Vauxhall Gains Multiple World Records After Astra-Nomical Attempt

LUTON, UNITED KINGDOM – Jan 10, 2014: Vauxhall flew into the record books today, after motorsport’s governing bodies confirmed that a recent attempt by two standard Ellesmere Port-built Astras to set and break 18 World and UK Speed Endurance Records had been successful.

The lead Astra 2.0 CDTi 165PS in the attempt covered a total of 3002.44 miles at an average 125.101mph, only stopping for fuel and a single, cautionary change of its Michelin tyres.

In partnership with sister company, Opel, Vauxhall attempted two sets of speed endurance records at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, UK: 12 in the FIA’s* 1600-2000cc forced-induction diesel production car class, and a further six in the MSA’s* 1500-2000cc forced-induction diesel production car class.

All 18 records (see table below) were achieved, with key records such as the World 1-, 6-, and 12-hour broken conclusively, and the long-standing UK 24-hour smashed by 25mph.

Vauxhall invited a team of twelve drivers to complete the challenge, comprising nine motoring journalists and three Vauxhall/Opel staff. Each drove a total of four hours, split between the two cars.

Despite circulating the two-mile banked circuit 1,500 times, both Astras proved hugely reliable and consistently quick, with the fastest two-mile lap achieved in 55.453 seconds at an average speed of 131.852mph, just 2.148mph below the car’s official top speed - no mean feat, given the steep banking on Millbrook High Speed Bowl’s fifth lane.

‘We’re over the moon with today’s news,’ said Simon Hucknall, Vauxhall’s PR Manager. ‘This was an important test for the Astra, and it proved that a car with the qualities that most motorists are after – exceptional reliability, a good performance/economy blend and long-distance comfort – can be found at their nearest Vauxhall showroom.

‘But the attempt was also a success thanks to the stamina and skill of our driving team, who performed faultlessly through the attempt. The team’s ruthless adherence to FIA rules, sponsors’, Michelin and Corbeau’s great support and Millbrook’s efficiency and experience with speed attempts completed the picture and turned an audacious attempt into an unqualified success.’

A presentation by Alan Gow, Chairman of the MSA, was made today at the Autosport International Racing Car Show at the NEC. Receiving the trophy and certificates for the 18 records were Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director and Volker Strycek, Head of OPC and Opel Motorsport.