Here’s your second batch of photos from the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, that makes it 155 photos in all. We start part 2 with the very cool Maserati Alfieri concept and end with the very cool Volvo Concept Estate. Cool!
Tag: Astra VXR
This Opel/Vauxhall Astra VXR Extreme is about to hit the halls in Geneva and while there may be more exotic cars from the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini and some unknown Euro startup manufacturer not many will be quite as cool as this.
Much like the equally awesome Renault Megane R26.R, this is a hi-po stripped out shopping trolley-turned racecar made street-ready once more. Only at this stage it’s nothing more than a concept model. It will need a favourable reaction from the public to encourage GM to sign off on a low-volume production run.
We don’t know anything specific about the Extreme’s power output, suffice to say it should comfortably top the 206kW found in the regular Astra VXR. Rumours say 300PS (220kW) should be given a serious nudge. The 2.0 litre four-pot will be mated to a 6-speed manual box and proper limited slip diff.
We do know the Extreme is 100kg lighter than its now clearly mundane donor model. The weight savings have been made in part thanks to a mix of carbon fibre and aluminium body panels. There’s a half-cage in the back in case you bin it and Recaro racing seats up front to keep you strapped in nice and snug.
Those ingredients have been complemented with a wild body kit, adjustable suspension, big brakes and 19″ alloys shod with semi-slick tyres.
Just do it!
Chris Harris has just had a play with three of the hottest hot hatchbacks money can buy: the hideous yet apparently very capable Ford Focus ST, the media’s favourite Renault Megane RS265 and the Vauxhall Astra VXR (coming to Australia as the Opel Astra OPC).
True to form the outcome follows the expected script, but there are some good insights and surprises along the way (note the lap times).
It’s Harris at his best, so just sit back and enjoy the ride.