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

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).

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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

SPY VIDEO: 2011 Opel Astra GTC and GTC Turbo, Could Rival VW Scirocco

Opel will soon bring the total body count of the new Astra range to three with the presentation of the sporty Astra GTC, also known as the Vauxhall Astra in Britain, that will join the already available five-door hatchback and the recently revealed, Sports Tourer estate.

Even though we'll have to wait for the Paris Motor Show in October for the official unveiling of the GTC, we can give you a glimpse of the sporty looking three-door Astra as two prototype models were caught on film during testing in Germany.

As you can see in the video after the jump, the first camouflaged Astra GTC features a single tail pipe at each corner of the rear bumper and beefy tire/alloy combos, suggesting it's a turbocharged model, quite possibly, the rumored GSi that's said to be fitted with a more potent version of the 1.6-liter turbo delivering a little over 200HP.

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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.

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

SCOOP: New Opel Meriva MPV Caught with its Rear Suicide Doors Wide Open!

No more hiding and trick camouflage for the new Meriva as our spies finally managed to snap Opel's new small MPV with its rear-hinged back doors open wide confirming once and for all that the production model will indeed keep the 'FlexDoors' of the 2008 Geneva Show concept car. Both rear doors of the five-seater MPV will open a full 90 degrees away from the body but unlike most models with suicide style back doors, the Meriva maintains a central B-pillar.

It is expected that like the concept model, passengers can open the rear doors even when the front doors are closed but only when the vehicle is stationary.

A closer look at the spy photos reveals that the 2010 Meriva, which will be sold in Great Britain with the Vauxhall logo, will be fitted with three individual seats at the rear that can be separately folded down to increase luggage capacity or/and pushed inwards and backwards to create more legroom.

Albeit toned down, the production model's exterior styling remains close to that of the 2008 concept. Even the unusual kink in the rear window line that promises to improve the view of the rear passengers has been retained. The Meriva also incorporates plenty of design cues from both the new Astra and Insignia.

Earlier spy shots suggest that the Meriva will get a dashboard similar in design to the one found in the latest Astra with four deeply placed gauges in the instrument cluster.

Based on a slightly larger platform with a longer wheelbase and wider tracks than the current model, the new Meriva will benefit from the 2010 Astra's revised engine lineup.

The gasoline range will include 1.4-liter and 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engines with outputs of 100HP and 115HP respectively as well as GM's new 1.4-liter turbocharged producing 140HP. A sporty OPC version with a 1.6-liter turbo pushing out 180HP or more will also be offered at a later stage.

As for the diesel lineup, the initial range is expected to include 1.3-liter, 1.7-liter and 2.0-liter CDTIs.

With the Frankfurt Motor Show long gone, the world debut of the Meriva will most likely take place at next year's Geneva Salon in March, before going on sale across Europe at the end of Spring.

Categories: Opel, Opel Meriva, Opel Scoops, Scoops, Vauxhall

2010 Buick Astra Spied in Germany - Could it Make it to the US?

Bolstering previous rumors that General Motors may expand Buick's lineup with new models from its European Opel division, our spy photographers bagged these shots of a prototype Astra model fitted with Buick's trademark waterfall-style grille. The test mule that was spotted in Germany also featured slightly larger fog lights on the front bumper but other than that, we did not detect any other styling changes compared to the Opel - Vauxhall Astra that is scheduled to make its first public appearance at this fall's Frankfurt show.

We do know that GM's Buick unit is preparing to add the Astra to its Chinese market portfolio selling it alongside the Regal sedan that is nothing more than an Opel Insignia with a new grille and different set of badges.

But what about the U.S.? Prior to General Motors' decision to sell off its Saturn unit, it was believed that the new generation Astra would be built in North America and sold in the States under the Saturn brand.

Just before General Motors entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, several news agencies reported that the Opel Insignia as well as the Astra were being considered for Buick's North American range.

So what's the deal now with the Astra at post-bankruptcy GM? Well, to be completely frank, your guess is as good as ours. When GM's CEO Fritz Henderson says in June that the Pontiac G8 won't be rebadged as another model in the US and a month later, Bob Lutz says the opposite, stating in a magazine interview that the G8 will be reincarnated as the Chevy Caprice in North America, there's so much credibility that you can you give to any rumors or/and reports that surface.

But whatever the deal is, we reckon that a North American built Astra with a Buick badge accompanied by some serious marketing efforts could provide GM with a credible contender to the Mazda3 and its ilk.

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