Vauxhall's Corsa VXR gets the Blues: New Special Edition of 192HP Hot Hatch

To mark the launch of the subtly refreshed Corsa VXR, Vauxhall is introducing a new limited edition version of its hot hatch with an additional kit and a special blue paintjob as standard.

In detail, the new Corsa VXR Blue Edition is finished in an Arden Blue metallic paint and comes fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, dark-tinted glass, bespoke interior air vents and Recaro seats, which equate to a £445 saving compared with the cost of speccing a ‘standard’ VXR with this kit.

Other standard features include a lowered sports suspension, uprated brakes and switchable Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).

Powering the VXR Blue Edition is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four producing 192PS, which allows for a 0-60mph [96 km/h] sprint time of just 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 140mph [225 km/h]. An overboost feature increases maximum torque to 260+Nm when the driver needs more power.

The price for the limited edition Corsa VXR is set at £19,425 (including 20% VAT), with Vauxhall claiming that it undercuts key rivals such as the Citroen DS3 R and the Mini Cooper Works by up to £3,600.

The sport hatch is available for order now with the first examples to arrive in dealerships in late February.

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Vauxhall's Corsa VXR gets the Blues: New Special Edition of 192HP Hot Hatch

To mark the launch of the subtly refreshed Corsa VXR, Vauxhall is introducing a new limited edition version of its hot hatch with an additional kit and a special blue paintjob as standard.

In detail, the new Corsa VXR Blue Edition is finished in an Arden Blue metallic paint and comes fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, dark-tinted glass, bespoke interior air vents and Recaro seats, which equate to a £445 saving compared with the cost of speccing a ‘standard’ VXR with this kit.

Other standard features include a lowered sports suspension, uprated brakes and switchable Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).

Powering the VXR Blue Edition is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four producing 192PS, which allows for a 0-60mph [96 km/h] sprint time of just 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 140mph [225 km/h]. An overboost feature increases maximum torque to 260+Nm when the driver needs more power.

The price for the limited edition Corsa VXR is set at £19,425 (including 20% VAT), with Vauxhall claiming that it undercuts key rivals such as the Citroen DS3 R and the Mini Cooper Works by up to £3,600.

The sport hatch is available for order now with the first examples to arrive in dealerships in late February.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Vauxhall's Corsa VXR gets the Blues: New Special Edition of 192HP Hot Hatch

To mark the launch of the subtly refreshed Corsa VXR, Vauxhall is introducing a new limited edition version of its hot hatch with an additional kit and a special blue paintjob as standard.

In detail, the new Corsa VXR Blue Edition is finished in an Arden Blue metallic paint and comes fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, dark-tinted glass, bespoke interior air vents and Recaro seats, which equate to a £445 saving compared with the cost of speccing a ‘standard’ VXR with this kit.

Other standard features include a lowered sports suspension, uprated brakes and switchable Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).

Powering the VXR Blue Edition is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four producing 192PS, which allows for a 0-60mph [96 km/h] sprint time of just 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 140mph [225 km/h]. An overboost feature increases maximum torque to 260+Nm when the driver needs more power.

The price for the limited edition Corsa VXR is set at £19,425 (including 20% VAT), with Vauxhall claiming that it undercuts key rivals such as the Citroen DS3 R and the Mini Cooper Works by up to £3,600.

The sport hatch is available for order now with the first examples to arrive in dealerships in late February.

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VIDEO: Opel Astra GTC Paris Walk-around

After showing you some vids of the Range Rover Evoque on Friday, today we've got some press clips of Opel's GTC Paris hot hatch concept. First up is an artsy walkaround clip of the new hot hatch, but the more interesting video is the one in which Opel-Vauxhall calligrapher/graphic designer Ingrid Gollong gives us her take on the GTC's lines.

There's also a little bit about the interior, brought to you by Jeanette Finger. Both ladies explain their roles in taking one line from one poem and applying it to the GTC Paris in order to make speed into "pure beauty". If you're interested in a little design, enjoy the films below. For a full look at the 2.0-liter, 290-horsepower GTC Paris, check out our previous post here.

By Phil Alex

The Buick GS is Back, Regal Performance Model Green-Lit

A little while back GM was crashing and burning, littering the automotive market with debris from its badge-engineered brands. Who could have seen turbochargers, all-wheel-drive, Recaros, and a clutch showing up in the Buick lineup? The last time any one of those were even possible, I was in diapers.

More recently, Buick was the brand that was selling the Lucerne, LaCrosse, and Rendezvous, none of which could get anyone excited. Now, however, Buick intends to keep surprising people with its new direction and image. The latest decision from the golden oldie? They're going to build the Regal GS (can I get a collective high five?).

Originally debuting as a concept in Detroit this year, the GS is styled similarly to Opel's Insignia OPC yet uses a different power train (would it be too much to get the Euro's turbo-six?). Instead, we'll be getting something like the concept's turbocharged 2.0-liter I4 that makes 255 horsepower and is connected to a 6-speed manual transmission.

Sadly, the Detroit News reports that the GS may not be getting those Recaros. If that's some idea to save costs, here's a bit of advice: have them be part of an available sport package. That way, the car won't seem diluted; just having the option available shows that Buick is serious about having a little adrenaline in its lineup now that Pontiac's dead.

As for the 2.0 liter power train, it could be just the beginning. Considering the LaCrosse is soon to be Buick's big-dog, the next generation LaCrosse would likely get GM's version of EcoBoost making significantly more horsepower to better compete with Lincoln's MKS (that's right, I said it).

This means we may be able to expect more from the Regal GS in the future, but don't get too worked up just yet. It's exciting enough to see that the GS will be making it out onto dealer lots.

Since GM has decided to kill trim-level badges in order to make Buick more upscale, the Regal GS will likely be the only model with a specific designation.

Good, because this is one case where you want people to know what it is. It's a Buick GS, and it's back.

Phil Alex

Via: Detnews

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Opel Corsa OPC: Nürburgring Edition Spy Shots

Here are some spy shots of what is believed to be the Opel Corsa OPC Nürburgring Edition special.

Based on the standard OPC, this should basically be the Corsa version of the Astra-based 2008 Nürburgring Edition model. That means it'll most likely come with the standard Corsa OPC's 192-horsepower (141 kW) / 170 lb-ft (230 Nm) turbocharged 1.6 liter mill and extra add-ons.

Other baubles to expect are upgraded Brembo brakes, Recaro leather seating, carbon-look decor for the interior, unique lightweight wheels, and maybe even a tuned suspension.

The front appears to get a new lip spoiler and the rear valence some big exhaust tips pushed to the sides (instead of the standard version's center piece).

Throw on some fancy graphics to break up all that yellow and it'll be a cute little racer.

By Phil Alex

2011 Buick Regal GS Study: Videos and Live Photos from Detroit - Film Shows V6 Turbo, GM Says 4-Cylinder Turbo...

Even though General Motors used the term 'show car' to describe the sporty Buick Regal GS that made its world debut in Detroit, there's nothing conceptual about this model. The GS version of the new 2011 Regal sedan that's due to go on sale this summer is said to be identical to the Opel Insignia OPC in all but one element: the engine.

According to GM, whereas the OPC gets a 2.8-liter twin-scroll turbocharged with 325HP, the all-wheel drive GS is fitted with a tuned up version of the Regal CXL's 2.0-liter turbo four that makes 255HP.

However, if you pay attention to the second promotional video after the jump (pause at 52 seconds into the film), you'll see that the GS features a V6 Turbo...

We don't know if anyone popped up the hood on the Regal GS showcar in Detroit to see if it's fitted with a four-pot or a V6 Turbo, but the best explanation we can give is that GM's team took the OPC, added Buick's logos and waterfall grille along with a pair of bonnet air-vents leaving the Opel's hardware intact.

It remains to be seen whether or not GM will offer a production version of the Regal GS in the States, and if so, if it will be powered by a four-cylinder or a V6 turbo engine. Till then, watch the two videos after the break or click here to read more details about Buick's sporty saloon proposal.

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