Insignia VXR-R

By Thorney Motorsport

The Insignia VXR, Vauxhalls flagship VXR model and a complete sea change in quality of build, materials and function – it really is an Audi with a Vauxhall badge on, it's that good.

However for a VXR brand leader the car is (of course) compromised in terms of focus and performance, its a big car designed to carry 5 in comfort and the bigger something is the more its performance and handling are blunted, so following our success in developing the VXR-S and VXR-R Astra and Corsa models we are delighted to announce the VXR-R Insignia.

The heart of the conversion is the power upgrade, comprising of a larger front mounted intercooler developed with Forge, a full performance Thorney Motorsport exhaust and an ECU map upgrade developed in conjunction with Superchips power is increased by over 100bhp and over 150lb of torque. Further upgrades are available with larger injectors and new hybrid turbo assembly. Acceleration now defies gravity, you hit 120mph before you realise it and the grace of the Insignia is barely touched, effortless, licence losing speed. The power is mapped to the infamous VXR button, switched off and you’re near standard power, hit the VXR button and all the extra power is immediately under your foot, it's an M5, really.

All this extra power needs to be controlled of course, here we worked closely with Team Dynamics and Eibach to create a unique handling upgrade. 20” Pro Race 1.2 wheels with a 6% wider track drop 4kg per wheel in weight, the car feels agile and both turn in and steering feedback is improved massively, the car literally feels lighter in driving. The geometry is adjusted to adapt with the lower ride height the Thorney Motorsport/Eibach springs create, 30mm lower at the back, 40mm lower at the front reduces understeer, increases high speed stability and works effortlessly with the EDC suspension every VXR Insignia has as standard, VXR button off – nice comfortable ride but with extra grip in cornering, VXR button on and the car handles like a car with 300kg taken off it.

We’ve kept the livery subtle, so our VXR-R badges (made in the same factory as the Vauxhall ones) quietly tell other road users of the power and grace you’re in control of although we also offer the full VXR-R side decals for those less retiring.

The Insignia VXR-R differs from our previous limited editions in that the upgrade is available to pre-owned cars as well as from new and is also available as separate parts if you wish to upgrade in stages. The wheels are available in our new anthracite, gloss black and silver options to suit all VXR Insignia colours, white car with black wheels is stunning.

The VXR-R upgrades will all be available from your local Thorney Motorsport Performance Centre from July, prices and final details to be announced soon.