We’re getting close to the launch of the next 2011 Vauxhall Astra VXR. Vauxhall have confirmed the order books will open on June 7th and have released an animation and some pics to show off this hottest version of the new Astra.
Although it’s still being referred to as the Astra GTC this is in all but name the next VXR model. The images show an Astra that looks very much like the GTC concept that debuted at the Paris Motor Show, sharing the same metallic red paintwork but with subtle differences in the lights and alloys.
The animation looks a bit like one of those videos you can record for yourself in Gran Turismo and the soundtrack leaves a lot to be desired, making it difficult to hear anything from the engine. But the main impression is of a good looking 3-door hatch, similar in profile to the Megane coupe. It’s a safe design, not exactly jaw-droppingly beautiful, but certainly more appealing than the 5-door only Focus ST.
Speculation will continue about the hardware. A 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-pot is a certainty, but the final power output could be anywhere between 260bhp and 300bhp. I’m betting that it will have more power than the Focus ST and be priced more competitively, but it will have to be a very good drive to beat the Focus and the Renaultsport Megane.
More will be revealed on June 7th, after which the GTC will make its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
