Opel Astra OPC priced from 34,250 euro

A few days ago on Opel’s German website the pricing and performance details have been published, along with a new video that showcases the Astra OPC. As you probably know this by now, the hot hatch will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that is capable of delivering 277 hp (280 PS / 206 kW) and a maximum torque of 295 lb.-ft (400 Nm), enough for a 0-62 mph sprint in 6 seconds and a maximum speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

For soaking up some of the torque steer since all that power is sent to the wheels in the front, Opel’s engineers have fitted the new Astra OPC with a mechanical limited slip differential as well as High Performance Struts (also known as HiPerStruts). The car benefits from the FlexRide chassis that comes with dedicated Sport and OPC driving modes.

The new generation of the Opel Astra OPC is scheduled to go on sale this spring and the prices start at 34,250 euro (in Germany, including VAT). As standard, the hot hatch comes with tinted rear windows, LED rear lamps, on-board computer with selected performance data, 19-inch lightweight alloy OPC wheels, rear park assistant, two-zone automatic air conditioning system, Navi 600 navigation system, along with AFL+ adaptive forward lightning.

Inside the cabin we notice the high-performance race seats that benefit from weight-saving material. The weight of these seats has been reduced by 45% thanks to the use of organic injection sheets with composite material. These new seats have up to 18 different settings, offering an enhanced side support and a lower seating position.

Source: Opel via WCF

Post tags: Tags: geneva-motor-show, motor shows, Opel, opel astra, opel astra opc

Opel Astra OPC makes an appearance in Geneva

One of our favorite cars from this year’s edition of the Geneva Motor Show is this hot Opel Astra OPC which as you would expect will be sold in the United Kingdom as the Vauxhall Astra VXR. This is the car’s official public debut and it is based on the 3-door Astra GTC hatchback.

Under its hood there’s an impressive 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 276 hp (280 PS) and has a peak torque of 295 lb.-ft (400 Nm). This power unit is linked to 6-speed manual transmission. The Astra OPC comes with a limited slip differential and is able to hit a top speed of 155 mph. Unfortunately, the German automaker hasn’t released any details about the car’s acceleration capabilities.

The hot-hatch from Opel benefits from the General Motors / Saab-sourced High Performance Struts (HiPer Struts) for the front axle. The automaker’s engineers have also worked on the car’s brake system, steering wheel and the suspension. Design-wise, it comes with a new design for the front and rear bumpers, aggressive side skirts, two exhaust tail pipes that have a trapeze shape, a roof spoiler and 20-inch forged alloys.

Inside the cabin we find a couple of Recaro sport seats that can be trimmed in fabric or leather. There are also a bunch of bespoke trim accents while the new flat-bottom sports steering wheel has a 360mm diameter.

Source: Opel via Carscoop

Post tags: Tags: geneva-motor-show, motor shows, Opel, opel astra, opel astra opc

Senner Tuning offers power boost for Opel Astra

Opel Astra by Senner Tuning

If you own an Opel Astra and you want more power coming from its engine, you should know that the German tuning company Senner Tuning has revealed an upgrade program for the model equipped with the 1.4-liter turbo that in its standard configuration produces 138 hp (140 PS / 103 kW) and 147 lb.-ft (200 Nm) of torque.

Opel Astra by Senner Tuning

They are able to increase the output of that engine to 163 hp (165 PS / 121 kW) and a peak torque of 184 lb.-ft (250 Nm). Aside from the power boost, Senner can also fit your Astra a new body kit that includes a front lip spoiler, a matte black Steinmetz front grille, a roof spoiler, two-tone designed side skirts, as well as a rear skirt insert and a stainless steel muffler.

Opel Astra by Senner Tuning

The Opel Astra by Senner Tuning rides on 8×19-inch alloys covered by Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta tires that measure 235/35R19. Also part of the package is a suspension tuning that brings adjustable ride height and damping.

This tuning program for the Opel Astra will set you back 11,900 Euros.

Source: Senner Tuning via WCF

Post tags: Tags: Opel, opel astra, Tuning

Opel Astra OPC revealed

2012 Opel Astra OPC

After a few months of preliminary information, we now have the complete details about the upcoming Opel Astra OPC (Vauxhall Astra VXR). The car will be motivated by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that develops 277 hp (280 PS / 206 kW) and a peak torque of 295 lb.-ft (400 Nm), which makes it the most powerful Astra in all its history, capable of reaching a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

2012 Vauxhall Astra VXR

The powerful bigger brother of the Astra GTC comes with a few chassis modifications in order to handle that entire horsepower that goes to the front axle. The OPC comes with a mechanical limited slip differential on the front axle to diminish as much as possible the problem of torque steer.

2012 Vauxhall Astra VXR

The front suspension of the Astra OPC is a High Performance Strut, just like the one on the GTC. Other than that, Opel has installed its own adaptive suspension FlexRide system that comes with a Sport and an OPC/VXR button.

2012 Vauxhall Astra VXR

Design-wise, the sport hatch features a new body kit that includes sculpted front & rear bumpers, a roof spoiler and side skirts. As for the dual exhaust system, this has a trapezoidal shape. Inside the cabin of the Opel Astra OPC (Vauxhall Astra VXR) we find a bespoke instrument panel and a flat OPC sport steering wheel wrapped around in leather.

2012 Vauxhall Astra VXR

Source: Opel/Vauxhall via WCF

Post tags: Tags: Featured, Opel, opel astra, opel astra opc, vauhxall astra, vauhxall astra vxr, vauxhall

2012 Opel Astra GTC Unleashed In Frankfurt

2012 Opel Astra GTC

The official debut of the new Astra GTC occurred this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show where Opel decided to bring its sexiest Astra model ever launched. It based on the 5-door model and comes with a nice bodykit, along with a 10 mm longer wheelbase. In addition, the tracks are now wider by 40 mm in the front and 30 mm out in the back.

2012 Opel Astra GTC

The German automaker mentioned that they’ve fine-tuned the chassis of the hot GTC by implementing a bespoke HiPerStrut suspension in the front while at the rear it has a Watt’s link axle configuration that will probably increase the dynamics of the car.

2012 Opel Astra GTC

At first, the car will be available in Europe with a selection of five engines, developing between 100 hp and 180 hp. Clients will be able to order the Astra GTC with a frugal 1.7-liter CDTI ecoFLEX diesel that outputs 110 hp or 130 hp. Both of these engines benefit as standard from the stop/start system.

2012 Opel Astra GTC

Opel is also working on a more potent OPC version which will probably get a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that should deliver almost 300 hp. In UK, the car will wear the VXR designation just like the previous models.

Source: Opel via Carscoop

Post tags: Tags: frankfurt motor show, Opel, opel astra, opel astra gtc

Opel Astra 2.0 CDTI Gets EcoFLEX Package

The European-spec Opel Astra just got a new more economical model, the 2.0 CDTI (160 hp) that can be fitted with the ecoFLEX package. Already available on the smaller 1.3 CDTI, this package comes with the start/stop system and is offered as an optional feature for the 2.0 diesel hatchback and the Sports Tourer model.
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Post tags: Tags: ecoflex package, opel astra

Opel reveals the Astra Sports Tourer, plans GTC Paris concept for the Paris Motor Show

First off, Opel has revealed that it will debut a very special concept in the French capital, entitled GTC Paris. The model will combine speed and beauty, according to the German company, and will certainly preview a hotter version of the new Astra hatchback.

Besides that concept, Opel will also reveal a brand new model, the 2011 Astra Sports Tourer, and the 2011 Meriva, with its new diesel engine range.

The first, as its name suggests, is basically the wagon version of the new Astra hatchback. It will boast practically the same engines as the regular hatch, but with a longer roof line and more space in the trunk. The new Meriva compact MPV will also be showcased, alongside its new and improved diesel range, promising adequate amounts of power combined with minimal CO2 emissions and a great fuel average.

Overall, Opel is definitely promising a mix of both emotion and practicality for the Paris Motor Show. Stay tuned for more news as we approach the October 2 start date of the French show.

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Post tags: Tags: Concepts, Opel, opel astra, opel astra sports tourer, opel gtc paris, opel-meriva, paris motor show

Opel Astra

Nowadays there are also numerous persons interested in changing their old cars with new ones which might be considered as better ones to be driven by presenting better features and specifications which are said to improve their quality. Certainly, various types and models of cars are more or less good for various persons and we are all different, we need cars for different purposes sometimes and we perceive quality in different ways as well sometimes and in this way what might be perfect for someone might not be considered perfect at all for someone else.

There are all sorts of companies which have manufactured and presented all sorts of cars in time which have been more or less appreciated by various persons having analyzed them. Opel cars have also been considered by numerous persons who have been interested in learning more about their features as they are the ones which influence their performance and which can enable these users to decide upon their quality and upon their usefulness in many possible cases in which they might be chosen for use.

There are numerous Opel models of cars available to be analyzed nowadays by everyone interested in them or simply in becoming familiar with as many models of cars and their specifications as possible for their own general knowledge. One such model of Opel cars is Opel Astra GTC 2.0 Turbo Panoramic which was presented to the public in 2009. It has been included within the category of mid-size family type of cars and at least some of its features have been considered as interesting to be taken into account by those interested in driving this type of cars.

Some of the important specifications presented by this model of Opel cars which might be useful to be made aware to those interested in learning more about this it are the size of its engine which is of 1998 ccm, its fuel type which is gasoline, the fact that it presents a four wheel type of drive and a 6 speed manual type of transmission.
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The engine is a four cylinder inline type and the compression presented by it is one of 8:8:1. Its fuel system is an electronic fuel injection one and its top speed is one of 234 km/h. Its power weight ratio has been evaluated at 0.1232PS/kg. The type of the chassis is saloon and the passenger space has been considered one of 4760 litters.

Other important features to be presented regarding this model of Opel cars are its steering which is power assisted type, its turn circle evaluated at 11 m and the brake details presented by it which are the following ones: an anti-locking brake type of system and an electronic brake type of system. Certainly, these are some of the numerous features which could be considered when analyzing this model of Opel cars together with other ones and all of them are the ones which influence the performance of these cars and the appropriateness of their use in various situations in which they might be intended to be used.

Post tags: Tags: Opel, opel astra, vauxhall, vauxhall astra

Vauxhall presents new Astra police car in the UK

Seeing as how the Vauxhall Astra is the most popular police car in the UK, the company’s Special Vehicle Operations unit decided to overhaul the most recent generation of the Astra in order to serve police departments all over the country.

Vauxhall’s manager of vehicle conversions, Dick Ellam, said, “With the new Astra, Vauxhall is offering the UK’s police constabularies a vehicle which is not only superior dynamically to its predecessor but which also has the scope for much improved integration with the systems law enforcement demands. We are particularly proud that this integration allows the devices needed by the police service to be mounted within the standard architecture of the car’s interior.”

While not as fancy as the Audi Q7 the Scottish police is rolling in, the Astra will certainly get the job done.

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Post tags: Tags: Opel, opel astra, police, police car, uk, vauxhall, vauxhall astra

Vauxhall Astra VXR Arctic edition revealed

In order to further help them and to deplete their stock, obviously, Vauxhall released a special Arctic edition of the VXR performance model. As you may remember, the Vauxhall Corsa VXR Arctic edition was unveiled a couple of years ago.

Only 500 Vauxhall Astra VXR Arctic edition models will be made, each starting from £23,595 ($36,019, given current exchange rates). Besides those extra goodies, you can also opt for other features, like a panoramic roof.

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Post tags: Tags: limited-edition, Opel, opel astra, vauxhall, vauxhall astra, vauxhall astra vxr, vauxhall astra vxr arctic

Video: Opel promotes new Astra through augmented reality website

All you need to do is visit this address, go to Gallery>3D Experience, make sure you follows the steps there, and that you have a webcam and somewhere to print out the special Astra symbol, and you will soon have the new car right in front of you, showcasing the FlexRide and AFL+ features of the car.

Hit the jump to see the video of the augmented reality website and how it works.
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Post tags: Tags: Opel, opel astra, vauxhall, vauxhall astra

Two seater Opel Astra convertible coming soon

According to Auto Express, Opel is currently working on a convertible version of the recently introduced Opel/Vauxhall Astra. However, unlike the current Astra TwinTop, the new cabrio will be more than an Astra without a roof. Actually less, because the car will have only two seats and Opel wants it to compete cars like the upcoming VW BlueSport or the Scirocco CC and also to be a cheaper alternative for the Mercedes Benz SLK or the Audi TT Roadster.

And judging by what we see in these photos, Opel has all the chances of achieving that. Because the car is simply beautiful, having a more aggressive look than the regular Astra with a more muscular silhouette, lowered side skirts, twin chrome exhaust pipes and a large brake light at the rear. The Astra roadster will have a folding metal roof and the interior will basically be a more sporty version of the Astra’s interior, including sports seats and a sporty steering wheel.

Under the hood, Opel will offer the roadster with a 150 hp 1.4-liter petrol engine, a 170 hp 2.0-liter CDTI turbodiesel, while the top of the range will be the turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol unit delivering 270 hp (0-60 in 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 150 mph). We have no idea what will be Astra roadster’s starting price tag, but we’ll probably find out closer to its debut, which is rumored to take place in 2011.

Check out one more photo after the jump. (more…)

Post tags: Tags: Opel, opel astra, opel astra convertible, opel astra roadster

The new Opel/Vauxhall Astra officially unveiled

After last month we showed you the first official photo of the new Opel/Vauxhall Astra, today we got the official press release and more photos of Opel’s new car. Like we noticed before, the new generation’s styling is heavily influenced by the new Insignia, fact confirmed by Opel officials. “We’re continuing with the same premium design cues as the Insignia, inside and out of the car,” said Mark Adams, Vice President of GM Europe Design. “However, the main design themes, like the wing-shaped light signatures and the blade, needed an individual execution to avoid ‘cloning’ the model ranges. This is why, for instance, you see twin wings in the rear lights and a reversed blade on its flanks.”

The new Astra is larger than the current generation, with a 4.4 metre-length body, an all-new chassis with a 71 millimetre-longer wheelbase, wider tracks front and rear feature, as does a new rear axle design, which not only improves stability and agility, but also increases passengers’ comfort. The new Astra also comes equipped with the FlexRide system, which offers drivers three damper settings (standard, sport and tour) while being fully adaptive to changes in driving style and cornering speed.

Unique in this sector will be the Astra’s optional, latest generation AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting), which features bi-xenon lighting that changes its intensity and reach to suit prevailing road conditions. A similar system was introduced on the Insignia, and is now recognised as one of the most advanced systems available.

The highlight of the new Astra’s powertrain lineup is the introduction of an all-new, 140 hp turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol unit. Beside this engine, three further petrol engines, which range from 100 hp to 180 hp, and four diesel engines ranging from 95 hp to 160 hp will be available.

“The only part of the Astra which isn’t new is its name,” said Andy Gilson, Vauxhall’s Marketing Director. “And that name currently accounts for around 30 per cent of all Vauxhall’s car sales, with the five-door hatch taking 60 per cent of those sales alone – so it’s important to lead with this body style. Not only is the Astra a crucial new model for Vauxhall, but we’re confident that its blend of dynamic design, new-to-class technology and immense driver appeal will attract an even broader spectrum of buyers in this sector.”

Photo Gallery: The new Opel/Vauxhall Astra

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Post tags: Tags: Opel, opel astra, vauxhall, vauxhall astra

Next generation Opel Astra unveiled

In what came as quite a surprise, Auto Express published what seem to be the first official photos of the next generation Opel/Vauxhall Astra. Looking at the teaser photo, the sketches and the spy shots we published in the past, there’s no doubt this is the real thing. With the third generation Ford Focus scheduled to be released next year and with the Golf VI already available in showrooms, the new Astra will be facing some tough competition, but judging by what we can see from these photos, Opel did a really great job and the car’s probably going to be a success.

Based on GM’s Delta platform, the new Astra’s design is heavily inspired by the new Insignia, especially the front part of the car. The new Astra will be 100 mm longer and wider than the current generation, which means passenger space has increased and Opel says safety is also better. And speaking of the interior, we can see it’s also heavily influenced by the Insigna, the dashboard being almost identical.

Under the hood, the new generation Astra will be available with several new small fuel efficient gasoline and diesel engines, some of the Ecoflex models emitting less than 120 g/km of CO2. At the other end, the top of the line VXR/OPC will be powered by a 270 hp version of the 2.0 liter turbo engine.

The new Opel/Vauxhall Astra is scheduled to go on sale before the end of the year, but with Opel’s uncertain future (bankruptcy knocks on GM’s door) we hope we ain’t gonna have unpleasant surprises. For more photos of the car, head over to Auto Express.

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Post tags: Tags: Opel, opel astra, vauxhall, vauxhall astra

Teaser photo of the next generation Opel Astra

We’ve already seen spy shots and some sketches of the new Opel/Saturn/Vauxhall Astra and now GM has decided to tease us a little more, by releasing a photo of the car covered with a semi-transparent veil. Now I don’t know why everyone says that the car will make its debut next year at Frankfurt, because the car seems ready to take off and, who knows, maybe we’ll get to see it in Paris next month. I mean, why would you release a teaser one year before the launch, just doesn’t make sense. Just as a reminder, the new Astra borrows a lot from its bigger sister, the Insignia, such as the exterior styling and a series of features like the Front Camera System or the Adaptive Front Lighting (AFL).

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Post tags: Tags: Opel, opel astra, paris motor show, saturn, saturn astra, vauxhall, vauxhall astra