Watch out Honda.. here comes the Vauxhall Astra VXR Extreme

The Vauxhall Astra VXR Extreme will make its debut at this year’s Geneva motor show, before going on sale later in the year.

2014 marks the 10th anniversary of the VXR brand, and the Luton-based car maker will launch this low-volume special under both Vauxhall and Opel brand names.

The Astra Cup race car competes in the German Nürburgring Endurance Championship.

Based on last year’s Astra Cup race car, the VXR Extreme features plenty of high-quality carbon components and will be significantly lighter than the current Astra VXR. There’s no word yet on the engine’s power, but the standard car already produces 276bhp and 400Nm of torque, so don’t be surprised to see a few extra horses.

Despite being designed for the road, the VXR Extreme will sport an integrated safety structure, racing seats and six-point safety belts.

It might also spoil Honda’s plan to secure a Nürburgring lap record with its 2015 Civic Type-R. Opel’s Astra Cup race car competes in the Nürburgring Endurance Championship and already knows its way around the circuit.

Further news will follow later next month.

Written By

Steve Davies

Steve is an investor, private equity advisor and former Partner at KPMG, PwC and Bain. Most importantly he's a life-long car enthusiast, mountain biker and active sports enthusiast. He designs and builds technology platforms and is the architect behind Transmission.