greenblack
23.05.03, 18:03
www.autoexpress.co.uk
Super V6 Vectra Charges In
At first glance, the Vectra in the current issue of Auto Express magazine
appears to be simply a bodykitted GSi hatchback. But the word Kompressor on
the bootlid - German for supercharger - reveals this test car has a blown
version of Vauxhall's familiar 3.2-litre V6. That means the company is
turning its family favourite into a real BMW M3-chaser.
Insiders have revealed the newcomer produces around 290bhp - up from the
211bhp of the standard unit. Only problems with getting the power through the
front wheels are holding it back from recording some giant-killing
performance figures.
The car's development is being carried out by Vauxhall's favoured tuner
Irmscher, which currently makes factory-approved styling products. At the
moment, the supercharged GSi is only a one-off, but if customer interest is
high, the motor will go into production. As the shots in the magazine reveal,
the Vectra also has a more aggressive bodykit to match the extra power. A
deeper front airdam incorporates vents to keep the bigger brakes cool, and
the grille is the tuning firm's trademark 'chip cutter' design. These will be
offered as optional extras at main dealers.
Irmscher is currently trialling the car to see if a supercharged V6 is a
viable production possibility. If so, then the engine could find its way into
the Vectra and the forthcoming Omega replacement by 2005. The tuner is also
looking at other ways of developing the powerplant, including using twin-
turbos instead of the supercharger to cut emissions.
Although our spies spotted the car in Germany, it will be coming to Britain
next month. The Vectra will be at a performance Vauxhall day at Santa Pod
raceway, Northamptonshire, on 15 June, so the Luton firm can gauge public
opinion. As well as the hot newcomer, there will also be turbocharged Corsa.
The 200bhp supermini has been created by Vauxhall's UK engineers and uses the
VX220 Turbo's engine. Again, the car will be used to measure customer
reactions. Tom Barnard
:OOOOOOOOOOO
290 koników na przednich kołach. Na ile starczą opony?
Pozdrawiam
PS Saab nie ma takich silników:P
