Jalopnik: tourer

Vauxhall Insignia Sport Tourer VXR: A Spectacular 320 HP Wagon You Can't Have

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 20 May 2009 11:00:00 EDT

We told you to expect a Vauxhall Insignia Sport Tourer VXR. Lo-and-behold, here it is, a 320 HP, 6.0 second 0-to-60 MPH all-wheel-drive sport wagon that you can't get in the US. Lust and anger.

Take all the benefits of GM's Insignia VXR, the turbocharged 2.8 liter V6 good for 320 HP, the all-wheel-drive, electronically controlled limited slip differential, Brembo brakes, tighter suspension, bigger wheels and tires, the aggressively handsome styling, gorgeous Recaro bucket seats and then open it up in wagon form for a total load area of a whopping 54 cubic feet and you've got a totally lustworthy automobile.Unfortunately the colonies will not be receiving this latest foreign-only masterpiece. General Motors, our patience with you is wearing very thin.

NEW INSIGNIA VXR SPORTS TOURER PACKS POWER, POISE AND ALL YOUR PARAPHERNALIA
* Fastest ever Vauxhall estate with 6-second 0-60 time
* 1530-litre load capability combined with Adaptive 4x4 chassis and 325 horsepower
* Third and final body style to be offered in Insignia VXR spec

Luton – With 10,000 kilometres of gruelling validation at the world's most fearsome and demanding test track now under their belt, the Vauxhall Insignia VXR hatch and saloon are set to raise the bar in their sector with a heady mix of high performance, practicality and sophisticated dynamics.

And now, adding even greater versatility to the range, Vauxhall can confirm that the Insignia VXR Sports Tourer will be the third body style to join the line up and will be available in UK dealerships this autumn, after enduring the same rigorous testing at the notorious Nürburgring Circuit.

Combining all the technical highlights of the VXR hatch and saloon with best in class-matching luggage capacity (rear seats up), the VXR Sports Tourer is not only the fastest estate car Vauxhall has ever produced, but also the first to incorporate Adaptive 4x4 and an electronic limited slip differential (eLSD).

Like its saloon and hatch siblings, the VXR Sports Tourer sits 10 millimetres lower than the regular Sports Tourer, and features the unique HiPerStrut system, which reduces torque-steer and maintains negative camber during cornering, thereby improving wet and dry grip levels.

Complementing these features are standard 19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch lightweight forged alloys are a cost option) with bespoke tyres, revised bushing and damper settings on both axles, and Brembo brakes with colour-keyed callipers and vented/cross-drilled discs.

And with 325PS, the Brembos are a must. Using a modified version of the 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 engine that's standard in the Insignia Elite model, the Sports Tourer VXR will hit 60mph from zero in 6.0 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph.

Inside, the Sports Tourer's performance credentials are laid bare, with its front Recaro seats, VXR steering wheel and gearknob, as well as different instrument graphics, VXR sill plates and black headlining.

But where the VXR Sports Tourer really scores is in its versatility. With 540-litres of load space with the 40:60 split rear seats up, the SportsTourer matches the best in class. Drop the 40:60 split rear seats and you have a maximum load volume of 1530-litres.

Accessing this area has never been easier, thanks to the Sports Tourer VXR's standard electronic tailgate, which can be operated off the driver's key fob, or via a rotary knob on the inside of the driver's door. Using these functions, not only can the opening height of the tailgate be restricted, but it can also be pre-set at a lower level if you frequently park in a garage with a low ceiling.

Deeper bumpers, front mesh grilles and dual matt chrome exhausts are among the Sports Tourer VXR's visual armoury, complemented by a colour palette comprising Arden Blue, Power Red, Carbon Flash Black (pictured), Silver Lake, Olympic White and Technical Grey.

‘The Insignia VXR Sports Tourer will be a compelling alternative for buyers in the premium sector who may currently be considering an Audi S4 Avant or BMW 335i M Sport Touring,' said Andy Gilson, Vauxhall's Marketing Director. ‘We've already seen a swing to the Insignia from premium buyers who'd never before ticked the Vauxhall box on their wish list, and we expect to see the same buying pattern emerge with all versions of the Insignia VXR.'

Prices for the Insignia VXR range will be announced early summer.

Holden HSV Tourer Announced, Will Haul Ass and Take Names

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Let us all rise, and solemnly acknowledge the beginnings of the wagon wars. With the stroke of a key and the sending of an image, Holden has loosed a battle cry the likes of which are rarely heard. The Holden HSV Tourer will not only haul little Timmy and Sally to school in the morning, it'll haul ass all day with an LS3 V8 pumping 426 HP and 405 lb.ft. of torque out of that 6.2 liters of goodness. And just look at that garish, chav-tastic styling! We're in love. We need two tickets to ~~paradise~~ Australia.

That's right, although Holden may be the new Pontiac, the General has denied us this bit of sportwagon goodness. Come on Uncle Bob, build some excitement in our pants and reverse that decision on the Pontiac G8 GXP Sport Wagon. You know you want to. And you know we want to get a shot at renaming it the "Station Wagon." [WheelsMag]

Frankfurt Auto Show: Honda Accord Tourer Concept

Mike Bumbeck — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 11:10:11 EDT

Honda informs us the company will maintain a clear focus on innovation, environmental responsibility, safety, and building machines that are fun to drive. Along with the hydrogen fuel cell FCX, the company plans to push ahead with an i-dtec turbodiesel. The engine requires no urea system to meet emissions standards thanks to superior catalytic converter design. A European version of Accord in will pack the new diesel in 2008, with Japan and the US models being considered for the near future. Honda President and CEO Takeo Fukui then introduced the Accord Tourer Concept, told us the sedan version is coming to Geneva in 2008, and to have a good time at the show. Asimo was taking a break.

Honda To Reveal Accord Tourer Concept At Frankfurt Auto Show And No, This Isn't It

Ray Wert — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 10:00:00 EDT

In addition to the ASIMO humanoid robot, Honda solar panels and HondaJet on the Honda stand at the Frankfurt Auto Show next month, the folks from Honda UK tell us they'll be debuting what they're calling "an exciting Accord Tourer Concept." Set on a stand that supposedly will focus on the twin Honda Euro themes of "Sports" and "Environment," the Honda folks claim the concept sled will give a "strong indication of the design direction of the next gen Accord Tourer" set to debut sometime during the middle of next year. As of now the only info we've got is in the press release below the jump. The teaser sketch above? That's the very bubbly and blue two-door "Small Hybrid Sports Concept" first revealed at the Geneva Show earlier this year and which will share stage space with the new Accord Tourer Concept.

August 28, 2007- Honda will be presenting the world debut of an exciting Accord Tourer Concept at the forthcoming 2007 Frankfurt motor show. A press conference will be held on the Honda stand in Hall 5 on the first Press Day, 11th September, between 13.15 and 13.45.
The Accord Tourer Concept will give a strong indication of the design direction of the all-new generation Accord Tourer set to debut in mid-2008 and its wider, lower look signals a more sporty, more emotional styling approach. This will be matched by a range of advanced, low emissions engines and innovative new chassis technology that will deliver exceptional handling without compromising ride comfort.

As well as an extensive selection of models from the passenger car range, the Honda stand will also feature a comprehensive line-up of motorcycles and power equipment products. The stand will focus around the twin themes of "Sports" and "Environment".

The "Environment" area will centre upon Honda's ground-breaking environmental technologies, such as petrol-electrical vehicles. This includes the Small Hybrid Sports Concept first revealed at the Geneva Show which demonstrates a unique fusion of advanced hybrid technology and fun-to-drive sports car characteristics. Alongside it will be Honda's next-generation clean diesel engine, the production Civic Hybrid and the FCX Concept with its fully-functioning fuel cell technology which made its European driving debut at the Gotland Ring in Sweden earlier this year.

The "Sports" area of the stand will include Honda's current F1 racing car, the RA107 piloted by Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, alongside Civic Type R and Honda S2000 production models, There will also be a strong emphasis on the company's motorsport heritage and alongside the latest F1 car will be one of Honda's first, the 1967 RA300.

To emphasise the major contribution made by motorcycles towards Honda's sporting prowess and reputation there will be displayed examples of both the Repsol Honda RC212V from this year's MotoGP series - raced by Dani Pedrosa and Nicky Hayden - and one of the HM Plant Honda CBR1000RR Fireblades which contested this year's Isle of Man TT races and allowed John McGuinness to capture the first 130mph lap of the circuit and victory in the Senior TT Race.

The line-up of production motorcycles includes the world's first production motorcycle airbag system, available on the new Gold Wing, which can help lessen the severity of injuries caused by frontal collisions.

Stand visitors will also be welcomed by several displays of Honda's unique innovation, which include the ASIMO humanoid robot, Honda solar panels and HondaJet.