New Thorney Astra VXR-R at the sharp end of performance

Twenty years ago, 300bhp was the kind of horsepower only found in the most expensive supercars. Ferrari’s 328 sported 270bhp, the Lamborghini Jalpa had a mere 255bhp, and the Porsche 911 Turbo 296bhp. However, fast forward to the present, and modern tuning means 300bhp is available in a road-going hatchback, a figure unachievable in 1988. Step forward Thorney Motorsport, producers of the wild Thorney Astra VXR-R.

Milton Keynes-based tuning company Thorney Motorsport will be appearing at Autosport International, Europe’s largest motorsport show, held next January in Birmingham, with not one, but two new ultra-performance derivatives of the popular Vauxhall Astra and Corsa VXR. Using experience gained from a championship-winning season in the Dunlop Sport Maxx Cup, Thorney have taken the ‘hot hatch’ concept to the extreme.

The Thorney Astra VXR-R is a real show-stopper, developing 300bhp from a specially tuned two-litre turbocharged engine. Undoubtedly one of the world’s fastest production hatchbacks, the Astra can hit up to 170mph, and does the 0-60mph sprint in less than five seconds! Modifications include a four-piston racing brake kit, lightweight alloy wheels and limited slip differential.

The Corsa VXR-R is no less impressive, developing 230bhp from only 1.6-litres, 20% more than standard. Like the Astra, it also features suspension, braking, transmission and engine upgrades, as well as the unique VXR-R detailing and badges.

However, high performance and exclusivity isn’t at the expense of high price. The Astra VXR-R costs £26,295, the Corsa £22,495, and both carry a three-year warranty. Milder versions of each of the cars are also available; details of the VXR-S range will be at the Autosport International show.

“Manufacturers and tuners seem to keep finding ways to increase the power of front-wheel-drive cars, but even so, 300bhp for a road-legal hatchback is impressive,” said Haymarket Exhibitions Show Director Ian France. “Having companies that constantly push boundaries as Thorney Motorsport do, really represents the cutting-edge of the show.”