This is the Opel GTC Paris Concept that will be unwrapped at the Paris Motor Show next month. Much more than just a show car, it previews the three-door hatchback version and the VXR performance flagship of the current Opel/Vauxhall Astra, which made its debut last year as a five-door hatch. A wagon version called Sport Tourer surfaced in June.
This rakish three-door measures 4.46 metres long (slightly longer than the five-door) and the lines on its body is “similar to tendons in a sprinter”. We can see the “Opel signature blade”, a fine crease along the rocker panel, in the same direction as on the Insignia, where this cue first appeared. The five-door hatch and Sport Tourer have theirs in a different direction – back to front.
There’s also another prominent line that shoots from the door handles to the rear of the car; this gives the GTC broad shoulders and wider impression. Opel says that the brushed aluminium upper outline of the glasshouse guides eyes to the integrated spoiler. Of course they had to include LED running lights, and those on the GTC have “wing” motifs.
The concept is realistically powered by a four-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbo engine with direct injection. As with most new cars in Europe, there’s start/stop tech and a six-speed manual gearbox. Autocar UK says that the production car will debut late next year alongside a VXR range topper, which could have up to 300 bhp and an electronic limited-slip differential – the latter already on the GTC concept.
The GTC and the three-door Renault Megane are examples of carmakers putting in a lot of effort on differentiating their three-door “Sport” models from the regular five-door hatch, instead of just chopping off two doors. More pics after the jump.
Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.
supersweet!!!
what a gorgeous and a sexy lookingcar
i hope that our satria neo is just like this one…
A Scirocco and Megane Coupe challenger.
Left and right, the concept looks like Renault Megane RenaultSport.. too bad didnt get to test drive it here.. danged…
Very nice! Sexy car!
it makes me horny!!!yeah babeh…
is it me or does it look like a gen2 coupe done right? lol
Very nice car!
Any interior pictures, Paul?
When I look at this, I think “Mazda 2 meets Batmobile” but in a totally awesome way.
Paul, you HAVE to get some interior shots of this baby.
Hyundai Too-zone(I thought it is pronounced as this instead of thak sen) ke ni?
It’s a pretty obvious Scirocco challenger. Being an Astra, it will have more body variants to choose from.
Opel / Holden are pretty ok to drive. Have yet to drive Vauxhall cousins but the trim level in Opels have always been one notch above. I hope the Opel Insignia makes it here. Lovely car from the GM group.
Don’t think it will come Bolehland…
Concept wise damn good for 3-door hatch…
Better look than Mazda3?
my opinion the most pretty 3 door hatchback car is VW scirocco…the most prettiest on our bolehland…
the car won’t come to malaysia anyhow, so nobody gives a f*** man. care to review GMC Yukon XL in future too? go on..
that car looks like my grandmother’s @$$.
That is one biblically schweet ride…
owh so schweet……
This looks even better than a Megane Coupe sport ……
looks a lot like brera.
Both the Megane and Scirocco look better than this.
IMHO, the Rocco is clearly the contender in the 2 door sports hatch category.
should check out the new Renault Megane RS… base on looks.. the Renault beats the Rocco hands down.. base on specs… Rocco R wins hands down…
looks like an Alfa design to me especially at the rear with Audi’s LED backlight