2011 Vauxhall VXR8

For 2011, the VXR8 has received a new ‘Shockwave’ grille, LED daytime running lights, and sleek new wing-vents. The rear of the vehicle also gets a new ‘Superflow’ rear spoiler, LED tail lamps, and twin exhaust tips that mimic the shape of the front grille.

The interior offers full leather seats, special HSV Performance Seats with eight-way adjustability, and a new instrument cluster, surround, center stack, and switchgear.

The technology behind the updated VXR8 also gets a new addition with the Enhanced Driver Interface. This system connects with the on-board computer to constantly stream real-time vehicle dynamics and performance to the car’s main 5-inch monito.

CHASSIS
Anyone who's driven the previous generation Vauxhall VXR8 will know that it blends exceptional body control with the kind of pliant ride quality which is becoming so important on British roads. But for 2011, as well as incorporating revised spring and damper settings across both axles, the new VXR8 has two more features in its dynamic armoury.

As before, the new Vauxhall VXR8's race-bred chassis uses MacPherson struts/progressive rate coil springs at the front and a multi-link independent set-up at the rear. But for the first time on a VXR8, Vauxhall has employed Magnetic Ride Control (MRC), a suspension system which adapts up to 1000 times a seconds to road conditions and driver inputs.

 

These particles harden as the input reaches its maximum value, providing drivers with exceptional levels of ride, handling and stopping power.

Complementing the new Vauxhall VXR8's MRC is Launch Control, which is engaged when drivers select the ESC's (Electronic Stability Control) Competition Mode. Standard on both Clubsport and GTS models fitted with manual transmission, the system dictates the level of torque delivered to the rear wheels for maximum acceleration, according to surface conditions. All the driver has to do is floor the throttle and let the car do the rest. Extensive testing has proved that LC results in acceleration runs no more than 0.1 second apart.



Completing the chassis package are the largest brakes ever fitted to a Vauxhall. At the front, 365mm diameter ventilated and grooved discs take pride of place, mated to race-bred four-piston callipers providing exceptional stopping power. The same hardware is fitted at the rear with 350mm diameter rotors.



POWERTRAIN
Making a welcome return to the new VXR8 is GM's 6.2-litre 'LS3' engine, a modern interpretation of the legendary small block motor which has powered millions of vehicles for more than fifty years and currently sees service in the Australian V8 Supercar Series and also the mighty, supercharged Corvette ZR1.
Even with 431PS of power at 6000rpm and 550Nm of torque at 4600rpm, the LS3 is unstressed and tractable enough to deal with a wide spread of driving needs, whether it's burbling through towns and cities or exercising its full potential on drivers' favourite A- or B-roads. And as Vauxhall proved with the Bathurst S version from the last generation Vauxhall VXR8, the LS3 unit is eminently capable of being tuned to accept more than 600PS, such is its strength and placidity.

Race-bred features abound, such as an exhaust manifold which splits from four into two into one to minimise power loss, while the large diameter stainless steel exhaust offers the kind of aural accompaniment you'd expect from a super-saloon.



The result is the sort of performance you'd only get from large saloons costing considerably more than the Vauxhall VXR8: 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph.
As before, the Vauxhall VXR8 is available with either a new six-speed manual MM10 gearbox with uprated LS7 clutch, or a six-speed auto transmission with selectable ratios, both of which deliver drive to the rear wheels through a mechanical limited-slip differential.
NEW TECHNOLOGY
Designed with the enthusiast driver in mind, and adding something unique in this class, is the Vauxhall VXR8's new Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI).
EDI constantly streams real-time vehicle and performance data to a touch-screen located on the upper centre console. The intuitive system was developed with industry specialist, MOTEC, while all the graphics and display pages were designed in-house at HSV's styling department.
The multi-faceted system provides the following functions:

• Main menu page - A selection of icons allow drivers to skip to their desired page of choice
• G-force page - Displays longitudinal and lateral G-force in a single integrated display
• Driver page - Displays a combination of driver inputs, such as RPM, gear selection, and accelerator and brake positions
• Race page - Utilises GPS technology to map tracks, records lap times and fastest laps.
• Stop Watch - ...particularly useful for hill-climb events and road rallies!
• Dynamics - Uses the vehicle's motion sensors to display real-time understeer and oversteer angles
• Data-logging - Allows drivers to download recorded data for analysis on their laptops using MOTEC's IQ software, provided with the vehicle.
• Gauge selection - Allows selection of the following displays: instant fuel economy, external air temperature, torque, intake air temperature, power, manifold pressure and elevation.
• Fuel economy - ...including fuel economy history
• Side Blind Zone Alert - allows this feature to be turned off, if required.

HSV's Chief of Design, Julian Quincey, expects this type of EDI system to evolve further still. "One of the challenges with designing the graphics is in making the data accessible to the driver," he said. "For instance, it's not terribly engaging to get a whole stream of data in the form of numbers or a line graph. If you're a race driver you get used to that, but in a road car it needs to be more intuitive. Making the display easy to read was the most important thing during development and it required a whole new level of integration between design and engineering."
DESIGN
The Vauxhall VXR8's never been a shrinking violet on UK roads, and for the latest 2011 Model Year, key external changes have freshened the car's appearance still further.
A new, 'Shockwave' grille, LED daytime running lights and sleek new wing-vents mark the new car out from the front, while the rear features a new 'Superflow' rear spoiler, LED tail lamps and twin exhaust tips that mimic the shape of the front grille.

The new rear spoiler itself is smoother and slightly lower than before, providing better rear visibility and less aerodynamic drag. It also features re-designed supports which continue the 'Shockwave' styling theme found at the front of the car.



Inside, the new Vauxhall VXR8 has undergone a transformation. Full leather trim is now standard on the GTS, and front occupants are cocooned in special VXR Performance Seats with eight-way adjustability. Complementing this is a new instrument binnacle which encases the gauges on top of the dash, while new appliqués are splashed across the width of the dashboard and on the steering wheel spokes (GTS models feature a race-inspired carbon fibre look).

In other areas, piano-black trim surrounds the touch screen, the air conditioning controls, the gear lever, some centre console switches and the steering wheel buttons.



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2012 Vauxhall Zafira Tourer

 

2012 Vauxhall Zafira Tourer. Vauxhall has confirmed that the Zafira Tourer Concept, previewed at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, will become a production reality, with first cars in UK showrooms by early 2012.

Called the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer, the new model will sit above the current Zafira model in Vauxhall’s line-up and is set to raise the bar for design, luxury, flexibility and innovation in the MPV sector.

Two new engines – a 1.4 Turbo petrol and a 2.0 CDTi diesel (with three outputs) – join a 1.8-litre petrol unit to offer a spread of power options from 110PS to 165PS.

 

INTERIOR - limousine-like quality and space combined with new levels of flexibility

Flex7 was a revelation when it was launched in the original 1999 Zafira, offering owners the ability to transform their car from a five- to a seven-seater quickly and simply. While the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer retains the basic concept of Flex7, it's made significant improvements in the way it functions.

The entire third row can still be folded flush with the floor of the luggage area, but rather than being a bench, the second row now comprises three separate seats that can be folded and moved fore and aft through 210mm, giving third-row passengers the potential of extra room compared with the current Zafira.

Passengers in the second row also benefit from new levels of space and versatility. Thanks to a clever folding mechanism (available on certain models), the back of the middle seat now folds forward and rotates, providing occupants in the outer seats with individual armrests. So configured, the outer seats can move fore and aft through 280mm (+80mm compared with the current Zafira) and also move by 50 millimetres towards the centre of the car, giving passengers improved shoulder and elbow room, and the feeling of limousine-levels of space and comfort.

The Vauxhall Zafira Tourer's load volumes have also increased over the existing Zafira. In five-seat mode, the luggage area can now hold up to 710 litres (up 65 litres versus current Zafira), and up to 1860 litres (+40 litres) when all rear seats are folded.

FlexConsole, a central storage system running between the front seats (similar to that found in the Meriva), allows occupants to keep the large cabin tidy and ordered. An armrest module, incorporating a stowage cubby, and a cup holder slide and lock into the desired position, giving front passengers greater flexibility while they're on the move.

For the first time in a Zafira model, a new-generation FlexFix is also available. The integrated bicycle carrier neatly fits into the rear bumper and pulls out like a drawer to accommodate two bikes, without the need for any special fixing tools.

DESIGN - premium and spacious with quality materials and surfacing

When Vauxhall unveiled the Zafira Tourer concept at Geneva, Mark Adams - Vauxhall/Opel's Vice President of Design - pronounced it a "lounge on wheels", combining high degrees of luxury with flexibility and spaciousness.

This principle has been retained for the production car. Its distinctive front end, with strong centre crease and twin-trapezoidal grille, is quite unique on a car in this class. Large, 'boomerang' graphics sweep from the top of the headlights to the bottom of the fog lamps and frame the grille. As with other models, the headlights feature Vauxhall's wing-shaped daytime running light graphic.

The streamlined, aerodynamic design of the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer features a belt line that sweeps upwards and visually propels the vehicle forward, while the Vauxhall 'blade' sculpts and adds motion to the body-side.

The wing-shaped graphic from the headlights is repeated on the tail lamps. A horizontal bar carrying the Vauxhall logo extends into the light elements, giving the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer a broad, sporty look at the rear.

Special attention has also been given to the design of the interior, too. Visibility has been improved thanks to a completely re-designed front layout, with slim A-pillars, large side windows and re-positioned door mirrors (now fixed directly to the door panel).

Enhancing the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer's feeling of airiness still further is an optional Panoramic Windscreen which combines with a generous glass sunroof on certain models.

CHASSIS - improved dynamics and the rare-to-class option of adaptive damping

Compared with the current Zafira, the Tourer's wheelbase and tracks have all grown substantially, improving both the ride and stability of the car. The wheelbase is now 2760mm (+57mm), while the tracks are 1584mm at the front (+96mm) and 1588mm in the rear (+78mm).

The Vauxhall Zafira Tourer takes its front axle from the European Car of the Year-winning Insignia, which means an isolated sub-frame and MacPherson struts. At the rear, the Tourer retains a compound crank rear axle (similar to the current Zafira's) but adds a Watt's link, making it a unique set-up in the MPV class. The compound crank/Watt's link combination suits this type of vehicle well, offering excellent space efficiency, light weight and high levels of stability/control.

Enhancing the base chassis' dynamic prowess will be the option of Vauxhall's FlexRide adaptive damping system, a rarity in the MPV class. FlexRide automatically adapts the car's damping to suit road conditions, cornering speed, vehicle movements and an individual's driving style. In addition, drivers can select from a choice of three settings - Standard, Tour and Sport - to provide more ride comfort or body control on a continual basis.

SAFETY - intelligent safety systems add to driver appeal

A raft of innovative driver assistance systems have been built into the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer or are optional on certain models.

•An all-new, radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Collision Mitigating Braking (CMB) constantly monitors the distance to the vehicles ahead and reduces vehicle speed or, in extreme cases, applies emergency braking to prevent a collision

•A front camera system, featuring Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). The camera also supports...

•Following Distance Indication (FDI) - visually informs the driver about the distance to the vehicle in front

•Forward Collision Alert (FCA) - warns driver via visual and acoustic signals about an imminent collision with the vehicle ahead

In addition, the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer can be equipped with the following technologies:

•Intelligent Light Ranging (ILR) - an additional function to the existing Automatic Forward Lighting + option. A laser-controlled system continually adjusts the light pattern to the distance from the vehicle ahead, optimising illumination without blinding other traffic.

•Side Blind Spot Alert (SBSA) - warns driver of imminent collision when changing lanes

•Advanced Park Assist (APA) - helps drivers to find an adequate space to park and then guides them into it. Also available with rear-view camera.

POWERTRAINS - new petrol and diesel engines join Vauxhall Zafira Tourer range

The Vauxhall Zafira Tourer's diesel engine range will comprise three versions of Vauxhall's Euro-5 compliant 2.0CDTi common rail unit, also found in the Insignia and Astra. Power outputs start with a choice of either 110PS or 130PS, while the most powerful engine has been upgraded to produce 165PS.

The petrol range comprises a downsized 1.4 Turbo unit, producing 140PS, and a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre with 140PS. Availability of Start/Stop on certain petrol and diesel engines will be revealed later in the year.

Six-speed manual transmissions will be standard with all 1.4T and 2.0 CDTi engines, with the option of a six-speed automatic on certain models. A five-speed manual 'box is available with the 1.8-litre petrol model.

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2012 Vauxhall Astra GTC

"The GTC is a high-profile addition to the Astra range and one that's sure to appeal to anyone who loves cars and driving," said Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall's Managing Director. "Better still, its chassis has been fine-tuned by Vauxhall Engineering Centre in the UK, reflecting the importance of our Millbrook-based operation, and also the fact that the UK will be the dominant market for GTC when it arrives in showrooms later this year."

The GTC will receive its world premiere at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed (July 1-3, 2011), reflecting the importance of the UK market to this model.

High-tech front and rear suspension

Right from the start of the Vauxhall Astra GTC's development the target was to deliver a focused and driver-orientated feel to the car, and one that worked well on UK roads. As a result, significant changes were made to the front suspension, including the adoption of Vauxhall's HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) used on the 325PS Insignia VXR. Much proving work was also done on British roads by engineers from Europe and VEC (Vauxhall Engineering Centre) to hone the car's damper and steering performance, recognising the unique nature of our road network.



The HiPerStrut uses the existing attachment points from the regular Astra, and has a reduced kingpin inclination and a shorter spindle length. This reduces levels of torque-steer, improves grip - and therefore cornering power - while also enhancing steering precision and feedback.

At the rear, the GTC continues to use the compound crank with a Watt's link that has been employed with such success on the Astra Hatch and Sports Tourer. This unique and innovative combination is far more compact and light weight than a multi-link set up, while providing excellent control and stability, as well as excellent noise insulation.



Compared with the Astra Hatch, the GTC's ride height has been lowered by 15mm, while the wheelbase has grown by 10mm, from 2685mm to 2695mm. Both tracks are wider, too, at 1584mm (+ 40mm) front and 1588mm (+ 30mm) rear. This allows the option of larger rims (up to 20-inch), as well as improving stability.

Enhancing the GTC's chassis still further is the option of Vauxhall's FlexRide adaptive damping. FlexRide automatically adapts to prevailing road surfaces and driving styles, providing drivers with fully optimised handling, even in the event of an emergency situation. In addition, FlexRide offers a choice of three settings - Standard, Tour or Sport - which will change the car's character on demand at the push of a button.

Sleek and handsome lines frame spacious and practical cabin
Since the Vauxhall Astra GTC shares no body panels with either the Astra Hatch or Sports Tourer, it has a unique appearance in the range, and one which has largely stayed faithful to the stunning 2011 GTC Paris Concept.
"We wanted the Astra GTC to be the ultimate expression of Vauxhall's design language, and to embody our passion for the motor car," said Mark Adams, Vice President of Vauxhall/Opel design. "But we didn't want emotion to get in the way of functionality: the Astra GTC still needed to be clever, affordable and practical."

In profile, Mark and his team created tension in the GTC's shape by minimising the lines running along the body.  A second line strikes through the door handle, stretching to the rear, while a third line follows the roof's profile, guiding the eye to the sharply integrated spoiler.

At the front of the car, a centreline crease is complemented by slim, 'eagle-eye'-style headlamps featuring wing-shaped daytime running light graphics. A chrome emblem bar running across the dramatic trapezoidal grille - mounted lower than on other Astras - completes the picture from the front.

The GTC's rear treatment is equally dramatic. Its powerful shoulder section gives the car imposing proportions and a purposeful road presence. The line from the C-pillar wraps around the tail and the rear spoiler, which integrates with the roofline. LEDs - optional across the GTC range - highlight the stretched 'wing' motif created by the tail lamps.



Four engine line-up, with high output unit for VXR to follow in 2012
The Vauxhall Astra GTC can be ordered with a choice of four engines - one diesel and three petrols.

With 165PS, the 2.0 CDTi is an upgraded version of the diesel that's fitted to some models in the Insignia and Astra ranges. All engines have a diesel particulate filter, six-speed transmission and Start/Stop as standard, maximising economy and performance. Delivering 380Nm of torque (including overboost function) the 2.0 CDTi engine provides excellent mid-range acceleration for the GTC, combined with a 0-62mph time of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 130mph.

That torque also allows the Vauxhall Astra GTC a relaxed cruising gait, meaning a combined mpg of 57.6mpg and C02 emissions of just 129g/km. It also gives drivers a range potential in excess of 700 miles.
Start/Stop and a six-speed gearbox are also standard on both versions of the 1.4-litre Turbo petrol engine. With either 120PS or 140PS, the 1.4T achieves a combined 47.9mpg and 139g/km of C02 emissions, yet each still delivers crisp performance with maximum torque of 200Nm delivered between 1850-4200rpm.

The most powerful engine in the range is the 1.6-litre Turbo, which produces 180PS and allows the GTC to hit a top speed of 132mph.

Practicality and technology enhance GTC's appeal for all drivers
Don't be fooled by the Vauxhall Astra GTC's swooping lines and sporting looks: unlike many of its competitors, functionality has not been compromised. Not only can the GTC accommodate four adults in comfort, but its luggage compartment provides between 370 and 1235 litres - over 200 litres more than some of the competition.

In line with the current Astra, storage volume in the cabin has also been improved by 50 per cent over the current model, with items like the standard electronic park brake liberating space around the centre console in every GTC.

Standard equipment is generous no matter which GTC model customers choose. Even in entry-level Sport trim, the Vauxhall Astra GTC comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, DAB stereo and USB functionality. Move up to the top-spec SRi, and buyers get as standard tinted glass, onboard computer, leather-trimmed steering wheel and fog lamps. The latest generation Bi-Xenon Advanced Forward Lighting (AFL), which offers nine separate light beams, is optional across the range.

A range of new colours and materials, bespoke to the GTC, set the car apart from others in the Astra range. Morello Red, a new premium leather trim, is also available as an option and brings with it six-way adjustable front seats.
Pricing
The Vauxhall Astra GTC range starts at £18,495 for the 120PS Sport 1.4 Turbo and extends to £22,430 for the 165PS SRi 2.0 CDTi. A full list is shown below.

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