'20 per cent power hike' for next VXR

Some gossip from sources I trust on the next generation Vauxhall Astra VXR. The performance flagship of the hatchback range is set to get a significant power hike over the 240bhp of the current car (pictured), with suggestions that it may be by as much as 20 per cent. That would take the car much closer to the 300bhp of the sold-out Ford Focus RS. The VXR’s power will go through the front wheels – as it does on the Focus – suggesting Vauxhall’s engineers have come up with their own version of the innovative RevoKnuckle front end set-up which killed virtually all the torque steer on the RS. The VXR isn’t due in showrooms until late 2011 or early 2012, the same time as standard versions of the three-door car. A concept version, to be badged the Astra GTC Paris, will be unveiled in October. It makes its debut at the Paris Motor Show, hence the name. Disappointingly there’s no pictures yet, but I’ll be sure to post them when they’re released.