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| Jump start a career as a racing driver |
If you've ever dreamed of a career as a racing driver, but feel your current course is unlikely to steer you in that direction, Vauxhall's VXR Racing Driver of the Year 2008 competition could be just what you're looking for.
The winner of this year's competition will become a fully sponsored racing driver, competing in the Dunlop Sport Maxx Cup in 2009. The entry qualifications? Simply that you must be aged over 21 and never previously held a race licence!
Vauxhall's 2007 competition attracted over 10,000 entrants. The 2008 search for a driver has started: to enter, simply visit www.vxrdriver.co.uk and complete the online questionnaire by 27 June 2008. From this, 1,620 successful applicants will be put through their paces in the karting semi-finals, before 15 finalists are selected for the intensive three-day 'boot camp'-style final.
"The competition gives one member of the public a chance to become a racing driver, with a fully paid drive for the 2009 season," said Richard Hughes, Vauxhall's Group Marketing Manager responsible for the competition to find new racing driver talent.
"As far as I'm aware there are not many courses in this country that will teach you how to become a racing driver!" continued Richard Hughes. "It's a perfect opportunity for students to add another string to their bow and include another accomplishment on their CV to help them stand out from the crowd. It could also open the doors to other career opportunities: one of last year's finalists is now working as part of the Vauxhall VX Racing team competing in the British Touring Car Championship."
The competition winner will be fully supported and mentored throughout his 2009 season: the new racing driver will even have full use of a brand new Vauxhall road car as part of the prize.
Last year's winner, 34-year-old mortgage consultant John Allison from Beverley, East Yorkshire represented Vauxhall VXR for the first time last weekend at Snetterton circuit in the 2008 Dunlop Sport Maxx Cup. John drove a Vauxhall Astra VXR on track, prepared by VX Racing.
For further information on the competition, last year's winner and to enter, go to ww.vxrdriver.co.uk to fill in the online questionnaire by 27 June 2008. |
| Low CO2 from the flexy Agila |
- New Agila arrives at showrooms in April
- Low CO2 rating of 120g/km on petrol and diesel models
- Prices from £7,595 on-the-road
Low emissions and an affordable price tag mean Vauxhall's New Agila is set to be hot in the city when it arrives in showrooms in April.
Available to order from early next year, the compact but flexible newcomer benefits from tax-busting CO2 figures of just 120g/km on both the entry-level petrol and diesel engines, meaning it will fall into VED Band B - the cost of a tax disc being just £35 a year!
Adding to its affordability, Agila will cost from only £7,595 when it arrives. Three trim levels will be on offer, all with impressive levels of standard equipment, plus the added advantage of the car's incredibly versatile interior layout.
Small enough to be manoeuvrable into tight parking spaces, but with five doors and five full-size seats with three-point belts as standard, Agila benefits from enough luggage space to rival cars in the class above, providing plenty of room for the busiest of lifestyles.
The clever design allows for plenty of storage space inside and the tall roofline provides an airy, spacious feel. It also allows a high seating position, making it easy to get in and out of the Agila and ensure good visibility even in heavy urban traffic.
For those occasions when owners need to carry furniture rather than friends, the rear seat backs can be folded down to create a completely flat load floor on all but the entry-level model. In total the new Agila has a luggage capacity of 1050 litres - among the best in this sector.
To complement the dynamic looks and all-new chassis, the Agila will offer three new engines and an automatic gearbox will be available for the first time. Petrol units include a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit developing 65PS and an 85PS 1.2, the latter of which will be available with optional automatic transmission. Vauxhall's award-winning 1.3CDTi diesel will also be on offer, delivering excellent performance from its 75PS while sipping fuel. |
| Vehicle Production |
| 'The recent announcement that the new generation Vauxhall/Opel Astra will be made at Ellesmere Port on Merseyside from 2010 is further recognition of the skills and efficiency of the British car worker,' said Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive. 'So, although total car production for March was down, we should remind ourselves that a number of manufacturers have seen positive growth during the first quarter of 2007 and that the long term prosperity for car manufacturing remains positive.' |
| Corsa VXR Vauxhall unleashes its hottest ever supermini |
The new Corsa has already caused quite a sensation with its bold styling and impressive road manners, but now Vauxhall has pulled the wraps off the ultimate version - the long awaited VXR.
The performance flagship of the range is every inch a VXR, designed from the outset to deliver the ultimate in hot-hatch driving excitement and style.
Immediately distinguishable from other models in the new Corsa range, the three-door only VXR comes with several unique VXR styling cues. The mirrors, front foglamp surrounds and centre-exit exhaust tailpipe all have a triangular theme, while the aggressive front and rear bumpers are unique to this model.
Sweeping side skirts and an angular roof spoiler help accentuate the three-door Corsa's already muscular design, while a mesh front grille, blue-painted brake callipers and optional 18-inch alloys further set off the VXR's performance appearance.
The interior is dominated by the sculpted, shell-backed Recaro sports seats and the race-car style flat-bottomed steering wheel. Drilled alloy pedals, piano black trim on the facia and unique VXR detailing on the dials and gear lever make sure the Corsa VXR looks as special inside as it does on the outside.
Power comes from a compact 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, developing 192PS and giving Corsa VXR the ability to accelerate from 0-60mph in just 6.8 seconds, on to a top speed of 140mph. Like the Meriva VXR, it comes with an 'overboost' facility which can increase the torque output on demand to a maximum of more than 260Nm - useful for safe overtaking.
The power is kept in check with a dynamically-designed chassis including a specially-tuned ESP system, along with uprated brakes and suspension and variably-assisted power steering, which alters the weight and feel of the wheel depending on the way in which the car is driven - a feature unique in this area of the market.
Yet despite its wild performance and impressive technology, Corsa VXR promises to be an affordable car to run, with surprising fuel economy for a 140mph car. On extra-urban routes it returns 44.1mpg according to official figures and the combined fuel economy figure is 35.8mpg.
The Corsa VXR will make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and will be available from Vauxhall retailers from mid-March. Prices will be announced nearer to the on-sale date. |
| Vauxhall back in race for manufacturers title |
Vauxhall has closed up on rival SEAT after today's rounds of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Thruxton.
Vauxhall scored 56 points at the fast, sweeping Hampshire circuit, compared to SEAT's 45 points, bringing the Luton-based manufacturer within 34 points of its adversary.
VXR's Tom Chilton narrowly missed out on a podium in the first race of the day after making a strong start to hold second place for nine laps. But the 21-year-old, from Reigate, struggled in the second half of the race as the aggressive set-up of the car wore away his tyres, eventually finishing fourth.
In race two, Chilton clung on for ninth place to score two valuable points, despite suspension damper failure, and in the day's final race he came home eighth.
Fabrizio Giovanardi has vowed to prove himself after suffering another non-finish today, when on-track contact damaged his steering. The Italian went on to lead his team-mates home for the second race in eighth place, but scored no points in race three.
Giovanardi, who has won European, Italian and Spanish touring car titles, says there will be no holiday for him between now and the races at Croft in six weeks, as he works with the team to hone the car to his technique.
Dubliner, Gavin Smith, consolidated his eighth place in the Drivers Championship, finishing sixth in the first race and seventh in the last ahead of his two team-mates.
Ian Harrison, Team Principal:
You can measure the calibre of a team by its resilience and we're a pretty resilient bunch of blokes. We've not forgotten how to win.
We've got lots of things planned for the summer break between now and Croft and we'll use our time wisely. Like all the other teams, we're not going to be just putting the cars under covers and going to the beach.
Fabrizio Giovanardi:
If I look to my performance at Oulton Park and I compare this race I think maybe something was really wrong - I cannot be this slow. I'm not depressed because I know it's not possible to go so slow. The team do their max to help and there will be no holiday now between now and Croft. I'm really sorry because I know what people think. This is disappointing for me. I'm here for people not just for me. I race for a brand and I have to make the max for them. Everybody expects something better and this is my disappointment. I just need to be relaxed in my mind and do my max when I return.
Gavin Smith:
VX Racing is a great team without question. There's no one else on the grid I'd race with, given the choice. They're going to keep chipping away to find solutions and I'll be there chipping away at it with them until it comes right.
Tom Chilton:
It's hard to set a car up here to be good all through the race. Mine was good at the beginning and bad at the end - it's a real compromise and we all took the gamble. From my experience here, if you get a few people on the first few laps you can then hold onto your position but I got held up and couldn't make any progress.
My car was a rocket in a straight line - the engine is really great. We've been very good in terms of a straight sprint. At the end of the day Vauxhall beat SEAT in the championship points.
Race classification - round 10
1 Gordon Shedden (Honda Integra)
2 Matt Neal (Honda Integra)
3 Darren Turner (SEAT Leon)
4 Tom Chilton (Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch)
5 Robert Collard (MG ZS)
6 Gavin Smith (Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch)
7 James Kaye (Honda Civic Type R)
8 Colin Turkington (MG ZS)
9 Jason Hughes (MG ZS)
10 Fiona Leggate (Vauxhall Astra Coupe)
NOT CLASSIFIED
Fabrizio Giovanardi (Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch)
Race classification - round 11
1 Matt Neal (Honda Integra)
2 Gordon Shedden (Honda Integra)
3 Robert Collard (MG ZS)
4 David Pinney (Honda Integra)
5 Darren Turner (SEAT Leon) 6 Colin Turkington (MG ZS)
7 James Kaye (Honda Civic Type R)
8 Fabrizio Giovanardi (Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch)
9 Tom Chilton (Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch)
10 Jason Hughes (MG ZS)
11 Adam Jones (Lexus IS200)
12 Gavin Smith (Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch)
Race classification - round 12
1 Colin Turkington (MG ZS)
2 Matt Neal (Honda Integra)
3 Jason Plato (SEAT Leon)
4 James Kaye (Honda Civic Type R)
5 David Pinkney (Honda Integra)
6 Robert Collard (MG ZS)
7 Gavin Smith (Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch)
8 Tom Chilton (Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch)
9 Jason Hughes (MG ZS)
10 Fiona Leggate (Vauxhall Astra Coupe)
11 Gordon Shedden (Honda Integra)
12 Fabrizio Giovanardi (Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch)
BTCC Drivers Championship 2006
1 Matt Neal (131)
2 Colin Turkington (98)
3 Jason Plato (86)
4 James Thompson (77)
5 Gordon Shedden (76)
6 Tom Chilton (67)
7 Robert Collard (51)
8 Gavin Smith (48)
9 Mike Jordan (44)
10 Fabrizio Giovanardi (41)
BTCC Manufacturers Championship
1 SEAT (246)
2 Vauxhall (212)
BTCC Teams Championship
1 Team Halfords
2 SEAT Sport UK
3 Team RAC
4 VX Racing |
| Corsa five-door scores on style |
Fun, funky and family-friendly - that's Vauxhall's new five-door Corsa! Revealed in this picture for the first time, the handsome newcomer is set to make its debut alongside the striking three-door at this year's British International Motorshow in London.
The feisty five-door offers the stylish design and driving dynamics of the sporty three-door model, but with added practicality that makes it more versatile than the average five-door supermini.
The bold, flowing lines of the five-door Corsa have a strong, powerful appearance, yet despite its road presence the newcomer is only slightly larger than its predecessor - 183mm longer, 61mm wider and 52mm taller. It has a deliberately different look to the three-door, which is aimed at a younger, sportier market.
GM Europe's design chief Bryan Nesbitt said; Dynamics and functionality are not mutually exclusive. Our new five-door Corsa, like its big brother Astra, renders a completely unique design for the three-door versus the five-door. In short, these are tailor-made cars for different types of customer.
Inside, New Corsa five-door inherits the stylish cabin design of the three-door, with the same translucent dials on some models and an equally smart fascia. As well as more passenger space than the outgoing car, the boot can carry up to 1,100 litres with the seats down.
The excellent luggage space comes thanks to a clever new system known as 'DualFloor', where the load bay can be set on two different height levels thanks to a removable top floor panel. When removed, the top panel can be used as a vertical divider to separate the load bay into two sections, helping to prevent shopping from rolling around the load bay.
A further innovation is 'FlexFix' - an integral carrier system similar to that shown on the 2004 Opel Trixx concept car. Available as an option on all new Corsas, FlexFix is pulled out from the rear bumper of the car like a drawer and can safely carry two bicycles, yet completely retracts into the bumper when not in use. ®
These flexible innovations complement other examples of Vauxhall's latest technology, which will be offered across the range, including halogen AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting), Cornering Brake Control and an optional Panorama sunroof.
Five-door versions of new Corsa will have an identical engine line-up to the three-door, with 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrol engines, as well as Vauxhall's award-winning 1.3-litre CDTi common-rail diesel, producing 70 or 90PS. An all-new 1.7-litre CDTi unit with 125PS will also be on offer, and will provide a perfect blend of performance and fuel economy.
Prices and specifications for both three and five-door versions of New Corsa will be announced when the model debuts at the British International Motor Show in July. |
| Vauxhall gets a grip on the 4x4 market with Antara |
The the first picture of the car which will mark Vauxhall's return to the booming 4x4 market - the Antara. The five-door, five seat SUV will make its world show debut at the Mondial de l´Automobile in Paris at the end of September.
With its stylish looks and high ground clearance the Antara has all the attributes demanded by customers in this burgeoning sector, and yet its external dimensions are only fractionally larger than an Astra estate at 4570mm long and 1850mm wide.
The interior offers plenty of room too, thanks to its car-like monocoque body structure, transversely mounted engines and a compact four-wheel drive system.
The Antara's interior styling and quality will also be a pleasant surprise to buyers in the sector. Sporty contoured seats, large, well-designed instruments and a centre console with easy-to-read info display give the cockpit a driver-oriented layout, and the fit and finish is expected to set a new benchmark for the class. As with other Vauxhalls, technology such as sat-nav and Bluetooth phone connectivity will be available from launch.
The first cars to arrive in the UK - and the biggest selling version of the Antara - will be powered by an all-new highly fuel efficient 2.0-litre common-rail turbodiesel producing 150PS. Both manual and automatic gearboxes will be available.
A 141PS four-cylinder petrol unit will join the range shortly after launch to become the entry-level model.
All versions of the Antara will feature a sophisticated active four-wheel drive system, which combines the fuel economy and handling characteristics of a front-wheel drive car with the grip and stability of all-wheel drive when it is needed.
It features an electronically controlled electro-hydraulic differential which ensures optimal torque distribution between the front and rear axles in all situations. The drivetrain is fully integrated into the ABS and ESP systems, enhancing vehicle control ®
and active safety. To further improve performance on rough terrain, the Antara features an electronic device to enable the car to be driven safely on steep descents at a constant speed.
The UK launch date will be announced nearer the official show debut in September. |
| New Corsa to debut at London Show |
One of the most eagerly anticipated automotive events of 2006 is to take place on 18 July in Europe's most exciting city: London.
Vauxhall has today announced that the all-new Corsa will make its world debut at the British International Motor Show, which takes place between 18-30 July in London's Docklands.
Bill Parfitt, Vauxhall's managing director, said: The UK is Europe's biggest market for the Corsa by some margin, and it regularly tops the British car sales charts. It was a natural decision to choose the London Motor Show for the unveil of the all-new model. The British public love Corsas, and they'll get to see it first.
The fourth generation of the top-selling Vauxhall model will have stunning styling and an array of innovative technology features. Both three and five-door versions will be on show in London.
Sales of the new Corsa start in the autumn of this year. |
| New engine to make Vectra leaner, meaner and cleaner |
After making its debut in the Zafira late last year, Vauxhall's sophisticated new 1.8-litre petrol engine is now available in the New Vectra and New Signum. The powerplant features a state-of-the-art Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system, bringing a host of improvements compared to the outgoing 1.8-litre model.
Power is boosted from 122PS to 140PS, cutting the 0-60 time from 10.5 to 9.9 seconds and raising the top speed by 5mph to 131mph for the Vectra hatch. But despite these improvements, fuel consumption is actually reduced by an average of 3 percent, with the new engine achieving 39.2mpg on the combined cycle.
More importantly from a company driver's perspective, the new more efficient engine results in significant benefit-in-kind tax band reductions. The SRi hatchback's emissions drop from 182g/km to 173g/km, while non-SRi models drop from 175 to 173g/km. This is enough to drop the SRi by two percentage bands to 21 percent.
For a 40 percent taxpayer, this saving amounts to £566 over three years for the new SRi 1.8 VVT compared to the existing SRi 1.8 16v. The new Signum 1.8 VVT also offers tax savings against the previous 1.8i model, with a 40 percent tax payer saving £406 over the same period.
This has been made possible by using advanced valve and cam phasing technology, which makes sure the engine is operating at its most efficient. With 90 percent of the 175Nm maximum torque available between 2200 and 6200rpm the car feels lively and responsive even at lower engine speeds, making everyday driving more relaxed with less need to change gear and work the engine.
Despite additional features such as VVT, engineers succeeded in making the new engine three percent lighter than the previous version while achieving increased stiffness and structural strength. This all brings improvements in refinement and efficiency with no compromises to the driving dynamics.
Prices start at £14,750 for the 1.8 Vectra Exclusiv hatchback, £15,750 for the Estate and £17,995 for the Signum Exclusiv. |
| Guard your assets this winter |
Messy carpets, muddy boots, dirty doorsills - it all adds up to a pretty typical picture of winter motoring. So anything that can help to keep your car in good condition must be worth considering, and Vauxhall has come up with a Car Protection Pack that does just that.
For just £99 fully fitted, you can treat your pride and joy to a set of velour carpet mats, a cargo liner and front mud flaps.
Made from hard wearing plastic, the cargo liners are sculptured to the floor of the boot to protect the carpet from muddy boots, dirty clothes and other wet items that can mark the carpet. Raised edges prevent water and mud escaping into the boot. Easy to wipe clean, they save time spent vacuuming the carpet and are easily installed and removed.
Tailored to fit neatly into the foot wells, the velour floor mats help to protect the carpet from grit and mud off your shoes. They have a fixing system on both the driver and passenger side to keep the mats safely in place and stop slippage. The Protection Pack also includes rear passenger mats.
Front mud flaps provide invaluable all-year-round protection for the doorsills and lower edges of the bodywork from stone chips, tar deposits and road grime. They are made of plastic and are contoured to fit neatly around the rear edge of the wheel arches.
These Protection Packs represent a saving of more than 15 per cent on the cost of buying the items separately. They are available for most models in the Vauxhall range, including Agila, Corsa, Astra, Meriva, Zafira, Vectra and Signum. They can be supplied and fitted by all participating Vauxhall retailers in the UK. |
| Santa gives Zafira an express delivery |
A last-minute present has made an appearance underneath Vauxhall's Christmas tree, thanks to an Express delivery!
New Zafira has been crowned 'People Carrier of the Year' in The Daily Express's 2005 Car of the Year Awards, with judges praising the dynamic design, driving excitement and unrivalled practicality that define the model.
When it first arrived in 1999, the Vauxhall Zafira won some big fans thanks to its seating system, said the Express's Motoring Editor, Nat Barnes. New Zafira has the same seating system, but an improved interior and more refined on-road manners make it better than ever. Excellent engines, especially the diesels, make it a strong family package.
The award comes as New Zafira leads its segment, outselling all of its rivals so far in December. Over 40,000 Zafiras were sold in 2005, while the new VXR model - the fastest MPV ever - has just arrived at retailers, adding a whole new dimension to the line-up.
Richard Hughes, Group Marketing Manger said: The award is yet another example of New Zafira's broad-ranging appeal winning recognition, and proves that Vauxhall is the perfect choice for family motorists. With a great range, a five-star Euro NCAP rating and a continual emphasis on dynamic design and driving excitement, we're very excited about New Zafira and are looking forward to building on its success in 2006.
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| New sights and sounds at Vauxhall |
Vauxhall has added a number of new audio and satellite navigation systems to its accessory range to enable owners to upgrade their cars and vans with the latest in-car entertainment and route guidance.
At the top of the wish list for car audio fans is the VDO-Dayton CD2604MP3X, a really stylish looking fascia unit with maximum street cred and performance. This CD player and MP3 drive features a white/blue fine dot matrix display, plus sound pre-sets and theatre sound.
At the other end of the scale is the CD1204, a high value entry level CD player and RDS tuner. It has a multi-colour LCD display and bass boost system. A more sophisticated new system is the CD2104, a CD player and RDS tuner with orange display, sound presets and four channel 2V pre-amp out.
Other new additions to Vauxhall's range are the CD2304MP3, a CD and MP3 player with white LCD display, sound presets and pre-amp out, and the CD5405MP3X/78CC, a CD MP3 player. Prices for the latest in Vauxhall in-car entertainment start at £80.
Three new satellite navigation systems are launched to upgrade the Vauxhall range of car and van accessories. The VDO-Dayton MS4400 navigation radio features an MP3 CD player, dual RDS tuner, fine scale variable colour display and C-IQ Intelligent Content on Demand.
A new unit, the MS5600, is introduced to replace the existing MS5400, while the MS5500 range is superseded by the MS5700. These two systems offer full colour GPS navigation, C-IQ Intelligent Content, Intelligent pictograph and voice guidance, plus scrolling map/split screen display.
Prices of these upgraded systems start at £699. Details of the complete range of audio and route guidance systems are available from Vauxhall retailers. |
| Vauxhall sales rocket to number one! |
It wasn't just the fireworks which rocketed skywards in November; figures just released show that Vauxhall sales shot past its main rival to become the best selling car brand in the UK for the third time this year with a market share of 13.9 percent.
Fuelled by launches of exciting cars including the New Vectra and New Zafira, Vauxhall sales raced upwards last month, with 22,056 buyers choosing to swap their 'banger' for a new 'sparkler' from the Vauxhall range. That was 2,172 more than its nearest rival and a six percent rise from Vauxhall's November 2004 display.
Astra was the brightest star, taking the overall number one UK sales spot for the month. Registrations were up by 10.3 percent to 8,138 compared to November 2004, and demand for all models remains exceptionally strong. The stylish Sport Hatch is proving particularly popular with private buyers (a massive 30 percent chose this model), while fleet buyers especially continue to be wowed by the super-efficient CDTi diesels. The Ellesmere Port plant which builds Astra in the UK is working flat out to meet customer orders, and the waiting list for the VXR model stretches until next spring!
Corsa, Tigra and New Zafira all had strong months, with all proving especially attractive to private retail buyers. But it was the highly-acclaimed New Vectra which really caused a stir by snatching the number one spot in its sector, comfortably overtaking two newly-launched German rivals. Sporty SRi versions are proving to be the top sellers, showing that buyers are enthusiastic drivers who will really appreciate the new UK-specific chassis set up.
And it's not just the Vauxhall car range which has proved such a hit with buyers. Vauxhall has already sold more vans in 2005 than it did in the whole of 2004; the Combo van comfortably topped its segment chart and Griffin-badged LCVs increased market share from 15.7 to 16.6 percent for the month.
Vauxhall's managing director Bill Parfitt said: We've worked hard to make sure that our latest range of cars and vans are really stylish and great to drive and the November sales success proves we are clearly hitting the right spot. With new VXR models only just arriving in showrooms and plenty of exciting new products due in 2006, there's plenty for us to look forward too - and for rivals to worry about!
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| Vauxhall signs 3-year agreement |
VX Racing announced today that it has reached a new three-year deal with Triple Eight Race Engineering to continue to run its motorsport programme.
The British car marque and Banbury-based Triple Eight Race Engineering have been technical partners in UK motorsport since 1996, sharing Vauxhall's unprecedented success in the British Touring Car Championship. The BTCC is Britain's premier motor racing series. Featuring cars that look like their showroom counterparts, BTCC races are shown on terrestrial and satellite television, reaching millions of viewers.
Vauxhall won the drivers', teams' and manufacturers' titles for four consecutive years in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004. This year, VX Racing clinched the BTCC manufacturers' title for a fifth year in a row in the final meeting of the season with the new Astra Sport Hatch, which made its debut this year.
On announcing the new three-year deal, Stuart Harris, VX Racing Manager, Vauxhall, said: We are delighted to have secured the services of Triple Eight Race Engineering, who we consider to be the best in the motorsport industry. Together over the past five years we have achieved great success and we look forward to building on our winning relationship over the next three years.
Ian Harrison, Managing Director, Triple Eight Race Engineering, commented: We have a winning partnership with Vauxhall and we are going to work hard to take VX Racing to more BTCC race victories and championship titles in the next three years.
VX Racing recently announced the new driver line-up of Fabrizio Giovanardi and Tom Chilton for the 2006 season.
Giovanardi, a touring car driver for the past 14 years, joins the team after contesting the 2005 World Touring Car Championship with Alfa Romeo. The 38-year-old has claimed many honours in is career including the Italian Super Touring Championship and the European Touring Car Championship.
Chilton, at the age of 20, is one of the youngest drivers on the BTCC grid. In May 2004, at just 19-years-old, Tom became the youngest ever race winner in the series, and has since gone on to achieve podium success with Honda. |
| Faster, cleaner and smoother |
There's now even greater choice in the stylish New Zafira line-up, following the introduction of Vauxhall's all-new technically advanced 1.8-litre ECOTEC engine.
The new power unit is massively important for Vauxhall, as not only is it expected to become the best-selling engine choice in New Zafira, but it will also go into a huge variety of exciting new models over the next few years.
With a power output of 140PS, the new unit uses the best of GM technologies and is one of the most powerful in this displacement class, but it's far from being a highly-stressed race engine with peaky power delivery. Thanks to advanced valve and cam phasing technology, 90 percent of the 175Nm maximum torque is available from 2200 to 6200 rpm. This wide range ensures lively performance and exceptional pulling power even at low engine speeds, making everyday driving more relaxed with less need to change gear.
There are also huge benefits for fleet customers, with low CO2 emissions of 187g/km, coupled to New Zafira's already keen pricing and strong residuals, making the newcomer a standout choice for user choosers and fleet managers alike.
Although most motorists will only need to know that the all-new 16-valve engine makes the already dynamic New Zafira great to drive, there are numerous innovations which will be of interest to the technologically minded: two continuously adjustable camshafts (DCVCP - Double Continuous Variable Cam Phasing) to make the best use of fuel; a two-step intake manifold with a rotary sleeve instead of flaps to minimise flow losses; a highly efficient oil-water heat exchanger; a map-controlled thermostat; and a deep drawn exhaust manifold with an integrated catalytic converter.
Lightweight design also contributes to the high efficiency of the engine. In spite of additional features such as DCVCP, the engineers succeeded in making the new unit three percent lighter than the previous version while achieving increased stiffness and structural strength. The cylinder block alone is 20 percent lighter than its predecessor due to a hollow frame concept.
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Advantages of the double camshaft adjustment include higher power output and torque characteristics over a wide engine speed range; reduced exhaust emissions thanks to high gas recirculation rates; and reduced fuel consumption using a de-throttled charge cycle.
The new engine is available in Life, Club, Design, SRi and Special Edition Active versions of New Zafira, with prices starting at £15,695. It will also be offered in other Vauxhall models soon. |
| Corsa ''Hide and Seek'' ad campaign |
The Vauxhall Corsa puts the fun back into driving....and it also puts it back into your Friday afternoon, when all the work is done and you're frantically trying to look busy in front of your boss.
To mark the return of the award-winning 'Hide and Seek' Vauxhall Corsa ad campaign, Vauxhall has developed its very own computer game, where you can play hide and seek with Corsas on your desktop, with a fabulous city break up for grabs for the highest scorers.
Log on to corsaseek.co.uk, and you can choose your favourite Corsa from the all-new colour range and get ready to race around the city, complete with such hazards as gypsy camps, burning tyres, cinemas and even the A-Team van, reuniting the 12 hidden Corsa friends before the clock runs out.
Reunite five or more of the Child-like Corsas and entrants will be given the opportunity to enter a prize draw to win a trip for four adults to the historic and romantic city of Budapest.
The move comes as dealers take delivery of the first Corsa SXi+ models, which are guaranteed to generate just as much excitement. Based on the SXi, the SXi+ cars come with 15-inch alloys, sports seats and a roof spoiler as standard, with only a £50 price premium.
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| Vauxhall carves a niche with Meriva VXR |
It's guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of anyone who likes their cars fast, fun and more than a little cheeky. The Meriva has been given the VXR treatment to create the world's first performance mini-MPV - and one of the most-talked about cars of the year. As enthusiasts have come to expect from the VXR brand, the Meriva hasn't just been given a few tweaks and a tuned engine - Vauxhall has gone the whole hog to make sure that the smallest VXR will be able to hold its own against any modern hot hatchback, and might even be able to give a few supercar drivers a shock.
Under the bonnet is an all-new 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine which produces an impressive 180PS, making it easily the most powerful car in the class. Driving the front wheels through a six-speed close ratio gearbox, it's enough to take the Meriva from
0-60 mph in around eight seconds and on to a top speed of nearly 140mph.
To cope with the extra power, the chassis has been thoroughly reworked to give the driving dynamics expected of a car carrying the VXR badge on its boot. The exterior styling has been upgraded with reprofiled front and rear bumpers which clearly link the newest VXR to style started with the Meriva's big brothers - the VXR Astra, Zafira and Vectra models. The Meriva's smart 17-inch alloy wheels are in the now-familiar six-spoke VXR design too.
Inside, the Meriva VXR retains all the practicality of the acclaimed FlexSpace seating system, but there is a twist which has never been seen before in a mini-MPV. Special Recaro seats hold the occupants, and VXR logos adorn the gearlever, instruments and steering wheel.
The high-performance version of the versatile five-seater will make its debut at the Essen Motor Show 25 November and will go on sale in the UK alongside other facelifted Meriva models in February 2006. Prices will be announced nearer the on-sale date. |
| Parking problems solved with Vauxhall |
It is not just about judging distance - there are important safety issues too. What if you have not spotted a child trying to pass behind you as you select reverse gear?
Rear parking distance sensors are an option on many new models, but not if you own a used car. Now Vauxhall has come to the rescue with a new accessory that offers the neatest of solutions and fantastic value for money.
Activated automatically as soon as reverse gear is engaged, the Vauxhall Rear Parking Distance Sensor works on the sonic depth finder principle. Two sensors emit ultrasonic impulses, which bounce off everyday objects or obstructions behind the car and reflect back to the sensors.
Drivers are notified by a beeping sound that becomes more rapid until a continuous sound is heard when the vehicle is 30 cm away from the object. Because the device is positioned behind the rear number plate with the sensors at either end, there is no need to remove the rear bumper.
Available from participating Vauxhall retailers throughout the country, this accessory can be supplied and fitted for just £129.99.
Vauxhall also offers a range of car alarms, which can be fitted as an aftermarket accessory by any Vauxhall retailer. With over two million reported cases of vehicle-related theft in England and Wales in 2003 - 04, it makes sense to get an alarm professionally fitted.
Designed and manufactured by MetaSystem specifically for Vauxhall models, the range features the latest ultrasonic sensor technology and the three systems are Thatcham compliant.
Suitable for Agila and Corsa models without remote central locking, the MVX1 system offers a Thatcham Category 2 to 1 alarm upgrade where the car is already fitted with a Category 2 immobiliser.
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The MVX2 offers an alternative Category 2 to 1 alarm upgrade operated by the existing Vauxhall remote control, and covers Agila, Corsa, Tigra, Astra G, and Combo, Vivaro and Movano vans. The MVX3 is a Category 2 to 1 alarm upgrade for current Astra and Zafira models.
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| New engines and new look for Meriva |
Set to go on sale in the first quarter of 2006, New Meriva gets a freshened front end, with a reprofiled bumper and more prominent V-grille, which brings the mini-MPV into line with the latest Vauxhall family look. At the rear the Meriva gains dark rear lamp lenses and a classy chrome strip across the tailgate. New paint schemes and wheels combine with a revised cabin, featuring extra chrome detailing and fresh fabrics, to complete the stylish new look.
Two new engines will also become available, and both offer exceptional economy. The high-tech 1.3-litre CDTi diesel, as used in Corsa and Tigra, will appear in Meriva for the first time, delivering an impressive combined fuel economy figure of 57mpg allied to a lively top speed of 98mph. The award-winning 75PS unit features common-rail injection and four-valves per cylinder to ensure excellent economy and smooth responses.
The second new addition is to the petrol engine line-up, in the form of the 1.6-litre 105PS Twinport engine used in Astra and Zafira. With 5PS more than the outgoing Meriva 1.6, the newcomer is livelier yet more economical, having a top speed of 112mph and a combined economy figure of 42.2mpg - a six percent improvement over the outgoing car.
New Meriva will also be the next model to get the VXR treatment, with a 180PS turbocharged 1.6-litre engine and distinctive VXR styling. The hot model is expected to go on sale a few weeks after the standard car debuts, with the first deliveries expected in early spring.
All versions of the new Meriva will feature several technical innovations which are unique in its class, including a halogen version of Vauxhall's innovative Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL). More affordable than the xenon lighting used in existing versions of AFL, the halogen set-up includes curve lights that adjust beam angles subject to speed and steering angles. The system offers far greater night time visibility over standard halogen lighting without the cost of a full xenon system.
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Other New Meriva features include a power release tailgate and interior lighting that can be activated by remote control, leading the way to the car in the dark. Optional mobile phone installation with Bluetooth interface is also appearing on the options list for the first time.
Thanks to its FlexSpace concept, New Meriva will continue to offer the same versatility and flexibility that its predecessor has offered since 2003. Despite its compact
4.05 metres length, Meriva offers generous storage and plenty of comfortable seating, and can be quickly and easily transformed from a five-seater into a four, three or two-seater in just a matter of seconds.
New Meriva will be the first of several new products to join the Vauxhall line-up in 2006, and prices and trim levels will be confirmed nearer to its launch in the New
Year. |
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