Vauxhall unveils new Griffin badge

Click above to view the Vauxhall badge in hi-res

Who wouldn't want to drive a car with a griffin on the grille? Well, apparently British motorists, because despite having arguably the coolest badge in the business, Vauxhall doesn't retain the best brand image in the UK market. General Motors' British subsidiary is trying its darnedest to update its profile, however, and to that end has launched a refreshed version of its stoic badge.

Vauxhall unveiled the new logo today, describing it as "more dynamic and contemporary" than its predecessor, but to our eyes looks unfortunately less griffin-y. The new badge is expected to make its first appearance on the new Insignia scheduled to be unveiled at the London show in July, around the same time that it will be hoisted above Griffin House, Vauxhall's corporate headquarters in Bedfordshire. Follow the jump for the full press release, and click on the two thumbnails below to view the new logo in high-resolution and an evolutionary timeline of the Vauxhall badge dating back to the 1920s.

Gallery: new Vauxhall logo

• Baby got back: HSV launches ClubSport R8 Tourer 9-3-2008 01:03
• HUMMER crashes Burning Man in a big way 9-3-2008 01:03
• Lotus broadens production, market for Jim Clark Elise 9-2-2008 02:17
• Chrysler design done with the \ edge,\  going organic 9-3-2008 01:03
• Happy (Chery) Eastar! 9-3-2008 01:03
• Weekend Entertainment: \"One Cab\ s Family\" 9-1-2008 00:52
• VW and its dealers butting heads over Jetta TDI? 9-2-2008 02:17
• Spyker to build lightweight race-derived C8 LM 85 9-1-2008 00:52
• Tanner tests his Top Gear skills on the Lambo Reventon 9-1-2008 00:52
• Rumormill: GM kills the Kappa II platform 9-3-2008 01:03