This is the 2011 Vauxhall Corsa VXR Nürburgring Edition – and it is one hot hatch!
It now features a re-worked version of the Corsa VXR’s existing 1.6-litre turbocharged engine which now produces 205PS (using superunleaded) at 5,750rpm (up from 192PS) and 250-280Nm of torque (up from 230-266Nm). A modified engine management and turbocharger system, sports exhaust with reduced back pressure – and the ability to run on 98-octane fuel – have all contributed to the rise in power.
Vauxhall has fitted it with a mechanical, multi-plate limited-slip differential, ensuring that its 205PS doesn’t go up in a cloud of tyre smoke, and providing the car with optimum traction at all times. The LSD also reins in understeer caused by excessive throttle loads during cornering, or changes in the texture of the road surface.
As with many cars these days, this latest special from Vauxhall has done a good few laps round the Nürburgring to make sure that performance is optimum. Bilstein developed bespoke springs and dampers for this VXR so it won’t disappoint.
Complementing this are newly developed Brembo brakes, which are 30 per cent lighter than before, and have high-performance brake linings covering a 10 per cent larger area. In addition, the Corsa VXR’s ABS, Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control systems have all been recalibrated to take into account the Nürburging’s new set-up.
With performance of 0-60mph in just 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 143mph, the Corsa Nürburgring will deliver all the driving thrills you’d expect from a car wearing the legendary track’s name. But just in case anyone was in doubt, the new model gets a raft of visual identifiers: a stainless steel dual exhaust, newly designed forged aluminium wheels in high-gloss grey, and ‘Nürburgring’ logos on the B-Pillars and front spoiler lip. There are also two new colours available – apple green ‘Grasshopper’ and red ‘Henna’.
Inside, black and red ‘Nürburgring’ lettering adorns the sill plates and front Recaro seat backs, with bespoke white stitching on all seats, as well as the handbrake and gearshift console.
The Corsa VXR Nürburgring Edition goes on sale in late May, priced at £22,295.
Whilst this is a significant sum, it’s a lot of car for the money and it comes with serious performance. It’ll be a very easy car to drive, not just at normal speeds but quickly too. This VXR certainly sounds as though it’ll be thoroughly fettled. More to follow when I get to road test it.
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