The new four-wheel-drive Vauxhall Insignia VXR has been setting some extremely swift times at the Nurburgring, according to Vauxhall insiders.
With 300bhp on offer from GM’s familiar 2.7-litre V6 engine, the fastest Insignia’s already beaten the 8mins 35secs benchmark Nurburgring lap time set by its smaller Astra VXR sibling.
This Vectra-replacing model shares a torque-splitting electronic differential with the Saab 9-3 Turbo X, helping it to put power down on the road and dialling out the ragged character of its two-wheel-drive predecessor.
As the hardest Insignia, the VXR will get much beefier looks than the current range-topper – the all-wheel-drive Insignia that’s on display at the London motor show.
Well-placed GM sources reveal that the VXR’s looks will be based around the original GTC concept car. We should expect the high-performance Insignia VXR to reach showrooms late next year.
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It's not front wheel drive -
Re: Insignia VXR at the 'ring
I saw the Insignia at this year's motor show and i have to say that, despite having Japanese-influenced styling, it is one good looking car, better looking than the Mondeo, 3-Series, A4, Laguna, C5 and nearly every other car in this class. Even if it looks Japanese, does this suddenly mean that it can't be good looking? Look at the Lexus IS and Mazda 6 for example. Bother are undeniably Japanese in their origin but both look fab in my eyes.
As for the Vauxhall's lap time. It may be fast but it doesn't mean that its great dynamically. I hope it is, but judging on GM's past performance i'll be surprised if this car has a better chassis than the brilliant Mondeo.
Re: Insignia VXR at the 'ring
I don't think we'll see a 2 door soon but my guess is they will build it, 100% no question. It'll be the halo for Vauxhall and everything VXR and maybe BTCC although it might just be too big for that!
Anyone betting against it?