After revealing the first images of new 2012 Opel Astra GTC last month, General Motors confirmed that the US of A will be getting a both a hatch and convertible version of Opel’s latest hot hatch…in the form of a Buick.

The Astra itself however, is not new to the American market as a reworked version was sold here in the states in the form of the Saturn Astra, which never really took off.

But featuring an entirely new redesign, the new Astra GTC does seem to make a case for itself so far on paper. The GTC will most likely feature a naturally-aspirated 2.4L four-banger good for about 177hp as well as a turbocharged 2.0L that will offer around 220hp. Both engines will probably be attached to a six-speed auto or manual.

My only gripe with this new project is the badge that the Astra will be donning. Hot hatch and Buick are two things you don’t normally find in the same sentence and although the General is doing a decent job trying to revitalize the image of the brand, the Astra GTC would have been better suited for the now-dead Pontiac division. Nonetheless, the Astra GTC is definitely something to look forward to and only time will tell if it will be successful being sold as a Buick.

2012 Opel Astra GTC (First Look):

Opel GTC Paris Concept:

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CARandDRIVER