Opel: Astra News **2015 Revealed (page 3)**
07-12-2004, 10:52 AM
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Opel: Astra News **2015 Revealed (page 3)**
GM may offer Opel Astra convertible in U.S., sources say - - By AUTOMOTIVE NEWS - - Source: Autoweek
TURIN, Italy -- General Motors may offer a limited run of its Italian-built Opel Astra convertible in the United States, supplier sources say.
Under a plan being considered, 20,000 to 25,000 units would be built for the U.S. market. The convertibles would be produced over a two-year period starting in 2005 by coach builder Carrozzeria Bertone.
Bertone builds the Coupe and Cabriolet versions of the lower medium-class Astra. Bertone produced 22,000 Astras last year, down from 35,000 units in 2002 and 33,000 in 2001.
TURIN, Italy -- General Motors may offer a limited run of its Italian-built Opel Astra convertible in the United States, supplier sources say.
Under a plan being considered, 20,000 to 25,000 units would be built for the U.S. market. The convertibles would be produced over a two-year period starting in 2005 by coach builder Carrozzeria Bertone.
Bertone builds the Coupe and Cabriolet versions of the lower medium-class Astra. Bertone produced 22,000 Astras last year, down from 35,000 units in 2002 and 33,000 in 2001.
07-12-2004, 10:56 AM
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If that happens, it's huge news. It will be tangible evidence of GM's willingness of a global company/strategy. One company was the theme lately at various European events I read. The Astra is hugely respected in Europe. It's like Opel's Golf in a way. The interior is very qualitative and of very nice design for the money. I'd love to see GM do this.
There is 2 liter Turbo version of the Astra in Europe making 200+ HP.
There is 2 liter Turbo version of the Astra in Europe making 200+ HP.
07-12-2004, 02:36 PM
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I was excited until I saw the car. I know the interior's up to par, but the exterior doesn't excite me. I wonder what brand the car will come over here under... a few tweeks to the outside and it's a winner.
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07-12-2004, 04:39 PM
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Originally Posted by SJ Silver Type-S
Why the heck have they not brought that other Opel/Vauxhall vert, the VX220!!!
That's the Solstice here.
07-13-2004, 10:31 AM
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Originally Posted by cusdaddy
Not a bad competitor for the Sebring Convertible and I'm sure it will be of much better quality
07-13-2004, 04:40 PM
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I am sorry. The above pics are of last year's Astra. This is the new Astra here:
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Source: GermanCarFans.com
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Source: GermanCarFans.com
07-13-2004, 05:23 PM
#13
Where is my super sauce?
Originally Posted by Rod
Looks like it'd become a popular rental car.
Meh.
Have driven it within the past few years and it's nothing to write home about. I'm not sure if this version is a newer design or not from previous recent model years.
I've owned a Opel 1900 in the 1970s when GM marketed Opel through Buick dealers. Like every other German car, it had electrical problems galore, but otherwise was a reasonable for what it was designed for.
07-13-2004, 06:35 PM
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Originally Posted by gavriil
I am sorry. The above pics are of last year's Astra. This is the new Astra here:
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Source: GermanCarFans.com
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Source: GermanCarFans.com
headlights look like the altima's rear's
07-13-2004, 08:14 PM
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FRANKFURT – The new Astra 3-door hatchback won't look exactly like the GTC, but it’s close enough to the rakish concept car to scare Ford Motor Co. and Volkswagen AG.
Opel's GTC, at the affordable end of the scale and the real star of the recent Geneva auto show, is the first salvo in the near simultaneously timed launch battle between the Astra and Volkswagen's all-new Golf V...........
I don't know why GM even bothered to try and design the cobalt, it was rumored that the next gen cavalier would be an astra, but it never happened. They should have taken this new astra-3door/hatch/wagon, built it in the us and slapped a chevy badge on it.
Opel's GTC, at the affordable end of the scale and the real star of the recent Geneva auto show, is the first salvo in the near simultaneously timed launch battle between the Astra and Volkswagen's all-new Golf V...........
I don't know why GM even bothered to try and design the cobalt, it was rumored that the next gen cavalier would be an astra, but it never happened. They should have taken this new astra-3door/hatch/wagon, built it in the us and slapped a chevy badge on it.
07-13-2004, 08:18 PM
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Originally Posted by heyitsme
I don't know why GM even bothered to try and design the cobalt, it was rumored that the next gen cavalier would be an astra, but it never happened. They should have taken this new astra-3door/hatch/wagon, built it in the us and slapped a chevy badge on it.
07-14-2004, 03:59 PM
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Damn! Okay, I take back those comments... they were about the previous gen. car. This car is hot. Since Chevy has the Cobalt, I wish GM would bring this over badged as a sporty entry Pontiac, getting rid of the Vibe. The side profile even has the same rakish, clean window treatment similar to the new G6. They should bring that over for sure. 
09-25-2004, 11:26 AM
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Opel Astra High Performance Concept
Another little red runner from Opel, the High Performance Concept will likely make its way as a production car at the Geneva show. As well it should since it develops a "mere" 240 horsepower from 2.0-liters thanks to tuning to the intake, exhaust and turbocharger. Bolted to a six-speed it has electronic suspension damping. The HPC boasts wider and lower air intake openings than the Astra GTC that also made its Paris debut and has a body kit that works around its side and front. It sits on 19-inch aluminum wheels. Opel Astra GTC with panoramic windshield
If you get a chance to rent a car in Europe, you'd do far worse than opting for this stylish three-door from Opel. The aesthete in you will appreciate its edgy, stylish looks. Its "panoramic" roof opens to the sky and makes it feel much bigger. Inside, the touch points are high-quality and feel as though they come from a car of significantly greater value. The enthusiast will appreciate its directness to the road; steering is world-class with its directness and effort superb. Tip into the throttle and the 2.0-liter engine screams. Please Monsieur Lutz, can we have one in the U.S.?
Source: Autoweek
09-25-2004, 11:27 AM
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This car will sooo make sense as an answer to Audi's A3 and other "premium hatchbacks" that will start entering our market come this summer... I mean, imagine this with a covertible hardtop ala-SLK and 240HP for $26K! It will sell like hotcakes. I am sure it will wear the Chevy badge.
09-26-2004, 11:57 AM
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Originally Posted by gavriil
This car will sooo make sense as an answer to Audi's A3 and other "premium hatchbacks" that will start entering our market come this summer... I mean, imagine this with a covertible hardtop ala-SLK and 240HP for $26K! It will sell like hotcakes. I am sure it will wear the Chevy badge.
This car is hot as hell. I luv the looks (especially the silver version's front end/grill trim). The perfect answer to the A3, and even the Saab 9-2X. It's sure to be a Chevy, but I think it's a shame it doesn't get a different badge. If it remained a hard top it'd be a great replacement for the Vibe, bolstering Pointiac's supposed sporty character and not stepping on the Soltice's converitible toes. If it did have a convertible hardtop, it could be a Buick, in a son of Velite/ sort or way, while also helping to usher Buick (the brand) into a premium position more against lux brands.
01-27-2005, 10:12 AM
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Astra VXR Set For Action - - Source: Autoexpress
Hatchbacks don't come much hotter... This is the first official picture of the Astra VXR, which Vauxhall has confirmed will arrive in August.
It's identical to the prototype we featured in issue 839. The three-door VXR has a 240bhp version of the firm's 2.0-litre turbo engine - making it the most powerful car in its class. That's mated to a close-ratio six-speed gearbox. Bosses have also announced prices for the three-door Astra Sport Hatch, due in April. With no Expression, Life or Club trim available, the line-up starts at £13,795 for the 1.4 SXi.
The flagship petrol car is the 2.0-litre Turbo with the Exterior pack, which includes 18-inch wheels and body-coloured spoilers, and costs £18,145. The base diesel is the £15,695 1.7 CDTI, while the £18,145 1.9 CDTI 150 tops the range.
It's identical to the prototype we featured in issue 839. The three-door VXR has a 240bhp version of the firm's 2.0-litre turbo engine - making it the most powerful car in its class. That's mated to a close-ratio six-speed gearbox. Bosses have also announced prices for the three-door Astra Sport Hatch, due in April. With no Expression, Life or Club trim available, the line-up starts at £13,795 for the 1.4 SXi.
The flagship petrol car is the 2.0-litre Turbo with the Exterior pack, which includes 18-inch wheels and body-coloured spoilers, and costs £18,145. The base diesel is the £15,695 1.7 CDTI, while the £18,145 1.9 CDTI 150 tops the range.
02-02-2005, 12:07 AM
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Originally Posted by CGTSX2004
Hmm...wonder what the that Astra VXR would be if they brought it stateside? Maybe a new Pontiac that would replace the ghetto sunfire?
The Saturn Aura in 4 door form.
02-02-2005, 12:08 AM
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240bhp Astra VXR arrives June - - SOurce: AUtocar
Vauxhall has revealed the production version of the Astra VXR, its £20,000 240bhp hot hatch. Shown as the Astra HPC concept at last year’s Paris Motor Show, the car gets a host of detail changes, including a new lip spoiler on the front, black seats instead of the concept’s red leather, a new rear roof spoiler, a central exhaust and optional 19in alloys.
Vauxhall claim that it is capable of 155mph and 0-60mph in under 7.0sec. It arrives in June.
The standard three-door Astra will match the pricing of the five-door when sales start on April 10, although with fewer trim options. That means an entry point of £13,795 for the 1.4i SXi, up to £18,145 for the 2.0-litre SRi. The panoramic glass roof will be available from May as an £850 option.
Vauxhall claim that it is capable of 155mph and 0-60mph in under 7.0sec. It arrives in June.
The standard three-door Astra will match the pricing of the five-door when sales start on April 10, although with fewer trim options. That means an entry point of £13,795 for the 1.4i SXi, up to £18,145 for the 2.0-litre SRi. The panoramic glass roof will be available from May as an £850 option.
02-02-2005, 07:51 AM
#36
Fahrvergnügen'd
Originally Posted by gavriil
It's happening.
I'm glad he's doing this as I'd never consider Chevy/Pontiac/Buick again.
02-02-2005, 09:05 AM
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For some reason I don't see that many high end Astras like that around here. People either buy the pedestrian version, or they buy something with a better badge.
02-02-2005, 09:25 AM
#38
Fahrvergnügen'd
Originally Posted by biker
For some reason I don't see that many high end Astras like that around here. People either buy the pedestrian version, or they buy something with a better badge.
Your Astras are Opels, no? I think this may be a Vauxhall-specific model.
02-03-2005, 03:13 AM
#40
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Originally Posted by charliemike
You live in the Czech Republic right?
Your Astras are Opels, no? I think this may be a Vauxhall-specific model.
Your Astras are Opels, no? I think this may be a Vauxhall-specific model.