AutoShortNews » Opel

2012 Opel Astra OPC gets 280 horsepower

Admin — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 12:20:31 +0000

GM’s European division has really done a number on the compact hatchback to make it worthy of the badge, dropping a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four with direct injection underhood. The 280-horsepower engine is also good for 295 lb-ft of torque, and GM says the Astra OPC can do all of 155 mph. Like the Astra GTC, the OPC uses the HiPerStrut front suspension with adjustable dampers, steering and throttle, thanks to the FlexRide control system. But the top-of-the-line Astra model adds a limited-slip front differential to help control all that turbo torque. Brembo brakes, special front and rear fascias, dual exhaust, performance seats, a special steering wheel and new instrumentation round out the OPC package.

Source: Opel

2012 Opel Zafira Tourer revealed

Admin — Mon, 23 May 2011 19:45:54 +0000

Sending power through the improved chassis are three 2.0-liter CDTI diesel options. The four-cylinder diesel mills come in 110-, 130- and 165-horsepower options. If you must have a gas powerplant, the Zafira carries either a 120-hp, 1.4-liter ECOTEC four banger or a 140-hp version of the same powerplant. No matter what engine you choose, you can have either a six-speed stick or six-speed automatic.

Source: Opel

Opel channels the Nürburgring for its hottest-ever Corsa

Admin — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 05:39:49 +0000

Between the New York Auto Show, the Shanghai Motor Show and Top Marques Monaco, there’s a major motor expo happening on each of three continents. But the latest model you see here wasn’t unveiled at any one of them.

What you’re looking at is the hottest hatch to come from Opel. It’s called the Corsa OPC Nürburgring Edition, and it means business. To start with, the Opel Performance Center (think of it as General Motors of Europe’s AMG) has tweaked the 1.6-liter turbo four from 192 horsepower to 210 and boosted the torque count from 170 lb-ft (196 on overboost) to 184 (206 on overboost).

To cope with the added twist, OPC’s fitted a multi-plate mechanical limited-slip differential. They’ve also added Bilstein suspension components and Brembo brakes, recalibrated the ABS, traction control and stability management systems. On the outside, they’ve mounted new 18-inch alloys on 35-series low-profile rubber and a new front spoiler, dual-tipped stainless-steel exhaust and the requisite special badges.

The result is a Karousel-charging 6.8-second sprint to 60 and an Autobahn-crunching 143 mph top end. Only 500 examples will be offered, with two new colors (Grasshopper green and the above-pictured Henna red) joining the catalog for this special edition. Follow the jump for the full press blast and scope out the trio of images in the gallery below for a closer look.

[Source: Opel]

Production Opel Ampera revealed ahead of Geneva

Admin — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:38:16 +0000

The Opel Ampera wears more aggressive body panels than its more conservative Chevrolet Volt cousin. The headlights flow down into the running lights, while the front and rear fascias appear downright sporty. Tucked into the rubber, the production-ready flower-pattern wheels mirror the design of the concept vehicle, yet they aren’t quite as show car exotic.

Opel notes that it has taken in over 1,000 reservations for the Ampera across Europe. The automaker put out a call to the public and around 400 “ePioneers” raised their hands to test early versions of the Ampera. When it goes on sale later this year, it will be priced at €42,900 in most European markets (that’s just shy of $60,000 USD, but it includes Europe’s costly Value Added Tax, which adds about 20 percent to the purchase price).

[Source: Opel]

Opel Ampera priced from 42,900 euros

Admin — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 15:30:00 +0000

General Motors is ready to begin taking orders for the 2011 Opel Ampera, the European cousin of the Chevrolet Volt. The MSRP has been set at €42,900, which equals roughly $58,718 USD based on current exchange rates, or $18,438 more than a Volt here in the States. Sure, the front end is more aggressive and the wheels are better but is the Ampera nearly $20,000 better than the our all-American electric sedan?

[Source: General Motors]

Frankfurt 2009: Opel Astra makes its debut under the lights

Admin — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 06:34:49 +0000

By now, you’ve likely already seen official shots of the 2010 Opel Astra, both inside and out. Of course, catching a glimpse of a new shape under the harsh lighting of an auto show often brings a different point of view than the automaker’s own glitzy press shots.

Q Full article, Source: AutoBlog

Frankfurt 2009: Bring us the 2010 Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer

Admin — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:27:43 +0000

Remember this? “More wagons! More wagons!” Well, here’s another. Meet the Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer. Salient facts: 325-horsepower turbocharged 2.8-liter V6, AWD, six-speed manual, eLSD torque vectoring and it’s a station wagon. Oh, and get this — it’s built from off the shelf GM parts. Serious.

Q Full article, Source: AutoBlog