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Red-hot Astra concept
to give Paris show visitors a real 'Eiffel'
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240bhp Astra High Performance Concept to be revealed at Paris show
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Debuts alongside stylish Astra
Sports Hatch and innovative Panorama.
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Points way to Vauxhall's 150mph
VXR model
Rivals might still be reeling after
catching sight of the stunning new Astra Sport Hatch, but Vauxhall
has another blow in store – the red-hot HPC show car. With
jaw-dropping looks and a massive 240bhp, the three-door Astra
promises to hit competitors right between the GTIs at the Mondial de
l’Automobile this week.
Set to be unveiled alongside the new Sport Hatch and the innovative
glass-roofed Panorama at the show later this week, the HPC gives a
taster of the performance version of the Astra, due in the
UK
next summer. And it’s not just the styling which promises to
have enthusiastic drivers drooling – with 240bhp and 310Nm of
torque from a 2-litre turbo engine, the Astra is said to have a top
speed of around 150mph and a 0-60mph time of less than 6.5 seconds.
Using a modified version of the 2-litre turbo engine from the VXR220
roadster, the HPC’s engine output is increased by modifications to
the intake and exhaust systems. To handle the power, the car uses
the advanced IDSPlus electronic chassis control and a six-speed
manual gearbox linked to dramatic-looking 19-inch wheels.
Building on the exciting style of the standard Astra, the HPC
features a wider and lower air intake, a new honeycomb grille and
deeper front spoiler. Extended side sills, profiled
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Click on image for further images
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towards the
rear, lead to a sculpted rear bumper that incorporates a supercar-style
diffuser. This directs airflow and, along with a new roof spoiler,
keeps the Astra planted on the ground at high speed.
Eye-catching details are also found in the
interior, with the Recaro seats and leather trim details colour
matched to the exterior paint. New instruments and a piano-black
finish to the centre console also differentiate the HPC from other
Astras in the range.
It’s expected the Astra VXR will hit British showrooms next
summer, but for hot hatch fans who can’t wait that long, Vauxhall
has just introduced a new Astra 5-door SRi powered by a 200bhp
version of the HPC’s 2-litre turbo engine. Available now priced at
just £18,145, the SRi’s standard exterior styling pack and
18-inch wheels mean it too has plenty to excite drivers while making
the competition look overpriced and underpowered.
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