Vauxhall's all new performance brand, VXR was officially launched at the 2004 Birmingham Motor Show. The Luton marque has for some time boasted one of the largest ranges of 'sporting' versions of any mainstream carmaker; with VXR, Vauxhall has taken its sporting know-how several notches up.

Inspired by Vauxhall's VX Racing team's outstanding success in the British Touring Car Championship in recent years, VXR models will offer buyers exactly what they've been asking for - imposing looks, searing performance, exclusivity and value for money - with the added bonus of the brand's BTCC legacy.

The influence of Vauxhall's racing heritage is apparent both by sight and sound, from the internal and external styling cues through to the tuned engines and sports exhausts. Naturally, once behind the wheel and on the road, the cars' DNA will be self-evident.

Stuart Harris, brand manager for VXR, explains the VXR raison d'etre: "The performance philosophy of VXR is not about top speed; it's about maximum acceleration and real world performance through sheer in gear grunt."

"While it's undeniable that the VXR cars will be quicker than other models in the Vauxhall range, they will also offer maximum driver enjoyment from their dynamics and more driving excitement than you can shake a stick at."

VXR cars will be developed to maximise the sensory pleasure for the driver: steering feel, brakes, changing gear, the noise emitted from the sports exhaust, the seats and seating position will all be engineered to maximise that unique VXR experience.

Visually, VXR cars will be clearly identifiable through numerous common styling cues, such as a special honeycomb grille, large diameter alloy wheels, tail-pipe treatment, lowered ride heights and rear wings.

On the inside, VXR drivers will be greeted by sports Recaro style seating, a Momo steering wheel, VXR instrumentation and alloy pedals.

However, the changes will not be purely cosmetic. Mechanical modifications, common to all VXR models, will include uprated springs and dampers, large diameter drilled brake discs with uprated brake pads, VXR exhaust silencers, and of course, performance packs on all engines.

The highly popular VX220 and Monaro will be the first to wear VXR badges and they made their debut at the motor show. But there will be plenty more models to follow, with the VXR development programme stretching into 2006 and beyond, so watch this space. The Car Enthusiast hope to drive the VXR cars over the next year, watch the main Road Tests page for the reviews.

Vauxhall news release - 18 Jun 2004