Vectra C (Hatch/Est), 2.8iV6T (Z28NET), Spec/Press Release

[Sheriff]

Technical Specifications (Hatch)
http://www.vxronline.co.uk/photo/vectra/thumbnails/VX_05278.jpg http://www.vxronline.co.uk/photo/vectra/thumbnails/VX_05274.jpg
ENGINE
2792cc V6 twin-scroll turbo, with Variable Valve Timing
Max. power: 255PS (188kW) @ 5,500 rpm
Max. torque: 355Nm (262 lb.ft.) @ 1,800-4,500 rpm
Bore/stroke: 89.0/74.8mm
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
TRANSMISSION
Front wheel drive, six-speed manual gearbox
PERFORMANCE (manufacturer’s figures)
0-60mph (secs): 6.5
Top Speed (mph): 161
FUEL ECONOMY mpg (litres/100km)
Urban: 18.3 (15.4)
Extra-urban: 38.7 (7.3)
Combined: 27.4 (10.3)
CO2 emissions: (g/km): 247
BRAKES
Front discs: 345mm
Rear discs: 292mm
WHEELS AND TYRES
> 18-inch five-spoke alloy 8Jx18
> 235/40 R 18 (optional 19-inch with 235/35 ZR19)
DIMENSIONS
Length (mm): 4611
Height (mm): 1460
width: with/without mirrors (mm): 2036/1798
KERBWEIGHT (kg): 580

[Sheriff]

Technical Specifications (Estate)
http://www.vxronline.co.uk/photo/vectra/thumbnails/VX_05256.jpg http://www.vxronline.co.uk/photo/vectra/thumbnails/VX_05253.jpg
ENGINE
2792cc V6 twin-scroll turbo, with Variable Valve Timing
Max. power: 255PS (188kW) @ 5,500 rpm
Max. torque: 355Nm (262 lb.ft.) @ 1,800-4,500 rpm
Bore/stroke: 89.0/74.8mm
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
TRANSMISSION
Front wheel drive, six-speed manual gearbox
PERFORMANCE (manufacturer’s figures)
0-60mph (secs): 6.7
Top Speed (mph): 158
FUEL ECONOMY mpg (litres/100km)
Urban: 18.2 (15.5)
Extra-urban: 38.2 (7.4)
Combined: 27.2 (10.4)
CO2 emissions: (g/km) 250
BRAKES
Front discs: 345mm
Rear discs: 292mm
WHEELS AND TYRES
18-inch five-spoke alloy 8Jx18
235/40 R 18 (optional 19-inch with 235/35 ZR19)
DIMENSIONS
Length (mm): 4839
Height (mm): 1500
width: with/without mirrors (mm): 2036/1798
KERBWEIGHT (kg): 1613

[Sheriff]

Introduction
VXR treatment takes new Vectra past 160mph – for less than £24,000
• Vauxhall creates Britain’s fastest hatchback and estate with 255PS Vectra VXR
• New 2.8-litre V6 turbo powers family favourite to a supercar-rivalling 161mph
• On sale in November, priced at £23,995
Any car bearing the VXR badge has to be special – the Astra, Monaro and VXR220 have already set the scene for what enthusiastic buyers can expect from the marque. The Vectra VXR can certainly meet that criteria, thanks to an all-new 2.8-litre turbo engine with enough power and performance to make rivals look distinctly puny.
Producing a massive 255PS and 355Nm of torque (259lb/ft), Vauxhall’s engineers have created the most powerful car in the class - and created a suitably dynamic big brother for the red-hot Astra VXR. With variable valve timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger, the V6 is supremely flexible too, taking the hatchback from zero to 60mph in 6.5 seconds, and dispatching the 50-70mph sprint (in fifth gear) in just 7.6 seconds. A six-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard.
Using the heavily revised chassis of the New Vectra range as its base, the VXR has been tuned even further to handle the engine’s awesome power. A new evolution of Vauxhall’s acclaimed IDS-plus system is used, making the Vectra (and Zafira VXR) the first production cars from a mainstream manufacturer to feature the latest generation electronic damping control with two processors instead of the usual one. Comparable systems are currently only available in a handful of low-volume supercars. The sophisticated system minimises body movements exceptionally quickly with the help of two separate processing modules. The result is a noticeable enhancement in body roll prevention and damper control while still maintaining the Vectra’s legendary ride comfort.
The brakes are the largest fitted to any production Vauxhall too, with 345mm diameter discs at the front, and 292 mm at the rear. These provide ultra-powerful deceleration from high speeds and precise feel through the pedal.
When it came to designing the exterior, the stylists made the Vectra VXR look purposeful without being overly aggressive. The front end features a deeper front bumper incorporating the VXR trademark honeycomb mesh and a body coloured ‘V’’ grille which is unique to Vauxhall’s flagship performance models. At the rear, a subtle rear spoiler, pair of trapezoidal tailpipes and lowered bumper hint at the performance without being too ostentatious, while the side profile is accentuated with large 18-inch alloys. As with the Astra VXR, 19-inch multispoke rims will be available.
But the most irresistible part of the Vectra VXR will be the price. With a price of £23,995 for the hatch and £24,995 for the estate, it aggressively undercuts far less powerful rivals from mainstream manufacturers while making so-called ‘prestige’ marques’ offerings look overpriced and underpowered.

[Sheriff]

Specification and Equipment
EXTERIOR FEATURES
VXR sports front grille with body-coloured ‘V’ grille and larger air dam/bumper
VXR front fog lights
VXR mesh air intake
VXR side sills
VXR spoiler (roof spoiler on estate)
VXR rear bumper
Twin trapezoidal chrome-effect exhaust pipes
Unique VXR badging
Choice of four VXR-specific paint colours
18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels (optional 19s)
Heated door mirrors
Xenon headlights with dynamic beam levelling, high-pressure
INTERIOR FEATURES
Recaro sports seats with leather-trimmed side bolsters
Three-spoke leather-covered VXR steering wheel
Leather-covered VXR gear knob
VXR carbon-fibre effect inserts on dashboard and doors
Unique VXR instrument panel
VXR-logo alloy-effect door sill covers
Air conditioning
IDS2-Plus chassis with Continuous Damping Control, ESP, EBD
Sport Switch
Multi-function trip computer
Cruise control
CDC 40 stereo radio with DAB Digital Audio/Integral 6-CD changer/graphic display (356 watts per channel)
Steering wheel stereo controls
Front, side and curtain airbags
OPTIONS AT EXTRA COST
Leather pack (with eight-way adjustable electric heated seats)
Electronic Climate Control (in lieu of air conditioning)
19-inch alloy wheels
Satellite navigation
Front and rear Parking distance sensors
AFL Adaptive Forward Lighting

[Sheriff]

Prices and Options
Price: £23,995 on-the-road (hatch) £24,995 (estate)
Includes number plates and delivery to retailer, 12-months’ Vehicle Excise Duty and new vehicle first registration fee of £38.00
Leather Pack (leather seat facings, heated Recaro sports seats, eight-way adjustable) £1,500
Smoker Pack (cigar lighter and ashtray) £50
Electronic Climate Control (in lieu of air conditioning) £275
AFL lighting with bi-xenon bulbs and high-pressure washers £750
19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with 235/35 R19 ultra-low profile tyres £500
Front and rear parking distance sensors £425
Two-coat metallic or pearlescent paint £335
CD70 stereo/radio/cd with MP3 capability and sat nav with colour monitor £800
Mobile phone system with Bluetooth (not including phone or cradle) £300
Towing Pack £650 (£850 estate)
Roof rails (estate only) £100
Power Tailgate (estate only) £500
Divider Pack (Vertical divider mesh/divider rod/two side rail hooks – estate only) £50

[Sheriff]

Stylish Design
• VXR treatment brings out best in New Vectra style
• Hatch or estate body styles available
• Unique VXR interior styling
When Vauxhall introduced New Vectra, critics were amazed at the car’s sharp new look. Vectra VXR takes that stylish design and moves it into fresh territory, with a bold, appearance that marks out the performance flagship of the range as a car with a seriously sporting presence - without being overly aggressive.
At the front, the already sharp nose is complemented by the addition of a honeycomb radiator grille, while large mesh intakes are incorporated into the front air dam, housed in the VXR’s unique front bumper. The fared in front fog lamps are set well back into the bumper to keep them out of the way of road debris, while xenon headlamps are standard equipment and add further to Vectra VXR’s distinctive appearance.
Low-slung side sills and darkened glass on the Estate give the side a distinctive appearance. Smart 18-inch alloy wheels, exclusive to VXR models, are fitted as standard, while 19-inchers are a keenly-priced £500 option.
Moving round to the rear, the VXR gets a unique rear bumper and skirt, while hatch models come with a lip spoiler and estates get a special roof spoiler. Four body colours are available – Flame Red, Arden Blue, Black Sapphire, Star Silver .
Then, of course, there are the VXR trademarks – Arden Blue brake callipers and those distinctive trapezoid-shaped tailpipes, which have become a stand-out feature of performance Vauxhalls in recent years.
Inside, the specially-moulded Recaro sports seats come with leather-trimmed side bolsters, while a three-spoke sport steering wheel and tailored VXR instrument panel add further to the sporty ambience. Other neat touches include exclusive VXR floor mats and gearknob, plus smart alloy door sill covers, proving that no stone has been left unturned in order to make the flagship of the New Vectra range stand out.

[Sheriff]

Dynamics
• Highly tuned set-up with IDS2-plus – a new generation in chassis design
• Massive 345mm disc brakes
• Front-wheel-drive; 255PS
New Vectra was built to cope with Britain’s challenging roads – and the VXR has been created so you can enjoy them even more. That’s why Vauxhall’s engineers have developed IDS2-plus for Vectra VXR, making it the perfect choice for Britain’s challenging roads.
Based on the critically acclaimed IDS-plus (Interactive Driving System) chassis pioneered on models such as New Astra and New Vectra, IDS2-plus uses sophisticated electronics which have previously only been seen on supercars. It operates in such a manner that all of the driver assistance systems operate in harmony with each other.
The IDS2-plus system networks all driving dynamics systems via CAN data buses into one system. Linked components are driving stability control system (ESP), traction control, Understeer Control Logic (UCL), the four-channel anti-lock system, Brake Assist and Continuous Damping Control (CDC). The new upgraded software allows more precise adjustments of the damping, which improves not only braking stability, but also traction, roadholding and handling precision. At the same time, the honed responsiveness of the chassis also contributes to ride comfort, making the Vectra more refined than many less sporty rivals.
While the default chassis set-up allows excellent handling and impressive suspension comfort, drivers favouring a sharper, stiffer response can simply press the ‘Sport’ switch on the dashboard and instantly enjoy a firmer chassis set-up.
And to reel in the power, Vectra VXR has the biggest brakes ever fitted to a production Vauxhall, with 345mm ventilated discs at the front and 292mm solid discs at the rear – naturally backed up by ABD, Brake Assist and EBD – helping to bring things to an abrupt halt if necessary.
Under the skin, Vectra VXR has Macpherson struts at the front and wishbones at the rear. The steering geometry is specific to the VXR, giving heightened feedback and a weightier feel at high speed, along with sharper responses on twisty tarmac. Performance bushes and bearings add to the car’s impressive dynamics.

[Sheriff]

Engine and Performance
• New all-alloy 2.8-litre V6
• Produces 255PS and 355Nm of torque
• 0-62mph in 6.5secs, top speed 161mph
When a car looks as good as Vectra VXR, it has to deliver in the power department – after all, what’s the point of shouting about something if you can’t deliver?
Luckily, Vectra VXR can. With a top speed of 161mph, the five-door model is the fastest hatchback available on the British market, while the 158mph estate is also the most rapid load-lugger that money can buy – and it’s all thanks to a technically advanced powerplant that makes its debut in the model.
The all-alloy 2.8-litre V6 engine is brand new, and uses a twin-scroll turbocharger and variable valve timing in order to deliver smooth yet breathtaking power.
The unit develops a maximum of 255PS (188kw) at 5,500rpm, while a peak torque figure of 355Nm (262lb/ft) is available from as little as 1,800rpm in order to avoid the turbo lag and brutal, unexpected bursts of power.
What this means is that not only is the Vectra VXR capable of effortless performance regardless of what gear you’re in, but it also provides incredible smoothness and refinement.
The hatchback model can accelerate from rest to 60mph in just 6.5 seconds, while the estate can do the same sprint in 6.7 seconds. Power is transferred to the road via a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox specially developed for the model, and thanks to the highly-tuned IDS2-Plus chassis, it has no trouble getting its prodigious pulling power onto the tarmac.

[Sheriff]

Safety and Quality
• High levels of active and passive safety
• Unique ‘Crashbox’ structure
• Active head restraints as standard
Performance cars should be used responsibly, and with that in mind Vauxhall has ensured that Vectra VXR is one of the safest and most dynamically able cars in its class.
That’s why, as well as the reassuring handling characteristics of the IDS2-Plus chassis, Vauxhall has equipped Vectra VXR with some of the most advanced active safety features on the market. Enormous 345mm disc brakes front and rear should keep things in check for starters, while ESP-Plus, traction control, understeer control logic, cornering brake control and CDC Continuous Damping Control further add to the feeling of security on board.
Should the worst happen, Vectra VXR has also been extensively collision tested. Thanks to the use of lightweight yet extremely high-strength materials, both models have rigid passenger cells that provide a large survival area in all accident scenarios. In the event of a collision, the energy is absorbed by a number of main load paths, high-strength cross bars, as well as predefined deformation zones behind and on the side of the extremely rigid passenger cell. In a frontal crash, the impact is absorbed by the frame structure, the front axle subframe and the wheelarch braces, while in a rear end collision, the energy is absorbed by the frame under the passenger cell and directed over the highly stable C and D-pillars as well as the wheelarches into the roof structure. Crash boxes bolted onto the frame create an additional buffer between the bumpers and the frame.
Active head-restraints, six airbags, a pedal release system and ISOFIX mountings in the rear add further to the feeling of security on board.
The high safety standards are matched by Vectra VXR’s build quality. Building on the success of New Vectra and New Signum, Vectra VXR benefits from high quality materials throughout, with an upmarket cabin worthy of comparison to executive models and a strict quality control regime in the factory at Russelsheim, Germany.

[Sheriff]

Value for Money
• Incredible performance-per-pound ratio, from just £23,995
• Superb equipment levels
• Cheaper than some four-cylinder rivals
If you’re buying a Vectra VXR, then you’re buying a bespoke performance car. A car that has been extensively tested by racing drivers on some of the most rigorous circuits in Europe, including the legendary Nurburgring.
Normally, you’d expect to pay serious amounts of money for a performance car that has been developed to such exacting standards, but that’s not the Vectra VXR’s style.
Instead, the hatchback model costs just £23,995 on-the-road, with a £1,000 premium for the estate.
That makes it £305 cheaper than the Ford Mondeo ST220, despite the Vectra’s generous equipment levels and extra performance, or you could compare it to some sparsely equipped four-cylinder models that, like Vectra VXR, are built in high-tech German factories.
Comparison
(Car, Power, 0-60mph, Top speed, Price)
Vauxhall Vectra VXR, 255PS, 6.5secs, 161mph,£23,995
Ford Mondeo ST220, 220PS, 7.5secs, 151mph, £24,300
Mercedes C180K Sport, 165PS, 9.1secs, 145mph, £25,105
BMW 318i M-Sport, 130PS, 10.0secs, 130mph, £23,690
We don’t just believe that Vectra VXR’s value for money is hard to beat – we think it’s unbeatable.