mikeyb
09-09-2004, 08:13 AM
Set to become the basis for Vauxhall's future motorsport efforts - and to spawn the next in the line of VXR high-performance road cars - is the new Astra three-door. Coupe-ish in looks, the three-door gets its public debut at the Paris motor show in late September, but we'll have to wait until summer 2005 before the 230bhp VXR version is ready for UK showrooms.
Although the Astra pictured in this month's mag appears to be in sporty trim, Vauxhall promises that the VXR will look even more special, with lowered suspension (even in standard form the three-door sits 15mm lower than the five-door), bigger alloys, and a more aggressive bodykit, especially at the front end. Technical highlights of the three-door range in general will include the option of a sophisticated electronically controlled chassis. Called Interactive Driving System (IDS) Plus, it combines electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC) with steering-linked Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) headlamps. For the quicker models this system will have a 'sport' switch that stiffens up the dampers while at the same time altering the throttle pedal response and power steering response. There's currently an internal debate as to whether the VXR should feature these electronics.
Although the Astra pictured in this month's mag appears to be in sporty trim, Vauxhall promises that the VXR will look even more special, with lowered suspension (even in standard form the three-door sits 15mm lower than the five-door), bigger alloys, and a more aggressive bodykit, especially at the front end. Technical highlights of the three-door range in general will include the option of a sophisticated electronically controlled chassis. Called Interactive Driving System (IDS) Plus, it combines electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC) with steering-linked Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) headlamps. For the quicker models this system will have a 'sport' switch that stiffens up the dampers while at the same time altering the throttle pedal response and power steering response. There's currently an internal debate as to whether the VXR should feature these electronics.