Vauxhall Insignia VXR revealed

Range -topping Vauxhall Insignia VXR to launch at Barcelona in May

You’d never know how much trouble GM are in, nor understand it, if your only view on the company was through its European brands – Vauxhall and Opel. With a cracking range of cars, and new and innovative ones coming (such as the Vauxhall Ampera), you would think they are a company very much on the up. And let’s hope it stays that way, whatever happens with GM.

Latest to the market is this range-topping Insignia – the Vauxhall Insignia VXR (Opel Insignia OPC in Europe) – a 325bhp rocket version of the successful Insignia. With a new adaptive four wheel drive system and electronic limited slip diff, the Insignia VXR has bags of grip and great roadholding. It sits 10mm lower than the Insignia SRi, and the HiPerStrut front suspension keeps torque-steer in check.

That 325bhp comes from a 2.8 litre, twin scroll turbocharged ECOTEC engine which offers a 0-60 sprint of 5.8 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. 19″ wheels (with 20″ option), Recaro seats and a generally titivated interior (with plenty of VXR logos!) mark the VXR out from its lesser siblings. A custom range of colours is available – Arden Blue, Power Red, Carbon Flash Black, Silver Lake, Olympic White and Technical Grey.

Shaken down at the Nurburgring, this is a great addition to the VXR range of performance cars from Vauxhall, including the Corsa VXR, Astra VXR and the VXR8.

No word on prices yet, but the Vauxhall Insignia VXR will be launched officially at the Barcelona Motor Show next month and in UK Car Showrooms in September.