Insignia VXR SuperSport

Vauxhall's version is named the Insignia VXR SuperSport and it replaces the current Insignia VXR. Just the like Opel model, the VXR SuperSport does away with the speed limiter allowing the car to hit 170mph (274km/h), or 15mph (24km/h) more than its predecessor. Acceleration from 0-60mph (96km/h) remains the same at 5.6 seconds.

Perhaps more meaningfully, Vauxhall has slashed the price by £3,760 over the outgoing car to £29,995.

As you probably have already figured out, there are no other changes under the bonnet where you will find a 2.8-liter single twin-scroll turbocharged V6 producing 320hp (325HP) and 295 lb-ft (400Nm) of torque channeled to all four wheels.

The only visual identifiers on the SuperSport are blue ‘Brembo’ lettering on its front brake callipers and additional increments on its speedometer.

The other vehicles seen in the photo gallery released by Vauxhall are the Lotus Carlton, which was the fastest production saloon in 1989 with a top speed of 176mph (283km/h), the VXR Maloo, the UK’s fastest light commercial vehicle with a 0-60mph time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 155mph (250km/h), and the UK’s first 100mph (160km/h) production car, the 30-98.

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2012 Opel Astra OPC 276hp

Revealed to the public for the first time at the ongoing 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the new Astra OPC is based on the sporty looking three-door Astra GTC hatchback adding to the mix a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 276bhp (280PS) output and maximum torque of 400Nm (295 lbft).

A six-speed transmission and a mechanical limited slip differential on the front axle drive the front wheels allowing for a top speed of 250km/h (155mph). Opel has not yet confirmed acceleration times.

As with the rest of the Astra GTC range, the OPC model gets the GM/Saab sourced HiPer Struts (High Performance Struts) on the front axle while the company's engineers also made changes to the suspension, steering wheel and brake systems.

“We have devised a great package that will convince even the most experienced sports drivers – not just on the Nürburgring,” says Opel tester and motorsport legend, Joachim Winkelhoc.

Styling upgrades on the outside include new sculpted front and rear bumpers, side skirts, a roof spoiler and two exhaust tail pipes in a trapeze shape plus a set of 20-inch forged alloy wheels.

As for the interior, the OPC benefits from a pair of body-hugging Recaro sports seats trimmed either in fabric or a choice of leathers, a flat-bottom sports steering wheel with a 360 millimeter diameter and bespoke trim accents.

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