Opel does a fan-dance with 2010 Astra teasers
by Noah Joseph on May 11th 2009 at 2:28PM 
2010 Opel Astra teasers – Click above for a high-res image gallery
With the Frankfurt Auto Show looming on the horizon, German automakers in particular have been preparing their latest offerings for their debuts. And even with its future still hanging in the balance, General Motors' Opel division has just released a series of teasers of its upcoming new Astra to be unveiled at the Frankfurt show in September.
Although based on the platform that will underpin the Chevrolet Volt, the Opel Astra (and the Vauxhall-badged version to follow) will be powered by conventional engines...at least at first. A downsized 1.4-liter turbo is expected to form the standard engine, with a 2.0-liter turbo version wearing Opel's OPC badge (and Vauxhall's VXR) to follow.
The new Astra will reportedly be available in several bodystyles, starting with this five-door hatch. A four-door sedan is expected to follow, along with a five-door wagon and two-door hardtop convertible, while the three-door hatch version carrying the GTC label promises to follow the lead of the Renault Megane with a more coupe-like profile previewed by the Opel GTC concept from Geneva 2007.
Of course, with the GM global empire on the verge of disintegration, it's hard to say at this point where the Astra might end up. We'll have to wait for more over the course of the summer, but in the meantime, feast your eyes on the teasers in the gallery below.
Gallery: 2010 Opel Astra teasers
[Source: Opel via CarScoop]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Level 2:50PM (5/11/2009)
Poor Saturn.....
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ehisforadam 2:56PM (5/11/2009)
Wow...who knew Johnathan Coulton worked for Opel...
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The Other Bob 3:31PM (5/11/2009)
Make the two-door hardtop convertable a Buick along with the Sedan. That would show that Buick is no longer an old man's car.
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richard 3:34PM (5/11/2009)
If FIAT gets Opel, that looks like a good Caliber replacement. SRT4 with the turbo!
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Bloke 3:39PM (5/11/2009)
If Fiat gets Opel, what makes you think they'll get Delta II and the Astra? Both are owned by GME, not Opel. So, Fiat would either buy Delta II - a major issue since it's used in other GM products globally - or contract to use it if the Astra is subsequently used by Opel. The major issue stems from the fact that the Astra IV will also be built at Ellesmere Port, which may well end up remaining with GM.
The Other Bob 3:47PM (5/11/2009)
Car platforms are traded from company to company all the time without one compnay being owned by the other. If Opel leaves GM in whole or in part, it may make no difference on how platforms are shared. The cunsumer may not even notice.
richard 3:49PM (5/11/2009)
Good point. I doubt if even GM's sure where all of their platforms will end up at this point. I can't see FIAT buying Opel without access to product, though...
It's going to be an interesting summer, watching where all of these nameplates and platforms end up.
Bloke 7:31PM (5/11/2009)
That wasn't my point; my point was that Opel doesn't own the Delta platform; GM does. If Fiat buys Opel, access to intellectual property rights may well be part and parcel - but it isn't assured.
Scott 4:22PM (5/11/2009)
Are they serious about those haircuts?
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Nellydesign 4:57PM (5/11/2009)
European + Designer = Goofy Haircuts
Also I love these press shots. I can just picture the photographer saying "OK, just kneel right in front of the car and pretend you are doing something designerly. You know, point to stuff, furrow your brow, that sort of thing. Throw some sketches on the floor. There, perfect. I'm awesome."
*Click*
inline6 5:43PM (5/11/2009)
B-U-I-C-K
Please?
You'll get my '08 on trade, if you offer it with a manual trans/sunroof combo.
Pretty Please?
I'll be 27 or 28 if you bring it here for 2011...that'll bring your average buyer age down.
With sugar on top?
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