its been a wee while

Its been some time since I last put a post on this Blog but to be honest, not much has been happening in the world of VXR.

Of course we have the dates for the VXR power events taking place through from April till August and the announcement of the Artic edition Astra but that’s about it really!

Kerr and Smith have been having a really successful couple of months with the VXR modifications and Bluefin re maps flying off the shelves. Which is all good news.

Look out for the Total Vauxhall magazine for our great new special offers this month. This month we are giving 10% off Re-Maps for a limited time.

What would you like to see as a special offer? Drop us an email and we’ll see what we can do for you!

The summer is getting closer and I am starting the plans for our VXR day. The event should be great looking at the interest we have had from customers and businesses alike. Just keep tuned for the big announcement.

Speak to you soon!

Astra VXR Arctic Edition

Vauxhall is pleased to announce the launch of the exciting Astra VXR Arctic Edition, this Black and White themed model follows the very successful Corsa VXR Arctic Edition.

Priced at £23,595 on the road, the 500 Astra VXR Arctic Edition’s comes standard with Full Leather Recaro seats, 19inch Black multi-spoke Alloy Wheels and Olympic White exterior colour with contrasting Black painted roof and exterior parts.

Exclusive to the Astra VXR Arctic Edition is the chance to add the optional the Panoramic Windscreen (Option Price £920 inc VAT) this continues the black and white theme by having the rear of the roof painted black incorporating the fantastic Panoramic Windscreen option.

SPECIFICATION / OPTIONS
In addition to the standard Astra VXR, Arctic VXR Edition models are fitted with the following £1965 of equipment for only a £720 OTR increase over the standard Astra VXR:

• Leather Recaro seats
• Electrically heated front seats
• Black 19-inch Multi-spoke alloy wheels
• Dark Tinted Glass
• Black Painted Mirror covers
• Black Painted Tailgate trim
• Black Painted V Grille

Insurance Group Rating
Please note Astra VXR Arctic Edition is ABI recommended:

Astra VXR Arctic Edition
20 Group Rating – 17E
50 Group rating – 34E

PRICING and ORDERING

Model Model Pack Code Price (£) VAT (£) Total (£) On-the-road (£)
Astra VXR Arctic Edition 9To08 MC6A 19004.26 3325.74 22330 23,595

Ordering Guides will be released week commencing Monday 15th March.
Build is estimated to commence for Astra VXR Arctic Edition early May.

An Astra VXR Arctic Edition will be allocated to each Core retailer with a SEG above 220.
If you would like to add the Panoramic Windscreen to your allocated vehicle please email MSIT on salesadmin@gm.com advising your dealer code before Wednesday 31st March.

MARKETING ACTIVITY

To support the launch of Astra VXR Arctic Edition, various marketing activities will take place to communicate this exciting new model, these include:

Brochure
A PDF downloadable brochure has been produced to showcase the car and the key features included.
This will be released in early April.

Online
The Vauxhall and VXR microsite will be updated with the Astra VXR Arctic Edition early April.

Marketing Programmes

Please note Astra VXR Arctic Edition is applicable to all Programmes currently available to Standard Astra VXR.

VXR Power Events 2010 Ticket Sales

Further to the February communication G_0000049950, we are now able to advise that as of today (11th March) tickets for all the VXR Power Events 2010 are available for booking via www.vxrpowerevents.co.uk

Retailers who wish to purchase tickets for VXR Power Events are asked to book via a ticket hotline rather than online. Retailers should contact the VXR ticket hotline on 01603 785 825.

Further updates will be communicated to Retailers throughout 2010

VXR Power Events 2010 – Content Update

VXR continues to be a key brand in the Vauxhall range. Whilst the VX Racing programme has finished, it is important we continue to interact with both VXR customers and prospects. As a result, we are pleased to announce the VXR Power Events for 2010.

VXR Powers Events are new for 2010 and consist of a series of events to run throughout 2010.
The calendar starts in April 2010 through August 2010.

The VXR Power Event season will end with the finale of VXR Power Festival, which will take place at Silverstone during the August Bank Holiday weekend. Up to 4,000 people will have the opportunity to join some of the fastest Vauxhall’s ever produced. Events include circuit driving, 0-60 mph runs, quarter mile runs, show and shine, karting and much more. Full details will be announced in early 2010.

VXR Track Days will run as part of the VXR Power Event season

The VXR website (www.vxr.co.uk) will be updated with on Thursday 17th December to reflect the calendar shown below of VXR Power Events.

Further details will then be added to the VXR website in late January. Full event details and ticket booking will go live in February 2010.

VXR Power Events 2010 Calendar:

Sprint Nights
• 5 venues around the UK
• Venues to be announced at the end of January
• Activities include timed 0-60mph runs, quarter mile runs, timed autotest and BBQ
• VXR owners will be able to use their own car and Vauxhall supplied cars
• Evening sessions – 21st May, 25th June, 30th July, 20th August, 24th September

Rollercoaster Challenge
• Challenge to drive to and ride on all three of UK adrenaline rollercoasters (Thorpe Park, Alton Towers & Blackpool) in one day
• Saturday 8th May

Karting Challenge
• 3 hour team endurance racing at premier UK karting events
• Teams of 4 people to include a minimum of one VXR owner
• The four fastest teams will go through to a final karting event at the VXR Power Festival
• In addition, the four fastest drivers will quality for a separate final at the VXR Power Festival
• 10th April – Manchester
• 1st May – Thruxton
• 5th May – Edinburgh
• 3rd July – Buckmore, Kent

Road Trip to Nurburgring
• Camping and BBQ included
• Track time will at owners cost
• 14-15th August

Le Mans
• Camping area specific to VXR
• Facilities, BBQ and entry tickets included
• Estimated price of £75 for package
• Owners to make their own way to venue
• 12th-13th June

ADAC Nurburgring 24 Hour
• Join the OPC Team racing in the 24 hour Nurburgring event
• Camping, BBQ and entry tickets included
• Estimated price of £45 for package
• 15th – 16th May

VXR Track Day Experiences
• Continuing the success of the 2009 VXR Track Days
• 2010 days include Insignia VXR
• More track time and new venues v’s 2009
• 16th June – Knockhill
• 22nd June – Anglesey
• 14th July – Thruxton
• 21st July – Snetterton
• 28th July – Croft

VXR Owners Only Track Evening Experiences
• 8th June – Silverstone
• 15th June – Knockhill
• 21st July – Snetterton

VXR Power Festival
• End of season finale
• To be held at Silverstone
• 28th – 29th August (Bank Holiday weekend)
• Up to 4,000 people will have the opportunity to join some of the fastest Vauxhall’s ever produced
• Events include circuit driving, 0-60 mph runs, quarter mile runs, and karting

Further details will then be added to the VXR website in late January. Full event details and ticket booking will go live in February 2010.

Further details including full ticket pricing will be communicated early in 2010.

As always, if there is anything you need to discuss then give us a call on 01290 422440

The ‘Arden Edition’ project (stage 3!)

I know what you’re thinking, Stage 3 what happened to Stage 2?!

Well, the fact is in the header…Scott’s ‘Arden Edition’ Astra VXR is now a true stage 3 rocket!

The Quaife limited slip differential and the Milltek racing exhaust is fitted transforming the car into a smooth but frightening powerhouse on rails!

Having the opportunity to test the vehicle at the various stages, I was curious as to what the different stages in tuning would unveil in terms of power and torque. The stage 1 map with the intercooler improved the throttle response, overall power and torque. This would satisfy most but adding the exhaust and LSD has completely changed how the car handles and performs…a true performance powerhouse.

The moment you pull away the difference is noticeable; the throttle is more responsive, a slight press of the pedal and your away. However, the smoothness of the power engages a false sense of security; you forget the MPH as you change up through the gears. The car sits tight to the road as if on rails. No zig zagging back and forth as you put the power down; this car is straight as a die.

The torque is incredible! The car just keeps pulling and puling. Is there a seventh gear?!

Honestly, you need to drive this car to believe it. But this isn’t for the faint hearted! Make sure you have no heart problems or suffer form a nervous disposition and call Scott Walker on 01290 422440 to arrange a test drive.

Now a quick change of my trousers and back to work!

5% off Bluefin ECU Re-Map!

If you have your VXR remapped before Christmas, Kerr & Smith will discount the price by 5%.

Re-Map with Bluefin (You keep the Bluefin unit) - £474
Re-Map without Bluefin (We use our own Master Bluefin unit) - £379

This is a limited time offer!

Contact Sean Kelly on 01290 422440 for details.

New Astra is here @ Kerr & Smith!

Introducing the all new Astra from Vauxhall.

A bold new shape and dynamic driving experience. Innovative technology and premium feel, inside and out. Your all-new Astra. Sleek. Stylish. Dynamic.

The new Astra is connected to the road with an all new suspension set-up for seriously improved ride and agility. Add to this the more powerful and efficient engines and the result is an altogether more exhilarating experience.

New Astra has a lean sculpted shape, a five-door silhouette, yet athletic coupe-inspired lines. And a sporty confident stance accentuated by signature lighting.

The ethos of new Astra design continues inside. Not just flexable space and comfort for five, driver-orientated ergonomics, intelligent features and unique storage solutions. But superior quality and almost obsessive detailing that flows throughout the car.

If your interested and would like a test drive or would just like to see the all new Astra,  then contact Scott Walker at our Cumnock branch on 01290 422440.

LSD – Whats that?

Limited slip differentials are the last connection between your gearbox and your driveshafts.

Q.  What’s does ‘Limited Slip’ mean and how will it benefit the car?

A.  As it sounds, it limits the difference in spin speed between the opposing shafts. In a standard open differential (standard on all VXR’s) there is no limit in the difference of axle speed between left and right hand sides.

In real world terms, on an Open Differential, if you turn your TCS off and dump the clutch the car will furiously spin the wheel with the least grip.

After fitting a Limited Slip Differential (‘LSD’), the difference in torque bias is restricted mechanically. So, instead of transferring all the power to one wheel, the LSD limits the velocity difference between the driven wheels. We believe this is one of the best modifications that can be done to the chassis of the VXR range.

The benefits of having an LSD can be demonstrated on our own ‘Arden Edition’ VXR soon.

Please contact us on 01290 422440 for more details.

 

The ‘Arden Edition’ Project (Stage 1)

Even before Kerr & Smith became an official Thorney Performance Centre we had our mind set on transforming one of our standard Astra VXR stock vehicles into a powerhouse, one with an engine that would produce over 300bhp and 315 lb/ft of torque but still handle great at the same time.

The Arden Blue VXR is a beautiful car to begin with but this car needed to be different from all the others and that’s where Scott had his idea to rename this model the ‘Arden Edition’.

The cosmetics of the car were the first things to be overhauled. The 18” Snowflake alloys, Side mouldings, Rear spoiler, mirrors, fog surrounds and rear diffuser were all painted in a pearlescent black with a blue fleck. The paintwork totally transformed the look of the Astra but only after the windows were tinted did the car look complete. Special VXR & Arden Edition badges were made to add the finishing touches to the bodywork.

The standard lights just weren’t bright enough so out came the old ones and were exchanged for super bright Ring Xenon Max H1 & H7 bulbs which transformed the night to day!

Now the tuning starts….

THE CHASSIS.
The already great handling chassis of the VXR was improved by replacing the standard springs with Eibach Coils, lowering the car a further 40mm. To reduce roll, a Whiteline Anti-Roll bar was fitted and adjusted to allow for the maximum stiffness (This modification alone should be a must have on your Christmas list as it totally transforms and improves the handling of the Astra tenfold!).

THE BRAKES.
The standard brake pads were replaced with Mintex Racing pads and the Flexi hoses swapped for Braded hoses allowing a more responsive and longer lasting braking effort. The brake fluid was changed for a fully synthetic race grade fluid.

THE ENGINE (Stage 1).
The old intercooler was replaced by a Thorney front mounted intercooler allowing us to increase BHP and Torque. After some modification to the Air-Con radiator and replacing the old fan, the new intercooler mounted just below the front cross-member. Everything connects up with smooth blue silicon hoses and looks great scowling out from the front grille.

The standard air filter has been replaced by the recommended ITG Panel filter. The intake system of the Astra in standard form is capable of producing up to 400BHP and so there is no need to replace that!

The spark plugs were replaced with more efficient Iridium plugs ensuring a strong spark and efficient combustion.

The ECU was remapped to a Stage 1 smooth, awaiting the arrival of the Milltek Race Exhaust and Quaife Limited Slip Diffirential. Once these are fitted the ECU will be re- mapped to Stage 3 Agressive.

We will update the blog once the Diff and Exhaust arrive. So stay tuned for the latest news!

If anyone is interested in tuning their VXR & wants to drive the ‘ARDEN EDITION’ please call SCOTT WALKER on 01290 422440 or email swa@kerrandsmith.co.uk

Scott will be more than happy to discuss your requirements & will be more than willing to give you a test drive.

Its Official!

After today’s meeting with Tony, i am pleased to announce that Kerr & Smith have been approved as a Thorney Motorsport Official Performance Centre!

I have to thank Tony for all of his help and advice whilst he was here and look forward to working together in the future.

I know Tony said he was going to have a peek at our blog tonight whilst he was sitting in his hotel room a million miles from home, so I hope he finds some comfort in knowing his efforts are very worthwhile!

Remember to leave your comments and if there is anything you would like to enquire about in relation to Thorney Tuning or anything else for that matter then please contact us and we’ll be pleased to help.

Meanwhile, thanks for all of the support!

The K&S Team

VXR Merchandise

Kerr & Smith have secured some great discounts on VXR & VXRacing merchandise and should be arriving with us shortly.

These merchandise items will be avaliable for purchase through our Parts department in Cumnock and will also be avaliable at our VXR open day. Remember to quote ‘K&S VXR Club’ to ensure you get the maximum avaliable discount.

Better than that though….

The first 10 people to leave a comment on this post will recieve a VXR gift from us free of charge!

Who’s going to be the first 10 to comment, will one be you?