Astra H - VXR-D 1.9 CDTi

By Thorney Motorsport

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Thorney Motorsport Vauxhall Astra VXR-D, 215BHP, 350ft/lbs.

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The VXR-D is the culmination of over 2 years of research and development. We wanted a car that sounded like a VXR-R, handled like a VXR-R, looked like a VXR-R but more doubled the petrol cars fuel economy.

350ft/lbs of Torque & 55+ MPG, need we say more?


At the heart of the VXR-D is our power upgrade. A larger VXR-R inspired and developed intercooler, created for us by Pace Products sets the ball rolling. Additionally a new Milltek Sport exhaust developed from our VXR-R race cars is added. The use of a high flow competition race catalytic converter, wider bore down pipe and main system together with a VXR centre exit design maximizes airflow and power.

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Astra VXR-D
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Astra VXR-D
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Astra VXR-D
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VXR Rear Bumper

Diesel cars suffer less from intake temperature capping power than their petrol equivalent. However, as with any turbo charged engine it remains an issue with higher intake temperatures dropping power due to there being less oxygen in hotter air. Our VXR-R intercoolers are market leaders in controlling this in the petrol cars so a version of the same design was used in the VXR-D to the same great effect.

As well as generating power it was crucial for the car to sound exactly like the VXR-R with a deep rumbling note that rises with rpm and pops and bangs on the over run - a real sports exhaust note. Initially we thought this impossible, how could we get an oil burner to sound like a race car? Simple. After a little bit of time, money and development we came up with our own system to give you that race car feel in your diesel.

Our very own development worked tirelessly on this, we wanted the rear of the car to look identical to the VXR but importantly sound identical and the net result is exactly that. We can't change the noise of the diesel engine of course so start up is no different but once you get some air through the exhaust you'd be hard pressed to believe it wasn't a VXR. The 350lb of torque does the rest.

The VXR-R range is more than just power of course, the chassis is upgraded to match the increase in power.

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Astra VXR-D Springs
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Astra VXR-D Springs
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Astra VXR-D Springs
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Astra VXR-D

All of our VXR-R race cars have been developed on Eibach springs and the VXR-D is no different, spring lengths and weights have been developed to adapt to the cars heavier engine weight to create an enhanced handling package that maintains the standard cars excellent ride. Handling is improved with less roll and pitch in cornering and a balanced weight transition in braking and acceleration. Ride height is dropped by 35mm.

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Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2
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Astra VXR-D Optional Brake Kit
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Astra VXR-D Optional Brake Kit
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Astra VXR-D Optional Brake Kit
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Astra VXR-D Optional Brake Kit


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Optional Black Wheels
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Optional Anthracite Wheels

Wheels are an important aspect of the VXR-D and again we are driven by a combination of performance and style so the Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 have been selected from the VXR-R. Ultra lightweight so that handling is improved and nigh on bullet proof (we've never broken one except in a 60mph crash into a concrete wall) they are the perfect accompaniment to the car. The VXR-D is different in one regard on wheels though, previously the only colour available was black, with the VXR-D three colours are available; black, chrome silver and smoke grey so you're able to specify your VXR-D to your own desires. The 18" size means that handling is not compromised for the sake of style.

With power comes control so brakes have not been ignored, the VXR-D comes with updated brake pads derived from our race cars with an option to add our Alcon based 4 pot brake kit to offer unrivalled stopping power, this is more important on the diesel engined chassis due to the higher relative nose weight the engine adds.

To set off the VXR-D are the vehicle graphics, subtle but with an option of the VXR-R style side stripes for those. Each car comes with its own numbered plaque on the dash.

The best news is that the VXR-D is available as an upgrade kit for existing CDTi vehicles & owners. Previous VXR-R models were only available from new but the VXR-D and the new VXR-R Insignia models can be upgraded on pre-registered cars.

Price List:


VXR-D Performance Conversion: £2,999
VXR-D Performance Conversion Fitted & Painted: £3,499

Fast Road Springs, ECU Re-Map, TMS Race Exhaust, VXR Rear Bumper with Centre Exit Diffuser, Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 Wheels with Sports / Performance Tyres.

Options List:

Click for More Information


Alcon 4-POT Big Brake Kit: £1,599.00
Bilstein B14 Adjustable Coilover Suspension Kit: £889.00
Quaife ATB Limited Slip Differential: £1,049.00
VXR Front Bumper Conversion: £TBC

All prices include VAT and Labour. E&OE


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