2008 Opel Vectra Spied

Due to be unveiled at the 2008 London Motor Show (July 23 to 3 August, 2008) the new Opel Vectra (which will also base a mid-size Saturn) has been caught on camera by Automotorsport performing test runs on an airfield in Germany. Despite the "military" camouflage it’s quite obvious that Opel designers took a really close look at the Geneva Show GTC Concept while drawing up the Vectra. Undoubtedly, Vectra’s most prominent feature is its sleek, coupe-like roofline. If you’ve seen the GTC’s interior then you won’t be surprised with the Vectra’s cabin as according to Opel’s officials, what you saw in Geneva is roughly what you’ll get in 2008. -Continued after the jump

The new Vectra will based on GM’s all-new mid-size platform which will allow the use of a 4WD system for the very first time in the models history. The same platform will also be used on the next generation Saab 9-3 & 9-5 and Cadillac BLS. The Vectra will be offered with a wide variety of engines including an 180Hp+ 1.6-liter Turbo and 290Hp 2.8-liter V6 Twin-Turbo versions.

Pics via: Automotorsport.se

Technorati: Opel+Vectra, Saturn, cars, Carscoop,

GM To Build Corsa Based Opel & Chevrolet Compact SUV’s In Antwerp

GM plans to present an all-new compact SUV/Crossover based on an extended Opel Corsa platform in 2009/2010, offered both, in Opel and Chevrolet flavours and built in GM’s Antwerp site in Belgium. According to German newspaper, Automobilwoche, the compact SUV/Crossover will be available in FWD and 4WD versions and placed under the Antara and Captiva in Opel’s and Chevrolet’s line-up respectively. Although a long shot, Chevy’s version could be inspired from the New York Show Trax concept featured in the photo.

The news comes about month after GM announced that the next generation Opel Astra, due in 2010, wouldn’t be built at the Antwerp site in Belgium, thus raising several questions about the plant’s future that currently employs 4.500 people. Even though GM plans to cut 1.400 jobs by the end of the year, the decision to build the compact SUV/Crossovers in Antwerp means the plant will continue to operate until 2016. In this case, something is better than nothing. Via: Le blog auto , Source: Automobilewoche

Do It Yourself: Full Electric Opel Monza

The technology is here and waiting for us. All you have to do is put a bit of personal work in it. Trust us, it ain’t hard. Look at what this Russian comrade managed. Doesn’t matter whether you own a dazzling new bimmer or a 30 year old Opel Monza. Throw out those blood sucking petrol motors and fill your engine bay with half a dozen of batteries. Do the same with the extra storage place in your trunk -jeez, you’re not using it most of the time anyway. Harness the eco-friendly power of electricity with the use of an alternator. And while you’re at it, call a few friends to admire your work. Think ecological. Details: a) the wooden balk holding the trunk & b) the built-in voltammeter in the center console -More images after the jump

Pics Via: thing

Update: 2008 Opel Agila Press Release

Earlier today we presented the first official pictures of the Suzuki Splash based, Opel Agila. We just received the official English press release which enlightens us with many details on Opel’s newest mini which will be available next spring in Europe with two petrol engines (1.0 & 1.2-liter producing 65 & 86 Hp respectively) and one 75Hp strong 1.3-liter common-rail turbodiesel. Check it out along with a high-res image gallery after the jump

Flex in the City: The New Opel Agila Generation

Urban mini-monocab balances versatility with stylish design

Rüsselsheim. When it comes to the lifestyle of active women today, the watchword is balance. Job, fitness, shopping, meeting friends and getting around – a car makes everything easier to manage, and preferably one that is as versatile as its owner. This is precisely what designers and engineers had in mind when developing the latest generation Opel Agila. The result is a stylish urban car which is compact and maneuverable for tight parking spaces, yet boasts an interior that is spacious enough even for bulky sport and hobby gear. It also has enough seats to ensure comfort for family and friends.

Even with its compact length of 3.74 meters, the new Agila offers room for five occupants and provides them with easy entry through the four doors. The quality of the materials, a fresh interior and exterior color collection, versatile storage compartments and ample headroom project a feel-good ambience right from the word go. The enjoyable driving experience is enhanced by details such as the separate rev counter on the instrument panel, high placed gear stick and remote controls on the steering wheel for the radio. The high seating position makes getting into and out of the Agila easier and ensures good visibility even in heavy urban traffic. The rear seat backs can be folded down at a flick of the wrist to create a completely flat load floor, with a compartment beneath providing additional storage space. In total, the Agila has a luggage capacity of more than 1100 liters accessible through its large trunk lid – the top figure in this segment. The new Agila also comes with a safety package comprising four airbags, as well as optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and head curtain airbags.

New engines with up to 86 hp (two lively gasoline engines and a top-of-the-line common-rail diesel for high pulling power) combine performance with low emissions. As an alternative to the standard manual transmission, an automatic gearbox is also available – a distinctive feature in this class. The second-generation Opel Agila makes its world premiere at the IAA in Frankfurt (September 13 – 23, 2007) and will be available at dealerships as of next spring.

Opinions on new Agila

· Hans Demant, Opel Managing Director: “The new Agila cuts a fine figure in all situations. Its agile chassis and lively engines make it fun to drive - with low consumption and CO₂ levels.”

· Belinda Müller, Designer: “The boring days are over. Who says a nimble urban car can’t also look cool? A wide selection of fresh colors and bold styles create an ambience that’s enhanced even more by the spacious headroom.”

· Sara Nicholson, Opel European Marketing Manager: “The Agila, the new Baby-Opel, is a clever package of fun and versatility for the girl about town."

Characteristics of new Agila:

Design: Modern five-door urban mini-monocab with flowing lines, dynamic roofline, typical friendly Opel face and design, balanced proportions (length/width/height: 3.74/1.68/1.59 m) despite compact dimensions

Interior: Versatile five-seater, high seating position provides good visibility, high placed gear stick in center console, large distinctive round instrument, rev counter in separate housing, fresh colors including orange and blue for fabrics, center console and instrument panel edging, height-adjustable steering wheel with remote controls, height-adjustable front seats, numerous compartments, 60:40 split fold-down rear bench seat, flat load floor with additional storage compartment beneath

Chassis: Newly developed chassis for agile handling, front axle mounted to subframe, semi-independent rear suspension, large wheels up to 15-inch

Engines: Two new lively gasoline units (1.0 l/65 hp with five-speed manual transmission, 1.2 l/86 hp also available with automatic gearbox), one economical and powerful common-rail direct-injection diesel unit (1.3 l/75 hp, 190 Nm), available with diesel particulate filter

Safety: Front and side airbags, driver safety belt warning signal and front passenger airbag can be deactivated as standard, also available: head curtain airbags and ESP

Technorati: Opel+Agila, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

2008 Opel Agila: Official Teaser Images Released

Several months prior to its Frankfurt Motor Show debut this September, Opel has released the first official teaser images of the next generation Agila mini. Based on a new platform the 2008 Agila has grown in dimensions measuring in at 3.740 mm in length, 1.680 mm in width and 1.590 mm in height (current Agila: 3.500 mm, 1.620 mm & 1.695 mm respectively). In contrast to the current Agila’s which looks nothing more than it really is; a rebadged Suzuki Wagon R+, the 2008 model’s exterior design blends Corsa and Meriva styling elements. The interior, despite its two-tone dashboard is quite frugal in design, especially when one compares it to the Agila’s most important adversary, the Fiat Panda.
Engine-wise Opel’s new mini will be available with three engine options, two petrol 1.0 & 1.2-liter delivering 56 & 86 Hp respectively and a 1.3 turbodiesel with 75 Hp. According to Opel, the new Agila will be on sale in Europe next spring.-Image Gallery after the jump

Technorati: Opel+Agila, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

2008 Opel Vectra Renderings

Opel’s leaving aside the current Vectra’s conservative looks for its next generation mid-size sedan that will most probably also find its way across the Atlantic as a Saturn model. The German based car-manufacture has already tipped us through the Geneva Show GTC Concept on how the new Vectra will look like. Based on that fact Autoexpress has created a couple of photoshop renderings that preview a sporty looking 2008 Vectra.

Based on a brand-new platform the Opel’s new mid-size sedan will be offered with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines including a supped-up version of the current twin-turbo 2.8 V6 with 290Hp. From we learned from a Saab exec, this engine will make its debut on a top-spec 4-wheel-drive version of the facelifted Saab 9-3 which will be presented at Frankfurt. Via: Autoblog.it , Source: Autoexpress

Technorati: Opel+Vectra, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

Porsche 911 Turbo Replica - Can you guess which car it’s based on?

Hats off to our Italian friends over at Autoblog.it for discovering this one-of-a-kind Porsche 911 Turbo replica that’s for sale on German e-bay. Kudos to anyone that can guess what car this crazy dude used to base the replica on –don’t cheat. Still trying? Click “Read More” below and get ready for a surprise… Via: Autoblog.it

Answer: The 911 Turbo replica is based on an ‘89 Opel Calibra coupe!

Technorati: e-bay, Porsche+911+Turbo, Opel+Calibra, replica, Tuning, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

Opel Corsa OPC & Vauxhall Corsa VXR styling kit

You might lack the ‘OPC / VXR” punch (192Hp from the 1.6Turbo) but there’s no reason to lack the looks if you’ve chosen a Corsa. And here’s where Opel / Vauxhall jumps in offering an OPC / VRX inspired full bodykit for a “mere” £1249 (1.840 EUR -2.457 USD in the UK). We strongly recommend though that you add on a set of rims if you don’t want to look like a pimped-up jack-ass... -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release

GENETICALLY MODIFY YOUR CORSA WITH VXR STYLING KIT

Vauxhall’s highly acclaimed new Corsa hatchback looks great from any angle, but now thousands of customers who rushed out to buy one soon after launch can add extra flair and excitement inspired by the manufacturer’s VXR racing team.

The aftersales experts at Vauxhall have come up with a VXR styling kit that provides more than a flavour of the factory model, but will not break the bank. It’s available from Vauxhall retailers throughout the country now.

Made to fit both three and five door versions of the latest generation Corsa, the kit consists of a front lower spoiler, rear roof spoiler, side sills and rear lower skirt to recreate the dramatic styling cues of Vauxhall’s race-inspired range of high performance cars.

The full VXR styling kit can be supplied and fitted to match body colour for £1249 (1.840 EUR -2.457 USD. If your funds will not run to that, the rear roof spoiler can be supplied and fitted on its own for £269.

No car customising is complete without a set of stylish alloy wheels. A whole new range of Irmscher alloys specially designed for the new Corsa are available from Vauxhall retailers, with prices starting at £391 for a set of four 14 inch wheels.

Technorati: Opel+Corsa+OPC, Vauxhall+Corsa+VRX, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Opel Vectra successor rumored to debut at next year’s London Show

British car magazine Autocar is reporting that GM officials are seriously considering to debut Opel’s Vectra successor at the 2008 London Motor Show (July 23 to 3 August). According to the report, a GM executive who wanted to remain anonymous told Autocar, “It is not quite finalised, but you should expect the new mid-sized car to launch in Britain”. London or not, the next generation Vectra that’ll take on several design cues from the GTC Concept will definitely go on sale in Europe in mid 2008. Via: Autocar

Technorati: Opel+Vectra, Opel+GTC, , auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

History: Opel Geneva Concepts 1975 to 2004

The Gran Tourismo Coupe was met with enthusiasm from both journalists and consumers alike but despite the rumors, Opel hasn’t decided whether it’ll produce it or not. That makes Opel’s report on its Swiss adventures over the few past decades even more interesting since it not only refreshes our memories but it also offers us a chance to see what happened to their previous concepts. Undeniably, petroholics will find the sexy “Geneva” sports coupe as the most intriguing of them all. The “Geneva” actually started out with a rotary-engine but during the development process GM dropped its Wankel program before the concept was completed for the 1975 Geneva Show! -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the Concepts

Press Release: Advanced Opel Concept Cars in Geneva

1975 – Opel Geneve

In Geneva in 1975, Opel revealed a beautifully streamlined two-seater, the “Genève”. Engineered to take a Wankel-type rotary engine, its original name was “GT/W” (“W” forWankel). However, GM dropped its Wankel development program before the car was completed. Opel Design renamed it and exhibited its fiberglass mock-up as an eye-catcher at the show.

1982 – Opel Corsa Spider

The spectacular fiberglass “Corsa Spider” concept car was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1982. Cover plates were used to complete the transformation from a four-seater to a two-seater. In the same way, covering the front passenger seat gave the Spider the look of a single-seat race car. Much to the dismay of many fans, Opel did not put the “Corsa Spider” into production.

1992 – Opel Twin

Highlights of the Twin concept car included interchangeable drive units, with the engine, transmission, rear axle and energy accumulator housed inside. This allowed the vehicle to run on whichever drive assembly made the most environmental and economical sense. For highway driving for instance, there was a three-cylinder gasoline engine (0.8 liter, 34 hp) and for city or short distance driving, an electric unit with two wheel-hub motors (each with 14 hp). Arranging all the drive assemblies in the rear allowed for a variation to the usual seating layout. Instead of sitting front left, the driver had a central single-seat position, while three more passengers were able to sit in the back.

1995 – Opel Maxx

Instead of a conventional steel body, the Opel Maxx had a stable light alloy structure made of extruded aluminum profiles like a cage, which was visible from the outside. The form and dimensions of the profiles were variable, ensuring exceptional flexibility. The idea behind it was that instead of the two-door and two-seat basic version, Opel was also able to build a four-door extended version with four or even six seats.

1997 – Opel Signum Concept

The Signum was a concept for an elegant sedan with a long wheelbase and very spacious passenger compartment, featuring an interior arrangement with unprecedented flexibility in a car of this kind. The new idea became reality in 2003, when Opel launched a Signum that reflected the principle and innovation of the initial concept: maximum interior size and flexibility.

1999 – Opel Concept A

Distinguishing features of the “Concept A” microvan study were exceptional design, high levels of functionality and ultra-modern, environmentally compatible propulsion technology. Its striking look was just as impressive as its high variability, which allowed the compact five-door microvan to be transformed from a four-seater into a spacious load carrier. Raised seat positions made getting into and out of the vehicle easier and made traveling more relaxing. The smart Opel fun car was powered by a particularly low-emission “bivalent” engine and, at the touch of a button, ran on gasoline or compressed natural gas. The Concept A served as the forerunner to the Agila.

2002 – Opel Concept M

The “Concept M” was a sporty and environmentally-friendly concept van from Opel. With a height of 1.62 meters, the dynamically styled, compact body had plenty of space for four passengers. The 1.6-liter, 110 kW/150 hp natural gas turbo engine, combined with the automated “Easytronic” manual transmission familiar from the Corsa, formed a very promising drivetrain concept. The high-quality cabin was also ultra-modern and boasted great potential for a variety of innovative and flexible interior solutions. The Concept M became a great market success as the Meriva.

2003 – Opel GTC Geneve

With the GTC Genève, Opel unveiled a sporty three-door concept car that inspired many elements of the Astra GTC and showcased both high dynamics combined with comfortable seating for four people. The champagne-silver concept car featured a tinted, transparent roof that stretched from the windshield to the rear window, and the design team took the GTC's proportions (length/width/height: 4349/1773/1352 mm) to the extreme.

2004 – Opel Trixx

The Opel TRIXX was a true multi-talent. There was either room for up to three adults and one child, or plenty of load capacity as a one-seater. Three electrically powered pantograph doors enabled very easy access for passengers and luggage loading. Other ingenious ideas included an inflatable rear seat, a foldaway front passenger's seat and a rear pull-out luggage rack. This clever feature, which is today known as “Flex-Fix”, is now in series production and optionally available for the new Corsa and Antara.

Technorati: Opel+Concepts, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images