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  • Opel Astra Sport Tourer – same footprint, more load space

    In Cars, International News, Opel / By / / 12 comments

    GM’s loss making Opel/Vauxhall arm was left disappointed after the German government rejected its request for 1.1 billion euros in loan guarantees, leaving Opel to hope on German states where its factories are located to provide financial assistance. But life goes on, and GM Europe has released official images and info on the Opel Astra Sports Tourer, which will make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show and go on sale in November.

    The Sports Tourer is the wagon version of the popular C-segment Astra hatchback, which has collected over 160,000 orders in six months. It’s an important car for Opel, as wagons traditionally account for about 25% of Astra sales in Europe, higher than the segment average of 17%.

    Load volume can be easily adjusted between 500 and 1,550 litres via the FlexFold Rear Seat system, which allows each section of the 60/40 split-fold rear seatbacks to be lowered at the press of a button located in the side walls of the cargo area. A spring is electrically released, activating quick, remote seat folding. With the seatbacks down, the cargo load length is increased to 1,835 mm, 28 mm more than the current Astra wagon. Besides that, occupants enjoy 25 litres of extra storage space inside the cabin.

    Opel says that this wagon offers the same level of comfort and agility as the hatchback. First, its footprint and 2,685 mm wheelbase is unchanged while the rear compound crank/Watt’s link suspension has been modified for higher load capabilities and better support during cornering. In addition, FlexRide adaptive suspension provides a choice between standard, sports and touring modes and Trailer Stability Assist counteracts the tail wind produced when lugging a caravan trailer.

    Engine options include eight petrol and diesel units. New to the range are two 1.4-litre turbocharged petrols; a 120 bhp six-speed manual and a 140 bhp six-speed auto. Sure to be more popular that those is the 2.0 CDTi with 180 bhp and 380 Nm of torque. This diesel option comes with an overboost button and sips only 5.1 litres of fuel for every 100 km (19.6 km/l). All manual transmission cars have a gear shift indicator coaxing you to drive economically.

    More pictures after the jump.
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  • Opel rolls out first pre-production Ampera in the US

    In Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, Opel / By / / 23 comments

    Opel has rolled out the first pre-production Ampera hybrid at General Motors’ Warren plant in Michigan on April 23rd. The pre-production Ampera will not be sold but it will be used for further testing before the final production version is revealed sometime next year. General Motors also said that it will produce more pre-production Amperas.

    The Ampera is heavily based on the Chevrolet Volt which means it utilizes an electric motor which draws out energy from batteries. The system also has a small displacement internal combustion engine that is used as an energy generator to help recharge the batteries when required. There is also a plug-in recharging system as well as brake energy regeneration.

    It can deliver 60 kilometers of range with electric power alone and with the range extender total range is figured at about 500 kilometers. Andrew Farah, Vehicle Chief Engineer for the vehicle said, “We’re right on target for producing the Ampera for European markets later next year. There’s still work to be done, but being able to drive an Opel Ampera off our pre-production line is a great accomplishment for the teams here and in Europe.”

    Continue reading to view 3 high-res images of the pre-production Ampera.
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  • Opel Flextreme GT/E is a “big Chevrolet Volt”

    In 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, Opel / By / / 13 comments

    This is the Flextreme GT/E concept car that will be Opel’s showstar at the Geneva show next month. Using the Chevrolet Volt’s extended range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology, the 4.7-metre Flextreme is the first big bodied housing for the E-REV drivetrain.

    As a recap, the wheels of E-REV cars are powered by electricity at all times (unlike hybrids). For journeys up to 60 km, energy is supplied by a lithium-ion battery pack. However, unlike regular EVs, E-REV will continue running when the battery is depleted, as a small gasoline engine then acts as a generator to provide current. GM says that this arrangement “eliminates any possibility of range anxiety through fear of being stranded without power”. Charging the Flextreme via a 230V outlet takes less than three hours.

    The Flextreme GT/E has a drag co-efficient of just 0.22, which helps it reach a 200 km/h-plus top speed. Weight reduction measures include the use of carbon composite panels, polycarbonate window glazing and aluminum alloy structural components. 370 Nm of torque comes in at 0 rpm to propel the Flextreme to 100 km/h below nine seconds.

    More pictures after the jump.
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  • Vauxhall/Opel Meriva interior unveiled!

    In Cars, Opel, Vauxhall / By / / 21 comments

    GM’s European unit have unveiled the interior for its new Vauxhall/Opel Meriva compact MPV! The Meriva is an MPV in the B-segment, built on GM’s Gamma/SCCS platform so I don’t think its a Zafira replacement, which is a C-segment vehicle.

    A key feature of the Meriva being touted extensively in press releases (and probably soon ad campaigns) are the vehicle’s FlexDoors, which are basically rear-hinged suicide doors for the rear doors. GM says this provides easier access into the interior, and it’s probably one of the very few examples of suicide doors on a concept car making it to production. But since the B-pillar remains, I don’t see how it being rear-hinged changes anything.

    The Meriva will also have a ‘FlexRail’ system which is basically a storage zone for random items like handbags, books, iPods, sunglasses, etc. FlexRail’s floor module comprises two cup holders, Aux-in/USB connections and a 12-volt socket.

    Above this area, there are two polished aluminum rails, and on the top of the line SE model, there is a flip-top armrest module attached with a smaller cupholder tray below it. Both can be shifted into a variety of fixed positions along the rails, while rear seat passengers benefit from the option of a rear armrest module, which can be fitted to the centre seat back section when it’s folded down between them.

    And finally the final ‘Flex’ feature is FlexSpace, which allows various cabin configs without having to remove any seats. Both outer rear seats can be moved fore and aft individually, and can also slide inwards o provide more shoulder width and leg room in a spacious four-seat layout. Additionally, rear seat backs can be fully lowered without having to remove their head restraints. The Meriva’s boot capacity grows from 400 litres up to 920 litres with the seatbacks folded. If you use all the space up to the roof, 1500 litres of capacity is available.

    The Meriva strikes an uncanny resemblance to the Suzuki MPV concept shown in India this month but that could be due to the fact that GM used to have some kind of stake in Suzuki. But Suzuki is in bed with Volkswagen now.

    Look after the jump for hi-res images of the new Meriva.
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  • Vauxhall Meriva leaked pics: suicide doors retained!

    In Cars, International News, Opel, Vauxhall / By / / 35 comments

    These are leaked official images of the new Meriva MPV, badged here as a UK-spec Vauxhall (Opel in Europe). It appears to have survived the transition from concept to production pretty well, retaining much of the 2008 Geneva show’s Meriva Concept styling cues.

    The design headline here is the suicide doors. Called FlexDoors, they can be opened to an angle of almost 90 degrees (only when the vehicle is stationary, of course!). The Meriva’s FlexSpace system has been updated to improve space usage. There is also an innovation called FlexRail – a rail above the centre console where storage bins can slide the length of the cabin.

    As with the Astra and Insignia, a signature “blade” runs on the flanks of this MPV. The stepped windowline not only adds distinctiveness to the design, it gives the rear section more glass area for the kids to have a better view out. There’s also a full length panaromic roof. It’s more spacious than before too – wheelbase is longer and tracks are wider. A five-star EuroNCAP crash rating is almost a given.

    The Meriva is set for its formal debut at this year’s Geneva show, and should hit the market by mid year. More pictures after the jump!

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  • Opel Astra launched in China as the Buick Excelle

    In Buick, Cars, China, Opel / By / / 9 comments

    china-buick-excelle

    Chinese market tastes have become increasingly sophisticated over the past few years, and any first time visitor to Shanghai or Beijing would be surprised by the automobiles that ply their bumpy roads – turn up expecting little Cherys and Geelys and you’ll instead find large saloons from Buick, VW and Audi dominating the streets. In fact, GM’s Buick marque is one of the top-10 brands there, and is seen by the Chinese as a prestigious status symbol.

    And that’s the reason why the even the Chevrolet Optra sells well in China, after being rebranded as a Buick Excelle. But as the Opel Insignia based Regal showed, Chinese Buicks now have real substance under the skin, and the new Excelle unveiled at the Guangzhou Motor Show is based on the sixth-gen Opel Astra, itself fresh in the market in Europe.

    Three petrol engines are available, but of interest is the turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder that powers the range topping model. It comes with 183bhp and 235Nm of torque available from 1,980rpm to 5,400rpm, and there’s a ‘Superboost’ function that raises max torque to 266Nm, promising serious performance that should match VW’s Twincharger powered cars. Power goes to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic. It’s not announced, but we won’t be surprised if the suspension (front MacPherson struts, rear torsion beam with Watt’s linkage) is tuned softer for Chinese preference.

    The Astra is the largest car in the Golf/Focus class with the longest wheelbase (2614mm) and its cabin features GM’s new design languange with the ‘dual-cockpit’ style, also seen in the Insignia and Chevrolet Cruze. Speaking of the Chevy Cruze, it was meant to be launched back in August, but we haven’t heard any news from Hicom-Chevrolet so far.

     

  • GM flip-flops its Opel-Magna deal

    In Cars, International News, Opel, Vauxhall / By / / 12 comments

    Vauxhall Insignia
    Vauxhall/Opel Insignia, voted 2009 Car of the Year (Europe)

    GM must have caught the flip flop disease from somewhere as it has at the last minute turned back on its decision to sell Opel to a Russian-backed group led by auto parts supplier Magna International, which took months and months of negotiation so far.

    The deal was looking to be pretty much set in stone and Magna’s existing clientele had expressed unhappiness over a supplier suddenly becoming a competitor as well. Magna’s client list includes Volkswagen, GM, Ford, Chrysler, Daimler and BMW amongst others. Volkswagen had threatened to pull the plug on Magna’s VW group supply contracts if the Opel deal went through but it looks like now there would not be such a conflict.

    Now because of “an improving business environment and the importance of its GM Europe divisions to its global strategy”, it has decided to turn back on its offer to sell. It would instead restructure its Opel division on its own, at a cost of 3 billion Euros. Where this money will come from is a big question now, as it most likely will not be able to rely on promises of financing that European governments had promised earlier.

    European governments had granted financing from state banks in view that Opel would be in Magna’s ‘safer’ hands, and are now pretty pissed off that GM had pulled the old classic bait and switch tactic on them. Obviously the financing were granted assuming Opel would be in Magna’s hands soon. Germany’s government said it wanted GM to repay 1.5 billion Euro in bridge financing by the end of this month. Germany had offered a total of 4.5 billion euros in financial aid for the Magna deal. Opel workers are also pissed off as in their view now their jobs are less secure and held a protest, carrying black coffins with GM and Opel logos on them.

    GM Europe president and ex-BMW man Carl-Peter Forster immediately left the company Friday last week after the announcement of the sale flip-flop. “A sudden shift like this is scarcely comprehensible. I do not find the process in any way okay. I would have wished for a completely different result,” said Forster. He clearly did not want to be any part of an Opel that remained under GM rule, and apparently he has already been offered a job with Tata-owned Jaguar Land Rover.

    Magna had nothing else to say but this – “We will continue to support Opel and GM in the challenges ahead and wish to thank everyone who supported the Opel restructuring process for their tireless efforts and dedication over the past several months.”

     

  • Opel reveals the interior of its 2010 Astra

    In Cars, Opel, Vauxhall / By / / 29 comments

    German-based and General Motors-owned auto maker Opel, has released interior shots of its 2010 Astra, ahead of its official launch at this year’s auto show in Frankfurt. The sixth generation Opel Astra, which will also be sold under the Vauxhall brand name features a fresh interior that not only looks good, but one that is functional as well.

    Design wise, the interior is treated to, among others, red ambient lighting (from above the centre console and within the door handle recesses), a four-gauge instrument panel with chrome outline on each gauge plus an LCD trip display and soft-touch surfaces. The auto maker assured that the interior offers a high-quality ‘feel’ with the materials used, as well as with tactility offered by the buttons and switches.

    With the lack of storage areas in the previous model acknowledged as a problem, the new one comes with various storage solutions, including a sun glass case inserted above the door opening on the driver’s side, pen holders, a two-part glove box, under-seat drawer (for passenger seat), centre console with a 9-CD holding capacity and more.

    Featuring a platform that is also used in the Chevrolet Cruze, the new Astra is expected to be offered with a number of engine options including a base 1.4 litre normally aspirated petrol, a 120HP – 140HP with 175Nm – 200Nm of torque 1.4 litre Turbo as well as a 180HP 1.6 litre Turbo that is carried over from the Insignia. There will also be a few turbo diesel engines including a 1.3 litre, a 1.7 litre as well as a 2.0 litre version. Continue reading to view an image gallery.
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  • Vauxhall Insignia VXR Sports Tourer revealed!

    In Cars, International News, Opel, Vauxhall / By / / 22 comments

    Vauxhall Insignia VXR

    The new Vauxhall Insignia VXR Sports Tourer packs the practicality of a wagon with an electrical tailgate, the traction of all-wheel drive, the massive power of a turbocharged engine and the sweet sound of a V6 all in one vehicle.

    The 2.8 litre turbocharged V6 from the top of the line Insignia originally producing 260 PS has been modified to make more power in the Insignia VXR. It now produces 325 PS, and this is put down to all wheels via an Adaptive 4X4 system and an eLSD (electronic limited slip differential). 0 to 100km/h takes 6 seconds.

    Vauxhall Insignia VXR

    Other changes with the VXR variant include a ride height that is 10mm lower, and a system called HiPerStrut, which is said to reduce torque steer and maintain negative camber during cornering, thereby improving wet and dry grip levels. The tourer rides on 19 inch alloys (20 inch forged at an option) which hide some nice Brembo stoppers behind their spokes. On the inside you have Recaro seats at the front and VXR specific steering, shifter and instrument panel graphics.

    Vauxhall Insignia VXR

    The Insignia VXR’s competitors are spelled clear. “The Insignia VXR Sports Tourer will be a compelling alternative for buyers in the premium sector who may currently be considering an Audi S4 Avant or BMW 335i M Sport Touring. We’ve already seen a swing to the Insignia from premium buyers who’d never before ticked the Vauxhall box on their wish list, and we expect to see the same buying pattern emerge with all versions of the Insignia VXR,” says Andy Gilson, Vauxhall’s Marketing Director.

    Of course countries that get Opels instead of Vauxhalls will receive the Insignia OPC, which is the same animal with a different badge.
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  • 2010 Opel Astra: first details unveiled!

    In Cars, International News, Opel, Vauxhall / By / / 43 comments

    Opel Astra

    The new 5-door Opel Astra hatchback is built on the same new global Delta platform as the Chevrolet Cruze, and hopefully if this crucial model is as good as the Opel Insignia was, things will look pretty bright for GM Europe. As usual with Opels it will be sold in the UK as a Vauxhall.

    As with most hatches sold in Europe there is a never-ending list of engine options available to suit the requirements of a wide scope of society. You have a 1.4 litre, a 1.4 litre turbo, a 1.6 litre turbo (180 horses in the Insignia), and a trio of turbodiesels with 1.3 litre, 1.7 litre and 2.0 litre capacities. The 1.4 turbo engine is new, and is said to eventually make its way into the American market. The higher powered versions of the Cruze will also eventually get this engine in certain markets.

    Something different is the new “Opel Eye” system which is essentially a driver assistance camera mounted between the rear view mirror and the windshield that recognises raffic signs that indicate speed limits or overtaking bans and displays them in the instrument panel. It also provides a lane departure warning.

    A public debut of the new Astra will be held at the 2009 Frankfurt Motorshow in September, and will hit the showrooms by end this year.
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