Hot on the heels of the recently launched GTC, these are the first official pics of the new Astra VXR, which goes on sale next year and is set to become one of the most powerful hot hatch in its class and the fastest production Astra in Vauxhall’s / Opel history.

Based on the GTC’s platform and powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine, the Astra VXR produces 280hp of power and a mighty 400Nm of torque, enough for it to achieve a top speed of a Limited 155mph.

The damping is electronically modified via a “VXR” button which tightens up the suspension and firms up the damping settings for a more precision road handling.

We expect the car to be priced around the 25k Sterling to be competitive with the Megane 250 and the Focus ST.

This car has had some serious testing across at the Nürburgring so expect a video of a laptime to be released Soon! (Thanks Tom)

Opel Junior AKA Trixx Concept (Click for Gallery Of Spyshots)

As we know Opel is working on a small car that will slot in underneath the Corsa, this was officially unveiled as a concept at the Paris Autoshow as the “Trixx” concept in 2004.

This baby Opel that we have called “junior” will probably get the name Allegra when it’s time for the official debut in 2012.

This is the very first time the Junior is spotted outside a test facility and driving on public roads.

The Junior is expected to be around 3.70 m long and will be sold as a 3 door version only.

Opel is developing a new family of engines for the Junior, engines that we probably also will see in the next generation Opel Corsa but we expect to see a varient of the 1.3 cdti engine and an hybrid to follow.