The VXR Brand

[Maverick]

I have had some thoughts over Vauxhall 'VXR' stand alone brand. Many people with non VXR cars, put on VXR badges etc and get stick for it, I have been guilty in the past.

I reckon Vauxhall have missed a trick here. If Vauxhall have been smart, they could of had more people with VXR badges on many cars without feeling 'fake' about it, and probably would have sold more VXR aftermarket kit, like bodykits etc.

If the VXR cars were branded Corsa VXR190. Vectra VXR280, and Astra VXR240 etc, these would be the model names, which leaves the stand alone 'VXR' badge a nice addition for those wanting to support the brand.

Look at Ford's RS's, until the last Focus, all RS's had individual names, Escort RS1600, Escort RS Turbo, Sierra RS Cosworth etc, this left Ford in a position to sell 'RS' branded bodykits for non RS cars without the owners feeling they were fake, or tryimg to make copycat cars.

Opel have solved this with their OPC brand. They have the OPC cars, but also the 'OPC Line' badge for everyone else. It works as well, if Vauxhall did an VXRLine badge it would sell well.

What are you thoughts?

[Graeme]

Reckon it would work well. Personally i wouldnt add the vxr badge as for me if you aint got the car then a badge aint going to help lol. I'd rather have the recaro's and body kit though the badge would be a tad cheaper. In saying that i would think about adding some opc line badges to mine if i ever done a lookalike as its not a model i could buy.

Thats just me though not knocking those that do in any way.

[mark1319]

Not for me sadly, kinda like Audi's S-line too.

[Stevel]

VX seem keen to protect (if that's the right word) the VXR cars. It would have been quite simple to have called all of the motors with VXR style body kits a derivative of VXR but they went for XP instead which is a one of the naffest I think they could have come up with. I never refer to mine as an XP unless it's to identify what's in it when people ask about the differences on here.

I think I agree with you Matt in that thay have missed a marketing trick. If VX were to call the XPs for example "150 cdti Sri VXR line" for example even I would have been OK with a VXR badge on it. (I think...)

edit: On second thoughts perhaps not.

[parapaul]

Yep, missed opportunity IMO.

I think prospective buyers looking for a sporty derivative of whatever model they were considering would be far more inclined to pick up a brochure for a 'VXR Line' model than one with an 'Exterior Pack'.

Can't imagine a VXR Line badge though - the OPC Line badge is different enough from the OPC badge that there's no question of mistaking one for the other.

OPC -



OPC Line -



VXR -

[Penfold101]

I for one have never been a fan of badging cars up as something they aren't. I haven't had a lower trim portion on my VXR steering wheel since I've had fitted for almost a year now as I've never gotten around to orderin git from the dealers, and I refuse to put the VXR one on it...

Exceptions to the rule are the VXRD, which was a seperate creation and a diesel with VXR styling, so could be worthy of the badge as the badge itself was unique to the car.

THIS, however, does not...

[Ian G]

They already do this don't they? I'm sure my dealer advertises VXR body styling.

[VauxVeteran]

I think a VXR should be a VXR myself, Spoons got pretty close in cloning one in TD form, but probably Ian C's car is the closest due to the V6 engine although the car is pre VXR anyway and based on a German hybrid version, so imo if ppl make a smart effort upgrading their cars I think the best option is a full de-badge and have it known as the rather tasty Vectra up the road.

[lesbo]

In answer to Ian G, yes they do offer vxr styling packages for most of the vauxhall range. So what if it ain't got the umppphhh to back up the badge, maybe people can only afford to insure a 1.2 with vxr styling package. Good on them and as I've said on two other threads, we're all different or is this the IRMSCHER VECTRA MODIFIED CLUB I've logged onto!!

[Penfold101]

In answer to Ian G, yes they do offer vxr styling packages for most of the vauxhall range. So what if it ain't got the umppphhh to back up the badge, maybe people can only afford to insure a 1.2 with vxr styling package. Good on them and as I've said on two other threads, we're all different or is this the IRMSCHER VECTRA MODIFIED CLUB I've logged onto!!

Oooh - touchy..................

To be honest mate it's the same with Irmscher - people sticking huge Irmscher graphics down the side of the car when the only bit of Irmscher styling they have is a tax disc holder...

The point is as long as they like it that's what matters - I just don't agree with it personally...

Just take it on the chin Petal, and relax a bit....