Opel is treating is European customers with a special “Kaleidoscope” edition of the Corsa hatchback.

Available for both three or five-door Corsa models, this package consists of visual upgrades and extra equipments.

Visually, it gets two upmarket metallic exterior colors: pepperdust and technical grey, plus a glossy black roof, black mirror housings and a black grille bracket. these little details add up to give this version of Corsa a distinctive look.

The Kaleidoscope theme is best seen inside the cabin, where you get silver or aztek gold stitching for the upholstery, and Top Tec material coating which makes the seats easy to clean and maintain. Other features include colored air vent rings with matching door inserts in either curry or matt chrome give bold accents to the interior as well as a new stealth-black colored center console and denim fabric inside the door panels.

As for the equipments, the 15,425 euro Opel Corsa Kaleidoscope is fitted as standard with:

• Aluminum accelerator pedal
• 17” alloy wheels
• Solar Protect tinted heat protection glazing
• Leather steering wheel
• Chrome exhaust pipes
• Stereo-CD-Radio with aux input and steering wheel remote control

]]> http://www.motorward.com/2012/02/opel-corsa-kaleidoscope-special-edition/feed/ 0 http://www.motorward.com/2012/02/opelvauxhall-2012-geneva-motor-show-lineup/ http://www.motorward.com/2012/02/opelvauxhall-2012-geneva-motor-show-lineup/#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:57:16 +0000 Arman Barari http://www.motorward.com/?p=31059

Opel/Vauxhall revealed their plans for this year’s Geneva Motor Show, and while there are some nice cars in there, the main features is an e-bike.

Here’s it is, revealed partially in the image below, the Vauxhall/Opel’s RAD e concept vehicle. It is a a futuristic e-bike that designed to look like Opel cars, powered by a 250 watt motor. How many people you think will bother to visit Opel’s stand to see a weird-looking bicycle? Fortunately, they’re also bringing their best cars along.

The best highlight of Opel’s booth, for us at least, is the new Astra VXR/OPC. It’s a sportier version of the gorgeous GTC, featuring a 280PS and 400Nm of torque 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine. This 155mph mega hot hatch also inherits the GTC’s sophisticated HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut), and the LSD to keep it in check.

Opel Mokka is also worth a look at if you are planning to visit the Geneva show. The European version of Buick Encore might be named after Mochachino, but it’s a serious contender in the compact crossover segment. It comes with three efficient engines, all equipped with fuel saving Start/Stop technology. The petrol range comprises a 115PS, 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated engine or a 140PS 1.4-litre Turbo with 200Nm of torque. The diesel is a 130PS 1.7 CDTI turbo with 300Nm of torque. Both the 1.4 Turbo and the 1.7 CDTI can be combined either with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

Vauxhall will also bring along its Insignia BiTurbo, with the most potent diesel engine they’ve ever built, developing 195PS, 400Nm of torque and emissions as low as 129g/km.

Not all of Opel’s 150-year history is about cars, but still, it’s a cause for celebration. And what better way to celebrate than a couple of special editions.

The entire range including Corsa, Meriva, Astra and Insignia will benefit from this treatment, entitled “150 years Opel”. They get special design and comfort features and up to 2,100 Euros worth of extra equipments. There’s also a higher-spec jubilee trim.

So, what exactly will be in the package? The Corsa and Meriva jubilee editions come complete with 16 inch alloy wheels and tinted Solar Protect heat insulation glazing at the rear, in addition to heated steering wheels with multi-functional keys, fog lamps and cruise control as well as an MP3-CD Radio, plus an on-board computer. What’s more, the Corsa will get chrome exhaust pipe as standard.

The Insignia as the flagship model will be fitted with 18-inch wheels, Tinted Solar Protect heat insulation glazing at the rear, Heated leather steering wheel with multi-function keys, Automatic air conditioning,  Heating in the front seats, Fog lamps and a headlamp cleaning system, and New Navi 900 Europa infotainment system.

All jubilee editions get a unique “150 Adam Opel” emblem, aluminum car door step embossed with the word “OPEL” as well as the premium quality, black upholstery. The Corsa and the Meriva are fitted with an adjustable panoramic roof or sunroof with separate air conditioning. The Insignia jubilee trim package includes an electric sunroof and a glazed panoramic roof as well as separate air conditioning.

The jubilee trim packages start at 450 euro in Germany, but it offers a saving of 876 euro.

The European version of Buick Encore has been revealed as Opel Mokka. It’ll make its debut at the next Geneva Motor Show.

It is 99 per cent identical to its Buick brother, but it comes with slightly revised styling and more choices for the engine. It also has an interesting name – inspired by Mochachino Coffee – reflecting on its small and fluffy, yet strong and sophisticated character.

The Mokka gets Opel’s own front grille, while the bumpers are also modified to look different over the Encore. The car’s sporty character is also re-enforced by its higher ground clearance which also makes it suitable for gravel roads, as well as its 1540 mm wide tracks. Some 18-inch wheels contribute to both the looks and drivability of the little crossover.

This being an Opel, lots of ‘Flex’ cleverness is going on. It gets Flex-Fix bicycle carrier, exclusive to Opel, reenforcing  the ‘active lifestyle’ character of the car. It also provides up to 1,372 liter of loading space, as well as up to 19 storage locations.

The Mokka will be available by the end of 2012, with front and all-wheel-drive and three engines, including an 85 kW/115 hp, 1.6 liter naturally-aspirated engine as well as a 103 kW/140 hp 1.4 l Turbo with 200 Nm of torque, and a 93 kw/130 hp 1.7 CDTI turbo diesel with 300 Nm of torque. Both the 1.4 Turbo and the 1.7 CDTI can be combined either with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions. All manual transmissions are equipped with the fuel saving Opel Start/Stop system.

It’s a little known fact, but Opel started out a a brand making sewing machines back in 1862. The company founded by Adam Opel then got into making bicycles, then motorcycles and then automobiles. Opel was the biggest car maker in Germany up until World War One. This days Opel is not doing so good under GM’s watch. The Americans have tried a couple of times to get rid it, complaining that it’s not profitable. This year Opel is celebrating its 150th anniversary as a brand. This video is a tribute to their long history and includes some very nice footage of classic Opels with strong nostalgic flavor.

The first images of Opel Insignia Sports Tourer CrossFour have hit the web showing a handsome and seemingly versatile car.

It is in fact an Insignia wagon that’s jacked-up a bit, and garnished with bigger wheels, underbody protection, and new gray plastic bits under the bumpers, round the fenders, and side skirts for a distinctive look, and also more protection in case of an off-road voyage.

Think of it as an Audi Allroad, only it’s much better-looking and almost certainly less expensive. The car is kinda like Subaru Outback, a good, capable family estate., even though it doesn’t look especially tough and rugged.

Now, one might argue that such cars are rubbish because the jacked-up suspension means the ride quality is ruined, while the ground clearance is not enough for it to be any good off road. To make sure the CrossFour isn’t rubbish, Opel will fit it with their latest FlexRide suspension system and sophisticated all-wheel-drive.

All these are of course based on unconfirmed reports. We will be hearing more about this car at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March. Looking forward to it.

To be really honest with you, the new Opel Astra GTC is such a good-looking car that it doesn’t need nay mods. But here’s one by Steinmetz for those who don’t agree.

Unveiled at Essen Motor Show, this tuned GTC features a complete body kit with a massive front spoiler lip, sports grille, a roof spoiler and a boot spoiler. You also get new door sills and new exhaust tail pipes, plus some stupid graphics that are very very uncool.

complementing the body kit we have a set of 19-inch wheels with 245/40 on all four corners, which in combination with the adjustable suspension also enhance the car’s handling capabilities. You can drop the car by as much as 30mm.

While Steinmetz doesn’t offer any performance upgrades at this stage, they do have an interior package with a digital speedometer, and branded floor mats.

The new Astra GTC is one of the prettiest cars among the sort of affordable models on the market today. This three-door beauty is like a Victoria Secret model, not just a pretty face! Underneath that magnificent body there’s a sophisticated machine with HiPerStrut chassis that provides great driving fun. You can have the GTC with 180 hp. The only direct rival for this car is the Hyundai Veloster, but that’s nowhere near as good-looking as this.

Watch a nice trailer Opel has made for the GTC after the jump.

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.

Opel announced a new version of the Astra GTC, equipped with a panoramic windscreen.

From the outside, the car looks very silly with this windscreen, but passengers inside it are going to have a good time. This panoramic affair gives them a cinematic view of the world, and provides the cabin with more light. In short, it adds to the driving pleasure of this nice little coupe.

Apart from the new Astra GTC, the panoramic windscreen is also now available in the new Zafira Tourer. Opel had used these windscreens on the old Astra with good success, as 18,000 Astra GTC they sold were fitted with this option.

Depending on the equipment variety, Opel offers this optional extra at prices starting at 1.200 Euro.

Since the start of orders in June, the new Astra GTC has been available with a choice of five engines with manual transmissions – four agile gasoline engines with outputs from the 1.4 liter 74 kW/100 hp to the 1.6 turbo with 132 kW/180 hp. Added to those is the 2.0 CDTI Common-Rail turbo diesel engine with 121 kW/165 hp.

Opel/Vauxhall revealed its unique concept car for this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. And it’s a 2-seat Electric city car.

Despite the extremely radical design, Opel says this electric car has production potential. They do have a point actually, because apart from the futuristic looks, underneath it features a simple electric drivetrain that gives a top speed of 75 mph and range of 60 miles.

What’s more, the car has a lightweight body that cost very low to build and offers good practicality for a city runabout. Opel says affordability is the factor that will attract young buyers to this trendy little EV.

More details will be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 13.

Opel/Vauxhall announced plans for this year’s IAA Frankfurt Motor Show. And it includes no less than 4 world premieres: the new Astra GTC, the new Zafira Tourer, the new Combo and a groundbreaking experimental vehicle for emission free urban mobility. Judging by the teaser picture above, this new EV must be a baby Ampera. But it’s not likely for it to get a range-extender like the Ampera. It’ll probably be a pure electric car.

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.

Opel/Vauxhall revealed the lineup for this year’s IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, and among them there is a surprise debut which Opel says will a new interpretation of ‘driving fun’.

This new sportscar is said to wow the crowd and the press alike, with its amazing looks and even more amazing specs. Opel has shown with the new Astra GTC, also to make debut at IAA, they know how to pen a great-looking car while protecting the brand’s character.

besides the fancy new concept, there will be three other debuts, the Astra GTC, Zafira Tourer and the new Combo based on Fiat Doblo. They will also be showing a a series production Ampera and seven ecoFlex models.

For more details on the surprise concept we are going to have to wait a bit linger. But here’s more details on the rest of the cars at Opel/Vauxhall’s booth:

Astra GTC and Zafira Tourer take centre stage for the first time

The new Astra GTC’s rakish design has already won it praise from press and public alike. And with its bespoke high-performance front suspension (HiPerStrut), the GTC has the dynamic performance to match its stunning looks. At launch, a range of petrol and diesel engines with outputs between 120PS and 180PS will be available to order before the car hits UK showrooms later this year.

Defining new levels of interior quality and space in the MPV sector, the new Zafira Tourer has a completely re-designed Flex7 seating system, innovative technologies and fine driving dynamics to complement its range of new engines. The Zafira Tourer will reach UK showrooms early in 2012.

Electric Ampera heads towards European market launch

Vauxhall’s Ampera is the first electric vehicle from a European manufacturer to do away with the range anxiety which so often blights electric cars. It fits perfectly into this year’s Frankfurt Show slogan: ‘Future comes as standard’. A 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack feeds the 150PS electric drive unit. Depending on driving technique, terrain and temperature, it delivers between 25-50 miles of electric operation with zero emissions – ample for a vast majority of UK commutes. But thanks to a clever range-extender, the Ampera can travel for more than 300 miles on electric power without needing to stop at a filling station or to re-charge.

Seven new ecoFLEX models from Agila to Insignia

Vauxhall’s ecoFLEX range is already renowned for combining exceptional fuel consumption with hardly any sacrifice in performance. But now the bar has been raised even higher with the launch of seven new derivatives across four ranges: the Agila 1.0 petrol (109g/km), Meriva 1.3 CDTi (109g/km), Astra 1.7 CDTi (99g/km), Insignia 1.4 Turbo petrol (134g/km) and Insignia 2.0 CDTi (115g/km) – as well as ecoFLEX versions of the Astra GTC and Zafira Tourer.

The new Opel Insignia might look like the 2011 model, but it’s been given a thorough update for more refinement and efficiency.

The most significant change is the addition of a new 1.4 turbo ecoFLEX gasoline engine to the range. It is a very small engine, but it makes 103 kW/140 hp and 200 Nm which is fairly enough for a mid-size family sedan. That said, there’s no getting away from the fact that it does zero to 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds and that’s pretty slow. On the upside it averages 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers and emits 134 grams per kilometer.

In other upgrades, the electric power steering REPS (Rack Assist Electric Power Steering) featured for the first time in the Insignia. And you can have the 2.0 turbo 4×4 with more power and torque with reduced consumption.

The engine delivers 185 kW/250 hp and maximum torque of 400 Nm (previously 350 Nm). This powerful drivetrain with manual transmission can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. Opel managed to make this engine as efficient as possible using fuel saving features like Start/Stop system and low-rolling-resistance tires.

Other items that make it worth waiting for the 2012 model include new infotainment systems Navi 600 and Navi 900 Europa, Opel front camera, used for traffic sign recognition and lane departure warning to date, premium Nappa leather finish “Indian Night”, new dark metallic lacquer “Luxor”, which, depending on the light, has blue-violet color reflections.

Prices for the 2012 Opel Insignia start at 23,330 euro.

This funny looking car is the new generation of Opel Combo compact van, focusing on economy and cargo capacity.

Maybe that’s why it ended up looking like this! They’ve spent all their efforts on engineering the car and there was no time left for design.

Anyhow, the new Combo offers a choice of two wheelbases – 2,755 mm or 3,105 mm – giving an overall vehicle length of 4.39 and 4.74 meters respectively, as well as two roof heights, 1.85 m or 2.10 m. It is available as car-van, with five or seven seats and a paneled or glazed body.

The car also offers impressive numbers in terms of practicality, with up to 3,800 liters of cargo space in short wheelbase form (with seat folded down) and 4,600 liters with the longer wheelbase.

The new Opel Combo is available with six engines: four diesel, one gasoline and a CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) unit. The diesel line-up comprises 1.3 CDTI and 1.6 CDTI motors, each with 66 kW/90 hp, as well as a 1.6 CDTI variant with 77 kW/105 hp and a top performance 2.0 CDTI unit providing 99 kW/135 hp. 1.4-liter gasoline engine delivers 70 kW/95 hp, while the CNG version, which runs on low-cost and environmentally-friendly natural gas, delivers 88 kW/120 hp.

]]> http://www.motorward.com/2011/07/2012-opel-combo/feed/ 2 http://www.motorward.com/2011/06/2012-opel-astra-gtc-video/ http://www.motorward.com/2011/06/2012-opel-astra-gtc-video/#comments Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:44:52 +0000 Arman Barari http://www.motorward.com/?p=23134

The GTC version of the Opel Astra is less practical and more expensive than the hatchback version. But it’s twice as much fun. Fun is this car’s biggest selling point. That’s why in its promo video you see things like couples playing in the beach, or twisty mountain roads. This is the standard version of the car which gets the same engine as the normal Astra. If you are sold on the way it looks, we advice you to hold on a couple of months until the OPC version arrives. That’ll be a whole new kettle of fish!

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:

This month Opel came up with two new hot versions of the Corsa and Insignia. Well, the Insignia OPC Unlimited has just had its Vmax limiter removed and can now reach a top speed of 270 km/h. But the Corsa OPC Nurburgring edition is really hotted up with a 210 PS engine, uprated chassis and suspension and beefed up looks and interior. Opel has apparently realized that to make proper hot hatch and sedans you need more than just brute force. So they are working on sophistication of their cars.

Hit the jump for the Insignia’s video.

Opel has come up with a new version of the magnificent Insignia OPC, called the Unlimited. As the name suggests, this car has no electronic speed governor limiting the fun.

Now, that ‘Unlimited’ implies that the car has unlimited top speed. But that’d be impossible obviously! Still, it’s not bad at 270 km/h. It is only 20 km/h more than the limited models but there are a whole bunch of more powerful, more expensive cars out there that can’t do 270.

It is a great offering for the Insignia OPC and makes it an even more tempting option for those looking for a cool and classy high performance sedan, but don’t want to spend an absolute fortune on it. Opel Insignia OPC Unlimited comes with all-wheel-drive as standard and is fitted with Brembo brakes as its distinguishing factor over standard models as well.

What’s more the Unlimited also features a newly-designed tachometer and speedometer. A special edition of the vehicle is also planned with a matt black wrapping.

This 325 bhp Insignia OPC is available as four-door notchback and a five-door hatchback, as well as the Sports Tourer OPC station wagon. The Unlimited comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox which is necessary for a fun and sporty driving. The car does zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 to 6.6 seconds, depending on bodystyle and transmission. Combined-cycle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions range from 10.6 l/100 km and 249 g/km to 11.0 l/100 km and 259 g/km.

The handling of the car is top notch thanks to the 4×4 system with Haldex multi-disk clutch as well as electronic central and rear limited slip differentials (eLSD), and the FlexRide chassis which has settings for comfort and sport.

This high-end version of the Insignia OPCis price from 48,605 euros in Germany. That price also includes an OPC performance driving training course on the Opel proving grounds in Dudenhofen. Apparently Opel doesn’t trust its customers enough to just let them loose with a 270 km/h car!