Sydney Motor Show: HSV Launches New VXR Astra

[JoeT]

VXR Arrives In Australia

Holden Special Vehicles
26 October 2006
www.hsv.com.au

As promised earlier this year, Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) is unleashing the hottest European import onto the Australian As promised earlier this year, Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) is unleashing the hottest European import onto the Australian market in 2006 – the HSV VXR.

Managing Director of HSV, Mr Phil Harding, has welcomed the VXR to the HSV range, saying the first batch of the new cars have now arrived in Australia.

“With HSV now on the world stage we have been seeking ways to increase the size of our brand footprint in Australia”, Mr Harding said.

“The VXR has been on our radar for some time and we are brining it into the marketplace when hot, small, performance cars are all the rage”.

“We have secured limited numbers of the car that is taking Europe by storm, so I’d urge customers to visit a HSV dealership to test drive as soon as they can, before they are all snapped up”.

Technological highlights of the VXR include a McPherson-strut front suspension and a torsion-beam rear axle plus an IDS chassis control system featuring ESP, traction control, ABS and brake assist. The VXR rides on a 19-inch, European styled, 10 spoke alloy wheels, combined with ultra low-profile tyres to provide street style AND an ultimate feel for the road.

The VXR’s engine possesses the performance expected of a vehicle wearing the HSV badge. The 2.0i 16v ECOTEC-4 turbo engine punches out 177kW at 5600rpm, with torque reaching 320Nm at 2400rpm, which allows the VXR to accelerate from 0-100kmh in just 6.4 seconds.

The interior of the VXR is equally as impressive and includes Recaro sports fitted seats with leather trimmed side bolsters, active safety front seat head restraints and a number of unique finishes that makes the VXR stand out from the crowd.

Phil Harding said he believed the VXR would appeal to traditional HSV buyers, but also introduce a whole new range of customers to the famous high performance car brand.

“I have consistently said HSV will enter the market where we feel we can raise the bar against the competition. The VXR fits our bill, bringing class leading chassis dynamics, class leading performance and class leading safety”.

“We are delighted to welcome it to the HSV family, on the back of the all new E series – one of the most successful launches in HSV history”.

VXR Highlights

2.0i 16v ECOTEC-4 turbo engine (177kw at 5600rpm and 320 Nm at 2400rpm)
Front wheel drive six speed close ratio manual gearbox
19-inch European style 10 spoke alloy wheels
IDS chassis control system featuring ESP, traction control, ABS and brake assist
Recaro sports fitted seats
321mm x 28mm internally ventilated front brake disks and 278mm x 10mm solid rear brake disks

[JazzyChef]

/drool

[Aych Es Vee]

I hate its name so much.

Its like a car being called the 'Chevrolet Opel' or something.


Plus, theres too many VXR badge on it. Why does Vauxhalls VXR brand get to be flashed around everywhere over here, while every Holden and HSV badge get taken off over there, and the Holden/HSV gets no street cred over there in return?



........its a great car though! Cant wait to see them on the roads!

[asim]

Man, that thing looks ready to fly off into the street!

[gmmerc5]

Where should I send the check? Wish GM would import this one or hope the next generation ION will look as good or better.........

[01cavalier]

Originally Posted by gmmerc5

Where should I send the check? Wish GM would import this one or hope the next generation ION will look as good or better.........

I feel the same way. We are missing out...

[prototype66]

That is going to sell great here in the states as the new Ion for sure!!

[Kheiron]

erg!!! I want as an Saturn Astra RL!!!! Well, its probably not happening soon enough, but I fell the SS-Cobalt-Turbo will be more than up to par.

[civilzues]

are they going to keep the Ion name? and they are offering the 3 door (the above) and a 5 door, both hatches. why are they waiting?

[CrunkedRL]

Originally Posted by civilzues

are they going to keep the Ion name? and they are offering the 3 door (the above) and a 5 door, both hatches. why are they waiting?

From recent reports and press conferences that Saturn Czar Jill Lajdziak spoke at it doesn't look like the Ion name will carry over to its 08' replacement. I guess people will have too many bad memories from the existing model.

[mbukukanyau]

I think I am getting tired of this Astra interior. Though I have never seen one in person

[rsbaker]

Originally Posted by JazzyChef

/drool

Double drool!

[ctaylorzl1]

I love it (all except for the right hand drive )

[mikmak]

Does this thing only come in red? Why doe sit have the HSV Badge? Someone told me they would all have the Opel Badge like the one I took a pic of in Aspley Zupps:
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/s...t=34878&page=8

[Aych Es Vee]

Originally Posted by mikmak

Does this thing only come in red? Why doe sit have the HSV Badge? Someone told me they would all have the Opel Badge like the one I took a pic of in Aspley Zupps:
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/s...t=34878&page=8

no, they have HSV badges. Looks on HSVs website.
That pic you took has an HSV badge anyway.....



An I've seen pictures of blue ones.
Check them out here: http://www.supercars.net/PitLane?vie...D=3&tID=106282