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The closest we've ever gotten to driving a Corsa in the states is the older and larger Saturn Astra, which sold poorly in the U.S. and never offered more than a low-power 1.8-liter fourbanger. Therefore it's with great sadness we announce the smaller Euro-spec Vauhall Corsa VXR Nürburgring Edition boosts power to over 200 horses from its turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and adds a multi-plate LSD. More »
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The Opel Insignia OPC is based on the same platform as the new-for-the-US Buick Regal, but adds the torque-vectoring Haldex AWD system from the Saab 9-3 Turbo X and a 325 HP turbocharged V6. Can anyone say "GNX?" More »
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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. More »
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The recently announced 2010 Opel Insignia and Vauxhall VXR could spawn another variant we would love to own: the Buick Regal GNX. More »
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GM's European divisions finally have an answer to that pesky AWD hot-rod Audi S4. Say hello to the new turbo, AWD, 325-HP 2010 Opel Insignia OPC and brother-from-another-mother, 2010 Vauxhall Insignia VXR. That's a Saturn?! More »
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All of those would-be Saturn Astra tuners could do worse than aping the Astra VXR Nürburgring Edition, which is the speedier trim level of the Vauxhall version of GM's global small car platform. Mechanically similar to the VXR, the hot hatch is good for 240 hp, enough to propel it to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and an electronically limited top seed of 155 mph. Differentiating it from the standard VXR is the super white paint, carbon fibre effect mirrors, 18-inch alloys and checkered flag body graphics. Full press release below: More »
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Chalk up another benefit of being a right-hand drive nation of the Commonwealth Realm — first dibs on muscle cars. Right, so before the Pontiac G8 GT makes its first appearance among the Yankery, Brits will get their shot at its Australian cousin, the Holden Commodore HSV Clubsport R8. In the UK, it'll be badged a Vauxhall VRX8, natch, but the VXR8 will be identical to its brother from down under. That means 414 hp and 406 lbs-ft of torque via GM's 6.0-liter V8. That's quite a shade above the Pontiac G8 GT's prospective 362 hp and 391 lbs-ft, but that's because its gotten the once-over from Holden's HSV performance group. But will the Brits bite? They may, considering at 35,000 pounds, it's a bargain compared to competitors from Germany. Of course, Clarkson will hate it for its crudeness, and it'll become the butt of jokes told over pints. But we'll be here slugging down weak, over-cold beer and pining away. Sometimes it's good to have a queen. [Thanks to Joe for the tip.] – Mike Spinelli More »
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Earlier this year, we got a glimpse of the new hot mini-hatch in the way from the General's Teutonic outpost at Opel. Now, the company's revealed the Corsa OPC, the latest Opel (oh sorry, blokes, and Vauxhall too, as the VXR) to be so lettered. As a hot hatch, the Corsa has all expected accouterments, including 192 hp from a 1.6-liter turbocharged four and and a listed zero-to-60 time of 7.2 seconds — specs competitive with similar Peugeots and Seats of the genre. What's more, an "overboost" function provides a temporary torque upswing (hyperspace?) from 170 lb-ft to 191. If we were betting sorts, we'd lay odds this Corsa will never hit the states as a Saturn, like so many other Opels (and, soon, the base Corsa) have. But hope springs eternal, unlike some half-in-the-bag conventioneer's cash-advance card at the Sahara. – Mike Spinelli More »
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If you thought badge engineering was a purely American game, check your head. GM's bringing a version of the UK's Vauxhall (Opel) Astra VXR to Australia as the Holden VXR. Never one to leave well enough alone, Holden's HSV performance group — likely gone dingbat on Aeroplane Jelly, Redback and pie floaters — worked up the 2006 HSV VXR, unveiled at the Sydney show this week. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 16-valve Ecotec-4 producing 237 hp and 236 lbs-ft of torque, the lil' hatch can get from zero to 60 in 6.4 seconds. It rides on 19", 10-spoke alloys and comes with ESP, traction control, ABS and brake assist and Recaro seats. Maybe one day we'll see a Saturn that's similarily equipped, but we wouldn't bet the gee-gees on it. – Mike Spinelli More »
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