Archive for The Motor Forum talking cars since 2006
 


       The Motor Forum Forum Index -> In the Mags
Turbonutter

Autocar 15th July

End of term report on the Alpina D3 Biturbo Touring
Alfa Brera secondhand
Chevy cruze road test
Insignia VXR and BMW X6M first drives - be interesting
to see if the new VXR is as well received by EVO as the old
Vectra. It's got 4wd, 4-pot Brembos and sounds nice
according to the write-up. Probably a good 2nd hand buy
Matt

Alfa Milano to be 5-door only - cue picture of a 3-door in the factory...
Matt

I take it back, it's a poor picture where you can't see the rear shutline.
DaveGibson

Mind you, Dan Stevens (on P8) does allude to the 159 having a hidden rear door handle, though the body of the text correctly refers to the 156.
Gurney

Never knew Fiat offered the Stilo platform to Rover (and the JTD engine). Surely they could have made a go of that?
Dr. Hfuhruhurr

Is it this issue or the last one that has the XFR/E63 twin test?
Turbonutter

Dr. Hfuhruhurr wrote:
Is it this issue or the last one that has the XFR/E63 twin test?


I think there was a test of 2 big expensive saloons but to be honest I skipped over it as the bigger luxo saloons don't interest me so much    

I presume the E63 AMG engine is a breathed on version of the C63 AMG one. My interest in the Mercs/Jags would be fanned if they had stick shifts but I know I'm in a minority there.

It was a bit of a thin issue for me ...in fact the VXR was probably the most interesting car for me....if only because it will no doubt depreciate quick and if so I could maybe buy one in a few years ( if there is a good manual option    )

Quote:

The Insignia is a Mondeo rival, but with the VXR version Vauxhall wants to take the fight upmarket, to the 328bhp Audi S4 and 295bhp VW Passat R36.

GM is taking this battle extremely seriously too, having spent a considerable amount of time honing the VXR’s chassis at the Nürburgring and packing it with as much technology as it can lay its hands on.

Thanks to a 2.8-litre V6 turbo Ecotec engine — which has the same block as the old Vectra VXR’s unit but gets a new head and camshafts, revised turbo and different mapping — the Insignia is good for 0-60mph in 5.8sec and a limited top speed of 155mph.

The engine features a micro-alloy forged steel crank, 60-degree cylinder angle and die-cast alloy oil sump. It’s fitted with a single twin-scroll turbocharger and variable valve control for improved throttle response.

The Insignia is the first VXR model to feature four-wheel drive; it gets a Haldex system similar to that found in the Saab 9-3 Turbo X, although the settings have been reworked.

The transmission is coupled to an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) which applies more or less torque to either of the rear wheels to help that end of the car follow the direction of the front wheels.

Stuart Harris, brand manager for VXR, says the car’s handling will have a rearward bias and claims drivers will be able to power out of understeer.

“It [the VXR] has always been seen as a competitor to the Audi S4 and low-end BMW M products, and I think it is going to surprise a lot of people,” he added.

The VXR, which will be available as a saloon, hatch and estate, is 10mm lower than the Insignia SRi and rides on 19in wheels, although 20-inch lightweight forged alloys are available as a cost option.

Brembo brakes with colour-coded calipers and cross-drilled discs provide the stopping power.

The VXR’s styling is restrained, but it bears more than a passing resemblance to the GTC concept seen at the 2007 Geneva motor show.

There are twin mesh intakes at either side of the main front grille, and both the hatch and saloon get a small rear spoiler and dual matt chrome exhausts.

Inside there are Recaro front seats, a new VXR steering wheel, different instruments and a VXR gearknob.

The car is not due on sale until the summer. Pricing has yet to be revealed, but Autocar understands that it is likely to cost just over £30k, with estate variants carrying a premium of around £1400.


The rearward bias sounds interesting - like the old XR4x4/Sapphire Cosworth 4x4 maybe
PG

Dr. Hfuhruhurr wrote:
Is it this issue or the last one that has the XFR/E63 twin test?


8th July edition
Turbonutter

PG wrote:
Dr. Hfuhruhurr wrote:
Is it this issue or the last one that has the XFR/E63 twin test?


8th July edition


New 'Performance Car' mag has some blurb on the E63 AMG.

Also  a GT2 vs Aston Martin comparison.

They do have some nice pics in there as well  
PG

Gurney wrote:
Never knew Fiat offered the Stilo platform to Rover (and the JTD engine). Surely they could have made a go of that?
 

Yes, that was a bit of a shock if true. A Rover / Fiat (and hence Alfa / MG) tie in could have made real economic sense. Now just imagine if, post Fiat's divorce from GM, they could then have tacked on Jag / LR a few years later. Thinking about that is making me both incredibly angry that they fucked it up and terribly sad at the same time.

More proof that the Fucking 4 were just a thicko bunch of wasters who were just out for themselves. My dog has more business acumen and way, way better morals.
Turbonutter

The VXR estate looks a bit Audi-ish from the rear  3/4 to my eyes

Click


I can see what the first comment alludes to on this one when it says it looks a bit M3-ish - certainly in white anyway

Click
       The Motor Forum Forum Index -> In the Mags
Page 1 of 1