New Calibra’s green light

Here's the news Vauxhall fans have been waiting for! A leaked document from parent company General Motors appears to confirm the arrival of an all-new coupé that resurrects the Calibra badge.

The document names the newcomer and reveals it will be based on the Insignia’s Epsilon II platform. That means we should expect a two-door coupé version of the family model, with a look inspired by the GTC Concept seen at 2007’s Geneva Motor Show. 

This car was powered by a 2.8-litre turbocharged V6, similar to the Insignia VXR’s unit. A range-topping version of the Calibra would be likely to use this engine, and build on the Insignia’s 321bhp power output. Reports also suggest that engineers are working to improve the car’s agility by shortening the wheelbase and fitting flagship models with four-wheel drive. 

Performance will be impressive, with the top-of-the-range VXR set to cover 0-62mph in less than six seconds and hit a limited top speed of 155mph. A host of smaller turbos will power lesser models. Production is due to start in October 2012 at GM’s Russelsheim plant in Germany, with sales kicking off in 2013. The original Calibra – based on the Cavalier MkIII – was built between 1989 and 1997.

Vauxhall is also working on a four-seater cabriolet, based on the Astra. GM Europe boss Nick Reilly said the car would provide a ‘halo’ for the range, and could be called Manta.

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