Opel has dropped some new images and details on the new Astra OPC, that will make its public debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

Based on the new Opel Astra GTC hatchback, the Astra OPC is powered by a 2.0 liter direct injection turbo gasoline engine making 276-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed manual transmission that pushes power two the front wheels, top speed goes until 155 mph.

The Astra OPC is fitted with a sport-tuned suspension, including high-performance front struts. But the coolest thing provided to the fastest Astra ever are the high-performance bucket seat with state-of-the art technology.

“Opel is the world’s first auto manufacturer to use this material in the shell of a production car seat,” says Armin Rossmann, the leader of the OPC seat development team. “The most powerful Astra ever deserves the best technology in all areas, including seating.”

The seats in the Opel Astra OPC feature an organic injection molded sheet in the performance seat shell, resulting in a weight saving of 45 percent compared to a conventional shell. The sheet is then filled with a composite material of polyamide and fiber glass. The new material is both agile and strong and because of its strength.

Stay tuned for more details from Geneva.

- By: Omar Rana

As a result of much musing, Opel’s CEO, Karl-Friedrich Stracke revealed an alternatively-fueled flagship sedan may be in the works: “We need a car above the Insignia and we are working [on it].” This car might be thrown on the GM Epsillon II platform (think Chevy Malibu or Saab 9-5).

On the less likely front, he also discussed the possibility of a Manta sucessor or an Opel GT. The successor would have an updated design.

Stracke also discussed the possibility of the Opel GT revival. So far the latter two less likely to be destined for production.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Source: tagesspiegel.de

“The whole chassis of the sports car is designed to deliver power, without comprise,” Opel said in a statement. “In line with the finest OPC traditions, the car was put through its paces and polished on the Northern Loop (“Nordschleife”) of the Nurburgring race track in Germany under the supervision of the Opel brand ambassador Joachim (“Jockel”) Winkelhock. It is geared especially towards lateral dynamics and superb handling qualities. The high tech front-wheel suspension, HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) of the Astra GTC helps to achieve this.”

Power for the Opel Astra OPC comes from a 2.0 liter direct injection turbo gasoline engine making 280-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. While no 0 to 62 mph figures is given, Opel says that the Astra OPC hits a top speed of 155 mph.

“We have devised a great package that will convince even the most experienced sports drivers – not just on the Nürburgring,” the motorsport legend, Winkelhock , explains. The high performance brake system made by the prestigious manufacturer, Brembo, ensures good deceleration stats and maximum stability, even in moments of intense pressure.

I want one – in the United States – now.

- By: Omar Rana

“All of the contenders are new vehicles available now or before year’s end in five or more European markets, and each has the prospect of at least 5,000 yearly sales,” the organization said. “The voting process has two stages. The first one will produce a short list of seven nominees, which will be announced on January 9, 2012.

Check out the complete list after the jump.

2012 Car of the Year Nominees:

• Audi A6
• Audi Q3
• BMW 1-Series
• BMW 6-Series
• Chevrolet Aveo
• Chevrolet Orlando
• Citroen DS4
• Citroen DS5
• Fiat Panda
• Ford Focus
• Honda Civic
• Hyundai i40
• Hyundai Veloster
• Kia Picanto
• Kia Rio
• Lancia Ypsilon
• Lexus GS
• Mazda CX-5
• Mercedes-Benz B-Class
• Mercedes-Benz ML-Class
• Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
• Opel Ampera/Chevrolet Volt
• Opel Zafira Tourer
• Peugeot 508
• Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4
• Porsche 911
• Ranger Rover Evoque
• Renault Kangoo Z.E.
• Renault Fluence Z.E.
• Ssangyong Korando
• Toyota Verso S/Subaru Trezia
• Toyota Yaris
• Volkswagen Beetle
• Volkswagen Jetta
• Volkswagen up!

- By: Omar Rana

GM was in the right to have reversed an agreement to sell its Opel unit in 2009, said GM CEO Dan Akerson. Why? Well, GM is now profitable in all of its regional units.

Speaking at Bloomberg’s Dealmakers Summit in New York today, Akerson said that GM’s global presence was one of the selling points during the company’s IPO in 2010.

“It was a bad deal,” Akerson said speaking about Opel. “We were giving Europe away.”

GM, which lost $14.5 billion in Europe since 1999, almost sold 55 percent of Opel to Magna International Inc. and partner OAO Sberbank, before reversing the decision in November 2009.

- by: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

The two brand’s RAK e concept is a two-seater electric car that can go 0-62mph in less than 13 seconds, has a top speed of 75 mph, and can travel for 60 miles. Even though Vauxhall opted for steel over more common lighter materials for this type of vehicle, it still only weighs about 838 lbs.

Along with steel, Vauxhall-Opel’s boss Nick Reilly says the rest of the RAK e is composed of ‘a strategic choice of composite materials’, and was made ‘with production in mind’. For example, with its tiny rear axle, the car has two rear wheels versus four to help with stability and carry the weight of a passenger.

Click here for our original post on the Opel RAK e.

This concept may be the cost-effective solution the brand has been trying to reach, after scrapping its last electric concept. It still presents its challenges, however it can potentially sell for approximately $12,400, which is much less than the average conventional car’s electronic counterpart.

Reilly says “We want to show it to a few governments and see if they’re serious about EV’s. If they are, and Vauxhall can overcome the technological and manufacturing challenges posed by this car, we could very likely see it as an unusual sister EV to the Ampera.”

By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoCar

Known as the Vauxhall / Opel RAK e Concept has the ability to travel 60 miles on a full charge with a top speed of 75 mph.

“Yet despite its aesthetic appeal, the concept will be practical, affording two seats in a tandem layout, and its light weight – around a third of a small modern car’s – would allow it to be agile and fun to drive,” Vauxhall / Opel said in a statement.

More details to come next week during the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

- By: Omar Rana

General Motors and LG Group have just agreed to team up and collaborate on efforts for future electric vehicles. In the agreement, LG will start off supplying battery cells for the Chevrolet Volt and the Opel Apera extended-range EVs.

“Many solutions for tomorrow’s transportation needs may be available more quickly by building on our partnership strategy,” said GM Vice Chairman Steve Girsky. ”Consumers benefit by getting the latest fuel-saving technology faster if we work with the best suppliers and we save time and money in the development process.”

LG’s and GM’s engineers will also be working together to research, develop and produce the latest technology for components of electric cars. Some of their preliminary efforts were already showcased last year when GM had a demonstration fleet of electric Chevrolet Cruzes.

“This is a strategic development for LG and we fully support GM’s goal to lead the industry in the electrification of the automobile,” said Juno Cho, president and chief operating officer of LG Corp.

Details in terms of launching the first vehicles produced in the joint effort will be announced closer to market readiness, said GM. In a closing remark, GM also added that the partnership doesn’t involve an exchange of equity between the two companies.

- By: Chris Chin

Vauxhall is wrapping up development on its debut for the city car market, called the Junior, and is expected for release in the beginning of 2013. The tiny car is comparable in size to the Mini, at 3.7 meters long, making the Junior competition for it, and the Fiat 500.

GM was ready to scrap the idea, but ended up going with the plan after CEO Nick Reilly pointed out how the other small cars are taking off successfully.

The car’s visual features set it apart from other models the brand features, and had wide tracks, a short wheelbase, an arched roofline, and convex rear window. It also features 3 doors and more spacious interior than others in its segment.

In addition to the interior space, the inside comes with a variety of color and finish options, but remains simplistic.

Diesel and petrol motors will both be available, with a battery-powered version expected for 2015. Currently there are only three-cylinder versions for the engines, but more power may be an option by the time it hits showrooms.

Once the car goes on sale, it will have a different name that is yet to be released, although more details should become available at September’s Frankfurt motor show.

By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoCar

As if Volkswagen AG already has enough going for them, with their massive plans of expansion and the tie-up with Suzuki, the German make apparently had interest in buying Opel after rumor said that GM may be interested in selling the brand . However, after a press conference with the corporate “people’s car” behemoth, Volkswagen announced that they not longer have any interest.

According to Bernd Osterloh from VW’s work council, the companies differ too much in their operations for the partnership to work. Additionally, he added that the two companies use different technologies to build cars.

In a previous press conference on July 27, apparently VAG’s CEO Martin Winterkorn mentioned the idea in the presence of GM’s CEO Dan Akerson, who said replied Opel isn’t for sale.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoNews

Opel will be reveling four all new models at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt. Models being released at the show, which kicks off September 15, include the Astra GTC, Zafira Tourer, and the Combo.

Opel’s Ampera is Europe’s first daily driver electric vehicle, and will be headed for dealerships toward the year’s end. The car gets up to 150hp from a 116kWh lithium-ion battery.

The Astra GTC has a high-performance front suspension, and depending on the model can provide up to 180hp. A new seating concept sets the Zafira Tourer apart, while the Combo is a car-like passenger van that offers six different engine options, and five or seven seats.

And here is an interesting one…. an experimental concept car will also make its debut, one that goes beyond the standard cars for a whole new take on transportation. Unfortunately, that is the extent of the details that are available.

By: Alexandra Koken

General Motors said that it plans to move struggling Opel more upmarket in Europe, while bringing in Chevrolet as a its entry-level brand into the market.

During a presentation to analysts in Detroit yesterday, GM CEO Dan Akerson and Chief Marketing Officer Joel Ewanick, said that GM will try to use Opel’s German heritage to connect with consumers and compete with brands like Volkswagen.

They admitted that Chevrolet, which was relaunched in Europe in 2005, will have a difficult time becoming its sole entry-level brand in Europe.

“This is a market where Chevrolet will always have a difficult time penetrating,” Ewanick said.

Akserson said that Opel only needs to grow slightly to compete in Europe, specifically Germany.

“Where we lost most of our market share in the five years leading up to the bankruptcy is in Germany, so we need to revitalize that brand,” Akerson said. “We’ve done it with Buick in North America. We need to grow market share with Opel by only a couple of percent because I believe we’re on the cusp.”

According to estimated registration data from ACEA covering 28 European countries, during the first six months of 2011, Opel/Vauxhall sales were up 2 percent to 549,125 units. Chevrolet sales fell 1 percent in Europe to 92,061.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

Irmscher, a tuner out of Germany, has launched a new kit for Opel’s Astra GTC.

Starting on the inside, aluminum pedals are added, along with an overall finish in leather.

Under the hood, the Astra’s standard turbo 1.6-liter motor gets a power boost from 177-hp to 217-hp, at 202 lb-ft of torque.

Exterior upgrades start in the front with a new grille. The full body kit is completely aerodynamic, with a rear diffuser, and front and roof spoilers. Suspension has been dropped 30mm and sits on 245-sized tires, wrapping a well-picked set of 21-inch wheels.

Click here for our original post on the 2012 Opel Astra GTC.

Irmscher Opel Astra GTC:

2012 Opel Astra GTC:

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: Irmscher (via WCF)

Even though General Motors CEO Dan Akerson may be fed up with Opel, he stands behind the brand and is killing speculation that the brand is for sale. Speaking at a GM plant to officially launch labor talks with the United Auto Workers, Akerson said that the European unit is not up for sale.

“We don’t comment on speculation — and there has been a lot of speculation — but I will say this: Opel is not for sale,” Akerson said.

Rumors of Opel’s sales began in early June with reports by German media stating that GM may sell the brand to Chinese automakers or Volkswagen AG.

“Most CEOs in this position will tell you a division is not for sale until it’s sold,” Akerson said. “I’ve seen the story before.”

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Reuters

I, like Honda, always said it. Hydrogen is our future. It has been a tough sell though because of the inefficient and expensive process to obtain, what is the most abundant and most combustible element on the face of the Earth: Hydrogen. Oh the irony.

BMW, Mercedes, GM and Honda have all released hydrogen fuel celled concepts, all of which were road worthy. So yes, they aren’t news. But what seemed to be unobtainium back in the day, is making its way into reality as Opel just recently announced that they’re working one themselves for release in 2015—part of a $15.8 billion investment in launching several new models by 2014.

This just came through a press release covering the Hungarian’s Prime Minister and EU Council Chairman Viktor Orban visit to Adam Opel AG.

Additionally, in the ssame press conference, Opel also announced that it will be introducing “three new engine families” that will consist of a small and medium sized gasoline engine, and a medium sized diesel that will be in compliance with Europe’s new Euro 6 emissions standards.

Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept:

- By: Chris Chin

The Germans have always been industry leaders and because of that, they’d often receive criticism before compliments, especially in the aesthetic and design department.

For example, everyone went up in arms from the radical changes done to Munich’s Bavarian Motor Works thanks to former head of design, Chris Bangle. But as time progressed, people got used to the quirky looks and instead continued to focus on the near automotive perfection that the brand had to offer. Not to mention, throughout the last decade, we’ve seen a huge influx of cars that featured some BMW design trademarks such as the “Hoffmeister Kink” and the “Bangle-butt.” Now, General Motors announced that they too would be targeting BMW-styling options for its latest Opel models. Better late than never, eh?

After racking up a net loss of $14.5 billion since 1999, GM of Europe’s Opel brand was in as much distress as Detriot’s own iron was not too long ago. So after some corporate restructuring and restrategizing, GM in Europe is also continuously analyzing ways to reduce engineering and manufacturing expenses.

“They can’t price their cars like Audi or BMW,” said Thomas Stallkamp, principal of Collaborative Management, a U.S. consulting firm. “They’re like the Chrysler of Europe.”

In hopes to resuscitate the brand, GM is planning on investing nearly €11 billion by 2014 with hopes to make Opels more appealing to their markets. One of the methods Opel will be using is trying to offer high-tech options normally found standard on luxury automobiles in order to boost profits. And because Opel is by history, a German brand, the biggest challenge to increase profits is trying to compete with the offerings of Volkswagen, which currently has the strongest market share in Germany.

“The problem for Opel is that Volkswagen has deepened and widened its position in Germany,” said Garel Rhys, president of the auto industry research center at Cardiff University in Wales. “They’re really out of sight. Opel will have to increase penetration in markets like Italy, France and Spain and Eastern Europe.”

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Automotive News

It was reported earlier in June that General Motors’ CEO Dan Akerson has been in favor of selling Opel in the past and is currently fed up with the German brand. But things at Opel may not be as bad as the look. According to GM Europe’s President Nick Reilly, Opel/Vauxhall are on track or ahead for their second quarter earnings.

“We release our second-quarter earnings in July and we are on track, in fact we’re ahead of track,” Reilly said. “Things are going ok.”

Opel/Vauxhall lost $1.6 billion in 2010 and is GM’s only money-losing part. The brand is expected to return to profitability next year.

It was recently reported by German media the GM is considering selling Opel and that Volkswagen and China’s Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. could be potential buyers.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Reuters

Opel has been on a roll revamping their lineup and the latest and greatest Astra and Insignia are both examples that have much potential of reinvigorating the brand’s appeal. Not too long ago, Opel announced that it will be coming out with a new large crossover that will go against the likes of the new Citroen DS5 crossover that was unveiled at this year’s Shanghai Auto Show.

“The Opel [Vauxhall] brand can’t content itself with the Insignia,” said Karl-Friedrich Stracke, head of Vauxhall’s sister brand Opel, “we need a car that has greater global appeal than the current Ford Mondeo rival,” he continued.

These new efforts will revive Opel/Vauxhall’s FLV plans, or Future Large Vehicle, which was terminated in 2008 from the global recession.

The other driving forces for these projects is China’s potential market as successful sales have been proven from the popularity of large cars from mainstream manufacturers in the skyrocketing Asian country. Citroen and Peugeot have both decided to launch a production version of its SxC Concept, which is what caused Vauxhall and Opel to follow.

No other details of the new crossover were released other than it will be based off of the Insignia’s platform, will feature a luxurious and flexible seven-seat cabin, and a raised ride height with either front- or all-wheel drive.

Depending on the success of the model, the new crossover could also find its way into US dealers as a Buick since the Opel Astra, Insignia, and Antara are both sold as such under the names of Verano, Regal, and Enclave.

- By: Chris Chin