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2011 Opel Ampera Prototype
 
After we have seen the Opel Ampera concept version in 2009 at the Geneva Motor Show, this year Opel is taking a step forward with the unveiling of the first prototype of the production Ampera. The first prototype has received its first charge of electricity and will be put of test on a long-distance drive from Rüsselsheim to Geneva. The Ampera extended-range electric vehicle will use the energy stored in its 16 kWh lithium-ion battery to drive the first stage of the 600 kilometers journey from Rüsselsheim, Germany, to the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland, without emitting CO2. Press release after the jump. Full story 2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E
The German automaker Opel will unveil a new electric concept car this March at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. According to the company’s first details, the Flextreme GT/E concept which will preview much of the company’s future thinking ideas in terms of design and engineering. Using green innovation and alternative propulsion, the concept is proof that size and comfort do not need to be sacrificed for a vehicle to be environmentally efficient. Updated 18/02/2010: Opel revealed today the official details on the Flextreme GT/E concept. The concept will use the same electric drive system as the Ampera and Volt and previews a future top model for Opel, but also "the shape of things to come from Opel." The Flextreme GT/E a low hood line and an extended nose section, a new trapezoidal grille and LED headlamps are deeply carved into the front fenders and across the hood line. The profile is defined by innovative, stubbed C-pillars and new rear-hinged rear doors. The E-REV drive system combines a small gasoline engine/generator used to provide electricity with a T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack located under the floor and rear seat. The electric drive unit delivers a total of 370 Nm and sprints the car from 0 to 60 mph in under 9 seconds. Press release after the jump. Full story 2010 Opel Corsa Color Race
The German automaker Opel has released a competition inspired special edition Corsa Color Race for the European market. Built as an homage to the Rallye Kadett B Sprint from the early 1970s, the three door Corsa is covered in Sunny Melon Yellow paint that is offset by a standard black hood and tailgate with the checkered flag motif on either body panel as a color matching accent. If the classic shade of sunshine isn’t quite our cup of tea Opel is going to offer the Corsa Color Race in Casablanca White and Magma Red as well. The factory prepped hot hatch sits on a set of 17 inch alloy wheels to complete the exterior styling while on the inside the special edition Opel gets a panoramic sunroof, leather wrapped steering wheel and color matching accent stitching for the seats as well as the A/C vent bezels. The Corsa Color Race will be made with a variety of fuel efficient power plants including a 1.4 Liter gas burning engine of either the 87 HP or 100 HP variety as well as the diesel burning top of the line 1.7 Liter four cylinder CDTI making a total of 130 HP. Press release after the jump. Full story Video: All-new Opel Insignia challenges Opel Ascona 400 rally car in a race on ice
Traditionally, when two cars go on a race, the thinking is that both cars should be evenly matched. After all, when only two cars are involved, it doesn’t make sense to have one be superior to the other, otherwise, why do it in the first place. Opel’s new promo video featuring the all new Insignia sees it go face-to-face with one of the brand’s most iconic rally cars, the Opel Ascona 400, the last rear-wheel drive rally car that won the WRC World Championship way back in 1982. So ok, it’s not really a fair race considering that the Ascona is close to hitting 40 years old but it sure made for an entertaining watch as the historical rally car went up against the new Insignia – a car that comes with an optional Adaptive 4x4 system on the 220HP 2.0-liter version and a standard 4x4 system on the 2.8 V6 Turbo and OPC variants. Manning the wheels of the Ascona 400 is rally legend Christian Geistdörfer while Sina Winkelhock, a budding racer in her own right, is behind the wheel of the Insignia in this race on ice. Like we said, there’s really no suspense as to what car will take the chequered flag, but if you want to see the slick manoeuvrability of the Insignia - even under less-than-ideal road conditions – then you should definitely give this video a look. 2011 Opel Meriva
The German car builder Opel will unveil their second generation Meriva compact hatch in March at the Geneva Motor Show. The all new Meriva features the same design language as the larger and very successful Opel Insignia. However unlike any production Opel that came before, the new Merivia retains the trick suicide style FlexDoors that were showcased on the Meriva Concept back in 2008. Like the Lincoln Continental, the unique opening arrangement provided by the FlexDoors makes the Merivia a much more functional vehicle by making it much easier to get in and out of the rear seat with the back door opening up a full 84 degrees.  As opposed to conventional doors that only open 68 to 70 degrees, the FlexDoors are more ergonomic in the event that a front seat passenger can easily place items in the rear compartment like a jacket, briefcase or even an umbrella behind them. The 2011 Meriva will be offered with a wide range of power train options with outputs ranging from a very economical 75 HP up to 140 HP, with an ecoFLEX version to be offered as well. The Meriva’s engine will be mated to a choice of five and six speed manual transmissions as well as a smooth shifting six speed automatic. Offering a dash of fun into the compact people mover category. UPDATE 06/29/2010: Check out the new 3D commercial for the Opel Meriva after the jump. Press release after the jump. Full story 2010 Opel Astra by Irmscher
Irmscher has come with a new styling package for the 2010 Opel Astra. On the exterior the tuner added Front lower spoiler, radiator grille insert with carbon-effect upper or with aluminium-effect upper, side sills, roof spoiler hatchback and chromed number plate holder. On the interior Irmscher added a leather package for the seats, door panels and central armrests, matte aluminium door-locking pins and sport pedals. The car sits on 18-inch alloy wheels. 2010 Opel Corsa Color Edition
The German GM builder Opel presented the all new special edition Corsa Color Edition, a greener compact with a sporty appearance and a more colorful personality. The Opel Corsa Color Edition is only available in the Corsa’s three door hatchback body and is available in a few attractive colors with equally as enticing names like: Black Sapphire, Casablanca White, Sunny Melon and Magma Red. What is even more appealing is that Opel is also offering the Black Sapphire roof to offset any of the other moro brilliant shades of the rainbow.  The Opel Corsa Color Edition is also a well equipped little package for the European market with standard features like aluminum pedals, sport bucket seats, leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel with integrated CD and MP3 player controls for the radio, air conditioning and an airbag equipped safety package. On the outside the Corsa Color Edition is distinguishing by its black grill, blacked out headlight and taillight housings, chrome exhaust tip. However we feel that the 16 inch ten spokers that go the furthest towards transforming the Opel Corsa Color Edition from a sporty grocery getter into a truly hot hatch. Steinmetz Insignia Sports Tourer becomes the fastest street legal Opel ever
As surprising as it may sound, the German car builder Opel has been setting speed records since the 1920s, one such occurrence featured Fritz Von Opel piloting his rocket powered RAK 2 to an estimated 149 MPH at Berlin’s Avus racetrack. Not ones to leave history alone, the Opel tuners at Steinmetz brought a modified Insignia Sports Tourer OPC to the Nardo Ring the other day where it hit a record speed of 178.5 MPH to become the fastest street legal Opel ever. Steinmetz started off by upgrading the OPC’s cooling system with a modified intercooler before installing a larger turbo complete with a full 3 inch exhaust to let the engine breathe easier, reduce back pressure and eliminate turbo lag. In order to account for the added boost, Steinmetz has installed a set of high flow fuel injectors and then reprogrammed the engine’s electronics so that everything stays in working order. The end result is an Insignia wagon that makes 400 HP and 405 lb-ft of torque that has just become the fastest Opel of all time. RAK 2 video and press release after the jump. Full story 2010 Opel Corsa
Next January Opel will come out with new version of their successful Corsa hatchback. Changes for 2010 will include: a new array of engines, improvements to the chassis and recalibration to the steering. As usual, Opel will be offering the new Corsa in two versions: the first is a sporty coupe like three door and the other a family friendly five door model.  The new range of power plants will include two gasoline engines: a 1.2 Liter and 1.4 Liter Twinport variants as well as two different diesel options: a 1.7 CDTI and 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX with fuel consumption ranging between 5.0 and 5.5 liter/100 km, about 50 MPG, with a maximum CO2 emissions of only 129 g/km, a number that is very low. Press release after the jump. Full story 2010 Opel Astra
After teasing their fans, the German Automaker Opel has just revealed official details about the new Astra, a vehicle that will make its world debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. The car’s exterior is easily identifiable as an Opel, while the interior features the latest in technology. The new Astra line-up will be full of options. There will be 8 different engine choices, all of which are shifted by six speed transmissions. The diesel options range from 1.3 to 2.0 Liters making anywhere from 95 HP up to 160 HP. While gas burners will displace from 1.4 to 1.6 Liters pumping out from 100 HP to 180 HP. The new generation Astra is built on a whole new platform, featuring a longer wheelbase, wider track and a reengineered rear axle. Like the Insignia it comes with the fuel saving Opel FlexRide electronic aide that offers the driver the option to drive in Standard, Sport and Touring mode. Press release after the jump. Full story | featured reviews:Opel cars reviews2013 2012 2011
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