Taking on prestige rivals...
Taking on prestige rivals such as the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 Sportback, the newcomer will make its debut towards the end of 2008. It is likely to be badged C50, and is effectively a C30 with two rear doors – as our picture shows.
It"s set to be the fastest...
It"s set to be the fastest supermini hot hatch in its class, because the pocket rocket boasts 200bhp from a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine.
With a top speed of 150mph and the 0-60mph sprint covered in six seconds, it"s the ultimate sporting flagship for the new Corsa range. And as you can see from our pictures, it will have the looks to rival its searing acceleration, too.
Taking inspiration from the Astra VXR, the quickest Corsa features big air intakes with honeycomb grilles, bulging wheelarches and a ground-hugging front spoiler. However, one of the most distinctive styling additions is a sculpted rear bumper complete with Venturi-style tunnels and a central triangular shaped exhaust pipe.
Together with 17-inch alloy wheels and a bold array of colours - including a VXR-exclusive white - it"s sure to be the most head-turning supermini hot hatch around when it goes on sale.
In their bid to make the newcomer the most powerful model in its class - a title which was recently claimed by the storming new 197bhp Renault-Sport Clio - engineers have increased output from the 170bhp of early development models to a staggering 200bhp. That will ensure blistering acceleration, making the Corsa VXR nearly as rapid as its Astra brother.
Stiffened and lowered suspension, along with Vauxhall"s CDC electronic dampers, plus the very latest stability control systems, will ensure that all the power reaches the road. However, driving the car will still be a raw experience - test engineers have spent months at the Nürburgring circuit in Germany honing the Corsa VXR to be as involving as possible.
As with the Astra VXR, the Corsa will get a Sport button on the dashboard which sharpens up the suspension, steering, dampers and throttle response. The Corsa will also feature heavily bolstered sports seats, carbon fibre trim and VXR badging inside. And although it will be fitted with climate control and an MP3-compatible sound system as standard, it won"t have much in the way of luxury kit.
Vauxhall is very keen to keep costs down and position the Corsa VXR as an affordable driver"s car - so a price tag of just under ÷£16,000 is likely when the newcomer goes on sale in January. Prospective buyers will be able to get their first glimpse of the new hot hatch at the Paris Motor Show in September.