Holden VXR sub-brand to get hybrid boost

Former GM brand Vauxhall and Opel has confirmed that its performance sub-brand, VXR, will continue to exist following its takeover from PSA.

Initially, in some European markets, it was feared VXR had been quietly killed off, with the performance flagship dropped from all variants apart from the Corsa VXR supermini.

Helping fill the gap, Opel has introduced softer GSi models that are marketed as being more sophisticated compared to the hardcore VXR models it replaced.

In markets like the UK, for example, instead of the V6-powered Holden Commodore VXR the most powerful Insignia available to the Brits is the 191kW 2.0-litre turbo GSI.

That could soon change, according to an Opel insider speaking to Carbuyer, who told the UK-based car site that VXR has a bright future under new management.

"VXR will survive. We haven't lost this sporting brand and it will remain at the forefront of performance motoring in the mainstream. VXR products will always be a hardcore offering, with a jump in performance [over GSI] as well as very focused dynamics."

The spokesman for Opel and Vauxhall went on to hint that hybrid powertrains would play a key role" It'll need more efficient power sources," the insider suggested.

It's thought the first VXR model to benefit from a powerful hybrid powertrain will be the next-generation Astra hatch.

That car will be based on the Peugeot 308's EMP2 architecture that as well as both stiffer and lighter than its current underpinnings has already been engineered for electrification.

In the wake of the GM sale, it's rumoured Peugeot Sport could be responsible for the Astra VXR's development. Using the French car maker's performance sub-brand would help share development costs, improving margins.

The all-new Astra VXR has been scheduled to arrive with the rest of the all-new hatch and wagon around 2022.

Following the announcement that Holden would continue to purchase Opel product for the next "five to six years" it's seems likely the Astra VXR could head Down Under.

If Holden prematurely pulls the plug on the former GM Europe brand PSA boss, Carlos Tavares, has already admitted he is considering the possibility of eventually returning the Opel brand to Australia as a direct competitor to Holden.