Vauxhall reveals hardcore Astra 04 | 11 | 2011

VAUXHALL IS GEARING up to launch a new 277bhp Astra VXR next year, which the company believes will deliver 'best-in-class performance'.

Power will come from a turbocharged, direct-injection two-litre engine and the VXR will set itself apart from the other models in the Astra GTC range by dint of noticeable exterior tweaks.

In addition to a sporty lower air intake with dominant outer brake ducts, there will be 20in multi-spoke alloys that push right to the edge of the arches. The result is an aggressive piece of kit.

The sporty cabin gets high-back seats, trimmed in leather with contrast stitching, plus a sporty VXR-badged steering wheel.

See more official photos of the new Astra VXR

Grip is high on the 'must do' list of the VXR, and the car benefits from a mechanical limited slip differential, which will cut wheelspin and improve traction from a standing start and out of corners.

The VXR will also feature a VXR switch to adjust the FlexRide adaptive dampers to an uncompromised, track setting. But for pooling round town, there also a less hardcore Sport setting available.

The VXR has also been boosted in the brake stakes. Out go the standard brakes to be replaced by competition-derived models from Brembo.

And though Vauxhall has yet to release any figures for the car, it's known it was developed at the Nurburgring in the hands of 1999 Le Mans 24-hours winner Jo Winkelhock.

Read our roadtest and watch our video of the new Astra GTC

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Jim McGill