The mag"s spies have...
The mag"s spies have caught engineers testing prototypes of the performance range-topper. Although the disguised car is fitted with VXR mechanicals, the bodywork of the production model will be far more extreme. The mag"s images show that the finished product is a sight to behold. Adding a beefy bodykit to Vauxhall"s new supermini, designers have created a fitting understudy to the Astra VXR.
Auto Express was the...
Auto Express was the first magazine to drive this very car - chassis number one - in issue 679. And that"s why owner John Parradine, of Market Rasen, Lincs, called us with news of the sale. His dream of building 12 cars a year, and selling them for í‚á£150,000 each, has been consigned to history. "I gave up when VW bought Lamborghini. Small manufacturers like me can"t compete when the big boys get involved," he explained.
The machine itself was something else. Our review said: "Few supercar engines sound or feel so spectacular." The unit was a 4.6-litre Ford Mustang V8 developing 525bhp - hence the name. It pushed the two-seater from 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds, and on to a top speed of 204mph. But we were concerned about the steering, which was vague to the point of being dangerous. John is still finishing the other 525S for a customer, whose demands include unique 20-inch alloys and a new dashboard.