VIDEO: Opel Touts Zafira Tourer Concept's "Lounge Ambience"

These are the first videos of Opel's new Zafira Tourer Concept, which will receive its grand premiere at next week's 2011 Geneva Salon. The first clip focuses on the relaxing "lounge atmosphere" found within the interior of the minivan, something that Opel highlighted more than anything else in the car's press release, while the second video showcases the new Flex7 seating concept. Hit the break to watch both clips for yourself.

_______________________________VIDEOS_______________________________

Opel to Launch New Astra-Based Convertible Model in 2013

Opel today revealed its plans to introduce a new convertible in 2013. The new model is part of the company's EUR11 billion investment plan which was announced last year and also includes the new Zafira and the Ampera EV. The droptop will be based on General Motor's compact vehicle architecture, which forms the basis for the current Astra hatchback, Astra SportsTourer and the upcoming Astra GTC, as well as Chevrolet's Cruze and Orlando.

Although Opel doesn't specify the name of the model, it will most likely be the next-generation Astra Convertible, currently produced as a coupe-cabriolet under the name of Astra TwinTop. The vehicle will enter production in 2013 at Opel's Gliwice plant in Poland, where other Astra models are also built.

“The new Convertible will be a great addition to our product lineup. It follows the long-standing tradition of highly emotional and legendary Opel/Vauxhall Cabrios that provided important halo effects on our brand. With its sleek and elegant design, our new Convertible will fully deliver on that same promise,” said Opel/Vauxhall CEO Nick Reilly.

It is not clear if the Astra Convertible will retain the retractable hardtop or switch to a soft top to rival the new VW Golf Cabriolet. This, along with other details, will be revealed closer to the launch date.

By Dan Mihalascu

_________________CURRENT GENERATION OPEL ASTRA TT_______________

EDS Creates a 360HP Monster out of the Opel Astra Turbo

With the OPC version of the new Astra still in the works, German tuners are doing their best to offer Opel buyers several alternatives to quench their thirst for power. EDS, a relatively unknown tuner from Marl, Germany, has launched an impressive package for the most powerful version of the Astra with the 180HP 1.6-liter turbocharged engine.

The comprehensive engine tune includes a variety of modifications such as a new Garret GT28 turbocharger, ECU optimization, sports exhaust system, a new manifold, and other goodies that double the 1.6-liter unit's output to a whopping 360-horses and 480 Nm or 354 lb-ft of peak torque.

The tuning house also adds a Quaife differential lock, a new sports clutch kit, high performance perforated brake discs with 8 calipers and a sports suspension together with 20-inch wheels that are shod in Pirelli P Zero 235/35ZR20 tires up front and 275/30ZR20 at the back.

The exterior modifications are kept to a minimum and include new upper and lower grilles finished in black, side sills and a rear apron that houses a diffuser and the quad tail pipes.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Opel Reveals Sleek Zafira Tourer Concept Prior to Geneva Motor Show Debut

After we got a first glimpse of the Zafira study by means of an iPad hologram, Opel released the full details of the concept which previews the next-generation Zafira MPV. Described by Opel as a “lounge on wheels”, the design study uses the same style language as seen on the Insignia and Astra models.

The front is the most eye-catching part of the Zafira's sleek bodywork, with the headlights, LED running lights and the fog lights being united in a boomerang-shaped structure, inspired by the Ampera EV's fascia. Unlike the Meriva, the Zafira sports conventional doors and has a dynamic look due to the ascendent midline and the 20-inch rims.

The rear end is also sporty, dominated by the high-sitting taillights and the two large exhaust pipes integrated into the rear apron.

“We have transferred the idea of a relaxing lounge to a vehicle and created an automobile wellness oasis, a place to relax and enjoy. Passengers can retreat in the lounge. It is a comfortable, roomy space where you really want to be – regardless if it’s for a business trip or to relax for a long journey,” says Mark Adams, Vice President of Design at Opel.

One of the Zafira's main features is the panorama windshield, which is continued by a glass roof covering the entire length of the roof offering an airy interior. Inside, there's room for seven passengers with the concept building on Opel's Flex7 seating concept pioneered by the first Zafira. There are many available configurations, including a lounge mode that offers four spacious business-class seats.

The Zafira Tourer Concept is powered by a new version of the Opel's 1.4-liter gasoline turbo engine featuring Start/Stop technology.

We'll have more on Opel's new concept model from the Geneva motor show floors next week.

By Dan Mihalascu

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Opel Ampera EV Police Cruiser: Volt's European Cousin Getting Ready for Patrol

If there's one way to kick-start sales of specialty vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt and its European counterpart, the Opel Ampera, that's by enlisting the government as one of your clients. And with a starting price of €42,900 (about US$58,000 at the current exchange rates) in Europe, GM's Opel division will need all the help it can get to sell the Ampera.

Well before the Ampera hits European showrooms at the end of the year, Opel is already exploring the possibility of a police package for its range-extended electric vehicle. According to the company, the Ampera could be the perfect police car for urban use.

Like the Volt, Opel's version of the car can be driven in pure electric mode for 40-80 km before the petrol engine kicks in to produce electricity and / or motivate the front driving wheels pushing the total driving range to over 500 km [311 miles]. The Ampera completes the standard sprint in 9 seconds while reaching a top speed of 160 km/h [100 mph].

The final production version of the Ampera will receive its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

SCOOP: Opel's New Corsa-Based Small SUV is GM's Answer to the Nissan Juke

General Motor's Opel / Vauxhall division is preparing its own proposal in the small crossover segment to take on the likes of the Nissan Juke as well as the forthcoming Fiesta Fiesta-based CUV, and here are some spy shots of what will soon slot into Opel's crossover lineup below the Antara.

Under all the camo is GM's new compact crossover, and it's expected to ride on an modified version of the upcoming Sonic/Spark's Gamma II platform, which will also be used on the next Corsa. Anyone want to photoshop a 4-door Corsa high rider? If not, just imagine it.

Power should come from Opel's current lineup of 1.4-liter and possibly 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline units as well as a choice of turbo diesel engines, while both front- or all-wheel drive configurations will likely be available when the Corsa crossover debuts.

Depending on markets, figures, and all the other variables that need be taken into account, the States might - might - see a Chevrolet or Buick version of this in the future to complement each brand's respective compact offerings.

By Phil Alex

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________