Deep inside the Vauxhall Opel headquarters, the next generation Astra GTC (or VXR for you Brits out there) is coming to fruiting, getting ready to compete with the new Ford Focus ST and Renaultsport Megane for the European hot hatch crown. And despite the very solid competition, GM Europe thinks it has the recipe to create the best hot hatch on the market.
From a design perspecitve, the Astra will be a three door rumored to use styling cues from the Opel GTC concept, which includes the sharp crease that extends from the door handles all the way to the taillights, integrated roof spoiler, and a small rear diffuser. The high-output Astra will also feature a body kit and aggressive wheels to give it an even more aggressive stance and appearance.
Power will come from a turbocharged 4-cylinder ECOTEC producing “just shy” of 300 HP, that will more than likely be channeled solely to the front wheels, as the Delta II platform is not capable of an all-wheel-drive configuration in its present form. The chassis will utilize a mechanical limited-slip differential and GM’s unique HiPer Strut front suspension system to help reduce torque steer and improve steering feel.
Expect the Opel Astra GTC to make its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, with speculation putting the Vauxhall-badged variant at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show a little over a year from now.
Source: Autocar
Comments
Since this car is the basis for the Buick Verano. I’d say(hope) keep the standard Verano as a sedan, and make the GS a hot coupe based on this VXR, and Buick will be well on it’s way to permanently changing it’s image.
Here’s a great Photoshop I came across. 🙂
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/attachments/f16/9192d1296017381-vauxhall-astra-vxr-uncovered-buckopel.jpg
Thats a pretty sexy 300hp sports coupe! It would be cool if GM brought that car into the USA as a 2 door version of the verano..
Not sure it would sell but if priced accordingly ..it might be a fun car for the brand..
I like it! 300hp is always a fun drive!
Just needs a dual clutch transmission to wipe the floor with the GTI (at 210hp)
How about implementing such things into the Chevy Cruze, as it competes more directly with the Focus? There’s also the upcoming Hyundai Volester and VW Golf GTI… the Cruze is currently far too one-dimensional to effectively compete in all niches of the compact segment and NEEDS a coupe, hatch and high-output variant to net in more consumers. Hopefully GM has caught onto this.
Manual transmission, Z-Link suspension and MacPherson struts aside, the Verano seems to be going for more of an elegant take on things, and just because the Opel Insignia is rebadged as the Buick Regal here in the States does not necessarily mean that they will make rebadging Opels as Buicks a trend.
I hear you Manoli, but the euro is high, it would be pricey for a Chevy, As a Buick, it would have the cashe to sell at a profit, all the while legitimizing Buick as a contender for young successfull ubanites, a two fur.
You’r right though Chevy needs a performance varient in the compact field, maybee a Sonic SS will be a ligitamate contender, lets hope LNF’s for everyone; lets keep Spring Hill Buissy, The 2 liter Ecco DI turbo is still assembled for North America in Spring Hill, is’nt it?
No need to worry about the Euro, it could be built in Lordstown, or Lake Orion.
The Sonic can’t effectively compete with the likes of a VW Golf GTI, not enough power and too small for the segment. The Sonic should still fair very well against the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit and the like.
As for a youth market contender, I don’t understand why GM continues to push Buick as such a brand. It’s not. Chevy has a much better style towards such things. More market share is to be had if Buick were to take square aim at Lexus. Elegant, soft luxury. Maybe boring at times, but that’s where Cadillac comes in with its performance oriented mantra.
Though this is also why Pontiac needs to be around. It would have been their perfect youth brand if they only managed the brand right.
Anyways, even if a proposed Cruze SS sedan/hatch started in the range of $23-$24K, that would not be overpriced. A Golf Gti starts around the same price, and I would wager the Focus ST will be closer to $30k than $20k when it goes on sale.