Triple Eight to launch special Astra.
Full details of a limited edition BTCC replica Astra Coupe have been released to coincide with the car's public debut at this week's Scottish Motor Show.
The Astra Coupe 888 will be built in limited numbers - to a maximum of 100 cars - at the home of Vauxhall's BTCC race team, Triple Eight Race Engineering. The first cars will go on sale in mid December, priced at ?20,995 on the road.
Full details of a limited edition BTCC replica Astra Coupe have been released to coincide with the car's public debut at this week's Scottish Motor Show.
The Astra Coupe 888 will be built in limited numbers - to a maximum of 100 cars - at the home of Vauxhall's BTCC race team, Triple Eight Race Engineering. The first cars will go on sale in mid December, priced at ?20,995 on the road.
A range of modifications have been made to the interior, exterior bodywork and chassis of the standard Astra Coupe Turbo (on which the 888 is based). The engine however is unchanged - which means 192 PS at 5400 rpm and 250Nm of torque between 1950-5300 rpm from the smooth, 2.0 litre 16v turbo unit.
To focus the already sharp handling, the Astra Coupe 888 is lowered, sitting on Eibach springs and dampers. Seventeen inch 'OZ Racing' alloy wheels are fitted, shod with 235/40 Michelin Pilot Sport tyres. The standard car uses 215 width tyres. The brakes feature an uprated Ferodo brake pad material, giving improved brake pedal feel.
The Astra Coupe Turbo's standard interior has also had quite a make-over, and now features significant changes, including Sparco front sports seats finished in blue & black Alcantara. The same blue Alcantara is also used on the handbrake gaiter and gear shift gaiter, while the alloy handbrake lever and alloy gear knob are unique 888 designs.
The revised steering wheel trim is finished in blue Alcantara and black leather. The pedals feature 888 alloy extensions with the addition of a unique 888 alloy foot-rest. Finally, the centre console which houses the multi-function driver information display, ventilation controls and audio system is colour coded to match the Europa Blue exterior.
On the outside, the car wears a unique 888 body-kit, which comprises a front bumper splitter, rear wing, side skirts and wheelarch extensions to mirror those used on the BTCC race car. All Astra Coupe 888s will be finished in Europa Blue pearlescent paint.
Vauxhall is launching the limited run Astra Coupe to celebrate their 2001 season of domination in the British Touring Car Championship, when the Astra won 25 out of the 26 rounds. Vauxhall will return to defend its BTCC title in 2002, again with the Astra Coupe.
