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| Vauxhalls VXR8 Is Back |
March 2011 |
Vauxhall’s storming VXR8 model is back with a vengeance, packing heavily revised front- and rear-end styling, a new cabin and a raft of new technology to enhance its appeal to drivers in search of one of the last, great rear-drive V8 super-saloons.
Priced at £49,500 and available to order now, the new VXR8 in top-spec form is now based on HSV’s E3 GTS model, just launched in Australia, the previous VXR8 representing the old version of the lower-spec ClubSport R8. That means it still undercuts full-size super saloons like the Audi RS6, Jaguar XFR and Mercedes E63 AMG by between £13k and £29k, and even performance saloons from the segment below, such as the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG. The entry-level VXR8 Clubsport is still available at £45,000.
A new, ‘Shockwave’ grille, LED daytime running lights and sleek new wing-vents mark the new car out from the front, while the rear features a new ‘Superflow’ rear spoiler, LED tail lamps and twin exhaust tips that mimic the shape of the front grille. One thing that hasn’t changed, though, is the VXR8’s road presence: no other production car in the UK looks like it or sounds like it.
As before, the new VXR8’s race-bred chassis uses MacPherson struts/progressive rate coil springs at the front and a multi-link independent set-up at the rear. But for the first time on a VXR8, Vauxhall has employed Magnetic Ride Control (standard on GTS only), adding a greater degree of sophistication to the car’s dynamics. Also making an appearance for the first time is Launch Control, which helps drivers make best use of the VXR8’s huge torque during brisk acceleration without unnecessary wheelspin.
Of course, no VXR8 would be complete without a large-capacity V8, and this latest version doesn’t disappoint. The fourth generation 6.2-litre LS3 unit produces 431PS and a massive 550Nm of torque, enough to propel the VXR8 from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds and on to a governed top speed of 155mph. Drive is delivered to the rear axle via either a new MM10 six-speed manual gearbox with uprated LS7 clutch, or a six-speed auto ‘box. Both work through a mechanical limited slip differential.
Inside, the new VXR8 has undergone a transformation. Full leather trim is standard in GTS models, and front occupants are cocooned in special HSV Performance Seats with eight-way adjustability. A new instrument cluster and surround, centre stack and switchgear provide a cleaner and more integrated look, while standard equipment also includes Aux-in/USB inputs, iPod support and Bluetooth with phone book display and touch-screen dialling.
But for drivers who want to engage with their VXR8 like never before, Vauxhall has introduced EDI, or Enhanced Driver Interface. EDI connects with the on-board computer to constantly stream real-time vehicle dynamics and performance to the car’s main 5-inch monitor. At the touch of the screen, drivers can access a variety of data such as vehicle G-forces, power and torque and lap times – even the degree to which their VXR8 is drifting. Completing the clever package is the ability for drivers to download data, such as track day performance, and analyse it using the MOTEC i2 software provided.
Finally, Vauxhall is delighted to announce that two new VXR8 variants will join the saloon in the UK: the Maloo (pickup body) and the Sports Tourer (estate body). Both use the same running gear and platform as the VXR8 saloon, but offer drivers even more versatility combined with exceptional performance and handling. More details about the Maloo and Sports Tourer will follow soon. |
| Vauxhall Van Deal With Easilift |
February 2011 |
The Pentagon Vauxhall Business Centre in Sheffield has struck another commercial vehicle deal with Easilift Loading Systems.
Based Kirkburton on the outskirts of Huddersfield, Easilift are a supplier and installer of lifting systems in the loading and unloading bays of warehouses. They also provide ongoing servicing and maintenance through a team of engineers.
Pentagon will supply 18 new commercial vehicles to Easilift, 14 long wheel base Vivaro vans and 4 new L2 H2 Movano vans.
Speaking about the deal, Kevin Cleary from the Pentagon Business Centre said ‘I have been dealing with Easilift for 9 years now and I am pleased that they have once again chosen Pentagon to supply the vehicles for their engineers and installers’.
The welfare and safety of their employees whilst driving is clearly of paramount importance to Easilift as they have chosen high specification vehicles that all include satellite navigation, air conditioning and driver seat lumbar support. Furthermore, every vehicle will be sign written as a part of Easilift’s new branding that they are rolling out across the company this year.
Easilift Director Rob Fay, Accountant Graham Hepworth and 3 Engineers enjoyed a tour of the dealership before the first of their 18 new vehicles was handed over.
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| New 11 Plate Vauxhalls Spring Into Pentagon Showrooms Ready For March |
February 2011 |
Vauxhall is hitting the car market with a quadruple whammy of new product – Antara, Corsa MCE, Astra ES Tech and VXR8 – all in time for March’s new 11 registration. All four models benefit from Vauxhall’s groundbreaking 100,000 mile Lifetime Warranty.
Available to order now at Pentagon, Vauxhall’s rugged Antara SUV has received a fresh look inside and out and an all-new, efficient and powerful engine. Prices for the Antara now start from £19,995 for the 2.2 CDTi (163PS) Exclusiv front-wheel drive model, a saving of £2,835 on the outgoing entry-level version.
Also in showrooms will be the latest Corsa, which has received a raft of design enhancements to complement the chassis and engine changes made to the big-selling supermini last year. There’s also an exciting new colour palette, which includes fresh hues like Lime Green pearlescent, Chilli Orange metallic and Guacamole.
Move up to the Astra and a new model is set to take on the new Focus and Golf in the value-stakes. Named the ES Tech, it starts at just £18,110 for the 140PS 1.4-litre Turbo model and comes as standard with a CD500 Satnav system, Bluetooth, DAB radio, 17-inch alloy wheels and aircon. Diesel buyers can enjoy the 125PS 1.7 CDTi engine for only £19,530, and with sub–120g/km emissions this version is one of Vauxhall’s growing range of ecoFLEX models.
And for drivers after a little more power, a new version of the VXR8 is ready for order. Packing a cool 431PS, the mighty VXR8 muscle car has heavily revised front- and rear-end styling, a new cabin and a raft of new technology to enhance its appeal to drivers in search of one of the last, great rear-drive V8 super-saloons. Priced at £49,500, the new VXR8 is available to order through Pentagons specialist VXR dealer in Burton. |
| Used Vauxhalls Now With Lifetime Warranty |
February 2011 |
After recently stunning the industry and customers alike with its groundbreaking Lifetime Warranty, Vauxhall now raises the bar still higher by passing on this unique benefit to second owners.
Called Network Q Lifetime Warranty, the lifetime cover applies to the second owner of any Vauxhall purchased through Network Q that has covered less than 30,000 miles and is under 12 months old. Warranty coverage continues until the car reaches 100,000 miles.
Duncan Aldred, Managing Director of Vauxhall Motors, said: “Vauxhall is so confident of the high quality levels built-in to its current range of cars that it is now offering its new ground-breaking lifetime warranty on used cars. The Network Q Lifetime Warranty is designed to protect our customers against unexpected costs and to give reassurance and peace of mind long after they’ve taken delivery of their used Vauxhall.”
The Network Q Lifetime Warranty cover includes powertrain, steering system, brake system and electrical equipment throughout the life of the vehicle. To maintain the Lifetime Warranty, owners need to visit a Vauxhall retailer annually for a free vehicle inspection and sustain the manufacturer service schedule.
Every Network Q vehicle is subjected to a rigorous Multi-Point Check by highly trained Vauxhall technicians, before it is allowed to carry the Network Q stamp of approval. Network Q’s vehicles are inspected by those who know Vauxhalls best – qualified Vauxhall technicians. They are also HPI checked for mileage and accident damage and are technically assessed to ensure that all the latest software flashes and upgrades are applied.
Launched in 1990 as the first national, manufacturer-backed used car programme, Network Q is the largest used car programme in the UK and the best recognised in Europe. Network Q has sold 1.9 million used cars to date and over 80,000 in 2010. |
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Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty
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