Vauxhall VXR8: In Detail

Introduction

There was every reason to mourn the passing of the Monaro, but the Thunder from Down Under hasn't stopped yet.

What better to replace the 6.0-litre V8, rear-drive Aussie performance icon with than an all-new Antipodean muscle car. A car, in fact, just like the VXR8 a car even more powerful and exciting than the Monaro.

The dramatic-looking new saloon is powered by the same 6.0-litre V8 as the outgoing Monaro VXR, but revisions have made it even more efficient. It now develops a massive 417PS and 550Nm of torque, giving it enough grunt to sprint from 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds. No other supercar offers this sort of power for anywhere near the VXR8's bargain price of just 35,105 pounds.

Yet the VXR8, based on the Australian Holden VE HSV Clubsport R8, offers more in the way of practicality than the Monaro, with four doors and space for all the family.

Although practical, with a spacious boot, comfortable, long-legged cruising ability and luxuries such as climate control and leather trim, the VXR8 is certainly no softie. Driver aids such as the stability system and traction control can be turned off at the flick of a switch perfect for drivers who want to hone their skills on a track day!

In response to customer demand, the VXR8 will also be the first VXR model to be offered with an automatic gearbox, but that doesn't mean that VXR shifted to being dull. Performance figures are hardly affected, and the auto's fuel economy is actually better than the manual's.

Satellite navigation and 20-inch wheels are among the options for those who want to make their VXR8 look more distinctive and help find their way to the best driving roads. Even with all the option boxes ticked however, the VXR8 is still around half the price of other cars with comparable performance. As all fast car fans know, Aussie rules and here's why...

New Opel Vectra/Saturn Aura Spied in Death Valley

Flagship shot in the dessert

Shot during secret hot-weather testing in the U.S., these are the best pictures yet of the all-new Opel Vectra which is to replace the current model by the end of next year! The new Epsilon 2 platform will allow a wider and taller body than currently, which should mean more space inside for passengers – something that's vital in a class where machines such as VW's Passat have really upped standards. The wider stance should also mean an even more composed driving experience.

Almost undisguised for the first time are details of the new­comer's styling. Obviously, they will follow the Astra and Antara SUV with a bold front end and a radical fastback profile. A higher-quality cabin will also be key to keeping the new model on terms with its rivals. And it's inside that the new Vectra will make the biggest leaps over the existing car. Flag­ship Vectras will get a system called Traf­fic Assist, which has an array of lasers and video cameras that scan the road ahead for warning signs, lane markings and other traffic – meaning the Opel will be the world's first 'driverless' car. Another first will be the arrival of a 4WD version, while the wider engine range will include a 200bhp 2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel, plus a development of the 2.8 V6 petrol. On sale in late 2008, the new Vectra should debut at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. The Vectra will be available afterwards in the US as the Saturn Ar in 2010.

Opel GTC Concept

Spectacular Reveal of Striking Opel GTC Concept

Geneva. On the eve of the 77th Geneva Motor Show, Opel illuminated the night. Supported by a dramatic light show, the Opel GTC Concept (Gran Turismo Coupé) made its spectacular debut at the "GM Premiere Night."

Heralding a new design era for the brand, the GTC Concept gives an insight into how Opel's design language will look in the future. Adding to progressive shapes and surfaces, the four-seat coupé features unique LED lighting concepts in the front and rear, providing a new signature lighting style for the brand.

The reveal's exciting light show highlighted the GTC Concept´s signature illumination theme by utilizing state-of-the-art LED technology for the huge stage wall. The car then strutted down a long runway to its final resting spot on a turntable in the center of the room.

Visual effects of the evening were also part of the futuristic iBar concept: Items like mobile phones or drink glasses rested on the bar tops were connected by animation of the concept car and the Opel emblem. In addition, a common denominator of the show was the color red, reflecting the interior lighting theme of the concept car and the red line in its seats, steering wheel and tires.

Two live performances of the U.S. band "Pink Martini" and a fashion show of the hip Spanish label "Mango" rounded off the spectacular presentation of the GTC Concept.

"This evening's presentation perfectly highlighted the GTC Concept as the new interpretation of the Opel brand," explained Alain Visser, Executive Director, European Opel Marketing. "The concept car´s exciting lines, high driving dynamics and interior flexibility reflect what the Opel brand trademark characteristics will be in the future." "With the GTC Concept our team envisioned the new essence of Opel - more confident, relevant and distinctive - in a high-performance four-seat coupé," said Bryan Nesbitt, Executive Director, GM Europe Design. "This style is what to expect of future Opel products."

Key elements of the GTC Concept (length/width/height: 4830/1867/1432 millimeters, wheelbase: 2737 mm) begin with an aggressive front end performance face emphasized by large aluminum vertical intakes that intersect the headlamps. These vertical elements are mimicked in the rear exhaust elements. Another significant design cue of the two-door sport-coupé is the sophisticated bodyside shapes and surfacing.

Echoing the exterior, the interior visually articulates a dynamic driving experience and reveals a new standard of Opel aesthetics. Brand-typical on-board flexibility is ensured by the thoughtful "Flex4" system. The backs of both rear seats can be docked separately to the front seats by remote control, creating a spacious three or two-seater with flat load floor.

The Opel GTC Concept is powered by a 220 kW/300 hp, 2.8-liter V6 turbo gasoline engine and features an intelligent, electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system.

Opel GTC Concept Heralds New Design Era for the Brand

• Dynamic and unexpected: New interior and exterior design language

• Striking and elegant: Lighting concepts provide new signature style

• Flexible and innovative: From four to two-seater at touch of a button with “Flex4”

• Intelligent and variable: Four-wheel drive for optimum traction in all driving situations

The world premiere of the GTC Concept (Gran Turismo Coupé) at the 77th Geneva Motor Show gives an insight into how dynamic and refreshing Opel's new design language will look in the future. "This concept car demonstrates the new interpretation of the Opel brand," explains Alain Visser, Executive Director, European Opel Marketing. "The GTC Concept embodies the confident, emotional direction we're taking with Opel. Its exciting lines combined with its high driving dynamics and interior flexibility reflect what the Opel brand trademark characteristics will be in the future." Even a new, more refined brand emblem, with the Opel name proudly embossed into the Blitz ring, is suggested.

"The GTC Concept importantly signals the next chapter in Opel's design identity," says Bryan Nesbitt, Executive Director, GM Europe Design. "Our team strategized to envision the new essence of Opel - more confident, relevant and distinctive - in a high-performance, yet versatile, four-seat coupé. This style is what to expect of future Opel products.

"You have seen a number of recent concept cars become reality at Opel," says Hans Demant, Opel´s Managing Director and GME Vice President Engineering. "Concepts like the GTC Genève and Antara GTC or the Flex-Fix rear carrier system from the TRIXX previewed their production variants. This car is a confident ambassador for the brand and could play a similar role for us, previewing the engineering and design cues of our next-generation Opels."

The four-seat coupé is powered by a 220 kW/300 hp, 2.8-liter V6 turbo gasoline engine and features an intelligent, electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system, which provides optimum traction and stability as well as excellent agility in all driving conditions.

Brand-typical on-board flexibility is ensured by the thoughtful "Flex4" system (patent application submitted). The backs of both rear seats can be docked separately to the front seats by remote control, creating a spacious three or two-seater with flat load floor and up to 1020 liters of luggage compartment capacity. As is typical of Opel cars, the seats do not have to be removed or installed.

Dynamic design: Visually communicating the Opel brand promise

The GTC Concept reveals the next-generation of Opel styling. Much like the Opel Speedster did in 1999, or the GTC Genève Concept did in 2003 this car marks a break in the evolution of Opel's design language and signals that the next chapter is about to be written.

Key elements of the silk grey-lacquered Coupé concept car finished with a matte grey paint (length/width/height: 4830/1867/1432 millimeters, wheelbase: 2737 mm) begin with an aggressive front end performance face emphasized by large aluminum vertical intakes that intersect the headlamps. These vertical elements are mimicked in the rear exhaust elements, proposing an unmistakable down-the-road signature performance graphic, coming or going.

The proud front is highlighted by a prominent, trapezoidal grille with signature Opel bar and Blitz, executed in polished aluminum, and gracefully finished with a bolder Opel Blitz emblem concept. The centerline crease coupled with the distinctive aluminum vertical intakes and outboard LED vertical driving lamps choreograph in harmony to visually communicate power and strength. The distinctive design continues with LED technology, enabling creative headlamp inner shapes that propose a night time signature illumination graphic in the front and rear lamps.

Another significant design cue of the two-door sport-coupé with its sleek silhouette is the sophisticated bodyside shapes and surfacing. The sheetmetal surfaces suggest athleticism coupled with elegance to provide tasteful distinction in a visually loud marketplace. The car features sculpted side lines that further progress the Opel profile shown on the Antara and Opel GT production vehicles.

In addition, large flares hug the aggressive wheel and tire package, visually suggesting road confidence to the customer. Thanks to the wide track (front/rear: 1627/1629 mm), the Opel GTC Concept provides a commanding stance, planted by 20-inch rims with 245/40 R20 "red line" styled rubber. The wheels reference the motor sport aesthetic of black rims - however, elegantly finished with high- gloss black spokes contrasted with machine polished edges, alluding a signature performance wheel look.

The GTC Concept's rear visual solutions strategically echo the design language of the nose with an integrated rear bar and blitz emblem resting on the distinctive Opel rear center crease. Sophisticated surface development sculpturally integrates the rear spoiler into the sheetmetal to visually communicate performance. The rear appearance features Opel signature shaped rear lamps, uniquely displaying a LED night lighting graphic showcasing the exterior brand identity. The smart exterior shape and aerodynamic characteristics are rewarded by the cD value of 0.25.

Interior design: Warmer and more inviting

Opel's interior designs have progressed to become warmer and more inviting in products like the new Corsa, Antara and Opel GT. However, the Opel GTC Concept significantly represents the next chapter of Opel's interior brand identity. Echoing the exterior, the interior shapes and surfaces are sculpturally-crafted to visually articulate a dynamic driving experience. The dashboard's top-pad wraps around from the instrument panel to the door, embracing the occupants. The sweeping décor dynamically stretches one's eye from the surfaces of the door and instrument panel, creating a memorable environment. The horizontal theme is secured with a large integrated centerstack design floating above the décor surface, an appearance reminiscent of premium audio equipment.

Complementing the exterior material theme, matte ebony surfaces are contrasted with rich high-gloss piano black décor finishes and structurally elegant aluminum accents, revealing a new standard of Opel aesthetics. The U-shaped aluminum graphic on the steering wheel is reflected again on the center console and the gear shifter, visually connecting the driving interfaces to emphasize Opel's driving dynamics. The rotating navigation control is ergonomically positioned, allowing it to easily be located and controlled by the driver, without having to remove his/her eyes from the road. The four, sporty, round instruments encircled by translucent rings are backlit in dynamic red, replacing Opel's traditional amber tones. These interior appearance solutions intentionally reinforce the dynamic ownership experience Opel provides.

As a final identity concept, the refined "redline" graphic of the tire pattern is vertically woven into the contoured sport seat surfaces and the centerline of the steering wheel, proposing that a visual performance identity can be distinctive without compromising taste. Intelligent packaging: Compact exterior with spacious, flexible interior "In the last few years, many cars have gotten bigger without passengers benefiting from it. We have reversed this trend with the Opel GTC Concept. In comparatively compact exterior dimensions, we optimized the decisive feel-good dimensions in the interior," says Frank Leopold, Manager GME Innovation, Show Cars and Advanced Packaging. "In this way, the car fits like a glove."

With the lower seating position and vertical hip point ? known as the H-point? , both front occupants sit perfectly integrated in the car. Thanks to the lower-set instrument panel, outward visibility remains excellent. This also provides a generous sense of space, an effect strengthened by its color: the instrument panel's upper section is dark, while the lower section is light.

The intelligent packaging is further highlighted by plenty of space in the rear of the Opel Concept car, despite its flat roof line: rear headroom is 920 millimeters. The rear seats are set low, but the four-seat, two-door car still offers Opel's brand-typical flexibility thanks to a novelty developed by Opel engineers: the "Flex4" interior concept (patent application submitted). "Flex4" enables the backs of both the rear seats in the Coupé concept car to be moved forward separately at the touch of a button via sensor-control and docked to the front seats. The luggage compartment cover is thereby automatically pulled over the remaining seat surfaces in the floor. This creates a three or two-seater with a flat load floor up to 1.80 meters long. Luggage compartment capacity increases from 500 liters to 755 liters (three-seater) or up to 1020 liters (maximum capacity: up to waistline). Powerful engine and intelligent four-wheel drive system

The Opel GTC concept car is powered by a turbocharged, 220 kW/300 hp, 2.8-liter V6 gasoline engine with two variable camshafts, which is combined with a six-speed manual transmission. Maximum torque of 400 Nm is available from 1850 up to 4500 rpm, and accelerating from zero to 100 km/h is calculated to take around six seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h. The power from the high-tech turbo engine is channeled via an advanced, electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system, which is fully integrated into the car's adaptive IDSPlus chassis management system. An electronically-regulated torque transfer device seamlessly distributes power between the front and rear axles for optimum traction and driving performance. The high-speed control allows more power to be provided to the rear axle before any traction loss can occur, for example during quick acceleration. This creates a driving feel similar to a sporty rear-wheel drive car. An electronically-controlled limited slip differential at the rear axle provides additional stability and traction thanks to torque distribution between the rear wheels.

Major benefits of the Opel GTC Concept's intelligent four-wheel drive system are: optimum traction and stability in all driving conditions as well as excellent agility and an active driving feel.

Opel Vectra Interior Spy Photos

All new dash

The fourth generation Opel Vectra displayed its first signs of life as the Opel GTC Concept at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, and we have been trailling its progress to production status throughout the year. Our spy photograpghers were in Sweden for the winter testing, in Death Valley for hot weather testing and, of course, in Germany. We even have caught the much anticipated car on video!

The interior has been kept under wraps by the Opel engineers, untill now that is. Earlier today we managed to snap a few pictures of the all new interior. In comparison to the current Vectra, the dashboard seems all new and manages to give the cockpit a sportier look in the process.

The Opel Vectra 4 (or Vauxhall Vectra in the UK and Saturn Aura in the USA) will feature all new exterior styling and will be pitted against the new Ford Mondeo and VW Passat. The engine range is expected to be expanded with a 2.7 liter V6 Turbodiesel (200 hp) and 2.8 liter V6, also new will be the option for all-wheel-drive.

When the Opel Vectra will take its first bow at a motor show is not exactly clear, but rumours are that the London Motor Show in July may get that honour, it would then debut as the Vauxhall Vectra. We have some doubts about that here in the WCF newsroom, our money is on a Geneva world premiere in March 2008.

Steinmetz Corsa D

The new Corsa D sets the standards in the "small car segment“. With the Corsa D, Opel have once again succeeded in setting the tone and acting as a trendsetter for new, innovative ideas. Steinmetz Opel Tuning has refined the new Corsa D with striking characteristics and now offers an extensive range of accessories such as e.g. exhaust, wheel & tyre combinations and much more.

Exhaust:

The rear view becomes a real eyecatcher thanks to the trapezoid twin rear silencer by Steinmetz. Made totally of stainless steel, and with a deep sonorous growl, the silencer also helps improve gas flow. A left/right system is also currently on test.

Lowering:

30mm closer to the tarmac, and with greater safety reserves with no loss of driving comfort - these are the main aims of the Steinmetz engineers when designing a Steinmetz lowering system. On the Nürburgring and in everyday road use, situations in the extreme range are tested for even greater driver safety.

Wheel/tyre combination:

New to the Steinmetz range and developed exclusively for the Steinmetz Corsa D is the new ST6 alloy - a BiColor wheel with 8 double spokes in 4-hole design. The brilliant appearance is achieved by the finished surface. The resulting light reflections give the desired effect which makes the ST6 alloy a true highlight. For tyres, we recommend Continental and Michelin.

4-hole	Tyres
7.0 x 16"	205/50 R 16
7.5 x 17"	215/45 R 17

	5-hole	Tyres
ST1	7.0 x 16"	205/55 R 16
ST3	7.0 x 16"	205/50 R 16
	7.5 x 17"	215/45 R 17
	8.0 x 18"	215/40 R 18
ST4	8.0 x 18"	215/40 R 18
ST5	7.5 x 17"	215/45 R 17
ST6	7.5 x 17"	215/45 R 17

Bodystyling/aerodynamics:

Crouching low, apparently smiling out of the headlights, the front is emphasised by the Steinmetz front grille in honeycomb design and the Steinmetz front spoiler. Flowing transitions give the front a harmonious appearance. For the rear, a two-piece Steinmetz roof spoiler has been developed which identifies the Corsa D as a Steinmetz Corsa. All styling modifications comply with the new directives for pedestrian protection. The front and rear sections are joined by the new Steinmetz design stripes in silver or anthracite.

Interior:

In the interior of the new Corsa D, the options from Opel have been expanded hugely. Steinmetz offers aluminium pedals, an aluminium footrest, aluminium handbrake handle, aluminium gearknob through to foot mats with the Steinmetz stainless steel logo which integrate harmoniously into the interior style of the new Corsa D. All Steinmetz components are TÜV-tested and available via your Opel dealer.

Opel Flextreme Concept

• Plug-in Electric Vehicle Features 55 Km of Emissions-Free Range
• E-Flex architecture with diesel engine extends driving range
• Dynamic, sporty, compact electro-monocab concept car
• FlexDoors® and FlexLoad®: New for doors, tailgate and luggage solutions – and an extra mobility option

Opel’s Flextreme concept car, which makes its premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt (September 13 – 23, 2007), boasts the body of a dynamic monocab, as well as the com-pletely new environmentally friendly E-Flex electric propulsion concept and a host of innovative de-tails. Flextreme is part of GM’s ongoing commitment to develop vehicles that reduce CO2 emis-sions and the automobile’s dependency on petroleum. In contrast to conventional vehicles and hy-brids, GM’s E-Flex system uses an electric motor, powered by a lithium-ion battery, to propel the Opel Flextreme concept for up to
55 km of electric-drive-only range. A 1.3 turbo-diesel onboard engine generates additional electricity to replenish the battery and extend the vehicle’s driving range fully charged, the Flextreme’s 55-km all-electric driving range is enough for most daily commuters in Europe to travel without using any diesel fuel or emitting any CO2.

The Flextreme takes the new design language debuted in the GTC Coupé at the Geneva Motor Show several steps further. With the rear-hinged back doors (FlexDoor®) that enable comfortable access to the interior, a large transparent roof and two tailgate doors that open from the side and swing upwards (FlexLoad®), the concept car embodies Opel’s tradition of particularly flexible and practical body concepts with attractive designs. This also includes the FlexLoad’s additional under-floor luggage compartment the latest in a series of innovative Opel solutions such as the Zafira’s seating system (Flex7)

and the integrated rear carrier system FlexFix found in the Corsa and Antara. And the big surprise is the integration of two high-tech electric personal transporters, ingeniously packaged below the cargo floor. They can be used in areas that cars cannot enter, thereby adding an extra mobility op-tion. The electric scooters provide up to a 38 km (23 miles) of clean mobility.

For the IAA, FlexLoad® carries special cargo in tune with the Flextreme’s electric propulsion: elec-trically-powered Segway® Personal Transporters (PTs). These high-tech transportation devices (1) have been modified for their mobile garage. With a twist of the handlebar-mounted release, the handlebar telescopically retracts and rotates downwards for easy loading into the Flexload® com-partment. Once docked, the batteries of the Segways can be charged along with the Flextreme’s batteries.

Propulsion: Low-emission mobility with E-Flex technology

The Flextreme’s drivetrain is a good indication of what low-emission mobility could look like in the mid-term. It is based on General Motors’ electric vehicle architecture E-Flex and is always electri-cally powered. The energy source is a lithium-ion battery, and additional energy comes from a 1.3-liter CDTI engine as needed. This engine is not connected to the wheels; it is only on board to charge the batteries when they are empty and no plug-in facility is available, thereby extending the operating range. The concept car’s diesel engine features latest technology that helps to further re-duce exhaust and noise emissions. The cylinders’ pressure-based closed loop technology is used to control the combustion process. Based on the current European test cycle for plug-in vehicles, the Flextreme is expected to emit less than 40 g of C02 per km.(according to European test procedure ECE R101 for range extender vehicles).

Plug-in – full capacity after three hours of charging at 220 volts

The E-Flex strategy is based on combining various drivetrain systems in the same vehicle architec-ture, depending on what energy source is readily available in the driver’s area. The concept has al-ready been presented in two further versions: at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2007, it debuted with a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbo gasoline engine designed for operation with gasoline or E85 (a mixture of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline). And at the Shanghai Motor Show in April 2007, GM presented the electric concept car with hydrogen fuel cell propulsion.

Exterior design: Dynamic design language in compact monocab form

The Flextreme body’s key characteristics highlight the new elements of Opel design language: more sculpted surfacing molding, clear style elements such as narrow,
boomerang-shaped lights and sloping swage line in the side graphics. The 4796 mm long Flextreme was also designed following the motto of technological efficiency: vehicle weight and aerodynamics are optimized by using advanced materials and simulation technology. The result is a wide range of innovative solutions.

The bottom edge of the windshield has been pulled far forward, so the hood with its characteristic crease is very short. The integrated power socket in the cowl panel allows the car to be charged at any mains supply.

A look at the front of the car quickly reveals that the front grill and rims are covered by lightweight transparent trim, which is made from polycarbonate to improve aerodynamics while maintaining vis-ual aesthetics. The same is true for the special light alloy wheels. Their look remains unchanged, yet disruptive air turbulence is avoided.

Like the wheel design, the large boomerang-like curved front light units are visually deceptive. The designers continue a theme which began with the GTC Concept that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, and take it to a new level. The vertically oriented front lights slice up the front end in an un-usual manner. The boomerang shaped high tech LED headlamp unit houses lightweight crossbeam, fog lamps and air intake for brake cooling which are particularly small in comparison to current trends. The optical illusion continues with the tail lights: at first glance, the concept car appears to have none. The curved rear lights are completely integrated into the tailgates and hidden beneath glass.

Just like all the other windows and a large part of the roof, the windshield is made of especially light polycarbonate. The Flextreme’s panoramic windshield provides a light and spacious interior ambi-ence and stretches over most of the roof, which is reinforced by a spine-like composite structure that extends all the way to the rear floor.

Doors: Unconventional and practical

In keeping with the vehicle’s extraordinary features, access to the FlexLoad® luggage compartment is through two butterfly rear tailgate doors that individually swing open upwards along the central axis of the vehicle. The advantage is that the Flextreme’s trunk is accessible from the side when parked tightly against a wall or another vehicle.

Another key Flextreme innovation is the trademarked FlexDoors® driver and passenger doors: while the front doors open in the conventional manner, the rear doors are rear-hinged. And as there is no center roof pillar (B-pillar), opening both doors on one side creates a large opening for easy entry. The large side opening makes it much easier for parents to secure children in seats in the rear than is the case with conventional doors.

Interior: Futuristic and top technology

Honeycomb structures, which are characterized by low weight and high rigidity, are used exten-sively in the Flextreme’s interior. This functional, geometric structure can be found in the instrument panel’s lower portion, cabin floor, cargo floor and above the center tunnel where the lithium-ion bat-teries are located.

Innovative lightweight construction is used for the seats which are anchored to the car’s floor by a mono track rather than the usual two, creating more foot space in the rear. The seats have a light and elegant look thanks to refined upholstery, with some parts in fabric/mesh and corners made of especially soft material. The steering wheel hub also houses a high-tech feature: a full-size driver airbag that is packaged with a special vacuum technique that reduces its overall volume to the minimum.

Set directly under the windshield, the large panoramic display (size: 1.20 m x 0.10 m) in the interior is especially eye-catching. The display fields are configurable. They can show a complete all-around view of the car’s surroundings, for example, as instead of exterior mirrors the Flextreme has two side cameras, one front-facing and one rear-view camera. Alternatively the displays can also show information about the car, radio, phone, etc.

One touch is enough

A second display on the center console features touch-screen operation. At the top, the program-mable one-touch buttons are designed like computer shortcuts. They provide easy access to vari-ous intuitive menus, including air conditioning, communi¬cation/infotainment and navigation func-tions. The buttons can be freely programmed and adapted to new infotainment systems. Slightly further down is the Flextreme’s touch screen drive selector gate with three driving positions: D, P and R (drive, park and reverse). The gears can also be comfortably selected via touch screen con-trol.

A clever storage system at the front and back of the center tunnel offer brand-typical flexibility. Front and rear passengers can stow items such as mobile phones, MP3 players, iPods and PDAs in two drawers. The best part: the electrical devices are recharged in the drawers by induction and Bluetooth-capable systems can transmit their data to the onboard info-tainment system.

Opel Astra Notchback

Elegant and Roomy Four-Door Sedan for Growing Markets

• Refined technology package for top agility and precise handling
• Central and Eastern Europe: Additional body style for successful Astra range
• Production at Gliwice plant in Poland began on August 23
• Turkey and Russia most important markets with one-third of sales respectively

With the elegant four-door Astra sedan, Opel expands its bestselling Astra range to seven models. The new variant, which had its world premiere at the Istanbul Motor Show in November 2006, complements the five-door hatch, station wagon, three-door GTC, OPC, cabrio-coupé TwinTop and van variants. Based on the station wagon’s long wheelbase, the new Astra sedan boasts great driving dynamics combined with high safety reserves. Its four engines from 90 to 140 horsepower will be an important addition to the line-up, particularly in the strong, thriving markets in Central and Eastern Europe. 67 percent of Turkish customers who purchase a compact class car choose a notchback model. In Russia, this figure is 65 percent. Opel expects to sell about one-third of Astra sedans in Russia and Turkey respectively. A further ten percent each will go to Spain and Southeast Europe. The new Astra sedan is scheduled to be launched this month.

The automotive landscape in Europe is changing rapidly: In just five years, from 2002 to 2007, sales in Central and Eastern Europe have more than doubled. While in 2002, just 2.7 million cars were sold in this region, this figure is expected to rise to more than 5.5 million by the end of the year. Over the same period, GM’s market share has more than doubled from 4.35 percent to 8.9 percent, and with the launch of the new Astra sedan, further share growth is anticipated through years-end.

Overall, the addition of the notchback model will give the highly successful Astra line-up, of which 517,000 were sold across Europe in 2006, a further push in 2008. By the end of calendar year 2007, Opel expects to sell more Astras in Central and Eastern Europe than Germany, pushing this region into second place behind the United Kingdom. With the notchback model riding high in registration statistics, Central and Eastern Europe looks likely to move into number one spot in Astra sales in 2008.

Opel continues a tradition with the new Astra notchback model, as the first two Astra generations were both available with four doors and a large, separate luggage compartment. The first new Astra sedan rolled off the production line on August 23 in Gliwice, Poland – an ideal location to serve the Central and Eastern European markets for which the car has been primarily developed. The predecessor notchback model, Astra Classic, will also continue to be built there.

The new sedan boasts the Astra’s progressive, proportionally balanced design, dynamic lines and characteristic driving dynamics, together with high safety reserves. The new model’s designers adopted the long wheelbase from the station wagon (2703 mm) for generous space in the rear and a large luggage compartment. With a length of 4587 mm and luggage compartment volume of 490 liters, the 1753 mm wide and 1458 mm high four-door sedan is positioned as an upper-end family car.

Powertrain and chassis: Four engines, pronounced agility and high safety reserves

Four state-of-the-art ECOTEC gasoline and diesel engines are available for the four-door Astra: two gasoline engines (1.6-liter/115 hp, 1.8-liter/140 hp) and two diesel engines (1.3-liter/90 hp, 1.7-liter/100 hp). The transmission range includes five-speed and six-speed manual gearboxes, a four-speed automatic, as well as an enhanced automated Easytronic manual transmission.

The Astra offers top agility and precise handling with high levels of driving safety, the basis for which is the IDS chassis (Interactive Driving System) with McPherson front axle and patented torsion-beam rear axle. Standard safety features in all Astra variants include front disc brakes, ABS, Cornering Brake Control (CBC), brake assist as well as Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS). ESPPlus is optionally available with all models.

Equipment highlights: Advanced technology in compact class

The Astra sedan meets the needs of discerning customers with its extensive range of standard equipment. It also offers optional technology highlights from the Astra's extensive equipment range, such as bi-xenon headlamps, Hill Start Assist (HSA), electric heater “Quickheat” and rear Park Pilot.

The new Astra model is available in three equipment lines: Essentia, Enjoy and Cosmo. The Essentia already boasts important safety features as standard, including front and side airbags as well as ABS and ISOFIX child seat fixtures in the rear. Comfortable and practical standard details include central locking, front power windows, height-adjustable driver’s seat and 60:40 split rear bench seat back. The Astra Enjoy offers even more extensive standard equipment, including air conditioning, heated power mirrors, and CD-radio CD 30.

The top-of-the-line Cosmo model boasts additional high-quality equipment features such as 16-inch light alloy wheels, two-color door trim, center console in piano black with matt chrome décor moldings and a leather steering wheel with piano black caps.

Market

• Turkey and Russia: Up to 67 Percent of all Compact Cars are Notchbacks
• Central & Eastern Europe: Market volume has doubled in five years
• After sedan launch, region will be most important market for Astra

The automotive landscape in Europe is changing rapidly: in just five years, from 2002 to 2007, sales volume in Central and Eastern Europe has more than doubled. While just 2.7 million cars were sold in this region in 2002, this figure will rise to more than 5.5 million by the end of this year. Over the same period, GM’s market share has more than doubled from 4.35 percent to 8.9 percent, and with the launch of the new Astra sedan, further share growth is anticipated through years-end. Total GM sales are expected to grow almost four-fold from 118,000 vehicles in 2002 to more than half a million vehicles in 2007. Opel’s market share is also on the rise: sales of 101,000 cars in 2002 constituted a market share of 3.73 percent, while projected sales of around 230,000 cars in 2007 would represent a share of more than four percent.

Looking at Russia alone, the expansion of the new-car market is even more breathtaking. With a growth of more than 100 percent from 2002 to 2007, Russia will take in more than 2.5 million new cars in 2007, thus becoming the fourth largest market in Europe, only behind Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy, but ahead of Spain and France. Over the same time span, GM’s market share in Russia has grown from a mere 0.3 percent (3600 vehicles) to almost 10 percent or around 250,000 vehicles. Opel’s growth in Russia is just as impressive: Sales grew from 2900 vehicles in 2002 to a projected total of over 65,000 vehicles this year.

The new Astra sedan will be an important addition to the line-up in the strong, thriving markets in this region. 67 percent of Turkish customers who purchase a compact class car, for example, choose a notchback model. In Russia, this figure is 65 percent, while Poland and Southeastern Europe each have a total of around 15 percent. With a share of approximately five percent, this body variant plays a less significant role in the compact class in Western Europe. Accordingly, Opel expects to sell about one-third of Astra Sedans in Russia and Turkey respectively. A further ten percent each will go to Spain and Southeast Europe. The car will also be sold in Finland and Greece from next year.

Chris Lacey, Executive Director, Sales, Marketing & Aftersales, General Motors Central & Eastern Europe, explains the reasons why customers in this markets often opt for the traditional sedan body style: “Automobiles in these areas tend to carry more people than in Western Europe and, if the whole family is going on holiday, you need a lot of trunk space too. Of course, the fact that an enclosed trunk feels safer also plays a part.”

Overall, the addition of the notchback model will give the highly successful Astra line-up, of which 517,000 were sold across Europe in 2006, a further push in 2008. By end of calendar year 2007, Opel marketing expects to sell more Astras in Central and Eastern Europe than Germany, pushing this region into second place behind the United Kingdom. With the notchback model riding high in new registration statistics, Central and Eastern Europe looks likely to move into number one spot in Astra sales in 2008.

Opel Vivaro Performance Concept

The Opel Vivaro VPC has a stock 2,5 liter CDTi engine with 146 hp (107 kW) and six-speed manual transmission. The VPC is based on the long wheel-base Vivaro with dual cabin (L2) which seats five people and can hold 3,8 cubic meters of cargo. So under the hood everything stays as it is, the interior and exterior on the other hand receive quite a make-over.

The outside sports a new body kit, light-weight wheels with wide tires and is painted in OPC Arden Blue, although it seems that the limited edition will only be available in silver-grey or black metallic.

Inside you will find Recaro sport seats for the driver and co-driver, leather and cloth upholstery and an umbrella holder in the rear seat. The cargo area has a (by the looks of it) fancy-looking hard-wood floor which looks great but we wonder how badly it will scratch when in daily use.

Opel has priced the Vivaro VPC at Euro 34,900 and is, as stated before, available in The Netherlands only.