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Vauxhall Sets World Speed Endurance Record at Millbrook

Vauxhall is awaiting FIA and MSA confirmation for no less than twelve World and six National Speed Endurance Records set earlier this month in a standard production Astra model, the British-based company revealed today.
Vauxhall Astra world record 1 photo
Photo: Vauxhall
Using two 163 BHP 2.0 CDTi Astra hatchbacks and 12 drivers, Vauxhall recorded an average speed of 125 miles per hour over 3,000 laps and 24 hours on the Millbrook two-mile banked circuit. The automaker will use its new time to update two existing records - World and National 1,600-2,000cc forced-induction diesel for production cars.

While world records had been set for 1, 6 and 12 hours, no one had cracked the 24 hour benchmark, Vauxhall says, adding that the national time and distance records stood for more than 20 years, with the 24 hour record set at 100.2 mph in 1992.

“This is real testament to the durability, safety and performance of the Astra in extreme conditions, way beyond what a normal driver would experience,” said Duncan Aldred, chairman & managing director of Vauxhall. “Sometimes too much focus is put on the final one per cent of a car’s handling, or its 0-60mph time, but for most buyers exceptional reliability and secure, safe handling are paramount. Above all, this test sets out to prove these virtues.”

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About the author: Ciprian Florea
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Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer.
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