Astra VXR makes us wish Opel is still here

This is a drop dead gorgeous car and now it has some grunt to match the good looks, thanks to the new turbocharged engine that cranks out 276 horses.


The Astra is based on the GTC's platform and the 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine can twist 400Nm of torque, enough for it to achieve a top speed of 155mph.

There is a lot of special chassis mods that promises to make it a real driver's car and among them are a specially developed mechanical limited slip differential, which works on the front wheels.

Opel says the LSD provides the Astra VXR with exceptional lateral grip and traction through bends.

Further changes to the chassis include brakes developed by competition supplier, Brembo, and standard fitment of Vauxhall's fully adaptive FlexRide system. In the Astra VXR, FlexRide features not only a Sport button, but a VXR button, offering drivers the choice of two, more focused stages of damper, throttle and steering control.

Full details in the Press Release after the jump