It’s finally here! The Vauxhall Corsa VXR Nürburgring has finally been confirmed as a production reality and is due to go on sale in late May priced at £22,295.
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Engine: | 1,598cc Turbo |
| Power: | 202 bhp |
| Torque: | 206 lb/ft |
| 0-60 mph: | 6.5 secs |
| Top Speed: | 143 mph |
| Price: | £22,295 |
So what do you get for £3,600 more than a standard VXR? First up is a more powerful version of the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, now rated at 205PS at 5,750 (up from 192PS) with torque up to 250/280Nm*, up from 230/266Nm.
The extra power comes from a modified engine management and turbocharger system, while a sports exhaust with dual exit pipes reduces back pressure. The engine has also been modified to make the most of 98-octane fuel, so don’t go giving it any of the cheap rubbish at the petrol station. Although the power gains may seem modest the Corsa Nürburgring is capable of 0-60mph in just 6.5 seconds and has a top speed of 143mph.
It would be no good if the Corsa Nürburgring spun away all of that power in a cloud of tyre smoke, so Vauxhall have decided to fit a mechanical, multi-plate limited-slip differential, 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. Note that this is a proper mechanical diff, not one of those electronically simulated diffs that so often interfere with your fun.
The biggest change, and probably the one that will really define the character of the Nürburgring, is its new suspension setup. Vauxhall commissioned Bilstein to develop bespoke spring and damper units for the Corsa. The Bilstein setup promises more control and involvement, as well as dropping the ride height by 20mm at the front and 15mm at the rear. Remember the Renaultsport Clio 182 Trophy? That had bespoke Sachs dampers and became an instant classic thanks to its astonishing handling and body control – maybe the Corsa Nürburgring can follow in its footsteps?
Look closely behind the new forged aluminium wheels and you’ll see the Brembo logo on the brake calipers. These new calipers, pads and discs are 30 per cent lighter than before and have high-performance brake linings that cover 10 per cent more area.
On the outside the new model should be obvious to VXR fans thanks to that dual-exit exhaust, the high-gloss grey wheels, Nürburgring logos on the B-Pillars and a 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 features a handy overboost function that gives a brief torque increase on full throttle
