Vauxhall Corsa VXR, Specifications

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Kingpin axis
Wheel centre
Spindle length
Insignia
(MacPherson strut)
Insignia VXR
SuperSport
(HiPerStrut)
1. Sports suspension. It could be argued that creating a sports suspension system is
relatively easy; simply fit some uprated springs, dampers and, possibly, anti-roll bars and it’s
ready. There are plenty of aftermarket kits available, after all. But for VXR we wanted to go a
few steps beyond.
VXR models feature all of these, naturally, but we’ve incorporated a number of extra
suspension and steering revisions that separate them from other sports models in the
Vauxhall range. Features such as stronger, low-friction anti-roll bar mounts and drop links,
which allow the anti-roll bars to work at peak efficiency at all times. Rebound stop springs
within the dampers, designed to reduce traction-robbing pitch from the chassis, and revised
steering geometry, which gives drivers increased feedback and allows them to more
accurately judge grip levels. In fact, the Corsa VXR Clubsport model features specially
commissioned progressive-rate springs and inverted monotube dampers courtesy of
Bilstein. In addition to the considerable chassis work on the UK’s unique road surfaces, much
of the development of the VXR range was carried out at the legendary Nürburgring
Nordschleife circuit in Germany, the ultimate test of chassis performance. Manuel Reuter,
twice winner of the Le Mans 24-hour race, was on the test team and his vast experience
contributed to the final set-up of the cars.
2. HiPerStrut front suspension. The Astra VXR and New Insignia VXR SuperSport use a
significant evolution of the regular models’ MacPherson strut front suspension. The
HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) front suspension improves grip and allows more power
to be applied during cornering. The realigned kingpin axis keeps the front tyres squarer to the
road during cornering, providing a better contact patch with the tyre thus delaying the onset
of understeer. Additionally the shorter spindle length on the hub significantly reduces torque
steer and resists steering kickback on bends and on uneven surfaces. The New Insignia VXR
SuperSport has also undergone extensive chassis improvements for even more precise
handling and understeer control. In addition, compared to the standard Astra GTC and
Insignia SRi models, the ride height of the Astra VXR and New Insignia VXR SuperSport has
been reduced by 10mm, spring rates have been stiffened and bespoke suspension bushes
are used. To achieve the best handling balance, the front and rear anti-roll bar diameters
have also been revised. All of this bespoke VXR engineering detail allows the driver to better
exploit the power potential of both these powerful VXR models.
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