Vauxhall Astra VXR-R / S and Corsa VXR-R / S by Thorney Motorsport

Vauxhall Astra VXR-R / S and Corsa VXR-R / S by Thorney Motorsport

Thorney Motorsport, a UK based tuner that specializes on road and track cars has launched its own range of modified Vauxhall Astra and Corsa VXRs (sold in the rest of Europe as the Opel Astra and Corsa OPCs). Both hot hatches are available in two variants, the VXR-S (Sport) and the more heavily modified VXR-R (Race) with Thorney Motorsport announcing that only 25 units of each version will be produced. The entry-level VXR-S models come equipped with a race suspension set up that brings the Astra and Corsa VXRs 30mm closer to the ground, uprated brake pads, lightweight 18-inch black alloy wheels, sport livery, a sport exhaust system and engine upgrades.

In particular, the Astra VXR-S' 2.0-liter turbocharged engine develops an output of 280 bhp for a 0 to 60mph (96 km/h) sprint of 5.2 sec and a maximum speed of 160 mph (257 km/h). The Corsa VXR-S 1.6-liter turbo unit produces 220 bhp accelerating the hot supermini from standstill to 60 mph in 5.8 sec and on to a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h).

The more track-focused VXR-R models are further enhanced with a competition developed suspension (40 mm lower), racing brakes with 4 piston callipers and larger discs, a limited slip differential and more extensive engine upgrades. The Astra VXR-R delivers an impressive 300 bhp that allows the 3-door hatchback to accelerate from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 4.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 170 mph (273 km/h). Respectively, the Corsa VXR-R's 1.6 Turbo makes 230 bhp for a 0-60 mph sprint of 5.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 160 mph (257 km/h).

All four models are only available as new cars from the Thorney Motorsport Performance Centers that are located within Vauxhall's dealer network.

Vauxhall Astra VXR-S

CHASSIS.

• TMS Uprated Suspension Springs, 30mm Lower
  
• TMS Fast Road Geometry Setup
  

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN.

• TMS Race Exhaust by Milltek Sport with unique black tipped exhaust tailpipe.
  
• TMS Stage 2 Engine Remap
  

BRAKES.

• TMS Uprated Brake Pads Front & Rear
  

WHEELS & TYRES.

• TMS 18" Lightweight Alloy Wheels by Team Dynamics with Unique Red Lip
  
• 225/40YR18 Dunlop SportMaxx Tyres
  

BODYWORK.

• Unique VXR-S Detailing & Badges
  
• Limited Edition Plaque & Ownership Certificate
  

PERFORMANCE.

• 0-60mph: 5.2 Seconds
  
• Top Speed: 160 MPH
  
• Max. BHP: 280 BHP
  
• Max. Torque: 310 ft/lbs
  

Price: £22,995 OTR

Options:

• Full Thorney Motorsport Race Livery £999
  
• Fully Adjustable Race Suspension £899
  
• TMS ATB Competition Differential £999
  
• AP Racing Formula Brake Kit £1599

Vauxhall Astra VXR-R

CHASSIS.

• TMS Race Suspension, with Uprated Springs and Dampers, 40mm Lower.
  
• TMS Uprated Fast Road Geometry Setup
  
• TMS Competition Limited Slip Differential
  

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN.

• TMS Race Exhaust by Milltek Sport with unique black tipped exhaust tailpipe.
  
• TMS Performance Front Mounted Intercooler
  
• TMS Stage 3 Engine Remap
  

BRAKES.

• 4 Piston Racing Brake Kit
  
• Uprated Brake Pads Front & Rear
  

WHEELS & TYRES.

• TMS 18" Lightweight Alloy Wheels by Team Dynamics with Unique Green Lip
  
• Dunlop SportMaxx Ultra Performance Tyres
  

BODYWORK.

• Unique VXR-R Detailing & Badges
  
• Limited Edition Plaque & Ownership Certificate
  

PERFORMANCE.

• 0-60mph: 4.9 Seconds
  
• Top Speed: 170 MPH
  
• Max. BHP: 300 BHP
  
• Max. Torque: 340 ft/lbs
  

Price: £26,295 OTR

Options:

• Full Thorney Motorsport Race Livery £999
  
• Full & Half TMS Roll Cages £1499
  
• Fully Adjustable Race Suspension £899
  
• Dunlop Direzza 03G Trackday Tyres £499
  
• Recaro Fixed Bucket Seats £1499

Vauxhall Corsa VXR-S

CHASSIS.

• TMS Uprated Suspension Springs, 30mm Lower
  
• TMS Fast Road Geometry Setup
  

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN.

• TMS Race Exhaust by Milltek Sport
  
• TMS Stage 2 Engine Remap
  

BRAKES.

• TMS Uprated Brake Pads Front & Rear
  

WHEELS & TYRES.

• TMS 18" Lightweight Alloy Wheels by Team
  
• Dynamics with Unique Red Lip
  

BODYWORK.

• Unique VXR-S Detailing & Badges
  
• Limited Edition Plaque & Ownership Certificate
  

PERFORMANCE.

• 0-60mph: 5.8 Seconds
  
• Top Speed: 150 MPH
  
• Max. BHP: 220 BHP
  
• Max. Torque: 250 ft/lbs
  

Price: £18,295 OTR

Options:

• Full Thorney Motorsport Race Livery £999
  
• Fully Adjustable Race Suspension £899
  
• TMS ATB Competition Differential £999
  
• AP Racing Formula Brake Kit £1599

Vauxhall Corsa VXR-R

CHASSIS.

• TMS Race Suspension, with Uprated Springs and Dampers, 40mm Lower.
  
• TMS Uprated Fast Road Geometry Setup
  
• TMS Competition Limited Slip Differential
  

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN.

• TMS Race Exhaust by Milltek Sport
  
• TMS Performance Front Mounted Intercooler
  
• TMS Stage 3 Engine Remap
  

BRAKES.

• 4 Piston Racing Brake Kit
  
• Uprated Brake Pads Front & Rear
  

WHEELS & TYRES.

• TMS 18" Lightweight Alloy Wheels by Team Dynamics with Unique Green Lip
  
• Dunlop SportMaxx Ultra Performance Tyres
  

BODYWORK.

• Unique VXR-R Detailing & Badges
  
• Limited Edition Plaque & Ownership Certificate
  

PERFORMANCE.

• 0-60mph: 5.4 Seconds
  
• Top Speed: 160 MPH
  
• Max. BHP: 230 BHP
  
• Max. Torque: 260 ft/lbs
  

Price: £22,495 OTR

Options:

• Full Thorney Motorsport Race Livery £999
  
• Full & Half TMS Roll Cages £1499
  
• Fully Adjustable Race Suspension £899
  
• Dunlop Direzza 03G Trackday Tyres £499
  
• Recaro Fixed Bucket Seats £1499

2010 Opel Meriva MPV: New Spy Shots Reveal Suicide Doors

2010 Opel Meriva MPV: New Spy Shots Reveal Suicide Doors

Our latest set of spy shots of the all-new Meriva that is expected to arrive in late 2009, reveal that Opel's second generation mini-MPV will retain the innovative suicide rear doors of the Meriva Concept that made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. Called FlexDoors, the Meriva's rear-hinged back doors can open independently from the conventionally designed front doors. Even though this future is not only unique but also promises to make access to the car interior much easier, we must note that we question its functionality in tight parking spots.

In other aspects, the prototype models seen in these spy shots especially the ones of the body shell, leave few doubts that Opel has retained the concept's sharp looks inside and out. Just like the current model, the new Meriva will be equipped with Opel's variable FlexSpace rear seating system that allows the transformation of the vehicle from a five-seater to a four, three, two or even single seat vehicle without the need to remove seats.

As seen in the concept, the production Meriva will also gain the Zafira's panoramic roof with its four individual glass elements and aircraft style integrated storage compartments. This feature will be offered as an extra.

Underneath the sheetmetal, the 2010 Meriva will share many of its underpinnings with the latest Opel Corsa supermini. That spells larger exterior dimensions and more interior space for occupants and their luggage than the current model.

Aside from the usual petrol and diesel engines, according to Carscoop sources, the new Meriva will also be offered with GM's brand-new 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine with outputs ranging from 120 hp to 140 HP. As for the top-of-the-line Meriva OPC, it will be equipped with a 1.6-liter turbo unit producing an output of 180HP. In Europe, the Meriva will compete against the Nissan Note, Honda Jazz, Renault Modus, Citroen C3 Picasso and the Skoda Roomster.

It remains to be seen if GM will bring the Meriva to the States as a Saturn model - that is, if Saturn is alive until then...