HSV asks, “Are you VXR enough?”

Published: 13 October 2005

Pictured: HSV.

HSV’s bold moves onto the niche high performance vehicle world stage are paying handsome dividends and it’s not just a one way street. It has allowed a rich network of relationships to be established with other global performance vehicle specialists, a factor which has opened up direct access to unique products that share HSV’s traditional philosophy of passion, excitement, driving enjoyment, exceptional performance and value for money.

A prime example can be found in the extraordinary VXR Turbo, shown as a concept at the Australian International Motor Show. It’s a vehicle that offers enormous potential says HSV Sales and Marketing Director, Chris Payne.

“We’ve been aware of the phenomenal qualities of this car since the early development phase at OPC (Opel Performance Centre) in Germany – OPC is in many ways to Opel what HSV is to Holden. Since the car’s release it has taken European markets by storm and, in the process, won acclaim from the motoring press when tested against major class rivals.”

“With its success overseas we thought it was time to assess the Australian public’s response to the VXR. Indications are that it will be very well received, and if that’s the case, we will look to make a limited number available through HSV Dealers in 2006, and who knows where this could lead to with exciting future products”.

The VXR has the traditional HSV core values covered – individual styling, class leading power and torque, powerful brakes, sports tuned suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels and a sporting interior – but there’s more than that. Despite being developed in Europe it carries the same driver focused, high performance engineering DNA that you’d find in other HSV products.

“It will be a totally new category for HSV but we wouldn’t be looking at VXR if we weren’t convinced that it’s capable of setting new benchmarks in the hot hatch class. Its power-to-weight ratio puts it head to head with class rivals, and this is evident in a 0-100kmh sprint of just over 6 seconds. With an estimated price below A$43,000 this car will offer sensational value for the performance dollar.”

“Should the VXR make the anticipated transition to the local market it will also be an exciting way to expose the HSV brand to a whole new group of people who have never considered HSV before. It’s an enticing package for those looking for the ultimate in individuality and performance in a compact size and, therefore, could attract buyers from a wide demographic, such as young urban-based singles and couples. Indeed, it would even make the ideal second HSV in the household!” Mr Payne said.

Further announcements on the future of the HSV VXR will be made following the Australian International Motor Show after public feedback has been assessed.

Expressions of interest will be taken at HSV Dealers following the Australian International Motor Show

HSV VXR Turbo specification highlights

- Turbocharged 2.0 litre, 16V; - Power 176kW; - Torque 320Nm; - Power to weight – 6.9kg/kW; - Close ratio six speed gearbox; - 19-inch alloy wheels;

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