Vauxhall's 200bhp Corsa leads VXR onslaught

By Angus Fitton

Motor Industry

23 August 2006 09:50

Vauxhall is in the final stages of signing off the storming Corsa VXR. The latest VXR runs a turbocharged 1.6-litre developing a thumping 200bhp, spinning the front wheels via a six-speed box.

Much of the development work has been carried out at the Nurburgring, which the Corsa has been relentlessly lapping to fine tune the suspension and engine mapping. With the 1.6 turbo putting out 200bhp, only a John Cooper Works Mini can beat it for power. Insiders told CAR online that the new Corsa VXR is even more aggressive than its Astra VXR sibling with a brutal bodykit, stiffened suspension and a bespoke interior. Expect prices to be close to the VXR's hottest rival - the new £15,995 Mini Cooper S. Sales are due to start in spring 2007.

Also on the cards is a power upgrade for the Vectra VXR. According to engineers the 255bhp, 2.8-litre V6 can reliably handle in excess of 300bhp leading to series of upgrades for future models. Expect the current 6.7sec 0-62mph time to drop under 6.0sec and the top speed to rise beyond the current - and faintly ridiculous - 161mph.

By Angus Fitton