Vauxhall Astra Roadster
Vauxhall appears to be coming out swinging with their newest vehicle, a droptop version of the Astra. The roadster will spar nicely with VWs like the BlueSport, EOS, and the upcoming Scirocco; like most automakers, Vauxhall is aiming high, trying to take down perennial powerhouses like the Audi TT and Mercedes SLK. Aside from a few GM-inspired plastics on the grille and interior, the convertible is definitely a looker, with great curves and an aggressive stance that is backed up by a turbocharged, 260bhp beast of a 2.0 liter engine that should put the car to 60mph in around 6 seconds. The release for the Roadster has not been announced, so expect a few minor tweaks between now and its production.
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Vauxhall XVR Concepts at Goodwood Festival of Speed
This year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed promises more than just modern supercars. England’s Vauxhall Motors will display two prototypes which haven’t been in the public eye since Harold Wilson was PM. Alongside new models, the XVR Concept and SRV Concept will be proudly shown as examples of a time when Vauxhall was at the cutting edge of automotive technology. The XVR Concept was actually Vauxhall’s first publicly shown concept car, and one of creator David Jones’ finer accomplishments. The XVR was half Corvette and half McLaren, boasting gullwing doors, pop-up headlights, and a terrific wraparound windshield still seen on modern era sports cars. The SRV, meanwhile, looked like it was set to tackle landspeed records at Bonneville; it was incredibly low and sleek, yet with a 4-door setup (note the suicide doors easily visible in some renderings) it seemed strangely practical. Other features of note were the midship mounted engine, electric self-leveling suspension, and GRP (glass reinforced plastic) body panels. Check out Goodwood in Vauxhall’s own backyard July 3rd-5th.
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