2013 Opel Astra Convertible Spy Photos and Video Outline New Softop Model

Our spies have photographed and filmed the new Opel (Vauxhall in Britain) Astra Convertible on test in Germany. The vehicles caught testing here are early prototype models as the front doors appear to be carried over complete with their frames from the hatchback model.

Nevertheless, we are offered out first look at the open-top version of the new Astra series, which is planned to go on sale by early 2013. The most important change over the previous Astra TwinTop is the replacement of the more complicated, heavier and costly retractable metal roof with a traditional fabric hood.

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Angry Son Drives Opel Calibra into His Parents’ Living Room!

It is really hard to believe, but a 27-year old man from The Netherlands plowed his parents house with his car after an argument. According to press reports from the local media, the man left his house and returned later in the day but not the way his parents were expecting as he picked up speed in his 1990s Opel Calibra sports coupe and drove or rather flew into the living room of his house!

Amazingly, no one was seriously injured in the rage-induced incident. The police arrested the young man who is now facing several charges. Check out the aftermath of the crash in the video after the break.

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Report: GM Fed up with Opel, but a Sale isn’t on the Table

They say, where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and true enough in the case of GM’s relationship with its European subsidiary Opel, there seems to be a lot of smoke piling up lately. Just yesterday, press reports from Auto Bild and Spiegel Online said that GM is looking for a buyer, but the news was quickly dismissed by spokespeople from both Opel and the government of Germany's state of Thuringia, home to one of the brand’s factories.

Today, Reuters came out with a new report saying the Detroit automaker is “frustrated” with its money-losing Opel brand and is “considering options for a turnaround”, noting, however, that a sale of the Opel brand is highly unlikely.

"Akerson is fed up with Opel, and the turnaround isn't gaining traction," a unnamed source who is close to the GM CEO told Reuters. "He is trying to think of all possibilities to improve performance. But a sale is wishful thinking,” the source added.

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GM Denies Reports Claiming Plans to Sell its Opel Brand Possibly to the Chinese or VW Group

German car magazine Auto Bild and weekly Der Spiegel reported Thursday that General Motors is once again considering the sale of its Opel and Vauxhall units. The reports were dismissed as pure speculation by the Detroit automaker as well as a German state with an Opel factory, which called the news “nonsense”.

According to the news reports, GM allegedly was no longer in need of Opel’s know-how in manufacturing small cars as well as low emission and fuel efficient powerplants and that it could replace the German brand with its South Korean GM Chevrolet unit, formerly known as Daewoo.

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Opel Officially Reveals 2012 Astra GTC, High-Po OPC Coming Next Year

This is General Motors’ brand new Opel Astra GTC revealed more than two months ahead of its world premiere at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany, in mid-September. The newest member of Opel’s ever-growing Astra family will go on sale across Europe including the United Kingdom where it will be available as a Vauxhall later this year. Recent reports also suggest it may come to the States under the Buick brand.

GM’s European subsidiary is confident about its new Astra GTC with Vauxhall going as far as to claim that it will “lay down the gauntlet to VW’s Scirocco and Renault’s Megane Coupe with a heady mix of dynamic excellence, dramatic design features and competitive pricing".

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Vauxhall Insignia gains New 1.4-Liter Turbo Petrol and Improved EcoFlex Diesels

It’s model-year changeover over time for the Vauxhall Insignia with the British company announcing the addition of a low emissions ecoFLEX diesel model and a new-to-the-range 1.4 Turbo petrol engine. Read more »

Rumors: Opel Astra GTC May Come to the U.S. as a Buick

It seems the success of the Buick Regal, which is essentially a rebadged Opel Insignia, has determined GM management to consider bringing another Opel to the U.S., the Astra GTC hatch. Buick will soon have a compact sedan in its range, the Astra-based Verano due to be launched this fall, but it also wants a sporty hatchback with enough power and fine handling to lure young buyers. Read more »

British Study Reveals the Most Popular Hairdresser’s Car in Real Life

And no, despite what you may have heard or read, the Audi TT ain’t the most popular car among hairdressers – or at least not in Britain. According to a new study made available today by UK women's car insurance specialist Diamond, that title goes to…*drums please*…the one and only, MINI One hatchback. In fact, the BMW Group’s MINI brand had two vehicles in the top five positions.

The UK insurance firm came to this conclusion after looking at data from over 18,000 hairdressers in Britain. The company said the MINI One is three and a half times more likely to be driven by someone working as a hairdresser than everyone else.

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GM’s Opel follows in the Footsteps of Ford, Asks Bloggers to Write About the Astra GTC to Attend the Presentation

Those of you readers that have been with us for a while might remember our revealing post about Ford Motor Company’s shady marketing tactics (via its media agency) to attract attention and web traffic to the brand by asking bloggers to participate in a Ford website-linking contest and win a place in the company’s 2010 Model Year Drive event.

That said, we are no strangers to the mommy-blogger-type approach from marketing companies representing major automotive brands, but we never cease to be amazed. This time we were approached by a social media agency called Knallgrau on behalf of GM’s European Opel unit. When we received the first email, we believed it was a media / press invitation but upon our request for additional information, we discovered that wasn’t the case.

In a similar fashion to the Ford incident, the agency asked if we wanted to write about the new Astra GTC and participate in a type of contest, the winners of which will be invited to the official unveiling of the three-door hatchback at Opel’s headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany.

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SCOOP: Is this the New 2013 Opel / Vauxhall Astra Convertible?

With the new sporty looking three-door Astra GTC on its way and the Astra Sedan outlined by its sister models from Buick’s US (2012 Verano) and China (Excelle) divisions, the only body style left to complete the range of Opel’s C-segment model series is the convertible version.

Recently, our spies in Germany caught a glimpse of an Astra-based model, which appears to be the cabriolet variant of the series. While we can’t be 100 percent sure, it is clear that this Astra has a boot while the close ups reveal a more raked rear windshield line than you’d normally expect to see on a four-door family sedan.

To get an idea of what the Astra Convertible might look like, here's our artist’s impression based on the upcoming GTC model. Even though our image of Opel’s VW Golf Cabriolet contender was styled with a soft-top, it has not yet been revealed if the German company will adopt this solution or if it will continue to use the current Astra TwinTop’s retractable metal roof.

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New Opel Zafira Tourer Receives its Video Debut

Across the pond, General Motors is upping the ante in the popular compact MPV sector with the introduction of Opel’s third generation Zafira model that will go on sale in most European countries this autumn. The production version of Opel’s Geneva show concept will also wear Vauxhall’s badges with the first cars to reach UK showrooms by early 2012.

We have already brought you the news and the first batch of photos in our previous post (see here), but now we have also obtained the launch film showing Opel’s people carrier on the move.

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All-New 2012 Opel Zafira 7-Seater Minivan Breaks Cover Ahead of Frankfurt Motor Show

Meet the new Opel Zafira Tourer, which was revealed today in its final production form before a global premiere at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany this fall. General Motors’ European division had previewed its new range-topping people carrier as a concept model at the Geneva Salon this past March.

The Zafira nameplate was first launched onto the market in 1999 with Opel having introduced a second-generation model in 2005. Now in its third iteration, the new Zafira will attempt to expand its customer base by adding a more impressive design and a more premium feel to the mix of qualities that are typical of the minivan segment.

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Corsa Nürburgring Edition

A hotter version of the Vauxhall Corsa VXR / Opel Corsa OPC is due in dealers this May. Called the Nürburgring Edition, it gets more grunt, chassis tweaks and a higher price tag.

The 1.6 litre engine benefits from a revised turbocharger and management system, as well as a sports exhaust with reduced back pressure. Interestingly, though, the two GM subsidiaries are reporting different results from these modifications.



Opel claims that power increases from 189 bhp (141 kW / 192 PS) to 206 bhp (154 kW / 210 PS), whereas Vauxhall reckons it only rises to 202 bhp (150 kW / 205 PS). That anomaly is possibly explained by the OPC car being optimised to run on 100 octane petrol, while the VXR has been set up for slightly tamer 98 octane fuel.



What both manufacturers do agree on is the extra torque, which improves from 230 Nm (266 Nm) to 250 Nm (280 Nm). The figures in brackets apply to the turbo overboost function, which can only be used in short bursts.

The effect on performance is a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 6.8 seconds, while top speed improves to 143 mph (230 km/h).



Significantly, that makes the Nürburgring Edition marginally quicker than the model that’s widely acknowledged as one of the best hot hatches on the market - the Renault Clio Renaultsport 200. But only just, as the Clio sprints to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds before going onto 141 mph (225 km/h).

Of course, how that tiny numerical advantage translates into real world driving will depend on how the Corsa handles the added power. To help, a mechanical multi-plate limited-slip differential is fitted that should hopefully improve traction and keep the dreaded understeer in check.



Replacing the stock spring and damper units are bespoke Bilstein items, which have been engineered to sharpen up the handling while reducing ride height by 20 mm at the front and 15 mm at the rear. The traction control, electronic stability control and anti-lock braking systems have all been recalibrated, too, and completing the chassis make-over are lightweight brakes from Brembo with high performance linings.



Distinguishing the Nürburgring Edition are new 18” high-gloss grey aluminium wheels, a front lip spoiler, the new exhaust and Nürburgring logos on the B-pillars, sill plates and front seat backs.

Buyers are certainly going to have to pay for the upgrades, though. In the UK a standard Corsa VXR costs £18,640, but the Nürburgring Edition will be £22,295.



That’s an awful lot for a Corsa, especially considering that £22,330 would buy the faster - and undoubtedly more desirable - Mini John Cooper Works. It also makes the £17,810 Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 seem rather a bargain by comparison.



In Germany, the Opel Corsa OPC Nürburgring Edition will have a recommended retail price of €27,650 (including VAT).



Images © GM Corp.

Corsa Nürburgring Edition

A hotter version of the Vauxhall Corsa VXR / Opel Corsa OPC is due in dealers this May. Called the Nürburgring Edition, it gets more grunt, chassis tweaks and a higher price tag.

The 1.6 litre engine benefits from a revised turbocharger and management system, as well as a sports exhaust with reduced back pressure. Interestingly, though, the two GM subsidiaries are reporting different results from these modifications.



Opel claims that power increases from 189 bhp (141 kW / 192 PS) to 206 bhp (154 kW / 210 PS), whereas Vauxhall reckons it only rises to 202 bhp (150 kW / 205 PS). That anomaly is possibly explained by the OPC car being optimised to run on 100 octane petrol, while the VXR has been set up for slightly tamer 98 octane fuel.



What both manufacturers do agree on is the extra torque, which improves from 230 Nm (266 Nm) to 250 Nm (280 Nm). The figures in brackets apply to the turbo overboost function, which can only be used in short bursts.

The effect on performance is a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 6.8 seconds, while top speed improves to 143 mph (230 km/h).



Significantly, that makes the Nürburgring Edition marginally quicker than the model that’s widely acknowledged as one of the best hot hatches on the market - the Renault Clio Renaultsport 200. But only just, as the Clio sprints to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds before going onto 141 mph (225 km/h).

Of course, how that tiny numerical advantage translates into real world driving will depend on how the Corsa handles the added power. To help, a mechanical multi-plate limited-slip differential is fitted that should hopefully improve traction and keep the dreaded understeer in check.



Replacing the stock spring and damper units are bespoke Bilstein items, which have been engineered to sharpen up the handling while reducing ride height by 20 mm at the front and 15 mm at the rear. The traction control, electronic stability control and anti-lock braking systems have all been recalibrated, too, and completing the chassis make-over are lightweight brakes from Brembo with high performance linings.



Distinguishing the Nürburgring Edition are new 18” high-gloss grey aluminium wheels, a front lip spoiler, the new exhaust and Nürburgring logos on the B-pillars, sill plates and front seat backs.

Buyers are certainly going to have to pay for the upgrades, though. In the UK a standard Corsa VXR costs £18,640, but the Nürburgring Edition will be £22,295.



That’s an awful lot for a Corsa, especially considering that £22,330 would buy the faster - and undoubtedly more desirable - Mini John Cooper Works. It also makes the £17,810 Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 seem rather a bargain by comparison.



In Germany, the Opel Corsa OPC Nürburgring Edition will have a recommended retail price of €27,650 (including VAT).



Images © GM Corp.

Cruze Hatchback first view

Following the unveiling of the Cruze Hatchback ‘show car’ in Paris last September, Chevrolet has released the first images of the production version that’ll be at Geneva next week.

Apart from some elements that gave the concept a bit more pizzazz - such as the lights and large wheels - not a lot has changed.



Adding a hatch to the existing saloon is bound to extend the Cruze’s appeal, especially in Europe. However, one potential snag for GM could be that the Chevrolet cannibalises sales from its slightly more upmarket cousin, the very, very similar Vauxhall / Opel Astra.



Sales of the Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback are set to start this summer. Prices and specifications have yet to be confirmed, but a fresh line-up of engines is promised, including a 160 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS) diesel.



The new model is also going to be built in Australia, where it’ll be marketed as the Holden Cruze.



Images © GM Corp.



Related post:

Cruze hatch show car

Cruze Hatchback first view

Following the unveiling of the Cruze Hatchback ‘show car’ in Paris last September, Chevrolet has released the first images of the production version that’ll be at Geneva next week.

Apart from some elements that gave the concept a bit more pizzazz - such as the lights and large wheels - not a lot has changed.



Adding a hatch to the existing saloon is bound to extend the Cruze’s appeal, especially in Europe. However, one potential snag for GM could be that the Chevrolet cannibalises sales from its slightly more upmarket cousin, the very, very similar Vauxhall / Opel Astra.



Sales of the Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback are set to start this summer. Prices and specifications have yet to be confirmed, but a fresh line-up of engines is promised, including a 160 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS) diesel.



The new model is also going to be built in Australia, where it’ll be marketed as the Holden Cruze.



Images © GM Corp.



Related post:

Cruze hatch show car

Zafira Tourer Concept

Vauxhall / Opel is to unveil its Zafira Tourer Concept at next month’s Geneva International Motor Show.

Despite the ‘Concept’ tag, it gives a very strong hint of how the third generation Zafira is going to look.



While some styling elements - such as the striking Ampera-inspired front end - will probably make it onto a production version, others stand less chance. That latter category would include the edge-lit, full-length glass roof, although the panoramic windscreen might well end up being an option.

On the inside, there’s the Zafira’s signature Flex7 three-row seating system. A further development for the concept is the ability to convert the cabin into a roomy four seat ‘lounge’ configuration. This is achieved by folding down the centre section of the second row, which is then replaced by two armrests.



The interior design signals a move upmarket for the Zafira, although it’s expected that the caramel leather and deep-pile carpet of the show car will be replaced by more family-friendly trim by the time that sales start.

Images © GM Corp.

Zafira Tourer Concept

Vauxhall / Opel is to unveil its Zafira Tourer Concept at next month’s Geneva International Motor Show.

Despite the ‘Concept’ tag, it gives a very strong hint of how the third generation Zafira is going to look.



While some styling elements - such as the striking Ampera-inspired front end - will probably make it onto a production version, others stand less chance. That latter category would include the edge-lit, full-length glass roof, although the panoramic windscreen might well end up being an option.

On the inside, there’s the Zafira’s signature Flex7 three-row seating system. A further development for the concept is the ability to convert the cabin into a roomy four seat ‘lounge’ configuration. This is achieved by folding down the centre section of the second row, which is then replaced by two armrests.



The interior design signals a move upmarket for the Zafira, although it’s expected that the caramel leather and deep-pile carpet of the show car will be replaced by more family-friendly trim by the time that sales start.

Images © GM Corp.

Antara gets updated

The South Korean-built Antara is a fairly rare sight, a situation that Vauxhall will doubtless be keen to rectify with the refreshed 2011 model.

Power now comes from an all-new Euro 5 compliant 2.2 CDTI diesel (there’s no petrol option), which is available in two states of tune: 160 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS) with 350 Nm (258 lb/ft) of torque, or 181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS) with 400 Nm (295 lb/ft).



Kicking off the range is the £19,995 front-wheel drive Exclusiv, obviously priced to undercut SUV rivals such as the £22,300 diesel Volkswagen Tiguan S. Featuring the lower horsepower engine and a revamped six-speed manual gearbox, it’ll accelerate from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 9.9 seconds and go on to a top speed of 117 mph (188 km/h).



Combined cycle fuel consumption of 44.8 mpg (6.3 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 167 g/km aren’t too bad. However, those figures are easily bettered by front-wheel drive versions of the Tiguan and BMW X1, both of which achieve more than 50 mpg (5.6 l/100km) and less than 140 g/km.

The all-wheel drive system can be specified with either engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. Under normal conditions all power still gets sent to the front wheels, but up to fifty percent will go to the rears when required. As expected, buyers have to pay extra for the extra traction, with prices rising to £26,905 for the 181 bhp Antara SE Automatic.



Development work has also been carried out on the chassis. The ABS system is improved, and Hill Start Assist is now fitted as standard. Suspension settings have also been revised, with the aim of improving handling while maintaining a decent ride quality.



On the interior there’s better quality upholstery and trim and a new centre console. Exterior changes have been limited to a redesigned grille and lights, plus the fitment of protection panels front and rear.



Vauxhall / Opel is saying that 15,000 Antara sales are expected during 2011, rising thereafter to 20,000 per annum. The largest markets are anticipated to be the UK, Russia, Italy and Germany.



Images © GM Corp.

Antara gets updated

The South Korean-built Antara is a fairly rare sight, a situation that Vauxhall will doubtless be keen to rectify with the refreshed 2011 model.

Power now comes from an all-new Euro 5 compliant 2.2 CDTI diesel (there’s no petrol option), which is available in two states of tune: 160 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS) with 350 Nm (258 lb/ft) of torque, or 181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS) with 400 Nm (295 lb/ft).



Kicking off the range is the £19,995 front-wheel drive Exclusiv, obviously priced to undercut SUV rivals such as the £22,300 diesel Volkswagen Tiguan S. Featuring the lower horsepower engine and a revamped six-speed manual gearbox, it’ll accelerate from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 9.9 seconds and go on to a top speed of 117 mph (188 km/h).



Combined cycle fuel consumption of 44.8 mpg (6.3 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 167 g/km aren’t too bad. However, those figures are easily bettered by front-wheel drive versions of the Tiguan and BMW X1, both of which achieve more than 50 mpg (5.6 l/100km) and less than 140 g/km.

The all-wheel drive system can be specified with either engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. Under normal conditions all power still gets sent to the front wheels, but up to fifty percent will go to the rears when required. As expected, buyers have to pay extra for the extra traction, with prices rising to £26,905 for the 181 bhp Antara SE Automatic.



Development work has also been carried out on the chassis. The ABS system is improved, and Hill Start Assist is now fitted as standard. Suspension settings have also been revised, with the aim of improving handling while maintaining a decent ride quality.



On the interior there’s better quality upholstery and trim and a new centre console. Exterior changes have been limited to a redesigned grille and lights, plus the fitment of protection panels front and rear.



Vauxhall / Opel is saying that 15,000 Antara sales are expected during 2011, rising thereafter to 20,000 per annum. The largest markets are anticipated to be the UK, Russia, Italy and Germany.



Images © GM Corp.