Luton. Vauxhall introduces a first: a dual-function camera that not only reads speed limit and no-overtaking signs and displays them on the instrument panel, but also alerts drivers when they unintentionally veer out of their lane. Known as Traffic Sign Recognition and Lane Departure Warning, the two systems improve driving safety, reduce stress and can even prevent costly speeding tickets.

“These new features follow Vauxhall’s philosophy of enhancing driving excitement by assisting drivers without reducing their level of control,” explains Hans Demant, Managing Director of GME Engineering. “That means the system gives drivers information, but it doesn’t intervene.”

Known as the Front Camera System, the wide-angled, high-resolution camera and processors were jointly developed by Vauxhall/Opel engineers and specialists from supplier Hella. The camera, located between the windscreen and the rear-view mirror, detects road signs and lane markings. It’s not much bigger than a mobile phone, yet can take 30 pictures per second. Two signal processors filter and read the photos.

Depending on light conditions, the Traffic Sign Recognition function begins to repeatedly read signs at 100 meters. It starts by focusing on circular patterns then identifies the numbers inside them via contour comparison. When a match is found in the car’s software, the sign is displayed in the instrument panel; it will even prioritise a no-overtaking sign over a speed limit warning sign.

When the Lane Departure Warning function is turned on, it uses a second signal processor and software to read traffic lanes and record a driver’s normal lane-changing behaviour, taking into account steering input and indicator usage. If any deviation is detected, an audible and visual warning is sent from the instrument panel, preventing hazardous situations, such as a driver falling asleep at the wheel.

The Front Camera System, featuring Traffic Sign Recognition and Lane Departure Warning will be available as an option on the new Insignia, with other Vauxhall models benefiting from the system in future.

These are the very first official shots of the soon-to-be-launched Insignia’s interior, showing the immense attention to detail Vauxhall’s designers have lavished on the car’s cabin. Highlights include chronometer-inspired instruments, use of high-quality fabrics and materials, and a unique instrument lighting system.

First impression is of Insignia’s bold, wrap around interior, dominated by the signature ‘wing’ that flows from the front instrument panel and dives into the door panels. The surfaces from the exterior’s ‘blade’ feature are echoed in the shape of the interior grab handle, where the bright accent material sweeps dramatically into the door armrest.

The cabin’s interior lighting gives Insignia a unique night-time appearance. Vauxhall’s designers have added a warm amber-coloured ambient light to enhance the night driving environment. The instrument cluster is illuminated white, but on pressing the ‘Sport’ button, the lighting turns red to match the surrounding illumination.

“This is a paradigm shift for Vauxhall, “says John Puskar, Executive Director of Interior Design at GM Europe. “We wanted to create interior environments for all our future vehicles that are warm, inviting and sporty. The Insignia is the first evidence of this philosophy.”

Cabin practicality will also raise the bar in Insignia’s market sector. The centre console offers flexibility and intelligent design solutions, such as a space-liberating e-brake and separate multi-function control on certain models. Both the steering wheel and front seats have a huge range of adjustability to suit all shapes and sizes, while adjustable armrests, ergonomically placed controls, a multi-use storage box and MP3 connectivity will reinforce Insignia’s appeal to private and business drivers.

“Every detail was meticulously thought through,” says Jochen Werner, Insignia’s Assistant Chief Interior Designer. “We even tipped the infotainment centre at a 30 degree angle to allow the centre console to flow and give the car’s cabin a greater feeling of spaciousness.”

Many of Insignia’s interior design features will provide the DNA for future Vauxhall designs. Variations on sculptural artistry – the wing, flowing sculptural forms and a sporty dynamic environment – will be used moving forward, as Vauxhall refines and evolves its new-found design language.

Giovanardi continues to lead the BTCC Drivers’ Championship by 18 points, with the team leading both the manufacturers’ and teams standings.

Race one
Tom Onslow-Cole turned his fantastic pole position from Saturday qualifying into his first-ever victory for VX Racing in race one at the Hampshire circuit.

The 21-year-old had a great fight with Gordon Shedden (Honda Civic) early on until Shedden was forced to pit with a puncture. Onslow-Cole proved the Vectra VXR’s speed by pulling away from the rest of the field, and also recorded the fastest lap of the race on lap two with a time of 1:18.883.

The reigning BTCC Champion Fabrizio Giovanardi and team-mate Matt Neal rounded-up the team result, coming home in third and fourth place for the Luton-based manufacturer.

Race two
Onslow-Cole took race win glory again in the second race, following a superb drive through the field.

The Vauxhall works driver recovered well from a slow start due to his 45kg on-board success ballast following his win earlier in the day, taking advantage of on-track battles between team-mate Neal and SEAT’s Darren Turner on lap 11; Onslow-Cole out-drove both to take third place.

Onslow-Cole closed in on Colin Turkington (BMW) and in a fantastic overtaking manoeuvre on lap 16 moved into second place behind Giovanardi.

Giovanardi, who was leading for most of the race and recorded the fastest race lap, picked up a puncture on the last lap, handing the glory over to his younger team-mate.

Neal was involved in great on-track battles and following the incident with Turner, the VX Racing driver was nose-to-tail with Turkington until the end of the race. Neal eventually finished in a strong third place, making it a one-three for Vauxhall.

Race three
VX Racing rounded-up a successful race day with a podium finish in the last race with Fabrizio Giovanardi taking home third.

Starting from tenth on the grid, the Italian had a great start and picked his way through to fight amongst the top-four. Following an off from Adam Jones, Giovanardi charged past and was attacking Mat Jackson (BMW) for third place.

The 41-year-old, defending his drivers’ title, finished in the points with an important third place.

Neal secured fourth place with the winner from the earlier two races, Onslow-Cole, finishing in seventh to score valid points for the championship standings.

Tom Onslow-Cole #10
“I am really happy with today’s results. It was a shame I couldn’t fight more with Gordon [Shedden] but I’m confident I would have been able to overtake him because the car just felt so good.

“There were moments when I thought I could hear something and you do get a bit paranoid, but I did everything to preserve my tyres to avoid a puncture. I enjoyed the second race much more than the first because I like coming through the field.

“In race three we weren’t quite on it, the over-steering I used to my advantage earlier on did not work as well as the track surface warmed-up considerably, so this spoilt the results a little. But I have nothing to complain today, brilliant results for the team and the best birthday present I could’ve wished for.”

Fabrizio Giovanardi #1
“The success ballast was holding me back in the first race and I was not really in a position to attack any further.

“I really gave it my all in the second race and had a great fight with Colin [Turkington]. He hit me twice so I thought I will get him next time round and that’s when I attacked coming into the last chicane. I was surprised to suffer from a tyre failure considering I did everything to look after the tyres well, but it’s just one of those things.

“I was focusing on the tyres during the third race to avoid another puncture. I was not thinking about the championship and I’m happy to collect points. It’s not about winning every race, it’s about being consistent.”

“Great results for Tom today, I’m really pleased for him. It was a great way to celebrate his birthday.”

Matt Neal #4
“I was tucked-in behind Fabrizio [Giovanardi] in the first race and was just a bit conscious of not knocking my team-mate so didn’t want to risk too much.

“It was great to get on the podium in race two, but shame we didn’t get a one-two-three. I had some great battles with both Colin [Turkington] and Darren [Turner] where I actually ended up on the grass. Looking at all the little incidents I had during that race, I’m pretty pleased with the result.

“I was taking it easy in the beginning and avoided the curbs as much as possible to save my tyres. I had a brilliant run on Adam Jones through Goodwood but I went a bit too quick and ended up on the grass.

“Good weekend though, more solid points, let’s go to Croft with more of that on the agenda.”

BTCC Round Ten Race Result
1. Tom Onslow-Cole (Vauxhall Vectra VXR)
2. Colin Turkington (BMW 320si)
3. Fabrizio Giovanardi (Vauxhall Vectra VXR)
4. Matt Neal (Vauxhall Vectra VXR)
5. Mat Jackson (BMW 320si)
6. Darren Turner (SEAT Leon TDi)
7. Tom Chilton (Honda Civic)
8. Adam Jones (SEAT Leon)

BTCC Round 11 Race Result
1. Tom Onslow-Cole (Vauxhall Vectra VXR)
2. Colin Turkington (BMW 320si)
3. Matt Neal (Vauxhall Vectra VXR)
4. Darren Turner (SEAT Leon TDi)
5. Mat Jackson (BMW 320si)
6. Adam Jones (SEAT Leon)
7. Jason Plato (SEAT Leon TDi)
8. Gordon Shedden (Honda Civic)
10. Fabrizio Giovanardi (Vauxhall Vectra VXR)

BTCC Round 12 Race Result
1. Jason Plato (SEAT Leon TDi)
2. Mat Jackson (BMW 320si)
3. Fabrizio Giovanardi (Vauxhall Vectra VXR)
4. Matt Neal (Vauxhall Vectra VXR)
5. Adam Jones (SEAT Leon)
6. Colin Turkington (BMW 320si)
7. Tom Onslow-Cole (Vauxhall Vectra VXR)
8. Mike Jordan (Honda Integra Type R)

2008 BTCC Drivers’ Championship
1. Fabrizio Giovanardi (114)
2. Jason Plato (96)
3. Tom Onslow-Cole (93)
4. Matt Neal (90)
5. Mat Jackson (83)
6. Darren Turner (75)
7. Gordon Shedden (67)
8. Colin Turkington (63)

2008 BTCC Manufacturers’ Championship
1. Vauxhall (270)
2. SEAT (238)

2008 BTCC Teams’ Championship
1. VX Racing (246)
2. SEAT Sport UK (165)
3. Team Halfords (107)
4. BMW Dealer Team UK (82)
5. Team RAC (65)
6. Team Air Cool (53)
7. John Guest Racing (42)
8. Motorbase (19)

Ambitious wannabe racers generally start of with karting, then with the right funding will continue their motorsport career. But even if you progress it gets more and more difficult to move-up the motorsport hierarchy; there are many highly-lucrative candidates fighting for the same race seat.

A career as a professional racing driver is tempting not only for reasons such as wealth and fame. You can choose your lifestyle; drive supercars and live in a luxury house.

If this sounds like your cup of tea then click on www.vxrdriver.co.uk for your chance to change your life by becoming the VXR Racing Driver of the Year. It’s a long rocky road to become a racing driver – under normal circumstances. The competition is open to all drivers over the age of 21 who have never held a race licence.

From all entries 1,620 successful applicants will be put through their paces in the karting semi-finals before 15 finalists are selected for the intensive three-day final, which will decide the 2008 VXR Racing Driver of the Year.

In an age when equality is a god-given right and women not only expect but demand to be matched with their opposite sex, a competition to find Britain’s next racing driver has just come in time for all women to finally sort out the question: Are men really better drivers?

In the stakes of parity, men have come to terms with the fact that women can now be mechanics, doctors and even run for presidency… but when it comes to driving cars, men still believe they are the better sex.

Despite men believing they are better drivers, recent surveys have shown that women receive cheaper car insurance as men are more likely to drive faster and break the law more often than their female counterparts.

You are given the chance to showcase your driving skills by becoming the VXR Racing Driver of the Year, which will see you race behind the wheel of an Astra VXR, taking on your male rivals in the ultra-competitive world of motorsport.

“It is a perfect opportunity for women who believe they can cut it on-track to shine and prove the old adage that men are better drivers to be false, for a female to win the VXR Racing Driver of the Year competition would be amazing!” said Richard Hughes, Vauxhall’s Group Marketing Manager.

Although driving may have fallen off the level-pegging cliff, the amount of applicants from women last year was eclipsed nearly 160-1 by male entrants.

With the 2008 competition now open, can women settle one of history’s most enduring assaults on reputation, are men really better drivers?!

All you have to do is visit www.vxrdriver.co.uk and fill in a brief questionnaire for your chance to beat thousands of men to the trophy and grab the fully-funded race seat. The competition is open to all drivers over the age of 21 who have never held a race licence.

From all entries 1,620 successful applicants will be put through their paces in the karting semi-finals before 15 finalists are selected for the intensive three-day final.

Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles are delighted to announce outstanding success at the 2008 Van Fleet World Honours which took place on the 13 May at the Royal Automobile Club, London.

The UK-built Vivaro proved itself top of its field in the Best Medium Van category for the second year in succession, while Combo was once again awarded top honours in the Best Light Van category for an astonishing fourth year in a row.

John Kendall, Editor of Van Fleet World commented; “Our choice of Vauxhall as Van Manufacturer of the Year is based upon the wide and comprehensive range of vehicles offered by the company many of which are being built here in the UK. Their light CV coverage is complimented with Core and Recognised conversions, which makes its leading position in the market very well deserved”.

John continued “The Best Light Van Award went to Combo once again in recognition of its versatility and cost effectiveness as an option for fleets needing flexible crew transport or load carrying capability. Finally the Vivaro wins Best Medium Van 2008 for its broad range of body styles, plentiful storage space, excellent payload capacity and good driving characteristics”.

Steve Bryant, Brand Manager at Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles, said: “We’re very proud to have achieved so much at the awards. It’s a great feeling to know that your products and services are well thought of in the industry and appreciated by your customers.”

The Fleet World Awards are designed to acknowledge those car and van fleet-related companies that have contributed that extra something to the industry. The judging panel consists of representatives from the leasing industry, price guides, fleet management professionals and Fleet World’s editorial team.

Vauxhall’s Cars were also honoured at the Fleet World Awards, with the all new Insignia winning the highly coveted Editors Choice Award.

The 34-year-old mortgage consultant finished third in race two at the Welsh circuit of Pembrey yesterday (Sunday 11 May), having only ever raced two weeks ago for the first time in race conditions at the season opener at Snetterton.

“It was a fantastic result and I was really pleased with it. I know I have got the speed and I’m sure it was not my last podium result,” said John, who lives in Beverly, North Yorkshire.

Vauxhall’s protйgй proved his pace by qualifying sixth for both races in Saturday’s sessions, which saw the entire field setting times within a second of each other.

John, who finished in a strong sixth position in the sprint race earlier on Sunday morning, went on to secure his first-ever podium finish in difficult conditions in race two. “I consumed more than six litres of water on race day because it was so hot,” said John, who took the VXR Racing Driver of the Year crown, beating more than 10,000 initial entrants in last year’s competition.

“We had a compulsory pit-stop in the second race and my race engineer handed me a half-litre bottle of water which I drunk in seconds. It was extremely hot, but apart from that the Vauxhall Astra VXR was absolutely perfect.”

Following his impressive first two race meetings in his early career as a professional racing driver, John reflected: “I have a very good feeling about this season. I spoke to Ian Harrison [VX Racing's Team Principal] and all I need to improve on is my qualifying performance. To be sixth on the grid is a good base, but I just need to improve by two or three positions and I can move up the field. This would enable me to get a better starting point and hopefully secure more podiums in the future.”

John’s next race meeting will be at his home circuit on 14 and 15 June at Croft in North Yorkshire.

If you would like an opportunity to live in the fast lane and become a racing driver, simply visit www.vxrdriver.co.uk for your chance to compete in Vauxhall’s search for the next VXR Racing Driver of the Year. The competition will see a member of the public win a race seat in the 2009 Dunlop Sport Maxx Cup. The competition is open to all drivers over the age of 21 who have never held a race licence.

From this 1,620 successful applicants will be put through their paces in the karting semi-finals before 15 finalists are selected for the intensive three-day final.

VX Racing is looking to maintain its season start momentum, having won four races and secured three second and four third podium positions to date. After the BTCC’s last meeting at Donington Park, where the Luton-based manufacturer proved the Vectra VXR’s speed and consistency by having at least one of its drivers present on the podium in each race, the team continues to lead the drivers’, manufacturers’ and teams’ standings.

Qualifying for round ten of the BTCC will be held on Saturday 17 May at 15:40, with the first of three races taking place on Sunday 18 May at 10:55.

Fabrizio Giovanardi #1
“I will return to Thruxton with good memories in mind after I won my first BTCC Drivers’ title there at the end of last year. Thruxton has always been a good circuit for us and looking at the results we have collected so far this year, I’m confident we will be strong all weekend.”

Matt Neal #4
“Thruxton is the fastest circuit on the calendar and the only one that hasn’t been spoilt by little chicanes. It’s a flat-out blast all way round and it asks for big commitment.

“It’s been a tough season so far with the field having moved quite a lot closer compared to last year. We’ve shown we have a great package and looking at Vauxhall’s statistics from previous years, I feel we will be very competitive again.”

Tom Onslow-Cole #10
“I’ve had a fantastic weekend at Donington Park and I will still be fired-up when we arrive at Thruxton. My best result at Thruxton so far was a seventh place and I’m sure I can improve on this.

“The Vectra VXR is a very good car and following my first-ever BTCC pole position at Donington Park and my three podium finishes, I’m very confident I can be up there again. Thruxton will also be a special weekend for me as it is my 21st birthday on the Friday.”

With Spring absent this year, there’s no better car than the Astra TwinTop to deal with a mix of weather conditions, be they sub-zero or near-Sahara. And now there are two new models, the Exclusiv and Exclusiv XP, bringing added style and panache to the four-seater convertible range. As with all TwinTops, they feature a three-piece electro-hydraulic roof which can be raised and lowered in less than 30 seconds - even while the car’s moving at up to 18mph.

In addition to the TwinTop Exclusiv (which replaces the Exclusiv Black edition), the Exclusiv XP model gains the stunning VXR Styling Pack as standard, with a body-coloured lower front spoiler, rear lower skirt, lip spoiler and side sills. And for the first time, the TwinTop Exclusiv - along with the Exclusive XP - can be specified in two new colours, Star Silver and Panacotta, as well as the existing Power Red and Black Sapphire body colours.

As with all TwinTops, specification for the Exclusiv and Exclusiv XP models is generous, with unique 18″ alloy wheels, heated leather front seats and keyless entry standard on both models. Also included are heated power mirrors, a 3-spoke leather steering wheel and Sport switch, which quickens throttle and steering response, while allowing sportier gearchanges on automatic models.

Both models come with the choice of lusty 1.8VVT (140PS) and 2.0-litre Turbo (200PS) petrol engines, along with the frugal but powerful 1.9CDTi (150PS) diesel engine.

Prices start at £19,295 for the manual 1.8VVT Exclusive, with the 1.9CDTi costing £21,265. The same engine choices for the Exclusiv XP cost £19,995 and £21,965 respectively. A 1.8VVT engine with automatic transmission is also available on both models at an additional cost of £1035.

Vauxhall’s mighty VXR8 super-saloon gets a potent new V8 engine this summer, with even more power and improved performance. The new unit allows the VXR8 to raise the bar yet again among its rivals, optimising its sophisticated rear-wheel drive chassis still further and retaining its mantle as a driver’s car like no other in its class. New colour and equipment options further enhance this, the fastest car to wear the Griffin badge.

Known as LS3, the new V8 engine’s capacity grows from 5967cc to 6162cc, and thanks to various improvements over the outgoing LS2 unit, such as high-flow cylinder heads, new pistons and an enhanced valvetrain, power is up by 14PS to 431PS at 6000rpm.

This translates to a reduced 0-60mph time for cars with automatic transmissions (down from 5.0 seconds to 4.9) and improved in-gear acceleration for manual models (50-70mph in 3rd gear drops from 2.8 to 2.6 seconds; 30-50mph in 2nd gear drops from 2.0 to 1.9 seconds). And if you fancy smoking your VXR8 at a track day, you’ll see 80-100mph times fall from 4.3 to just 4.0 seconds in 4th gear.

Despite the VXR8’s enhanced performance credentials, its LS3 produces the same emissions and fuel consumption as the outgoing LS2 unit. In addition, the VXR8 automatic receives a transmission oil cooler as standard.

Buyers for the LS3-engined VXR8s also receive the choice of an all-new body colour - Heron White – at no extra cost, as well as the option of factory-fit 20-inch rims for the first time on this model.

Prices for both manual and automatic versions of the LS3-powered VXR8, which are on sale now, rise by £485 to £35,695.

For more infomation please visit www.vxr.co.uk