The current Opel Astra is not only one of the best looking cars in its class ever, it also has great potential for modifications, as shown here by Senner Tuning.

The five-door Astra hatchback has been made better by Senner with a body kit consisting of matte black Steinmetz front grille, front lip spoiler, bi-color side skirt, rear skirt with two big tailpipes.

The effect of the kit is enhanced further with a set of Alutec (8×19 inch) rims, wrapped with Ultrac Sessanta type with 235/35R19 tires. Those wheels have adjustable suspension on top of them.

Then there’s the 1.4 liter turbo engine, which has been given a boost by BMC sport air filter, stainless steel muffler with a 140×90 mm pipes and a bit of electronic modifications. As a result the output has gone up from 140 hp to 165 hp and 250 Nm of torque.

The cost of this nice ad rather thorough package is 11,900 euro.

The latest Opel Astra hatchback receives a classic Racelook body kit from JMS.

The German tuner admits it’s hard improving on the new Astra’s desing without ruining it, but that didn’t stop them trying.

The ingredients of the kit include an add-on racelook front lip spoiler on the original frontbumper (219 Euro), JMS racelook rear diffuser, with cutouts for left/right exhaust system (Euro 209), and complete stainless steel exhaust system with 120x90mm tips for (799 Euro).

The car is also fitted with Schmidt Revolution CC wheels of size 8,5×19 inch finished in black with stainless steel edge and 2353519 tyres ( 4890 Euro). A set of KW v1 inox coil over kit (970 Euro) springs which drop the car by 60mm at front and 50mm rear finish off the program.

The all-new Opel/Vauxhall Astra GTC is preparing for world premiere at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt and Goodwood festival in UK, as the company releases more details on it.

Opel’s rival for Volkswagen Scirocco is priced nearly a 1000 euro less than the basic VW Scirocco, but is it a better car than the mighty Scirocco? Well. let’s see.

The Astra GTC certainly got presence. The sporty coupe form is imposing and cool, yet kinda practical and convenient for everyday use. It only comes as a three-door car and while the normal looks pretty insane, there’s also a OPC/VXR version coming that’s even crazier.

While the Scirocco is more grown up and dignified, the Astra GTC looks younger and more energetic. you could say though, it’s a bit girly. We will hold on till 2012 to see the hotted-up OPC version.

The car has been developed from the ground up as a sporty driver’s car, so Opel is confident its performance will be more than satisfying for most people. The car features Opel/Vauxhall’s HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) used on the 325PS Insignia VXR/OPC specially adopted for European roads.

The HiPerStrut uses the existing attachment points from the regular Astra, and has a reduced kingpin inclination and a shorter spindle length. This reduces levels of torque-steer, improves grip – and therefore cornering power – while also enhancing steering precision and feedback. It also comes with FlexRide adaptive damping system.

Compared with the Astra Hatch, the GTC’s ride height has been lowered by 15mm, while the wheelbase has grown by 10mm, from 2685mm to 2695mm. Both tracks are wider, too, at 1584mm (+ 40mm) front and 1588mm (+ 30mm) rear. This allows the option of larger rims (up to 20-inch), as well as improving stability. Not only can the GTC accommodate four adults in comfort, but its luggage compartment provides between 370 and 1235 litres – over 200 litres more than some of the competition.

The Astra GTC can be ordered with a choice of four engines – one diesel and three petrols – which is a good job because you cannot have a car this goodlooking and then ruin it with bad diesel engines.

With 165PS, the 2.0 CDTi is an upgraded version of the diesel that’s fitted to some models in the Insignia and Astra ranges. All engines have a diesel particulate filter, six-speed transmission and Start/Stop as standard, maximising economy and performance. Delivering 380Nm of torque (including overboost function) the 2.0 CDTi engine provides excellent mid-range acceleration for the GTC, combined with a 0-62mph time of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 130mph.

Start/Stop and a six-speed gearbox are also standard on both versions of the 1.4-litre Turbo petrol engine. With either 120PS or 140PS, the 1.4T achieves a combined 47.9mpg and 139g/km of C02 emissions, yet each still delivers crisp performance with maximum torque of 200Nm delivered between 1850-4200rpm. The most powerful engine in the range is the 1.6-litre Turbo, which produces 180PS and allows the GTC to hit a top speed of 132mph.

It’s all good, but then again, we’re more interested in the OPC/VXR version which should have something like 300 PS!

Standard equipment is generous no matter which GTC model customers choose. Even in entry-level Sport trim, the GTC comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, DAB stereo and USB functionality. Move up to the top-spec SRi, and buyers get as standard tinted glass, onboard computer, leather-trimmed steering wheel and fog lamps. The latest generation Bi-Xenon Advanced Forward Lighting (AFL), which offers nine separate light beams, is optional across the range.

A range of new colours and materials, bespoke to the GTC, set the car apart from others in the Astra range. Morello Red, a new premium leather trim, is also available as an option and brings with it six-way adjustable front seats.

And finally the pricing. The GTC range starts from 21,750 euro (Astra GTC Enjoy 1.4 Turbo 88 kW/120 hp) to 27,855 euro (Astra GTC Sport 2.0 CDTI 121 kW/165 hp) in Europe, and from  £18,495 for the 120PS Sport 1.4 Turbo and extends to £22,430 for the 165PS SRi 2.0 CDTi, in the United Kingdom. Here’s the full pricelist for the UK:

Opel/Vauxhall released images of the final production version of the highly anticipated Astra GTS. And the good news is it looks pretty much the same as the Paris concept.

The GTC is a very special version of the Astra featuring a dramatic three-door design with exaggerated cues that set it apart from the run-off-the-mill Astras. It’s not just a pretty face either, as Opel says it’ll also get uprated chassis and unique driving characteristics.

The first production version of the Astra GTC will then receive its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but the order books will be open from June 7 or in six weeks.Full details and specs of the production Astra GTS will be released in a couple of weeks.

]]> http://www.motorward.com/2011/04/production-opel-astra-gtc-revealed/feed/ 0 http://www.motorward.com/2011/02/eds-opel-astra-j-turbo/ http://www.motorward.com/2011/02/eds-opel-astra-j-turbo/#comments Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:49:14 +0000 Arman Barari http://www.motorward.com/?p=20322

One of the most powerful tuning packages for the Opel Astra hatchback comes from EDS Fahrzeugtechnik. Based on the Astra J Turbo, the car produces 360 bhp instead of the standard 180!

360 hp and a maximum torque of 480 Nm is a huge power for such a little car. It is also generally known as a recipe for chaos! To make sure it remains in check if not all, but most of the times they’ve equipped it with perforated brake discs in dimension of 356 x 32 mm with 8-piston calipers, and Schmidt Revolution 20-inch rims with Pirelli P.Zero 235/35ZR20 the front and 275/30ZR20 on the rear axle. These rims also look quite awesome.

But those are mere details really because that engine sits in  the middle like a giant anchovy on a mini pizza! The modifications are so deep and include Pressure reducing high-performance needle valve – 980 Euro, high-quality steel connecting rod – 550 Euro, HG Motorsport turbo manifold – 1200 Euro, EDS high-performance charge air cooler – 600 Euro, Garret GT28 turbocharger – 1000 Euro, 100 mm air-flow meter – 300 Euro, 550 cm3 injectors – 500 Euro, 70 mm down pipe with HJS 200CPSI Sport catalyst – 800 Euro, Friedrich Motorsport 70 mm stainless steel exhaust system – 800 Euro, 240 mm EDS Sport clutch kit – 1100 Euro and Quaife differential lock – 900 Euro plus engine adjustment by EDS Fahrzeugtechnik for 1000 Euros.

With every new model Opel/Vauxhall release an extremely efficient ecoFLEX variant and it was just about time for the Astra to get one! So behold the new Opel Astra ecoFLEX which has average fuel consumption of 3.9 l/100 km and 104 g/km CO2 emissions. That is due to the 1.3 CDTI turbo diesel engine and Start/Stop technology.

The Astra’s 70 kW/95 hp 1.3 CDTI turbo diesel engine features uses a common rail, multiple fuel injection system working at a pressure of 1,600 bar and a turbo charger with variable geometry, as well as new E59 control unit, and improved exhaust gas recirculation module (EGR). Also for reduced emissions it is fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) as standard.

The fuel consumption rating for the Sports Tourer variant is 4.1 l/100 km for emissions of 109 g/km CO2.

All Astra 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX improve their aerodynamic performance using an active aero shutter fitted to the front grille: It opens to allow air to pass the engine at low vehicle speeds and then automatically closes at higher speeds to smoothen the airflow at the front of the car. This system is complemented by carefully-tuned underside aerodynamics. To optimize fuel economy, a ‘shift-up’ indicator is fitted in the main instrument cluster. This item is offered on all Astra versions equipped with a manual transmission.

Prices of the new Astra 1.3 ecoFLEX with Start/Stop start at 19,780 euros in Germany.

Opel tuner Irsmcher has already come up with a styling package for the Astra Sport Tourer, the estate variant of the lovely new Astra. And if you have seen their previous works, this one will look familiar to you. It gets very discrete spoilers plus a new grille and honeycomb grille in the bumper, and a small roof wing. Other modifications include 30mm lower springs and a set of 18 or 20-inch alloys in different designs. All in all, it’s a very neat and clean job with no exaggeration!

The station wagon variant of the new Opel Astra has been revealed showing a sporty and sleek design. Most of estate cars that are based on sporty sedans of hatchbacks are good looking in fact, and the Astra is no exception as the base car is very handsome. It loses none if its charm in transformation to the estate form.

Since the most important thing about estate vehicles is luggage capacity, let’s see what the Astra Sport Tourer has to offer. Well the cargo area has a length of 1835 mm, which is 28 mm longer than the current model, and that means you have up to 1,550 liters of space for your stuff!

This has been achieved thanks to the new FlexFold Rear Seat system, which allows each section of the 60/40 split-fold rear seatbacks to be lowered at the press of a button located in the side walls of the cargo compartment. There’s also a number of cubbyholes inside the cabin to make it more practical.

One other interesting feature of the new Astra Tourer is the ergonomic front seats which are certified by German back experts!

2011 Astra Sports Tourer is as much about handling as it is abut comfort. So it gets the sophisticated FlexRide adaptive suspension system as standard. This system lets you choose between sporty or normal driving modes. You may also order Opel’s electronic Trailer Stability Assist system for the car in case you wanted to tow something with it!

As for the powertrain options, the Astra Tourer can be had with eight petrol and diesel engines with power ranging from 70 kW/95 hp to 132 kW/180 hp.New additions here include 1.4-liter turbo gasoline unit with 88 kW/120 hp, and the upgraded 2.0 CDTI engine with 118 kW/ 160 hp which comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The car will make its official debut at this year’s Paris Auto Salon.

It’s been a while since we last heard about Steinmetz, but turns out they’ve been working on something quite special. This is their Opel Astra prepared for Tuning World Bodensee 2010 featuring a nice body kit, lowered suspension and new wheels and tires. They’ve tweaked the interior as well by stainless steel logos and door sills plus new floor mats and a gear display system.

Steimentz’ aerokit is very subtle and includes front spoiler and a rear roof spoiler. But it’s garnished with a sporty black grille and optional designer strips in silver and anthracite and door handle plates in polished stainless steel.

The tuner also uses this car to promote their new ST10 8.5J x 19″ ET39 Bicolor wheels. You may also order the existing ST7 wheels for your Astra which come with 235/35/R19 tires.

Steinmetz suspension lowering module which works perfectly with the car’s FlexRide system drops the car by 30mm and not only improves the handling, also contributes to the looks as it eliminates the gap between the wheels and the fenders, so the new rims can really shine!

Today GM released more technical details on the new 2010 Opel Astra. Normally we don’t feature technical things because they are boring and to be honest useless! (well unless you are an engineer… or a German!) but since the Astra is such an important car, we thought some of you might like to know more about its new chassis and fancy suspension. So, hit the jump…

New Opel Astra chassis boosts dynamics, handling and comfort

• New chassis system sports long wheel base and wide tracks
• Clever rear axle design layout uses Watts link
• FlexRide adaptive suspension offers driver-selected settings

Rüsselsheim. For the next generation Opel Astra, engineers designed a new chassis layout with a long wheelbase and wide track to give drivers improved agility, stability and comfort.

Driving dynamics on the new Astra are improved by wider front and rear tracks, increased by 56 mm and 70 mm respectively, in addition to the increased wheelbase of 71 mm longer. The proportionately greater increase in track gives the car a wide footprint, improving stability and handling while allowing ample passenger space inside the cabin and a muscular appearance on the outside.

The FlexRide adaptive damping system first seen on the Insignia now debuts in the compact class when the new Opel Astra five-door hatchback premieres September 17 at the IAA Frankfurt Auto Show. The FlexRide system adjusts the suspension character automatically to suit the drivers’ needs.

Keeping the advantages of size, weight and overall efficiency of the compound crank rear axle layout design, Opel engineers added a cleverly positioned Watts link, which supports lateral forces while cornering on the suspension. It also makes the car dynamic and agile without compromising on stability and comfort.

Finally, a core body structure stiffer than that of its predecessor provides a firm base for optimizing the new Astra’s handling and ride capabilities. In addition, this helps reduce noise and vibration inside the cabin.

First seen in Insignia, Opel brings FlexRide to the compact class

Opel was the first automobile manufacturer to bring an advanced adaptive damping system to the compact class with the current Astra. Now, first seen in the Insignia and a rarity in this sector, FlexRide offers the driver three settings – Standard, Sport and Tour – while being fully and continually adaptive to changes in driving style and cornering speed.

All four dampers are electronically controlled and continuously adapt within milliseconds to the prevailing road conditions, vehicle movements and individual driving style. This gives the driver enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety. As a further refinement, Opel FlexRide also enables drivers to select settings that match their own driving needs or requirements for a particular journey.

The Standard mode of the Opel FlexRide continuously adjusts to all driving situations. In addition, the driver can shift the range of adaption by selecting a generally relaxed Tour mode or a more dynamic Sport mode by pressing the relevant button in the center stack. Deactivating the Sport or Tour mode returns the ride setting to the Standard mode.

The Tour mode relaxes the damping settings for a more comfortable ride and also reduces steering effort, which heightens ease of control. This helps to reduce driver stress and fatigue on long journeys.

The Sport mode offers a more connected driving experience: the dampers stiffen up; the steering sharpens and the electronic throttle offers a swifter pedal response. To underline the effect, the instrument panel illumination changes from white to red. If fitted, the Adaptive Forward Lighting system (AFL+) reacts even more quickly. With automatic transmission, the up-shift points are also raised to a higher engine speed.

As a further refinement, Sport mode includes a customization menu, accessible via the radio or navigation display, where the driver is able to de-select the Sport setting for the dampers or steering assistance.

The electronic brain behind FlexRide is the Driving Mode Control (DMC) module. Using vehicle dynamics information, the DMC constantly monitors driving style and conditions, including acceleration, braking and cornering, to optimize the chassis’s behavior.

Apart from a more rewarding driving experience, the intelligent Opel FlexRide systems offer safety benefits in emergency situations. For an avoidance maneuver in Tour mode, various chassis sensors convey this to the DMC and the dampers are stiffened within a millisecond to provide maximum stability.

Clever rear axle layout combines a compound crank with Watts link

The new suspension layout combines a MacPherson front suspension similar to the Insignia and a clever, newly developed compound crank rear axle with a Watts link. This new layout reduces unwanted noise and vibrations, allowing a comfortable ride and improving the vehicle’s handling capabilities.

The new Astra rear suspension lay-out retains all the advantages of the compound crank over a multi-link axle. These include packaging and mass benefits, greater wheel camber stiffness, less camber loss due to body roll during cornering and lower suspension friction. The addition of the Watts link enhances lateral stability.

The torsion beam of the compound crank axle is attached between the trailing links about half way between the axle bush and the rear wheel. The open, U-shaped profile between the attachment points has now been lengthened and the wall thickness generally increased to provide more roll stiffness. In addition, beams with different wall thicknesses are fitted to give the required roll steer characteristics.

The Watts link is carried on a small cross-member attached to the underbody, just behind the rear wheel center line. It consists of a short, pivoting center link with a ball joints at each end, to which the lateral links from the wheels are bolted.

While traveling straight, the kinematics of this linkage guarantees an undisturbed jounce motion. During cornering, however, it minimizes lateral deflection in the same way a modern Multi Link Suspension would do. An additional advantage of the Watts link is that it reduces axle bush loads to allow softer bushings to greatly improve road noise and isolation.

The front suspension MacPherson struts incorporates dual path top mounts separating spring and damper forces. To reduce unsprung weight and assist weight distribution, the knuckle and the lower control arm are aluminum and the anti-roll bar is made of hollow section steel.

The L-shaped control arm is attached through two bushings to the front sub-frame. The front bush is very stiff with optimized hysteresis for handling, while the rear bushing is a radial loaded hydro-bush. The suspension geometry and the tuning of the bushings are designed to provide both lateral stiffness and longitudinal compliance for excellent handling and good ride comfort. The rear most bushing of the L-arm is also hydraulically damped for excellent road isolation, helping to prevent vibrations being transmitted into the vehicle structure.

And you can also take a look  at 2010 Opel Astra picture gallery below…

[View with PicLens]

If you are a regular reader of MotorWard these pictures look familiar to you because we have featured them about a month ago. Now though there are these official shots giving you the best view of the car yet, before its launch at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. And yes, there is a video too so you can watch it in motion!

The new Astra inherits many of its body lines and features from the bigger Insignia that also means that it has grown in size. At 4.42 meters the new Astra is about 17 cm longer than the old one so it is considerably more spacious in the cabin and in the boot.

It is much more sophisticated as well, it features a new chassis and a very clever electronically-controlled suspension system. So you can change its settings at the touch of a button and change the feel of the car according to your needs. This is a feature usually seen in bigger more expensive cars. Another amazing technology that is a first with the Astra is a camera system called the ‘Opel Eye’. It can be used to read the traffic signs or act as a lane assist system which warns the driver in case he or she is not sober!! That’s not the end of it of course, we can mention adaptive bi-xenon headlights or ergonomically shaped seats as well.

As for the engines there is a wide range of options to satisfy every taste. And they all meet the Euro5 emissions standard. Diesel ones include a 1.3, a 1.7 and a 2.0 liter ranging from 95 to 160 hp. An Eco-flex model will be added to the lineup in 2010. As for the petrol engines, there is a 1.4 liter which can produce 120 hp normally and 140 hp if fitted with a turocharger. Then there is the 1.6 liter turbo with 180 hp which replaces the current 1.8 liter. Petrol units will also get the Ecoflex treatment.

So, there you go, the new 2010 Opel Astra with all its glory and heritage in new style and with new technologies on board! Now check out the video of the car:

Press Release:

“The Opel Insignia has newly interpreted the mid-size segment. Now, with its dynamic design and innovative technology – much of which has been the preserve of higher-class vehicles before now – the new Opel Astra generation will continue the pioneering role of its large model brother,” says Alain Visser, Chief Marketing Officer at GM Europe, describing the future model. “To put it in a nutshell, the next Opel Astra will carry the spirit of the Insignia into the compact class.”

The all new fourth Opel Astra generation will make its world debut as a five-door hatchback at the 2009 IAA (September 17-27) in Frankfurt, Germany. “Sculptural artistry meets German precision – that was our design claim with the Insignia and it remains so with the new Opel Astra but with an even more sporty presence,” explains Mark Adams, Vice President of Design at GM Europe. “The present Opel Astra already combines a high level of technical substance with emotional styling. You can see that most clearly with the Opel Astra GTC. With the next Opel Astra generation we are taking another big step forward in both respects and emphasizing its sporty credentials.”

With its flowing lines, the next Opel Astra will carry on from the Insignia. At the same time, it will pick up on design features that have been found in many models throughout Opel’s history- especially in the compact class. The integrated front headlamps of the first Kadett of 1936 are one example. Another is the aerodynamic design of the 1984 Kadett E. Other areas in which the next Opel Astra will evolve the Opel language are its proportions, which give the car its sporty and muscular look. Typical style characteristics of the new, finer design language- elements like the flowing dynamic surfaces, the signature sculpted blade and the warm, wrap-around interior theme with wing-line sweep that links the instrument panel to the door – are found in modified form in the new compact class model. Also characteristic is the high attention to detail and craftsmanship. It could well set new standards in its class.

Hans Demant, Managing Director Adam Opel GmbH, referring to the present Opel Astra, whets people’s appetite for the next generation: “Just think of all the innovations Opel has introduced into the previous compact class generations. Moreover, the current Opel Astra is the most innovative compact class model Opel has ever built. It cost us a great deal of effort, but it has placed us among the leaders in the market on a permanent basis. It made the development of the next Opel Astra generation an even bigger challenge, but it was one we were pleased to take up.”

With technical innovations like the Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) headlamp system, which has been taken to a higher level and supplemented by new functions, and the “Opel Eye,” the new compact class generation will once again assume an outstanding position in this segment.

The all-new chassis will be mated with equally new engines designed following the right-sizing concept that combines high low-end torque with moderate fuel consumption.

Versatility is another traditional strength of Opel vehicles, as demonstrated by the FlexFix integrated rear end carrier in the Corsa and Antara. The new Astra will also pick up on clever and practical ideas like this.

TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS

The Opel philosophy has always been to make top-level innovative technology affordable for a wide range of buyers. Accordingly, the new compact class generation will offer plenty of comfort and safety features that have previously been confined to higher segments. Here are just two of the many examples.

CAMERA SYSTEM

When it made its debut in the Insignia, the driver assistance system “Opel Eye” created considerable buzz as a safety innovation. In the compact class, the camera system will create at least as much of a stir. “Opel Eye” will make driving the Opel Astra safer. A camera integrated between the interior mirror and the windshield assists drivers in two ways. The traffic sign recognition function scans traffic signs that indicate speed limits or overtaking bans and displays them in the instrument panel. In addition, a lane departure warning alerts drivers if they unintentionally leave their chosen lane. Both systems improve traffic safety, reduce stress and help avoid expensive fines.

NEXT GENERATION CORNERING LIGHT

Around 80 percent of all road accidents occur at night. This is where the upgraded AFL system in the next Opel Astra comes into its own, helping drivers to see better at night. It is also evidence of how Opel is democratizing active safety. The Opel Astra H was the first compact class car to offer AFL lighting with steering-linked bi-xenon headlamps. The AFL system on this next generation will offer a variety of light functions, providing better visibility because AFL automatically adapts to different road and driving conditions.

Pretend you have not seen leaked pictures of 2010 Opel Astra and its interior shots here and try to get exited by this teaser image Opel has released before they launch the car officially this Wednesday. Here designer Marc van der Haegen and engineer Laszlo Kreth are trying to cover up as much as they can using a piece of paper!

New generation of Astra features a more angular design than its predecessor, getting closer to its bigger brother Insignia, and most of its panels are totally new. It will be bigger than the current model offering more interior and luggage space and will be available will loads of new high tech stuffs. In fact Opel has tried to address every single drawback of the old Astra in the new one. The car will make its public debut at this years Frankfurt autoshow.

The new generation of hot seller Opel Astra is fully prepared and will debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor show. You have probably seen the first images of the car till now, and now you you can take a look at the car’s new interior.

The new Astra is literally a smaller version of the Insignia, featuring most of its technical characteristics plus similar styling cues. And so is the the cabin, a dashboard straight out of Insignia which is a nice design, much better than the old Astra’s console which seems to be done only using a ruler! However the quality of trimming does not seem to be very brilliant, even in the pictures you can feel the cheapness of the materials. And also the rear leg room, despite the fact that the car is longer than its predecessor, is not what you call comfi.

2010 Opel Astra Engines and Pricing

The sources of power for the Astra include a Direct Injection 1.4 liter with 136 or 180 hp formats, a range of new diesel engines from 80 hp which in combination with start/stop system results in CO2 emissions of only 120 grams. The GTC Turbo variant will get a 2.0 liter with 270 hp. The base model of the 2010 Opel Astra costs at 16,300 Euros.

source: Autobild

This is the actual shape of new 2010 Opel Astra which makes its debut at this year’s IAA Motor show and will go on sale some months after that. New Astra is 15 cm longer than the previous generation.

The Insignia-inspired design of the Astra features typicall opel ingridents like the tear-shaped headlights, but its party piece should be the striking C-pillar which is nicely proportioned and not only is pretty, it results in a bigger luggage space, which has always been a problem with the old Astra because of its curvy back.

2010 Opel Astra gets some new features like electric parking brake, lane assist system, park assistant, and adaptive dampers. It also can be had with all-wheel-drive system for an extra pay.

Other on-going projects at Opel include the estate version of Astra, Sport Tourer and new Zafira for 2011.

via: amus

Although a new drawing of the 2010 Opel Astra which is claimed to be the finished shape ( you can see it after the jump) has hit web, but the actual car was recently spied in the streets wearing a heavy cover.

Despite the disguise, Astras’s front bumper design is easy to observe and it’s known that the car follows the current design-line as the rest of the fleet. And of course there has never been an ugly Astra, so no worries about the looks.

AS for the powertrains, the most interesting upgrade should be the introduction of the EcoFlex engines which are said to as economical as VW’s Bluemotion. The 2010 Astra will be revealed at the 2009 IAA Frankfurt Motorshow, however Opel’s big financial problems are still causing them a lot of pain. Hope that they recover soon as the Abu Dhabi investment deal is sealing. Opel is a good old brand.

The fourth-generation Vauxhall (Opel) Astra is under development and is expected to arrive in 2010 with an all new fresh look. These renderings based on the spyshots show that styling is getting close to Insignia, which maintain its position as one of the best-looking family cars. 2010 Astra will feature a wide range of new techs, like Front Camera System which reads the traffic signs ahead or Adaptive Front Lighting or adaptive suspension, to name a few.

The car will use the new 1.4-litre turbocharged engine from Chevrolet Cruze along with current range of petrol and diesel engines, with a 250bhp VXR version to follow. Also it will feature a new multi-link setup for rear suspension to fix the handling issues. 2010 Vauxhall Astra is set for debut at Frankfurt show in September

source : Autoexpress