A Vauxhall Astra that broke several speed endurance world records last year has gone on display at SMMT’s Westminster headquarters.
Still covered in more than 3,000 miles of bug splatter and road dirt, the model on display – an Astra 2.0 CDTi 165PS – averaged more than 125mph as it pounded round the two-mile high-speed bowl at Millbrook Proving Ground (Bedfordshire) 1,500 times in 24 hours. The feat achieved was an astounding 18 records set or broken: 12 internationally, in the FIA’s* 1600-2000cc forced-induction diesel production car class, and six in the MSA’s** 1500-2000cc equivalent.
Most significantly, the world average speed records for one, six and 12 hours were broken comprehensively, with the UK benchmark for 24-hour average speed beaten by 25mph. The car only had to stop for fuel and a single precautionary tyre change.
Vauxhall is one of the UK’s most prominent car manufacturers, producing more than 70,000 Astras at its Ellesmere Port plant in 2013. The firm recently announced a £125 million investment into the facility, which will build the next-generation Astra into the early 2020s.
*FIA: Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile
**MSA: Motor Sports Association
