Vauxhall is clearly in confident mood with its new VXR Insignia, going so far as to claim that its new sporting flagship is a match for cars like Audi's S4. The VXR is based on the current European Car of the Year, though it's been taken to the Nurburgring to make sure it can at least attempt to live up to Vauxhall's bold claims. Under the bonnet is a 321bhp turbocharged 2.8-litre V6 engine, which can power the VXR to 60mph in just 5.8 seconds from rest.

It's not just about raw grunt though, Vauxhall claiming that the new VXR has undergone an extensive testing programme, resulting in some fairly serious chassis revisions: the front suspension features what Vauxhall calls 'HiPerStrut' - High Performance Strut - front suspension, which helps reduce torque steer and also maintain negative camper during cornering. All four of the VXR's wheels are driven too, which should mean it's got excellent traction even when grip levels are low.

Riding some 10mm lower than the SRI model, the VXR's adaptive four-wheel drive system incorporates an electronic 'limited slip differential', while the damper and bushing settings are also altered on each axle. The brakes too have been enhanced, with Brembo colour-keyed callipers and vented cross-drilled discs visible behind the standard 19-inch alloy wheels.

Inside and out the VXR gets a sporting makeover with deeper front and rear bumpers and dual exhausts finished in matt chrome around the back. Inside, Recaro seats and VXR specific instruments, gearknob and steering wheel finish the package off. The VXR reaches Vauxhall showrooms later this summer. Prices have yet to be confirmed but expect the VXR to cost in the region of £32,000, with a premium for the Sport Tourer (estate) model.