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD)
Suspension has a 10 millimetre reduction in ride height over the Insignia SRi and incorporates a ‘HiPerStrut’ (High Performance Strut) front suspension system, serving two primary functions: firstly, to reduce torque-steer, but also to maintain negative camber during cornering, thereby improving ultimate grip levels in wet or dry conditions.
Complementing these features are standard 19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch lightweight forged alloys are a cost option) with bespoke tyres, revised bushing and damper settings on both axles, and Brembo brakes with colour-keyed callipers and vented/cross-drilled discs.
This sporting theme continues in the Insignia VXR’s cabin. Recaro front seats, a new VXR steering wheel, VXR gearknob and unique mouldings are standard on all cars, along with different instrument graphics, VXR sill plates and a black headlining.
All VXRs are available with a colour palette comprising Arden Blue, Power Red, Carbon Flash Black, Silver Lake, Olympic White and Technical Grey.
Vauxhall claim the car will hit 60mph in around 5.8 seconds and top out at around 155MPH, so it’s a fairly quick car for its size, although not when compared to something like Audi’s S4.
Andy Gilson, Vauxhall’s Marketing Director said “the Insignia VXR is not just about absolute power, but a combination of useable performance which is the match of premium rivals such as Audi’s new S4”. He went on to say, “In essence, it’s an ultra-fast performance saloon that will appeal to buyers who appreciate subtle, yet distinctive styling, but who need to know that there’s real substance below the cars metal”. Well these are his words, not mine, so what he saying? It’s a bargain basement S4?
Whilst we haven’t seen the car yet, but we have seen pictures of it and we didn’t think the styling was subtle, with its body kit, big wheels, big air vents, twin tail pipes and plenty of VXR badging, you could even say it was all a bit ‘chav like’ but everyone in our office loved the way it looked and we just cant wait to see it in the flesh.
Since its launch in 2004, the VXR brand has been underpinned by the immensely successful VX Racing team, which currently holds all three British Touring Car Championship titles – Drivers’, Manufacturers’ and Team – for the 2008 season.
Based upon the other model in the VXR range, we are pretty sure the Insignia VXR its going to be a proper thing and a very good car, but please Mr Vauxhall, stop comparing it with cars like the Audi S4, as that’s not its competition and whilst Vauxhall are not alone in trying to compare their offerings with the prestigious German brands, it seems its only the car makers themselves that actually believe that, but then I guess they feel if they say it enough times, we just might start to believe it too.
Vauxhall will hope that company car fleets choose the ‘regular’ Insignia and if that’s the case, well soon we will see 1000’s of them batting up and down our motorways. The Insignia VXR is an upmarket, sporty prestigious version of the normal Insignia, with fairly moody styling for the person that has a bit more to spend, or perhaps a higher status in the company that he works for and I for one commend Vauxhall for making it.
The Insignia VXR will go on sale this summer in the UK and will be available in hatch, saloon and Sports Tourer. Pricing is due to be announced shortly and it’s thought it will be under £30,000.
