The New Vauxhall Insignia VXR Features
Published: 8th July 2009
The New Vauxhall Insignia VXR
Packing 325 horsepower, a sophisticated four-wheel-drive chassis and a sub-six second 0-60 time, the new Vauxhall Insignia VXR is set to take the mid-size performance saloon market by storm when it appears in UK showrooms September 2009, priced from £30,995.
Based on the successful 2009 European Car of the Year, and available in hatch, saloon and Sports Tourer body styles, the high-performance Vauxhall Insignia VXR will be Vauxhall's first VXR model to adopt 4X4 technology, using a bespoke chassis developed through an extensive test programme at the gruelling Nurburgring circuit in Germany.
At the heart of the Vauxhall Insignia VXR is Vauxhall's advanced 2.8-litre V6 Turbo ECOTEC engine, with its micro-alloy forged steel crank, classic 60-degree cylinder angle and die-cast alloy oil sump - all features found in many a race engine. Producing 325PS, the engine uses a single, twin-scroll turbocharger and variable valve control for quick throttle response, and accelerates from 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds, achieving an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.
With a design inspired by the Vauxhall/Opel GTC concept car, many of the Vauxhall Insignia VXR's styling cues will be familiar to those who saw this groundbreaking concept at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. A deeper bumper, incorporating bold, twin mesh grilles either side of the main grille, dominates the front of the car, and at the rear, all models gain a rear spoiler, while all VXRs have a bespoke bumper moulding incorporating dual matt chrome exhausts.
This sporting theme continues in the Vauxhall 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.
Combining all the technical highlights of the VXR hatch and saloon with best in class-matching luggage capacity (rear seats up), the Vauxhall Insignia VXR Sports Tourer version is not only the fastest estate car Vauxhall has ever produced, but also the first to incorporate Adaptive 4X4 and an electronic limited slip differential.
A 540-litre load space behind its 60:40 split rear seats increases to 1530-litres with the seats down. And accessing this area has never been easier, thanks to the Vauxhall Insignia VXR Sports Tourer's standard electronic tailgate, which can be operated off the driver's key fob, or via a rotary knob on the inside of the driver's door.
All Vauxhall Insignia VXRs are available with a colour palette comprising Arden Blue, Power Red, Carbon Flash Black, Silver Lake, Olympic White and Technical Grey.
Sitting at the top of the Vauxhall Insignia range, the new models will be an important addition to Vauxhall's performance-bred VXR family, which already includes the Vauxhall Corsa VXR, Vauxhall Astra VXR and 562 horsepower Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst S.
Vauxhall Insignia
Our Vauxhall Insignia Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Insignia range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £18,070 - £31,863
Body Styles:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 54
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 30th Jan 2010
