Better VXR a pipe dream? It’s here, says Janspeed

Vauxhall’s new Astra goes on sale in the next few weeks, but as yet the most powerful model will be a 1.6 turbocharged SRi model with just short of 180 bhp on tap.

So where does that leave owners of the Astra VXR - hoping to see a new model in the Mark 5 Astra range with yet more power but unlikely to do so this side of 2011?

Frustrated could be the answer, although by taking advantage of some nifty new pipework from tuning specialists Janspeed they could soon have a power boost for their current car without hanging around for Vauxhall to catch up.

Janspeed has developed a new exhaust for the Astra VXR (and Corsa equivalent, too, for those who like their thrills on a compact scale) that boosts the power output of the standard car, quoted as 238 bhp at the flywheel, from 210 to 221 bhp at the wheels on a rolling road, with a corresponding lift in torque from 240 lb ft to 250 lb ft.

Janspeed managing director Mark Vaughan explains typically there are losses of around 12.5 per cent between the flywheel and the road on a front wheel drive car. The new exhausts give more flexibility in terms of driver enjoyment rather than out and out top speed lift.

“These days, when speed cameras proliferate and driving flat out is no longer seen as wise or acceptable, the thrills come instead in being able to use a performance car with maximum brio within the confines of road conditions.

“So progressing swiftly between bends and improving safety when overtaking through mid range flexibility is more important that lifting top speed or lowering the benchmark 0-60 mph time. Our new exhausts ensure the car always feels lively and is able to respond to driver inputs more quickly. Owners will also be pleased to know it’s a real blast when it comes to sound, too!”

Full details of the various components in the Janspeed VXR exhausts for Astra and Corsa can be found at janspeed.com. They can be purchased individually or as a complete system.