Top Cars

No more spy shots. GM has formally unveiled the Vauxhall Insignia VXR Sports Tourer (a.k.a. the Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer on the other side of the Chunnel). By now, you're probably seen the specs, but we'll go over them again for the sake of being complete. 325 horses are corralled in the 2.8-liter turbo V6 underhood. Yep, that's a six-speed stick you see in the attached photo gallery, and both all-wheel drive and eLSD are standard. Stopping power is supplied by Brembo, the seats are by Recaro, and the overall appearance is liberally sprinkled with awesome. All told, the whole package is good for a zero-to-60 run in six seconds flat, which has us dreaming of this car, in this color, wearing the Buick Tri-Shield up front. Maybe Grand National badges on the fenders, too. Okay, it's more like a pipe dream, but let us have our fun.

PRESS RELEASE:

NEW INSIGNIA VXR SPORTS TOURER PACKS POWER, POISE AND ALL YOUR PARAPHERNALIA

* Fastest ever Vauxhall estate with 6-second 0-60 time
* 1530-litre load capability combined with Adaptive 4x4 chassis and 325 horsepower
* Third and final body style to be offered in Insignia VXR spec

Luton – With 10,000 kilometres of gruelling validation at the world's most fearsome and demanding test track now under their belt, the Vauxhall Insignia VXR hatch and saloon are set to raise the bar in their sector with a heady mix of high performance, practicality and sophisticated dynamics.

And now, adding even greater versatility to the range, Vauxhall can confirm that the Insignia VXR Sports Tourer will be the third body style to join the line up and will be available in UK dealerships this autumn, after enduring the same rigorous testing at the notorious Nürburgring Circuit.

Combining all the technical highlights of the VXR hatch and saloon with best in class-matching luggage capacity (rear seats up), the VXR Sports Tourer is not only the fastest estate car Vauxhall has ever produced, but also the first to incorporate Adaptive 4x4 and an electronic limited slip differential (eLSD).

Like its saloon and hatch siblings, the VXR Sports Tourer sits 10 millimetres lower than the regular Sports Tourer, and features the unique HiPerStrut system, which reduces torque-steer and maintains negative camber during cornering, thereby improving wet and dry grip levels.

Complementing these features are standard 19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch lightweight forged alloys are a cost option) with bespoke tyres, revised bushing and damper settings on both axles, and Brembo brakes with colour-keyed callipers and vented/cross-drilled discs.

And with 325PS, the Brembos are a must. Using a modified version of the 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 engine that's standard in the Insignia Elite model, the Sports Tourer VXR will hit 60mph from zero in 6.0 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph.

Inside, the Sports Tourer's performance credentials are laid bare, with its front Recaro seats, VXR steering wheel and gearknob, as well as different instrument graphics, VXR sill plates and black headlining.

But where the VXR Sports Tourer really scores is in its versatility. With 540-litres of load space with the 40:60 split rear seats up, the SportsTourer matches the best in class. Drop the 40:60 split rear seats and you have a maximum load volume of 1530-litres.

Accessing this area has never been easier, thanks to the Sports Tourer VXR's standard electronic tailgate, which can be operated off the driver's key fob, or via a rotary knob on the inside of the driver's door. Using these functions, not only can the opening height of the tailgate be restricted, but it can also be pre-set at a lower level if you frequently park in a garage with a low ceiling.

Deeper bumpers, front mesh grilles and dual matt chrome exhausts are among the Sports Tourer VXR's visual armoury, complemented by a colour palette comprising Arden Blue, Power Red, Carbon Flash Black (pictured), Silver Lake, Olympic White and Technical Grey.

'The Insignia VXR Sports Tourer will be a compelling alternative for buyers in the premium sector who may currently be considering an Audi S4 Avant or BMW 335i M Sport Touring,' said Andy Gilson, Vauxhall's Marketing Director. 'We've already seen a swing to the Insignia from premium buyers who'd never before ticked the Vauxhall box on their wish list, and we expect to see the same buying pattern emerge with all versions of the Insignia VXR.'

Prices for the Insignia VXR range will be announced early summer.