Published: Nov 07, 2012

Vauxhall Unleashes Insignia VXR SuperSport

GM's British subsidiary offers more for less with new 170mph VXR SuperSport.

Europe produces some of best performance sedans in the world. Think Mercedes E63 AMG, BMW M5, Audi RS6, Jaguar XF-R and Maserati Quattroporte. What you might have noticed, however, is that these super-sedans are all rather pricey. That's where the new Vauxhall Insignia VXR SuperSport comes in. Improving upon the existing VXR, the SuperSport packs a 2.8-liter turbo V6 with 325 horsepower to propel the hot Insignia from 0-60 in 5.6 seconds and on to a newly de-limited top speed of 170 mph.

Vauxhall Unleashes Insignia VXR SuperSport

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That's some mighty impressive performance for a sedan that, with a £29,995 sticker price, undercuts the previous VXR by nearly £4k. It also stands as a unique exception in an industry where more typically costs more, not less. Compare other cars on the UK market with that kind of speed and you're looking at a BMW M5 that costs more than twice as much, or a Porsche Cayman S (that's two doors and a back seat short of the Insignia's accommodations) and costs significantly more at £48k, the same price that the Lotus-tuned Vauxhall Carlton went for way back in 1990, with its 377hp twin-turbo six and 176 mph top end.

So if you're looking for something to move your family along at blazing speeds (a trip down the Autobahn, perhaps?) the Insignia VXR SuperSport presents a terrific value. But it's not all about straight-line speed, of course. It also packs a HiPer strut front suspension, all-wheel drive and Brembo brakes. Unfortunately Vauxhall markets only in the UK, but the Insignia is made in Germany and sold under the Opel name across Europe, and as the Buick Regal in China and North America where it is manufactured as well. Here's hoping GM's other subsidiaries give their versions of the Insignia the SuperSport treatment as well.