Overhauled intake line, intercooler, injectors and exhaust system give hot hatch a top speed of 230km/h
The new Vauxhall Corsa VXR, which was first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show last month, will be powered by a redeveloped 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, which produces 205ps and 280Nm.
The Corsa VXR sprints from 0-60mph (0-97km/h) in 6.5 seconds, and tops out at 230km/h. The new engine produces 245Nm of torque from lower revs (between 1,900-5,800rpm, compared with 2,250-5,500rpm for the outgoing Nürburgring and ClubSport models).
An overboost facility provides an additional 35Nm of torque, ideal for overtaking. Maximum power from the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine is 205ps, while the Corsa VXR achieves 7.493l/100km on the combined cycle with C02 emissions of 174g/km.
Engineers constructed a completely new intake line leading to the turbocharger, and also implemented a new intercooler. New fuel injectors, controlled by the new engine management system, ensure precise delivery of fuel. This results in a noticeable improvement in responsiveness, especially at low engine speeds, and optimized power output at higher engine speeds.
The exhaust system is almost completely new. Working with exhaust specialists Remus, Vauxhall engineers developed a new exhaust manifold with an integrated turbocharger.
They also sound engineered to Lex Ferrari, a rule on pass-by-noise. An amendment in the European regulation allows performance cars over 190ps output and 102ps/ton to produce one extra decibel. The Corsa VXR twin-pipe exhaust is exactly in line with legal pass-by-noise regulations.
Power is delivered to the front wheels via a second-generation 6-speed transmission with a short, fluid gear change. The gearbox features a new design shift lever, shift cable and bearing cap with adjusted end stops. This helps reduce shift travel by 13% versus this outgoing model.
April 15, 2015
