HSV's Ring-in

Just 20 Aussie hot hatch hardcases will get to own the latest limited edition from HSV. For that's the total number of Astra SRi based HSV VXR Nurburgring Editions that will come Down Under.

Piggy-backing on the Vauxhall and Opel Performance Centre limited edition programs, the VXR Nurburgring Edition features unique all-white paintwork and chequered flag graphics, carbon-fibre effect door, fascia and B-pillar inserts and special multi-spoke 18-inch lightweight alloys (the standard VXR hatch gets 19s) with special Dunlop rubber.

Inside there's a piano black centre stack and instrument panel as well as special Nurburgring track graphics on the sill plates and embossed into the VXR's leather-upholstered Recaro seats.

Launched today (in the shadow of the company's new W427 7.0-litre flagship) and arriving (one each) in 20 of HSV's top dealers next week, the VXR Nurburgring Edition is priced at $44,990 -- a $2000 premium over the VXR.

Only 835 Nurburgring Edition VXRs will be built worldwide, says HSV. The local cars will carry a Vauxhall/OPC build plate as well as a HSV limited edition build number. The 835 reflects the lap time (8min, 35sec) the car achieves in race trim at the infamous German circuit, says the local GM hot house.

The Nurburgring Edition VXR was first unveiled back in April 2007 wearing Opel badges. In Germany it is connected with a one-make series and racer training program from which the top drivers are selected to drive a factory OPC Astra entry in the Nurburgring 24 Hour production race.

HSV has sold in excess of 230 VXR hatches since the car was launched Down Under last year. Insiders say this has exceeded the company's expectation by around 20 per cent.

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