Vauxhall has unveiled the Corsa and Astra VXR Racing Editions. These models celebrate the Luton-firm's success in the British Touring Car Championship and will be produced in limited numbers.
Appropriately, a total of 888 Racing Edition cars will be built; the production run echoing the name of Triple Eight Engineering, which prepares Vauxhall's BTCC cars. Both Corsa and Astra are offered in the team colours of red and black with tinted rear windows along with a black rear diffuser, side bump strips and door mirror casings. On the B-pillars a VX Racing logo helps identify the special models. As a finishing touch the alloy wheels are painted gloss-black.
Interior equipment includes logos on the door tread plates, leather covered Recaro seats and, for the Astra only, Piano Black interior décor strips.
Customers choosing a VX Racing Edition car will have the option of fitting a Remus exhaust system at a reduced price. Giving a claimed power increase of 20bhp and making a distinctive noise the system costs £720 for the Astra (RRP £995) and £410 for the Corsa (RRP £560). Discounts are also available on other Vauxhall Performance Centre parts, which includes cosmetic modifications, suspension improvements and brake upgrades.
Vauxhall dealers are taking orders for the VXR Racing Edition models. The Corsa costs £17,425 while the Astra is £21,445.
John Lambert - 2 Mar 2009