Frankfurt 2011: Rakish Opel Astra GTC Promises Performance
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Opel/Vauxhall finally provided a live unveiling of the all-new Astra GTC in front of attending media at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany.
Despite early online releases of photos, several specifications remained tight-lipped until now, such as the Astra GTC’s official power output. Officially, there will be a choice of five different engines, ranging between 100 hp (74 kW) and 180 hp (132 kW). There’s also a new 1.7L diesel ecoFLEX variant equipped with a Start/Stop system offering either 110 hp (81kW) or 130 hp (96 kW).
Those numbers aren’t exactly Ford Focus ST territory as originally thought, but a HiPerStrut suspension system up front and a Watt’s Link (Z-Link) suspension system in the back will undoubtedly give the Astra GTC the ability to carve through twisty mountain roads with ease.
The wait continues for an OPC/VXR model.
I’d say they need to put the 2.0 liter from the Regal GS
Nice, not sure if it should be a Buick here in the states though, how about just an Opel with some boutique type stores, Opel could sell 3 or 4 models here and slowely expand its network, come on GM make it happen you know you want to…:-)
Completely agreed. Opel has the brand characteristics and vehicles to go global. Start slowly with a sporting attitude that’s slightly more upmarket than Chevy.
Regarding this GTC, I don’t think it was ever meant to be an ST competitor. It’s just a great-looking car. I’m assuming the 180 horses comes from the boosted 1.6 ECOTEC… which isn’t enough for a performance version. But then again, the Astra doesn’t yet have a performance variant — which would most likely start with this 3-door.
Not unless if they do a OPC
Here is my corporate store proposal again, I roll into a corporate store where I can order any GM product (obviously would have to meet US standards) in the world, speced to US. How cool would that be say you want a next gen Chevy Colorado made in Thailand…
So again you want an Opel you order an Opel you want a Cruze hatch you order a Cruze hatch made in Korea ect. Or heck maybe you want a Vauxhaul you order a Vauxhal, maybe you dig the new south amercan cobalt you order up one 4 yourself, Or maybe a Chinese built Buick… Heck why not open things up, you say the cost would be to much well probably so maybe not every vehicle would be available