2013 Opel Astra Cabrio

Opel/Vauxhall continues its portfolio expansion as the addition of a new Convertible has been confirmed today. The new Cabrio is part of the company’s EUR 11 billion investment pledge announced approximately one year ago as part of its plan for the future. It comes on the heels of successful products such as the Insignia, 2009 Car of the Year, the Astra, winner of a 2009 Golden Steering Wheel, the Meriva with its innovative and highly-acclaimed FlexDoors system, the upcoming new generation Zafira, and the revolutionary Ampera electric vehicle.
The new Convertible will be based on Opel/Vauxhall’s compact vehicle architecture which is also the basis for the current Astra, the Astra SportsTourer and the upcoming Astra GTC. It will hit the market in 2013 –the same year that Opel/Vauxhall will also launch its chic and stylish small car meeting the growing demand for vehicles in line with a young and urban lifestyle.
Subsequent to a joint agreement between management and employee representatives during the restructuring at the Opel plant in Gliwice, Poland, the decision has been made to build the Cabrio at the highly-efficient Gliwice plant alongside other Astra models.
“The new Convertible will be a great addition to our product lineup,”said Opel/Vauxhall CEO Nick Reilly. “It follows the long-standing tradition of highly emotional and legendary Opel/Vauxhall Cabrios that provided important halo effects on our brand. With its sleek and elegantdesign, our new Convertible will fully deliver on that same promise.”
Further details, such as vehicle naming, pricing and equipment, will be announced closer to the launch timing.

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Opel Sleek Zafira Tourer Concept

After we got a first glimpse of the Zafira study by means of an iPad hologram, Opel released the full details of the concept which previews the next-generation Zafira MPV. Described by Opel as a “lounge on wheels”, the design study uses the same style language as seen on the Insignia and Astra models.

The front is the most eye-catching part of the Zafira's sleek bodywork, with the headlights, LED running lights and the fog lights being united in a boomerang-shaped structure, inspired by the Ampera EV's fascia. Unlike the Meriva, the Zafira sports conventional doors and has a dynamic look due to the ascendent midline and the 20-inch rims.
The rear end is also sporty, dominated by the high-sitting taillights and the two large exhaust pipes integrated into the rear apron.
“We have transferred the idea of a relaxing lounge to a vehicle and created an automobile wellness oasis, a place to relax and enjoy. Passengers can retreat in the lounge. It is a comfortable, roomy space where you really want to be – regardless if it’s for a business trip or to relax for a long journey,” says Mark Adams, Vice President of Design at Opel.
One of the Zafira's main features is the panorama windshield, which is continued by a glass roof covering the entire length of the roof offering an airy interior. Inside, there's room for seven passengers with the concept building on Opel's Flex7 seating concept pioneered by the first Zafira. There are many available configurations, including a lounge mode that offers four spacious business-class seats.
The Zafira Tourer Concept is powered by a new version of the Opel's 1.4-liter gasoline turbo engine featuring Start/Stop technology.
We'll have more on Opel's new concept model from the Geneva motor show floors next week.

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Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition

Based on the recently refreshed Corsa OPC, the Nurburgring Edition is a limited series version of Opel’s hot-hatch of which only 500 units will be produced. However, exclusivity is not its only advantage. The special edition Corsa OPC receives an increase of 18HP, so that the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine goes from 192 to 210HP, posting an impressive power rating of 131.4 hp per liter.
The added power is achieved through a new ECU, a modified turbocharger, a sports exhaust with reduced backpressure and optimization for 100-octane fuel. Maximum torque has also been increased to 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft), with 280 Nm (206.5 lb-ft) available when the overboost function is activated. In terms of performance, the Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition hits 100 km/h from a standing start in 6.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph). It also completes the 80 to 120 km/h acceleration in 5th gear in 6.2 seconds.


To better exploit the increased power, OPC engineers fitted the FWD Corsa with a mechanical, multi-plate limited-slip differential that helps recuce wheel spin during cornering, making the Corsa OPC ideal for the racetrack. The chassis has also been retuned, with the car sporting a lower ride height, new Bilstein springs and dampers and a new lightweight front braking system from Brembo. In addition, systems such as the ABS, Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control have been recalibrated to suit the car's new configuration.
The Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition is available in two exclusive body colors, red “Henna” and apple-green “Grasshopper”, as well as with new 18-inch forged aluminum wheels in high-gloss grey. Other new features include a front spoiler lip, a new stainless steel dual exhaust system and Nurburgring logos on the B-pillars. On the inside, the Corsa features Recaro sports seats with white stitching and unique sill plates.
The car is available in Germany for €27.650 ($40,150), while its Vauxhall-badged alter-ego costs £22,295 in Britain.

GALLERY

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Opel Antara Facelift 2011

We've already laid eyes on Opel's and sister company Vauxhall's rehashed Antara, but the automaker just came out with a fresh batch of photos as well as some additional information on the compact SUV, including performance and fuel economy stats for the revamped engine lineup

The cosmetic changes are pretty much limited to the front fascia and rear lights on the outside and a revised center console plus new graphics for the instruments, and updated trim and upholstery, options inside.
For 2011, the Antara's engine line-up consists of two new 2.2-liter CDTI diesels with 163HP and 184HP, and a new 2.4-liter ECOTEC gasoline variant with 167HP.

The 163HP entry level diesel unit is available with front or all-wheel drive and manual or automatic transmission. The FWD model with a manual gearbox returns a combined fuel consumption of 6.3 lt/100 km (37.3 mpg US or 44.8 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 167 g/km, and zero to 100km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 189 km/h (117 mph).
The top-of-the-line 184HP diesel comes standard with all-wheel drive, and is available with both transmission choices. It completes the zero to 100 km/h sprint in 9.6 seconds, has a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph) and returns 6.6 lt/100 km (35.7 mpg US or 42.8 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 175 g/km.
Finally, the 2.4-liter gasoline engine is available with front-wheel drive and manual transmission or all-wheel drive coupled with manual or automatic gearbox. It features a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 10.5 seconds, a maximum speed of 190 km/h (118 mph), fuel consumption of 8.8 lt/100km (26.7 mpg US or 32.1 mpg UK) and CO2 emissions of 206 g/km (manual front-wheel drive version).
Along with the engines, the two available 6-speed transmissions are also newly developed, while improvements to the ABS system and the standard fitting of Hill Start Assist (HSA) which prevents roll-back when driving away on grades, complete the list of changes.
The 2011 Antara will launch in Europe this Spring.
 
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