VAUXHALL/OPEL TO UNVEIL 2-SEAT ELECTRIC CAR AT IAA

Vauxhall/Opel is to reveal a striking concept with ‘production potential’ at this month’s Frankfurt show that could revolutionise urban transport, especially for younger drivers and those on a very tight budget.

A battery-powered electric vehicle, the low, rakish concept will be highly affordable, have a 60-mile range and be capable of 75mph, making even the odd motorway trip feasible.

Yet despite its aesthetic appeal, the concept will be practical, affording two seats in a tandem layout, and its light weight – around a third of a small modern car’s – would allow it to be agile and fun to drive.

Inspired by the Ampera, the concept has the potential to create a new class of light-weight, zero-emissions electric vehicles in the UK and Europe.

More details will be revealed at the Vauxhall/Opel press conference at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 13.

Categories: Opel, Vauxhall

VAUXHALL UNDERCUTS FORD WITH NEW ZAFIRA TOURER ENTRY PRICING

Coinciding with the its world premiere at Frankfurt, Vauxhall has confirmed that the entry-level price of the all-new Zafira Tourer will be £21,000, more than £1,200 less than that one of its key rival, the Ford S-Max.

Yet despite its highly competitive starting price, the Zafira Tourer ES 1.8 (140PS) will come equipped with a comprehensive range of kit as standard, such as: air conditioning, DAB, cruise control, MP3/Aux In connections, 6 airbags, 7-speaker sound system, active headrests, and Flex7 seating.

Sitting above the ES in the range will be Exclusiv, SRi, SE and Elite trims.

The Zafira Tourer will be positioned above the current Zafira model in Vauxhall’s line-up and is set to raise the bar for design, luxury, flexibility and innovation in the MPV sector.

The production car’s design has deviated very little from the Geneva concept, illustrating design-chief, Mark Adams’ continued influence on the look of all new Vauxhall products, and reinforcing his ‘Sculptural artistry meets technical precision’ mantra.

While the Zafira Tourer will continue to use Flex7 seating, which set new standards for seven-seat integration in the original 1999 Zafira, the system has evolved radically in the new car to offer even greater levels of flexibility, innovation and comfort. Improved material quality, more cabin space and an overwhelmingly airy cabin further define the Zafira Tourer from its compact MPV Zafira sibling.

The Zafira Tourer will also hold great driver appeal. A new chassis, using key components from the Insignia, with a longer wheelbase (complementing its 190mm increase in overall length) and wider tracks, will provide outstanding dynamics, while offering better ride comfort than ever. Vauxhall’s acclaimed FlexRide adaptive damping system – a rarity in this class – will also be available as an option.

A great emphasis has been placed on safety in the Zafira Tourer, with a plethora of driver-assist systems making a first appearance in the new model. Traffic Sign Recognition, Side Blind Spot Alert and Advance Park Assist – which helps drivers find an adequate parking space and guides them in to it – are among the option highlights.

Two new engines – a 1.4 Turbo petrol and a 2.0 CDTi diesel (with three outputs, including a 119g ecoFLEX version) – join a 1.8-litre petrol unit to offer a spread of power options from 110PS to 165PS.

Categories: Opel, Vauxhall, Zafira

SCOOP: Opel's New Junior Mini Spotted Out in the Wild a Year Before Launch

It has been known for a while now that General Motor's European subsidiary Opel, is preparing to enter the increasingly popular mini car category with a new model currently codenamed Junior.

Taken during testing on public roads in Germany, these are some of the best spy shots we have of the upcoming Opel / Vauxhall Junior that will launch as a three-door hatchback.

The baby Opel model will slot beneath the Corsa supermini and is expected to measure around 3,700mm, meaning that it will be slightly longer than the Fiat 500 (3,546mm) which is believed to be one of its closest rivals.

Read more »

Categories: Opel, Opel Scoops, Scoops

IAA 2011: New Opel Astra GTC Takes the Stage in Frankfurt

We've already given you the full scoop on the all-new Astra GTC, but in Frankfurt, Opel held the world premiere of its latest C-segment model that blurs the line between three-door hatchbacks and coupes.

Based on the five-door Astra, the low-slung GTC sports a unique body shell as well as different platform dimensions as it has a 10mm longer wheelbase and wider tracks (+40mm up front and +30mm at the rear).

Read more »

Categories: Diesel, Frankfurt Motor Show, GM, New Cars, Opel, Opel Astra, Vauxhall

IAA 2011: New Opel Astra GTC Takes the Stage in Frankfurt

We've already given you the full scoop on the all-new Astra GTC, but in Frankfurt, Opel held the world premiere of its latest C-segment model that blurs the line between three-door hatchbacks and coupes.

Based on the five-door Astra, the low-slung GTC sports a unique body shell as well as different platform dimensions as it has a 10mm longer wheelbase and wider tracks (+40mm up front and +30mm at the rear).

Read more »

Categories: Diesel, Frankfurt Motor Show, GM, New Cars, Opel, Opel Astra, Vauxhall

Dutch Facepalm: Mutant Opel Astra Station Wagon

Of all the excessive custom creations that we've shown you through these pages over the years, this 1999 Opel Astra Station Wagon from Holland must be one of the most bizarre –and that's an understatement- ever.

While keeping the standard model's…82HP-strong 2.0-liter diesel engine, the owner modified the late 1990s Astra estate with anything he could find including an Audi front end, a wide body kit with excessive wheel arches and more vents than a cheese grater.

Read more »

Categories: audi, Offbeat News, Opel, Opel Astra, tuning

New Opel Astra GTC Sport Hatch Appears on Facebook Completely Undisguised

The production version of Opel’s stunning Astra GTC Concept from last year’s Paris Motor Show is scheduled to appear this summer with its public debut to take place at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show in September. However, thanks to Carscoop reader Javier who has a knack for finding future Opel models, we can give you a sneak peak of the production GTC. Javier discovered the picture of the completely undisguised Astra GTC on Opel’s official Facebook page earlier today.

Read more »

Categories: Frankfurt Motor Show, Opel, Opel Astra, Opel Scoops, Scoops

SCOOP: Production Version of Opel Zafira Tourer Concept getting Ready for Frankfurt Show Debut

At this month’s Geneva Motor Show, Opel previewed the next generation of its 7-seater MPV model through the Zafira Tourer Concept. Now, our spies have snagged some new photos of the production version rolling around in Germany as Opel puts the final touches on the compact minivan before its world premiere at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show this fall.

Being that that Geneva show Zafira was more of a pre-production model than a pure concept, few things appear to have changed on the outside. These include the smaller size and less snazzy alloy wheels, the larger but obviously more practical for everyday use exterior mirrors, the redesigned tail lamps and the more mundane tail pipe designs.

Read more »

Categories: Opel, Opel Scoops, Opel Zafira, Scoops, Vauxhall

SCOOP: Opel's New Corsa-Based Small SUV is GM's Answer to the Nissan Juke

General Motor's Opel / Vauxhall division is preparing its own proposal in the small crossover segment to take on the likes of the Nissan Juke as well as the forthcoming Fiesta Fiesta-based CUV, and here are some spy shots of what will soon slot into Opel's crossover lineup below the Antara.

Under all the camo is GM's new compact crossover, and it's expected to ride on an modified version of the upcoming Sonic/Spark's Gamma II platform, which will also be used on the next Corsa. Anyone want to photoshop a 4-door Corsa high rider? If not, just imagine it.

Power should come from Opel's current lineup of 1.4-liter and possibly 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline units as well as a choice of turbo diesel engines, while both front- or all-wheel drive configurations will likely be available when the Corsa crossover debuts.

Read more »

Categories: Chevrolet, Opel, Opel Corsa, Opel Scoops, Scoops, Vauxhall

SCOOP: New Opel Zafira Grows up but Doesn't get FlexDoors

Opel and its sister company Vauxhall are pushing ahead with the development of the next generation Zafira minivan, which was caught here testing by our scoop photographers. The new seven-seat model is expected to grow in dimensions offering improved passenger and luggage space. Unlike the latest Meriva that boasts a pair of suicide doors, the new Zafira will continue to use conventional rear doors.

The sleeker shape of Opel's newcomer can easily be seen beneath the harlequin camouflage, while the pictures suggest that the minivan takes styling cues from both the Insignia and new Astra, including the wing-shaped head lamps.

The interior design will also be more or less inspired by the Astra, while the car's flexibility is reported to have been improved by a revamped three-row flexible seating system providing independent seating for all seven passengers.

Read more »

Categories: Buick, GM, Opel, Opel Astra, Opel Scoops, Scoops, Vauxhall

2011 Opel Corsa Facelift Pictures Found and Confirmed on Official Site

A couple of weeks, we told you about a series of photos showing the 2011/2012 Opel Corsa facelift. To recap, according to numerous tipsters including Carscoop reader Javier, the pictures were found momentarily on Opel's German site, but were removed shortly after some users started uploading the images on the firm's Facebook page. Unfortunately, we weren't able to verify the claim then.

But Javier kept on looking and this time, he was able to tip us off in a timely manner about the Corsa facelift making its appearance on Opel's Belgian website. And yes, we can confirm their authenticity. The pictures of the standard 3-door and 5-door Corsa as well as of the OPC hot hatch that you see in our gallery after the jump were downloaded by us.

Read more »

Categories: GM, New Cars, Opel, Opel Corsa, Opel Scoops, Scoops, Vauxhall

2011 Opel Zafira MPV Scooped on Video, Doesn't get Trick Rear Doors

Along with the sportier three-door variant of the new Astra, General Motors' Opel division is also developing an MPV version of its C-segment model that will replace the current Zafira. Caught on film out and about at the Nurburgring track in Germany, the camouflaged prototype confirms that the new Opel (Vauxhall in the UK) Zafira won't get the funky FlexDoor system with the rear-hinged back doors of the Meriva, and will continue to use a conventional five-door layout instead.

Read more »

Categories: Opel, Opel Scoops, Opel Videos, Opel Zafira, Scoops, Vauxhall, video

SCOOP: Opel's Sexy-Looking Three-door Astra GTC Caught out in the Open

The new Astra range continues to expand. Following a series of spy shots and videos of the Sports Tourer model, our man with the long-lens has snapped the dramatically styled replacement to the three-door Opel / Vauxhall Astra GTC while out and about in Germany.

Due to be revealed at the Paris Motor Show in October before arriving in most European markets in early 2011, the new three-door variant of the Astra hatch follows in the footsteps of the outgoing GTC boasting a more rakish appearance than its five-door sibling.

Read more »

Categories: Opel, Opel Astra, Opel Scoops, Scoops

SCOOP: New Opel Astra Sports Tourer Caught on Film

The estate version of the new Opel / Vauxhall Astra has been spotted doing the rounds at the Nurburgring.

Scheduled to be shown for the first time this summer with a Paris Motor Show debut to follow in autumn 2010, the Astra Sports Tourer looks like a smaller version of the Insignia station wagon boasting a more raked roofline and a less boxy / conservative shape than the current model.

Read more »

Categories: Opel, Opel Astra, Opel Scoops, Opel Videos, Scoops, Vauxhall, video

Opel Corsa OPC: Nürburgring Edition Spy Shots

Here are some spy shots of what is believed to be the Opel Corsa OPC Nürburgring Edition special.

Based on the standard OPC, this should basically be the Corsa version of the Astra-based 2008 Nürburgring Edition model. That means it'll most likely come with the standard Corsa OPC's 192-horsepower (141 kW) / 170 lb-ft (230 Nm) turbocharged 1.6 liter mill and extra add-ons.

Other baubles to expect are upgraded Brembo brakes, Recaro leather seating, carbon-look decor for the interior, unique lightweight wheels, and maybe even a tuned suspension.

Read more »

Categories: Opel, Opel Corsa, Opel OPC, Opel Scoops, Scoops, Vauxhall

SPIED: New Opel Zafira 7-Seater MPV

The next-generation of GM Europe's Opel (Vauxhall in Britain) Zafira MPV has been spotted by our man with the long-lens undergoing development testing in Germany.

Opel's traditional harlequin suit of camouflage leaves a lot to the imagination about the Zafira's looks, but expect a sleeker shape incorporating many of the styling cues seen on the Astra, Insignia and the Meriva, including the creased swoop behind the front wheels.

From what we can tell by looking at these photos, it appears that Opel hasn't applied the Meriva's trick suicide doors on the Zafira which gets conventional rear doors.

Read more »

Categories: Diesel, Opel, Opel Zafira, Scoops, Vauxhall

SPIED: 2011 Opel / Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer

These latest spy shots show a lightly camouflaged version of the forthcoming Opel Astra Sports Tourer. The station wagon variant will be the second addition to the new Astra family after the five-door hatchback. It will be followed by a three-door hatchback, a coupe convertible and a four-sedan model that will be sold in the States as a Buick - see the scoop here.

Stylistically inspired by the larger Insignia Sports Tourer, the Astra Estate is evidently longer than its hatchback brethren which should translate to a more cavernous and practical boot.

The estate will use the same engine line-up as the five-door hatch, which means a petrol range stretching from a 1.4-liter naturally aspirated four-pot up to a 180 horsepower 1.6-liter turbo, and a comprehensive diesel range that tops out with a 160HP 2.0-liter CDTi.

Read more »

Categories: Buick Astra, Opel, Opel Astra, Opel Scoops, Scoops, Vauxhall

Baby Buick Sedan Based on New Opel Astra Scooped Inside and Out in Germany

We still don't know the name of Buick's all-new small sedan that will take its place right under the 2011 Regal in the carmaker's line up, but these latest spy shots from Germany give us our best look to date of the upcoming compact-sized model's exterior and interior design.

And if the styling looks familiar that's because Buick's baby sedan is in essence the North American version of the upcoming Opel Astra sedan.

From what we gather by looking at these revealing spy shots, the only differences worth mentioning aside from the badges concern Buick's signature waterfall grille and possibly, the styling of the tail lights.

Read more »

Categories: Buick, Buick Astra, Buick Scoops, Opel, Opel Astra, Saturn Astra, Scoops

2011 Opel / Vauxhall Ampera Plug-in Hybrid: Production Version of European Volt Spied Completely Undisguised!

The most enlightening spy photos of the production version of the 2011 Opel Ampera plopped in our inbox today. At first we thought it was just the concept model out testing, but a closer look at the completely undisguised Ampera with the German license plates revealed that this is the actual production model that's due to go on sale in Europe and the UK (as a Vauxhall) in late 2011.

A sister model to the North American Chevrolet Volt, the road-ready Ampera features a few minor styling tweaks and additions over last year's concept model (see pictures here).

At the front-end of the plug-in hybrid, we find a slightly revised front grille, relocated front turning signals, plain black decorative trim on the bumper and the addition of washers on the bonnet.

At the back, the boot lid spoiler has been extended and features a larger third-stop light, while the reflectors on the corners of the bumper have been pushed outwards and the diffuser on the bumper has been redesigned and incorporates center mounted lights.

Read more »

Categories: Chevrolet Volt, Electric Vehicles, Geneva Motor Show, GM, Opel, Opel Ampera, Opel Scoops, Scoops, Vauxhall

New Opel Meriva MPV Spotted Out in the Open

True, GM's European arm has officially revealed the new Opel Meriva but we couldn't pass the opportunity to share with you these 'real-life' photographs of the small MPV that was bagged by our man with the long lens in Germany. You can read the full story on the 2010 Meriva here, but as a reminder, Opel's Citroen C3 Picasso rival that features rear-hinged back doors will make its first public outing at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

At launch, it will be marketed with six engines offering a power bandwidth from 75 HP to 140 HP and a choice of 5 and 6-speed manual transmissions (depending on the engine) as well as a 6-speed automatic gearbox

According to Opel, fuel consumption has been reduced by an average of 15 percent compared with the current generation Meriva.

Designed and developed at Opel's engineering center in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the new Meriva will be built at GM's plant in Zaragoza, Spain and is scheduled to go on sale across Europe this summer.

Categories: Geneva Motor Show, Opel, Opel Meriva, Opel Scoops, Scoops