170 mph Vauxhall Insignia VXR Unveiled

John
Thu, 08/11/2011 - 21:59

Following its European brother Opel Insignia, the high performance Vauxhall Insignia VXR in UK now gets the Unlimited treatment which removes the top speed limited and allows the car to speed up freely up to 170 mph.

Of course with all the speed cameras and traffic wardens littered the roads of Britain today, such an option would be quite pointless. Still it feels good to know that your car can do that kind of speed if you dare to unleash it.

The main reason why the VXR can be so damn quick is the 2.8 liter turbocharged V6 engine that makes 325 hp. It can be paired with a manual or an automatic gearbox and comes with a four-wheel-drive system for better handling. Every version of the car you go for can go from 0 to 60 mph in near as makes no difference 5 seconds. This must be the coolest Vauxhall built to date!

insignia-vxr-1228431-9544240-6519956

More details on Vauxhall’s press release:

aking a leaf from the legendary Lotus Carlton’s book, the latest Insignia VXR turns up the heat still further with the launch of a de-restricted package, allowing the car to achieve 170mph*.

Known as ‘Unlimited’ option, it removes the ‘regular’ Insignia VXR’s 155mph restrictor, allowing the range-topper to exploit its all-wheel-drive chassis dynamics to the full.

Available with either manual or auto transmissions, and in Hatch, Saloon and Sports Tourer body styles, a car fitted with the Unlimited option is visually distinguished by a blue Brembo logo on its front brake callipers and a newly-designed tachometer and speedometer, showing higher increments.

Producing 325PS, the VXR’s turbocharged 2.8-litre V6 engine is one of the most advanced units of its kind, and allows the Insignia VXR to accelerate from 0-60mph in as little as 5.6 seconds for the manual Hatch, a time which is unchanged with the Unlimited option.

And with this renewed performance potential, owners can gain even more reassurance from the Insignia VXR’s innovative Adaptive 4×4 system, which provides optimum traction in all conditions. The system uses a sport differential with a Haldex multi-disc clutch as well as electronic centre and rear limited slip differentials (eLSD), and is complemented by Vauxhall’s FlexRide chassis, which allows drivers to choose between three dynamic setups: standard, Sport and VXR.

But just to ensure that Insignias fitted with the Unlimited option were safe, durable and entertaining to drive, prototype vehicles underwent extensive testing at the gruelling Nurbürgring’s Nordschleife (north loop), where 10,000 validation kilometres were accrued. The test programme is rated at ‘factor 18’, which corresponds to 180,000kms (112,000 miles) on normal roads.

“For those owners who enjoy driving on the continent, the Unlimited option lets them  experience the Insignia VXR’s true top speed, combined with the peerless stability and secure handling that only an all-wheel-drive chassis can offer,” said Stuart Harris, Vauxhall’s Group Product Manager.

The Insignia VXR’s Unlimited option costs just £250 and is available immediately through Vauxhall dealers.

Vauxhall Insignia VXR “Unlimited”: Technical Data Overview

Engine
2.8 V6 Turbo VXR
Emissions standard compliance Euro 5
Fuel super plus – RON 98
Number of cylinders / valves per cylinder V6 (60°) / 4
Displacement cm³ 2792
Bore x stroke mm 89.0 x 74.8
Max. output PS 325
at rpm 5250
Max. torque Nm 435
at rpm 5250
Transmission
6-speed manual standard
6-speed automatic optional
Adaptive AWD standard
Driving performance Saloon M6/A6 Hatchback M6/A6 Sports Tourer  M6/A6
Maximum speed mph 170/165 170/165 165/162
Acceleration 0 – 60 mph seconds 5.6/5.9 5.6/5.9 5.9/6.2
Fuel consumption (1999/100/EC)
Urban mpg 17.9/17.5 17.9/17.9 17.7/16.9
Extra-urban mpg 37.2/7.5 37.2/37.2 35.8/36.2
Combined mpg 26.6/26.4 26.6/26.6 25.9/25.7
CO2-emissions (combined) g/km 249/251 249/249 255/259
Vehicle dimensions Saloon Hatchback Sports Tourer
Length mm 4830 4830 4908
Width with extended/retracted exterior mirrors mm 2084/1856 2084/1856 2084/1856
Height (at kerbweight) mm 1498 1498 1520
Wheelbase mm 2737 2737 2737
Track, front mm 1585 1585 1585
Track, rear mm 1587 1587 1587
Turning clearance wall/kerb m 11.4/10.9 11.4/10.9 11.4/10.9
Luggage compartment dimensions in mm (according to ECIE)
Floor length to rear seat backs 1003 1003 1086
Floor length with rear seat backs folded down 1895 1895 1908
Width at wheel arches 1017 1017 1030
Maximum opening width 1027 1027 1064
Height of boot-lid opening 330 594 684
Luggage compartment capacity in l (according to ECIE)
Luggage compartment only, up to luggage compartment cover 500 530 540
With rear seat backs folded forward, up to ceiling - 1465 1530
Weight and axle load in kg (according to 70/156/EC)
Kerbweight incl. driver 1810 1825 1940
Gross vehicle weight 2315 2330 2475
Payload 505 505 535
Maximum axle load, front 1190 1190 1215
Maximum axle load, rear 1140 1160 1270
Maximum roof load 100 100 100
Fuel tank capacity (in l) 70 70 70

The stated consumption figures were calculated according to the measuring procedures stipulated in directive 80/1268/EEC in the respective valid version – in particular as amended by directive 1999/100/EC

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