VXR was the branding for the high performance trim specification, used since 2004 for models in many of Vauxhall's car range in the United Kingdom. Holden has also used the VXR badge for some of its high-performance cars such as the Astra VXR, Insignia VXR, and the Commodore VXR. European sourced VXR models were produced and developed by Opel Performance Center, a division of Opel. The VXR8 was produced and developed by Holden Special Vehicles. The VXR brand is closely linked to VX Racing, Vauxhall's British Touring Car Championship team, and the VXR versions of the cars are race track styled models, with high performance capabilities.

History

The VX Racing name was first used in 2003 instead of Vauxhall Motorsport, taking part in the BTCC with cars prepared by Triple 8 Race Engineering. The VXR badge was first launched in the summer of 2004, at the British Motor Show, with enhanced consumer versions of the Monaro and VX220. In 2005, the VXR range included the Astra VXR and subsequently Zafira, Vectra, Corsa, Insignia and Meriva versions. It was launched following discussions with the Directors (K Grice, P Marshall and N Reed) and several Regional Organisers of the Vauxhall Sports Car Club, at the time the official club for owners and enthusiasts of Vauxhall performance models to replace the GSi branding (which itself replaced the GTE label) which was previously used on top end high performance models. Shortly after the introduction of the VXR brand, a dedicated website and discussion forum, VXRonline, was set up by the Directors of the Vauxhall Sports Car Club to provide technical assistance, advice, meetings and events for all owners and enthusiasts of the VXR models.

Former VXR models

Corsa (E) VXR The Corsa VXR Performance Pack adds a Drexler limited slip differential, larger Brembo brakes (330 mm over standard 305 mm) and track grade suspension with retuned Koni dampers. Astra GTC VXR Insignia VXR VXR8 Bathurst S The Bathurst S version of the VXR8 became the most powerful ever Vauxhall to be offered, when it was launched in 2009. The VXR220 is a limited edition version of the Lotus Elise based Vauxhall VX220, with a small production run of 65 vehicles. It was powered by a four-cylinder 2.0i turbo 16v engine producing 217 bhp at 6300 rpm and 210 lbft of torque at 4800 rpm. It could accelerate from 0-60 mi/h in 4.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 149 mi/h. The VXR220 was fitted with five spoke Speedline satin black alloy wheels with 195/50R16 Yokohama A048R LTS tyres at the front and 225/45R17 Yokohama A048R LTS tyres at the back and uprated brakes with 288 mm discs. The Monaro VXR is a rebadged HSV GTO with a six-litre V8 engine producing 398 bhp at 6000 rpm and 391 lbft of torque. It could accelerate from 0-62 mi/h in 5.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 170 mi/h. The Monaro featured a different grille, wide lower air intake and bonnet scoops, side sills with 'shark gills' and unique 19 in alloy wheels and VXR branded brake calipers on later build numbers. It was replaced by the four door VXR8, also from Holden. The original hot hatch Astra VXR was announced in January 2005, and went on sale in the summer of 2005. Based on the Vauxhall Astra Mark 5, it was fitted with a 2.0i turbo 16V engine (Z20LEH) producing 236 bhp. It could accelerate 0 to 62 mi/h in 6.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 152 mi/h. Externally, it was different from the standard Astra with a central trapezoidal rear exhaust, 18" six spoke alloy wheels with 225/40R18 tyres (optional 19" ten spoke wheels), lowered and uprated suspension and VXR front fog lamps and other external styling including spoiler. Launched mid April 2007 The Corsa VXR Nurburgring Edition, released in 2011, features a reworked version of the VXR's 1.6 litre turbo engine, as well as a sports exhaust and a modified turbocharger system. The seven seat Zafira VXR compact MPV was launched at the end of 2005, and sharing the same turbocharged 2.0 four cylinder engine of the Astra VXR, producing 237 bhp. It could accelerate 0 to 62 mi/h 7.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 144 mi/h. It could be identified by the VXR bodykit, twin trapezoidal rear exhausts and 18" alloy wheels. It was claimed as the fastest MPV in production The Vectra VXR was available in both hatchback and estate versions, fitted with 2.8i 24v V6 turbo engine and was based on the Opel Vectra OPC. Originally launched in December 2005, it produced 252 bhp and after the facelift of 2007, the output increased to 276 bhp. This post 2007 version could accelerate from 0 to 60 mi/h in 6.1 seconds for the hatchback, 6.3 seconds for the estate, and had a claimed top speed of 161 mi/h (hatchback), 158 mi/h (estate). The Vectra was equipped with 18" five spoke alloy wheels with 225/45R18 tyres (optional 19" ten spoke wheels) and upgraded brakes (345 mm discs on front wheels, 292 mm on rear wheels). It was replaced by the Insignia VXR. The Meriva VXR is an unusual sporting version of the Vauxhall Meriva mini MPV. Fitted with a 1.6 turbo 16V engine producing 178 bhp, it could reach a top speed of 137 mi/h and accelerate to 60 mi/h in 7.9 seconds. It was equipped with 17" six spoke alloy wheels and brakes of 308 mm front discs, 264 mm rear discs.