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Vauxhall Astra VXR Extreme concept image teased

‘Low-weight, high-power’ Astra VXR? Sounds like a winner to us.

It looks like the Astra VXR is about to eclipsed by an even lairier version. Vauxhall has released details and a concept image of the Astra VXR Extreme – the fastest road-legal Astra ever. The reason? To celebrate a decade since the VXR brand was launched, that’s why.

The VXR Extreme, which will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, is based on the Astra Cup race car used in the Nurburgring Endurance Championship. While there are no official power and performance figures to go on, we know standard Astra VXR churns out 280PS (276bhp) and 400Nm (295lb/ft) of torque and is capable of 0 to 62mph in 5.9 seconds.

The Astra Cup, however, has the same engine but tuned to 296bhp so there’s a good chance the VXR Extreme will have a dollop extra of power. Other unique extras include the ‘liberal use of high-quality carbon fibre components’, an integrated safety structure, racing seats and six-point safety harness.

When the Astra VXR Extreme arrives it will join a small group of race-oriented hatchbacks that include the Renault Renaultsport Megane R26 R and the Renault RB8.

No word on a price. Thanks to the addition of carbon fibre and a probably limited production run, we’re guessing the VXR Extreme will make the £26,995 Astra VXR seem cheap.

Vauxhall says to expect more details next month ─ we’ll keep you posted. Until then, you can check out another example of when the manufacturer goes a bit insane.

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