Opel will unveil the fourth generation Astra next year in March, most probably at the Geneva Motor Show. The car was already caught at testing, and is set to be sold all over the globe - it will be sold under the Opel, Vauxhall, Holden and Saturn logos.
With design inspired by the GTC Concept, the future Astra will feature a more "fresh" and aggressive look that will help it to easily compete with models like Volkswagen Golf VI and the new Ford Focus (European version).
Same front grille as in the newly-launched Insignia will also be used in the future Astra, but it will feature different headlights, easily inspired by the concept, in order to ensure the car’s individuality.
As rumors say, the 2010 Astra will be built on GM’s Delta global small-car platform, same that will be used for the future Saab 9-1. Under the hood the company will keep the same engine line-up: different headlights, but a hybrid version is also expected.
Opel will also work on a VXR version of the 2010 Astra. The vehicle is going to be powered by a new 1.8 liter engine capable to develop 240 hp. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph will be made in less than 6 seconds while the top speed will be somewhere around 155 mph.
The 2010 Astra will be offered as a three and five door hatchback, an estate version (Caravan), a convertible version (Twin Top) and also a three-doors GTC. All this will be available after the five-doors version will make its official debut.
The production of the 2010 Astra will be moved from the Antwerp plant, Belgium, to Swedish Saab unit, Trollhattan. Reason: better productivity and 25% less production costs.
Opel (or Vauxhall in UK) will unveil the high-performance version of Astra in 2010. The future Astra VXR will compete with models like Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen Golf GTI.
On the exterior, Astra VXR will feature a a ground-hugging bodykit and massive air intakes at the front, as well as a diffuser-style rear bumper, complete with a central exhaust. The sporty look will be accentuated by 19-inch alloys, a roof spoiler and a range of bright body colors.
GM will replace the current 237bhp 2.0-liter turbocharged unit with a new 1.8-litre motor. It will still be turbocharged and boast around 240bhp, allowing a 0-60mph time of six seconds and a top speed of 150 mph.
As you know the new generation of the Opel Astra is set to return next year and will make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show, in 2008. The new Opel Astra VXR will be revealed in 2010 featuring a brand new body design as well as an updated powertrain.
The vehicle is going to be powered by a new 1.8 liter engine capable to develop 240 hp and looks like the decision to use a smaller engine was taken due to the tougher CO2 emissions but also due to the price increase of the petrol. The sprint from 0-100 km/h will be made in less than 6 seconds while the top speed will be somewhere around 250 km/h.
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The 10 millionth Opel Astra rolled off the assembly line today in Bochum, Germany – a Silver Lightning Astra Station Wagon 1.7 CDTI equipped with special features to celebrate this extraordinary production milestone.
With more than 500,000 models sold last year in Europe alone, Astra is the absolute best-selling car in the Opel palette and follows in the footsteps of Opel’s Kadett and the brand’s tradition of building quality compact cars.
“The Astra is synonymous with Opel. Its success is also a recognition of our expertise in the compact segment in which Opel has been playing a pioneering role since 1936 and the launch of the first Kadett” says Opel Managing Director Hans H. Demant. “The Astra symbolizes our brand; offering bold design, versatility and advanced technology that meets customer needs. And it is fun to drive.
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Opel (or Vauxhall if you are from UK) will launch a better competitor for Ford Focus: the next generation Astra that is set to be unveiled in 18 months’ time, with the first concept car previewing the new Astra to be unveiled at a major motor show in 2009.
The new Astra will follow in the footsteps of the Vectra-replacing Insignia – which debuts at July’s British Motor Show in London – as well as the redesigned Meriva, due in dealers here early in 2009.
The Astra’s nose will be inspired by the Insignia, and wears bold headlights and deep air intakes, while at the rear there is a squat Seat Leon-style tail, as well as distinctive C-pillars. As well as the five-door shown here, there will be a three-door Sport Hatch model. And as is the case with the current generation, this car will be completely different from its more practical brother, with a rakish tailgate and lower roofline creating a coupé-like profile.
The next Astra will be powered by a wide range of small-capacity turbocharged petrol and diesel powerplants. The VXR version will be powered by a 250bhp 2.0-litre turbo engine.
The next Astra will also be sold in USA as a Saturn.
Opel unveiled at the Essen Motor Show, the Astra OPC Nurburgring-Edition, a limited edition that express the respect that Opel has for the ’most charming’ race track in the world. It will be limited to only 835 units and will go on sale early next year.
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The Astra H from 2007 is on route with a new front. For both the Astra H 5-door and the Astra H Estate, Steinmetz Opel-Tuning has developed a new front with an even more striking appearance. The new Steinmetz parts have been developed to fit harmoniously into the overall image and are made with the usual high quality.
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At the start of the fourth round of the OPC Race Camp, Opel unveils the Astra OPC “Nürburgring Edition”, a limited special edition version of the successful three-door model. The “Nürburgring Edition” emphasizes the connection between the racetrack steeped in tradition and the Opel brand. The Nürburgring, and in particular the legendary Nordschleife, are rightfully known as Opel territory, as this is where Opel production cars are extensively tested during their development stage. Manuel Reuter first highlighted the OPC models’ performance power in 2005, when he set a circuit record with the Astra OPC in this vehicle class. With the special Astra OPC “Nürburgring Edition”, Opel now raises the connection to the Nordschleife to a new level.
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The new edition
Opel Astra, with design and technological enhancements, is now available to order with two state-of-the-art 1.7-liter diesel engines. Designed following Opel’s downsizing strategy, the latest generation common-rail turbo-diesel engines are relatively compact, yet with their high power output per liter and power reserves they boast ideal economy and low emissions. These highly efficient units, which both come coupled with six-speed transmissions as standard, already (...
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With new, more economical engines, a refined look, enhanced technology and an expanded equipment range, the new edition of the
Opel Astra is available at dealerships from February 2007 at a practically unchanged, affordable price starting from 16,160 euros. The whole Astra family benefits from the model update, from the five-door and station wagon variants to the sporty three-door GTC and dynamic, elegant TwinTop cabrio-coupé. The new Opel Astra made its world premiere at the Bologna Motor Show in December. With about 1.3 million units sold since its market launch in March 2004, the third-generation Astra plays a leading role in the fiercely competitive compact segment and in European sales statistics. The bestseller will now be available with a range of eleven different engine versions, producing between 90 and 240 hp
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