2010 Opel Astra Caught Totally Undisguised: High-Res Scoop Photos

For the first time, our spy photographers have managed to capture a prototype model of the all-new fourth generation Opel / Vauxhall Astra without a single trace of camouflage. The spy shot gives us a clear view of the Astra's profile revealing details like the shape of the windows and the roofline, the taillights and the concave surfacing on the doors, all of which bring to mind the Insignia that has clearly inspired the designers of Opel's subcompact hatch.

Our gallery also contains spy photos of the 2010 Astra's interior that as you may have probably figured out already, is once again influence by the Insignia. The dashboard features four deeply positioned instrument dials in front of the driver and a swoopy central console with an elevated lower part that houses the gearbox lever.

Technical innovations will include several 'gizmos' like the 'Opel Eye' camera system that recognizes traffic signs warning the driver and a next-generation adaptive headlight system.

Under the skin, the new Opel Astra gets GM's latest front-wheel-drive Delta platform which is also used on the Chevrolet Cruze and Volt. Power will come from a wide range of diesel and gasoline powertrains, including GM's all-new 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine that will be offered with outputs ranging from 120 hp to 140 hp and torque values of 175 to 200 Nm. Opel claims that this unit will deliver an approximate 8% improvement in fuel consumption compared to the naturally aspirated 1.6 and 1.8-liter engines that it will replace.

The 5-door Astra will make its official premiere at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show in September, with sales following in Europe shortly after. In 2010, the Astra's range will be enhanced with the addition of the sportier 3door GTC while Opel also plans to introduce a four-door sedan, a station-wagon and a coupe-cabriolet variant with a retractable hardtop by 2011.

As for the U.S., GM plans to build the new Saturn-badged Astra here in America with sales supposed to commence sometime in 2011. However, given the current economic status of General Motors and more importantly, the uncertain future of the Saturn brand, we wouldn't be surprised if the Astra's North American debut is put on hold.

Vauxhall Launches Styling and Lifestyle Accessories for Insignia

Opel's British counterpart, Vauxhall, has released a new range of styling and "lifestyle" accessories for the Insignia sedan and estate. Most interestingly, buyers can choose between two different aerodynamic packages for the Insignia, the in-house designed VXR styling kit comprising of a rear spoiler, front lower spoiler, rear skirt, and side sills and one from Irmscher that includes a cross hatch grille, front lower spoiler, rear wing spoiler, side sills and rear bumper sports inserts , plus 18 inch "Turbo Star" alloy wheels.

Other available accessories from Vauxhall's dealers range from velour carpet mats at £40.08 and a set of tailored mudflaps at £73.38 to an aluminium base carrier to securely locate roof-mounted equipment such as mountain bikes, windsurf boards and skis, and a 450 litre roof box for extra luggage capacity.

High-Performance Opel Insignia OPC with 320HP and AWD Scooped at Official Event

British car magazine EVO has posted a grainy photograph of what appears to be a prototype model of the forthcoming high-performance Insignia OPC, or as it will called in the UK, the Vauxhall Insignia VXR. We're not entirely sure, but from what we can tell, the picture was taken at some sort of internal gathering of top Opel executives. Aside from the new front bumper that is apparently inspired from the Opel GTC Concept coupé that was previewed at the 2007 Geneva motor show, the OPC prototype also seems to feature wider wheel arches than the standard Insignia.

Details of what is hiding under the Insignia OPC's hood have not been disclosed, but is said that the Opel's performance saloon will get a modified version of the firm's twin-turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 producing around 320HP matched with the latest Haldex AWD differential.

It is expected -but not yet confirmed- that Opel will unveil a prototype version of the car at the Geneva Motorshow in March with the production model following at the Frankfurt show in September.

Source: EVO , Via: Autoblog.it

Opel Officially Receives 'European Car of Year' Award for the Insignia

It may look like a ceremony for the UEFA cup winner, but in fact, what you're seeing here in this picture is the presentation of the European "Car of the Year 2009" award for the Opel Insignia to GM Europe's President, Carl-Peter Forster. The ceremony took place on Monday 26th, January, at Opel's plant in Russelsheim, Germany, that produces the Insignia. The final results for the 2009 COTY were announced last November. Opel's Insignia claimed victory with a total of 321 points followed by the new Ford Fiesta and the VW Golf VI that gathered 320 and 223 points respectively.

Opel Ampera EV: European Chevy Volt to be Unveiled in Geneva Motor Show

As many anticipated, General Motors announced that it will take the wraps off an extended-range electric concept car at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show (March 5-15). The five-door, four-seat Opel Ampera will feature GM's electric propulsion technology, called Voltec, that allows the car to run exclusively on lithium-ion battery power charged via a standard 230v outlet for up to 60 km (37 miles). For longer distances, the car will continue to drive on electricity that is generated by a small internal combustion engine.

"With the Ampera, Opel will be the first European automobile manufacturer to provide customers several hundred kilometers of non-stop electric driving," said Alain Visser, GM Europe Chief Marketing Officer.

While Opel did not make any references to the Chevy Volt, judging by the mechanical and styling similarities between the two cars as seen in this teaser sketch, and taking into consideration a previous statement from GM Europe's president, Carl Peter Forster, who openly admitted that Opel will reveal an electric vehicle derived directly from the Volt, we think that it wouldn't be too farfetched to support that the two cars are if not entirely, heavily related.

New 2010 Opel Astra Image Surfaces Online

A grainy picture of the forthcoming 2010 Opel Astra that was allegedly taken from a video wall during a dealer presentation somewhere in Europe, has hit the web. There's no way of checking its authenticity, but the car seen here does seem to be in par with previous photos and sketches of the 2010 Astra that have been officially released by Opel. Based on GM's new Delta platform, the new Astra will make its official debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show this September.

Aside from the car's design that will be heavily inspired from the Insignia, the new Astra will also benefit from GM's new 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine offered with outputs ranging from 120 hp to 140 hp and torque values of 175 to 200 Nm. Opel claims that this unit will deliver an approximate 8% improvement in fuel consumption compared to the naturally aspirated 1.6 and 1.8-liter engines that it will replace.

Via: Worldcarfans & Autoblog.it

Vauxhall Astra VXR-R / S and Corsa VXR-R / S by Thorney Motorsport

Thorney Motorsport, a UK based tuner that specializes on road and track cars has launched its own range of modified Vauxhall Astra and Corsa VXRs (sold in the rest of Europe as the Opel Astra and Corsa OPCs). Both hot hatches are available in two variants, the VXR-S (Sport) and the more heavily modified VXR-R (Race) with Thorney Motorsport announcing that only 25 units of each version will be produced. The entry-level VXR-S models come equipped with a race suspension set up that brings the Astra and Corsa VXRs 30mm closer to the ground, uprated brake pads, lightweight 18-inch black alloy wheels, sport livery, a sport exhaust system and engine upgrades.

In particular, the Astra VXR-S' 2.0-liter turbocharged engine develops an output of 280 bhp for a 0 to 60mph (96 km/h) sprint of 5.2 sec and a maximum speed of 160 mph (257 km/h). The Corsa VXR-S 1.6-liter turbo unit produces 220 bhp accelerating the hot supermini from standstill to 60 mph in 5.8 sec and on to a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h).

The more track-focused VXR-R models are further enhanced with a competition developed suspension (40 mm lower), racing brakes with 4 piston callipers and larger discs, a limited slip differential and more extensive engine upgrades. The Astra VXR-R delivers an impressive 300 bhp that allows the 3-door hatchback to accelerate from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 4.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 170 mph (273 km/h). Respectively, the Corsa VXR-R's 1.6 Turbo makes 230 bhp for a 0-60 mph sprint of 5.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 160 mph (257 km/h).

All four models are only available as new cars from the Thorney Motorsport Performance Centers that are located within Vauxhall's dealer network.

Vauxhall Astra VXR-S

CHASSIS.

• TMS Uprated Suspension Springs, 30mm Lower
  
• TMS Fast Road Geometry Setup
  

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN.

• TMS Race Exhaust by Milltek Sport with unique black tipped exhaust tailpipe.
  
• TMS Stage 2 Engine Remap
  

BRAKES.

• TMS Uprated Brake Pads Front & Rear
  

WHEELS & TYRES.

• TMS 18" Lightweight Alloy Wheels by Team Dynamics with Unique Red Lip
  
• 225/40YR18 Dunlop SportMaxx Tyres
  

BODYWORK.

• Unique VXR-S Detailing & Badges
  
• Limited Edition Plaque & Ownership Certificate
  

PERFORMANCE.

• 0-60mph: 5.2 Seconds
  
• Top Speed: 160 MPH
  
• Max. BHP: 280 BHP
  
• Max. Torque: 310 ft/lbs
  

Price: £22,995 OTR

Options:

• Full Thorney Motorsport Race Livery £999
  
• Fully Adjustable Race Suspension £899
  
• TMS ATB Competition Differential £999
  
• AP Racing Formula Brake Kit £1599

Vauxhall Astra VXR-R

CHASSIS.

• TMS Race Suspension, with Uprated Springs and Dampers, 40mm Lower.
  
• TMS Uprated Fast Road Geometry Setup
  
• TMS Competition Limited Slip Differential
  

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN.

• TMS Race Exhaust by Milltek Sport with unique black tipped exhaust tailpipe.
  
• TMS Performance Front Mounted Intercooler
  
• TMS Stage 3 Engine Remap
  

BRAKES.

• 4 Piston Racing Brake Kit
  
• Uprated Brake Pads Front & Rear
  

WHEELS & TYRES.

• TMS 18" Lightweight Alloy Wheels by Team Dynamics with Unique Green Lip
  
• Dunlop SportMaxx Ultra Performance Tyres
  

BODYWORK.

• Unique VXR-R Detailing & Badges
  
• Limited Edition Plaque & Ownership Certificate
  

PERFORMANCE.

• 0-60mph: 4.9 Seconds
  
• Top Speed: 170 MPH
  
• Max. BHP: 300 BHP
  
• Max. Torque: 340 ft/lbs
  

Price: £26,295 OTR

Options:

• Full Thorney Motorsport Race Livery £999
  
• Full & Half TMS Roll Cages £1499
  
• Fully Adjustable Race Suspension £899
  
• Dunlop Direzza 03G Trackday Tyres £499
  
• Recaro Fixed Bucket Seats £1499

Vauxhall Corsa VXR-S

CHASSIS.

• TMS Uprated Suspension Springs, 30mm Lower
  
• TMS Fast Road Geometry Setup
  

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN.

• TMS Race Exhaust by Milltek Sport
  
• TMS Stage 2 Engine Remap
  

BRAKES.

• TMS Uprated Brake Pads Front & Rear
  

WHEELS & TYRES.

• TMS 18" Lightweight Alloy Wheels by Team
  
• Dynamics with Unique Red Lip
  

BODYWORK.

• Unique VXR-S Detailing & Badges
  
• Limited Edition Plaque & Ownership Certificate
  

PERFORMANCE.

• 0-60mph: 5.8 Seconds
  
• Top Speed: 150 MPH
  
• Max. BHP: 220 BHP
  
• Max. Torque: 250 ft/lbs
  

Price: £18,295 OTR

Options:

• Full Thorney Motorsport Race Livery £999
  
• Fully Adjustable Race Suspension £899
  
• TMS ATB Competition Differential £999
  
• AP Racing Formula Brake Kit £1599

Vauxhall Corsa VXR-R

CHASSIS.

• TMS Race Suspension, with Uprated Springs and Dampers, 40mm Lower.
  
• TMS Uprated Fast Road Geometry Setup
  
• TMS Competition Limited Slip Differential
  

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN.

• TMS Race Exhaust by Milltek Sport
  
• TMS Performance Front Mounted Intercooler
  
• TMS Stage 3 Engine Remap
  

BRAKES.

• 4 Piston Racing Brake Kit
  
• Uprated Brake Pads Front & Rear
  

WHEELS & TYRES.

• TMS 18" Lightweight Alloy Wheels by Team Dynamics with Unique Green Lip
  
• Dunlop SportMaxx Ultra Performance Tyres
  

BODYWORK.

• Unique VXR-R Detailing & Badges
  
• Limited Edition Plaque & Ownership Certificate
  

PERFORMANCE.

• 0-60mph: 5.4 Seconds
  
• Top Speed: 160 MPH
  
• Max. BHP: 230 BHP
  
• Max. Torque: 260 ft/lbs
  

Price: £22,495 OTR

Options:

• Full Thorney Motorsport Race Livery £999
  
• Full & Half TMS Roll Cages £1499
  
• Fully Adjustable Race Suspension £899
  
• Dunlop Direzza 03G Trackday Tyres £499
  
• Recaro Fixed Bucket Seats £1499

2010 Opel Meriva MPV: New Spy Shots Reveal Suicide Doors

Our latest set of spy shots of the all-new Meriva that is expected to arrive in late 2009, reveal that Opel's second generation mini-MPV will retain the innovative suicide rear doors of the Meriva Concept that made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. Called FlexDoors, the Meriva's rear-hinged back doors can open independently from the conventionally designed front doors. Even though this future is not only unique but also promises to make access to the car interior much easier, we must note that we question its functionality in tight parking spots.

In other aspects, the prototype models seen in these spy shots especially the ones of the body shell, leave few doubts that Opel has retained the concept's sharp looks inside and out. Just like the current model, the new Meriva will be equipped with Opel's variable FlexSpace rear seating system that allows the transformation of the vehicle from a five-seater to a four, three, two or even single seat vehicle without the need to remove seats.

As seen in the concept, the production Meriva will also gain the Zafira's panoramic roof with its four individual glass elements and aircraft style integrated storage compartments. This feature will be offered as an extra.

Underneath the sheetmetal, the 2010 Meriva will share many of its underpinnings with the latest Opel Corsa supermini. That spells larger exterior dimensions and more interior space for occupants and their luggage than the current model.

Aside from the usual petrol and diesel engines, according to Carscoop sources, the new Meriva will also be offered with GM's brand-new 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine with outputs ranging from 120 hp to 140 HP. As for the top-of-the-line Meriva OPC, it will be equipped with a 1.6-liter turbo unit producing an output of 180HP. In Europe, the Meriva will compete against the Nissan Note, Honda Jazz, Renault Modus, Citroen C3 Picasso and the Skoda Roomster.

It remains to be seen if GM will bring the Meriva to the States as a Saturn model - that is, if Saturn is alive until then...