Autoblog

VIDEO: Vauxhall trying to bring back roller skating? Groovy.

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Vauxhall, Lifestyle, UK, Event Alert

Vauxhall skate party -- Click above to watch video

Vauxhall is rolling out the retro cool by holding an invitation-only roller skating event in North London on July 29. As part of the festivities, the General Motors division has reportedly commissioned bespoke sets of Vauxhall Corsa roller boots (seriously), and the event will even feature a "pit-stop themed hair salone with free styling from a 'huge name' in celebrity hairdressing." The secret party doesn't look to have a name, but it's got the kind of vibe that doesn't need one: "'70s disco meets Knight Rider on roller skates." If only the Knight Rider show had thought of that, perhaps it would still be on the air.

You can check out the details at www.tiny.cc/vauxhallskate, and you can get into the groove with video of a young lady doing her thing wearing Vauxhall Corsa skates after the jump. Hat tip to Clarence.

[Source: Event magazine]

Continue reading VIDEO: Vauxhall trying to bring back roller skating? Groovy.

VIDEO: Vauxhall trying to bring back roller skating? Groovy. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vauxhall celelebrates BTCC domination with limited-edition VX Racing Corsa and Astra

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hatchback, Vauxhall, UK, Specialty

Click above to enlarge

Piloted by Fabrizio Giovanardi of the VX Racing, Vauxhall took all three golden trophies in last year's British Touring Car Championship (BTCC): driver, team, and manufacturer. To celebrate, Vauxhall is making 888 Corsa and Astra VX Racing Editions. The number of the run comes from the name of the race prep firm, Triple Eight Engineering.

Each car will sport the team colors of red and black, Recaro seats, logos on the B-pillars and sill plates, a black rear diffuser, black door trim and mirror covers, and a tinted rear window. When it comes to rubber, the Corsa gets 18-inchers, while the Astra wears 19-inch radials and also gets piano black trim inside.

The package adds at least a couple thousand British pounds to the ordinary top of the line models: The Corsa VXR will run you £17,425 (just under $25k USD) and the Astra VXR goes for £21,445 (around $30,700 USD). That's a lot of coin even when accounting for the UK's inflated market prices, but if you still want to tweak them further, you'll at least get discounts on VXR Performance Center parts. Of course, you should probably be devoted enough to have at least one Vauxhall tattoo if you're going to get into all of that...

[Source: Vauxhall]

Continue reading Vauxhall celelebrates BTCC domination with limited-edition VX Racing Corsa and Astra

Vauxhall celelebrates BTCC domination with limited-edition VX Racing Corsa and Astra originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Alfa Romeo MiTo could be first true MINI-killer

Dan Roth — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

The Mini is so 2006. VW's new Polo has yet to launch. Neither of those cars matter once you set eyes on the forthcoming hotness from Alfa Romeo. Alfa is coming back to the U.S. market, and while everyone's been ga-ga about the 8C Competizione, supercars just don't support the type of sales volume that Alfa is looking for. Dubbed the MiTo, Alfa's B-car might be the starter kit for the more aspirational supercars that the brand has to offer, but it's no less kickass when taken on its own. Alfa's styling will be new and fresh in the U.S., the brand having been absent from North American shores since the 1990s. There's a little retro in the nose as seen in these renderings from Winding Road, but it's not anywhere near the total homage to the 1960s that the Mini is.

What's underneath the sheetmetal that's alternately voluptuous and crisply creased is a versatile chassis developed before GM took their wad of cash home from Fiat. The MiTo actually shares its platform with the Opel Corsa and the Fiat Grande Punto, both of which have left favorable impressions with reviewers. Power units could run the gamut from a fire breathing turbocharged 1.4-liter gas unit to a 1.9-liter diesel, and a 2.0-liter that kicks out 280 horsepower is also a possibility if a Delta version comes to fruition. As excited as this news makes us, it's going to be a long wait until 2010.

[Source: Winding Road]

Rendered Speculation: Alfa Romeo MiTo could be first true MINI-killer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vauxhall unveils Corsa SRi in UK

Alex Nunez — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Vauxhall

Click image for high-res gallery

UK car shoppers looking for a little extra pep in a subcompact, but who don't want to pony up for the high-zoot Vauxhall Corsa VXR (a.k.a. Opel Corsa OPC), now have another option: the Corsa SRi. This is simply the British-market version of the Opel Corsa GSi that made its debut in Barcelona this June. It's still worth mentioning again because it's a cool little ride. Powered by either a 150 HP gasoline-fueled turbo four or a 125 HP turbodiesel, the SRi delivers sporty looks and dynamics, respectable performance, and good fuel economy (30 mpg on petrol or 50 mpg on diesel). Add this one to the "Cars We Wish Were Saturns Today" list.

New pics are in the gallery below, and GM's press release/spec sheet are pasted after the jump.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: Vauxhall Corsa SRi

Continue reading Vauxhall unveils Corsa SRi in UK

Vauxhall unveils Corsa SRi in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2007 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: GM to show Opel Corsa Hybrid Concept

Alex Nunez — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 08:33:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Budget, Europe, Green, Opel

Click image for gallery

General Motors' Opel division will use the IAA in Frankfurt to push its ecoFLEX initiative, which will see the automaker leverage multiple technologies to help lower its offerings' CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. Headlining ecoFLEX for the automaker is the Opel Corsa Hybrid Concept, which mates a 1.3L diesel with the next-gen Belt Alternator Starter (BAS) light hybrid system (BAS is the mild hybrid setup used in the Saturn Green Line vehicles), which trades in the current system's NiMH battery for a lithium-ion unit. The arrangement is good for a claimed fuel economy rating of 62.7 mpg (3.75 L/100km). It also emits just 99 g/km of CO2 per km.

Joining the Hybrid Concept in Frankfurt is the Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX, which has 75 hp, boasts fuel economy of 52 mpg and CO2 emissions of 119 g/km. In addition, Opel will showcase CNG-powered vehicles, promote its "Eco-Turbo" approach to using smaller turbocharged engines that match the power of larger units but are more efficient and cleaner-running. Finally, the Vectra FlexPower will be on display, which is powered by the 175 hp E85-compatible 2.0L turbo engine used in the Saab 9-5 BioPower models.

This puts Opel in line with other European competitors, which are also actively downsizing engines and embracing biofuels, etc.

[Source: Opel]

Gallery: Opel Corsa Hybrid Concept

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: GM to show Opel Corsa Hybrid Concept

Frankfurt Preview: GM to show Opel Corsa Hybrid Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Aug 2007 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM bringing more 'Green' to Frankfurt, new Opel concept to bow

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 08:53:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Green, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, Opel, Vauxhall

During this year's Frankfurt Motor Show in September, GM will be taking the wraps of its latest eco-minded concept, in the form of a new Opel-branded vehicle. The E-Flex-equipped concept will feature an electric motor that sends power to the wheels, which can be charged via either a household power outlet or the concept's ultra-efficient diesel mill.

Along with the aforementioned concept, GM will be unveiling a Opel/Vauxhall Corsa equipped with a 1.3-liter common rail diesel that produces 75 HP and releases 119 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer traveled. The show stand will also hold the E85-capable Cadillac BLS and the HydroGen4, a Euro-spec version of the Chevy Equinox fuel cell vehicle.

[Source: Reuters]

GM bringing more 'Green' to Frankfurt, new Opel concept to bow originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Week in Photos: Week of June 04, 2007

Chris Shunk — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 18:19:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Videos, Supercars, Saturn, Opel

Time is winding down for the chance to win a fully-loaded $29,000 Dodge Nitro, so get in when the getting is still good (Enter every day through June 14th by clicking here.) This week in pictures saw plenty of spy shots, new models, and some interesting videos. Among the many stories on Autoblog, we did a review of the Saturn Aura Green Line, we covered the Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, and Opel Corsa GSi.

The last week was a blast, and you only need three minutes to get an update by clicking on the above video. We've also added links below to some of the more significant galleries from the last seven days. This week, music comes from The Touch Ups with "Fast Food Rampage". Enjoy!

Gallery: 2007 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance - Day 1

Gallery: 2007 Saturn Aura Geen Line

Gallery: BRABUS B63 S Tuning Kit

Gallery: Opel Corsa GSi

Autoblog Week in Photos: Week of June 04, 2007 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Jun 2007 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We'll always have Paris: Saturn considers what Lutz already confirmed

Alex Nunez — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 10:25:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, GM, Saturn, Opel

Bloomberg's Greg Bensinger penned an article Friday that's getting some play on the web. In it, he spoke to Saturn's product development director, Lisa Hutchinson, who said that the Saturn division is indeed considering the addition of the Corsa subcompact to the lineup. Hutchinson doesn't attach a timeframe to anything, but states that the American consumer's concern over fuel economy is what's driving this. Later in the day, the Detroit News' Autos Insider column picked up on Bensinger's story. Speculation about a quality American-marque subcompact will do that when gas costs three bucks and change.

We want to see the Corsa here as badly as anyone else, but if you think back to October '06 during the Paris Motor Show, you'll remember that none other than Bob Lutz himself confirmed then that the Corsa will be sold as a Saturn. In fact, the exact words he used, according to Automotive News, were that the Corsa "will very definitely go to the United States." The thing is, the Corsa we'll get will be the next-generation model, not the one shown above. Last October, the timeframe surrounding this, as relayed by the Automotive News' David Sedgwick, was reportedly five years -- meaning 2011, probably as a 2012 model, if we had to guess. AN also reported that the US version of the car would likely be built in Mexico.

We're sure that Jill Lajdziak would like nothing more than to hop out of a Corsa on stage during one of next season's US auto shows and announce that it'll be on sale in the near future, but based on what Lutz already said -- and he of all people would know -- it's probably not happening anytime soon. Bummer.

[Source: Bloomberg News]

We'll always have Paris: Saturn considers what Lutz already confirmed originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Jun 2007 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Barcelona Motor Show: GM unveils Opel Corsa GSi

Alex Nunez — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, GM, Misc. Auto Shows, Opel, Vauxhall

Click image for photo gallery

The Barcelona Motor Show kicks off today, and GM will use the Spanish venue to show off its new Opel Corsa GSi (its UK twin, the Vauxhall Corsa SRi, has also been announced). Positioned below the range-topping Corsa OPC, the GSi gets a detuned version of the OPC's 1.6L 192-horsepower turbo four In GSi guise, the little hatch is good for 150 horsepower. That'll still be enough to let it do 0-62 in 8.1 seconds and top out at 130 mph, all while pulling down nearly 30 mpg (US) in the combined cycle.

In the UK, the Vauxhall Corsa SRi will also be available with 1.7L CDTi diesel, which will drop the acceleration time to 9.1 seconds and increase fuel economy to over 49 mpg US.

Available in 3-door and 5-door variants, the Corsa GSi gets sporty bodywork, an attractive set of 17" five-spoke wheels, and two-tone seats. It goes on sale in Europe this September. We'll have to wait for the next-gen Corsa to arrive, which will be sold here as a Saturn.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: Opel Corsa GSi

Continue reading Barcelona Motor Show: GM unveils Opel Corsa GSi

Barcelona Motor Show: GM unveils Opel Corsa GSi originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jun 2007 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Van Up! Corsa, Astra spawn van concepts at Commercial Vehicle Show

Alex Nunez — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Work, GM, Misc. Auto Shows

Click image to enlarge

The annual Commercial Vehicle Show is set to kick off in Birmingham, UK, and GM's Vauxhall division has prepared two concepts that likely telegraph a pair of small-business-oriented cars coming sometime in the not-too-distant future. The Corsavan Sportive and Astravan Sportive SE are panelized versions of the new Corsa and Astra station wagon. In lieu of back seats, the cargo area is expanded to encompass the full interior aft of the driver and passenger seats. Both already exist in "van" form, but not in the level of trim the Sportive concepts display.

The attraction for small business owners is that the vans handle and perform like the cars they really are. As an added bonus, they feature creature comforts like A/C and heated mirrors, plus the Sportive concept trim decks the cars out with visual baubles such as alloy wheels, spoilers, and foglights. From the outside, they look like nicely-optioned versions of their standard car siblings, albeit with fewer windows (and, in Astra's case, fewer doors, too). Operating costs are kept down thanks to the use of diesel engines that allow for sprightly yet economical performance. Full details can be found in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Vauxhall]

Continue reading Van Up! Corsa, Astra spawn van concepts at Commercial Vehicle Show

Van Up! Corsa, Astra spawn van concepts at Commercial Vehicle Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2007 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vauxhall Corsa VXR / Opel Corsa OPC to arrive in March

Alex Nunez — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 14:55:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, GM

Click image for high-resolution photo gallery

The new Opel/Vauxhall Corsa's a smart-looking little hatchback that our friends in Europe and the UK get to enjoy while we watch from the sidelines. GM hasn't seen fit to send the little Fit-fighter our way, but with Saturn and Opel tied at the hip now, our hopes for such a thing seem far less unrealistic. After all, at this time last year, the idea of seeing the Astra in the US was a pipe dream -- one that's been fulfilled with the confirmation that it's headed over as a 2008 Saturn.

The latest reason to want a Corsa comes as both divisions release their performance variants. Vauxhall's just pulled the wraps off the Corsa VXR while Opel unveiled the identical Corsa OPC - a three-door pocket rocket powered by a 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.6L. Before you scoff at its 6.8-second 0-60 time as being "slow," know also that it has a top end of 140 mph and reportedly delivers a fuel economy of around 30 US miles per gallon in combined use (35.8 imperial mpg). That's a pretty good set of numbers across the board, and it sounds like the turbo Corsa wouldd make for one seriously fun commuter car.

Follow the jump for our final thoughts as well as Vauxhall's press release, and check out additional photos in our gallery.

[Source: GM (OPC photos - GM via Autoblog Spanish)]

Continue reading Vauxhall Corsa VXR / Opel Corsa OPC to arrive in March

Vauxhall Corsa VXR / Opel Corsa OPC to arrive in March originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jan 2007 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2006 Paris Motor Show Booth Tour - General Motors

John Neff — Sat, 07 Oct 2006 06:33:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Europe, Videos, Paris Motor Show, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM

Here's the second video in our five-part series of booth tours at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, and this time we focus on General Motors. I'll say again this our first time producing video and I'm disappointed in myself that we didn't capture footage of more vehicles from General Motors and its brands sold in Europe, but we did get the big one, which is the Chevy WTCC Ultra Concept. We also padded the video with footage of the Opel Antara, Opel CorsaVan and the Cadillac SRX's new fancy interior. Hope you enjoy watching these as much as we do making them and keep your eyes peeled for more.

BTW - If you like the video and the work that we're doing, please support us by voting for the video on the new Netscape. All you have to do is click the up arrow at the top of the video window. If you aren't registered at the new Netscape, now is as good a time as any. Thanks!

Part 1: VIDEO: 2006 Paris Motor Show - VW / Audi / Lamborghini Booth Tour

VIDEO: 2006 Paris Motor Show Booth Tour - General Motors originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Oct 2006 06:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn and Opel to be indistinguishable by 2014

John Neff — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, GM, Saturn

Ward's Auto is reporting that General Motors has begun a plan to completely integrate Saturn and its European Opel brand by 2014. By that time, nearly every car in the lineup of each brand will be "interchangeable," according to Carl-Peter Forster, president of GM Europe. Forster likens what will become of Saturn to Vauxhall, the retail channel for Opel in the United Kingdom.

The Saturn Aura already rides on the same Epsilon platform as the Opel Vectra, but both cars were developed separately, feature different content and are built in different locations. The next Vectra, however, will be the basis for the second-generation Aura sold in the U.S. Both the Opel Antara SUV and the Astra compact will also be coming to the States soon as the next VUE and ION replacement, respectively. The smallest Opel, the newly redesigned Corsa (shown above), could also come over as a Saturn if GM believes it needs another entry-level option alongside the Chevy Aveo in the U.S.

The only thing Saturn has to offer Opel is the Sky roadster. The Sky will be sold in Europe as the Opel GT early next year. Aside from that, Opel's European customers probably aren't interested in the upcoming 7-passenger Saturn Outlook, as the CUV is much too large for their tastes.

[Source: Ward's Auto]

Saturn and Opel to be indistinguishable by 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Oct 2006 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel Corsa to be sold on U.S. soil in five years

John Neff — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, GM, Saturn

Bob Lutz confirmed at the Paris Motor Show last week that indeed the Opel Corsa would be sold in the U.S. Automotive News, however, is reporting that the Corsa sold here will not be the current model that was just introduced, but rather the next generation Corsa that is at least five years away. We already know the Corsa will be branded as a Saturn in the U.S., and GM hopes to move about 80,000 to 100,000 units in the U.S. annually. Those kinds of numbers mean the Corsa will have to be produced "locally", but none of the automaker's recently shuttered U.S. plants should get their hopes up. Because the profit margin on cars like the Corsa are so small, Mexico will likely be chosen as the Corsa's point of production due to its lower operating and labor costs. Either way, we're glad at least one domestic is more than willing to share its international lineup with us.

[Source: Automotive News - sub required]

Opel Corsa to be sold on U.S. soil in five years originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Oct 2006 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Corsavan Concept redefines the work wagon

John Neff — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Hatchback

We all know that in Europe you're less likely to run across a full-sized van being used to haul around a plumber and his plunger than you are in the States. Over there commercial transportation is often based on smaller vehicles that are converted into city vans with just the right amount of space for a laborer and his tools. Vauxhall will be showing this Corsavan concept at the Paris Motor Show next week that shows what its new Corsa compact could do for the commercial sector if given the chance.

The only visual cues that would tip one off to the Corsavan's purpose are blacked out side panels behind the door windows. Through the windows you can also make out a gate separating the driver and passenger from the fully-lined load bay. Being a concept, Vauxhall upped the show factor a bit by adding 17-inch wheels, red-painted brake calipers and the Corsa VXR styling pack that sharpens up the front bumper, sides sills and adds a rear spoiler. It's powered by a 1.3-liter CDTi diesel and shifts via a six-speed manual, which should make the plumber's ride over to fix your leaky faucet a bit more enjoyable.

(Additional photo and press release after the jump)

[Source: Vauxhall]

Related posts:

Continue reading Paris Preview: Corsavan Concept redefines the work wagon

Paris Preview: Corsavan Concept redefines the work wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Sep 2006 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tuner Tuesdays: Opel Corsa by Irmscher

Alex Nunez — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 09:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Europe, Hatchback

Click to enlarge

Irmscher, the German tuning firm, has released its first set of accessories for the new Opel Corsa. Sporty right out of the factory, the Irmscher mods inject some additional visual flair into GM Europe's new subcompact.

The available bits include a chrome-trimmed grille, two different rear spoilers, new front and side skirts, and a revised rear bumper cover with either single or dual exhaust cutouts. Irmscher offers a choice of two aftermarket mufflers -- one corresponding to each bumper style. Wheel upgrades come in the form of the five-stars depicted above or the attractive 16-spoke design shown after the jump. Finally, a squatter stance can be achieved courtesy of a lowering kit that drops the car 30mm.

Inside, the Corsa can be individualized in a number of ways. Custom leather, aluminum trim pieces (such as the pedals and handbrake handle), and a new center armrest with storage bin are among the available upgrades.

Irmscher's accessorization programs are available for 3- and 5-door Corsas, and while the deeper of the two rear spoilers seems a bit too bulky for our tastes, we have to say that the other external enhancements look quite good. The new Corsa is a nicely-designed machine, and Irmscher wisely embraces subtlety in their visual modifications.

(Additional photos after the jump)

[Source: Irmscher via Autoblog Spanish]

Continue reading Tuner Tuesdays: Opel Corsa by Irmscher

Tuner Tuesdays: Opel Corsa by Irmscher originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Sep 2006 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel Corsa 5-door caught by Autoblog in Spain

John Neff — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 14:52:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Europe, GM

How often does it happen that a manufacturer sends a preproduction prototype home with an engineer who happens to live a few doors down from one of our own? Not often, so imagine Alberto's big surprise when he spotted this down the street in Spain, a 2007 Opel Corsa 5-door that's not scheduled to officially debut until next month at the British Motor Show. Alberto's trigger finger went crazy on the Corsa snapping no less than 17 crystal clear, high rez photos. Check it out and let us know if you think GM should import the Corsa instead of the larger Astra to replace the outgoing Ion. General Motors has already released official pics of the 5-door Corsa ahead of its debut, but we appreciate the closer look provided by Alberto's lens.

[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

Opel Corsa 5-door caught by Autoblog in Spain originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jun 2006 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nice rack: Vauxhall courts cyclists with 2007 Corsa five-door

Chris Paukert — Mon, 05 Jun 2006 10:04:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Budget, Hatchback, GM

General Motors of Europe imprint Vauxhall has released some photos of its upcoming five-door Corsa, in advance of the car's debut at the British International Motorshow.

Like the three-door version we've show Autoblog readers before, the five-door Corsa carries over much of the three-door's interior fitments, but it has more interior and cargo space, including "DualFloor" flexibility - a flexible system designed to maximize cargo space. Arguably the car's most interesting feature is its optional "FlexFix," a drawer-like contraption that pulls out from the Corsa's rear bumper to accommodate a pair of bikes.

As with the three door, buyers will have the option of specifying one of three gasoline engines (displacing 1.0, 1.2, and 1.4-liters, respectively), or 1.3-liter common rail diesel. If that isn't enough, the EuroGeneral promises that a third, more powerful oil-burner on its way.

[Sources: Motoring.co.za; Vauxhall]

Nice rack: Vauxhall courts cyclists with 2007 Corsa five-door originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jun 2006 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corsa VXR already being readied by Vauxhall

John Neff — Mon, 22 May 2006 17:05:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Hatchback

GM Europe just took the wraps off its new Corsa three-door hatchback and already the Euro auto scene has been flooded with spy shots of a VXR model being tested under the guise of creative camouflaging. Speculation on how much power the Corsa VXR's turbocharged 1.6L will produce range from 160 bhp to 200 bhp. We're leaning towards the latter figure, as it would put the Corsa ahead of the Renaultsport Clio, if only by a few ponies. 0-60 is said to pass in about six seconds and it will top out on the Autobahn at around 150 mph. Along with a more suitable sports suspension and bigger brakes, the Corsa VXR will don business attire better able to express its intentions that includes flared arches, bigger air intakes and larger wheels.

[Source: AutoExpress, pic courtesy of Channel4]

Corsa VXR already being readied by Vauxhall originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 May 2006 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vauxhall Corsa revealed in Europe

John Neff — Wed, 17 May 2006 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, GM

The Vauxhall Corsa has officially broken cover in Europe after dozens of spy shots had been snapped over the last few weeks. Those spy shots didn't do this small car justice, introduced first as a hatchback in GM Europe's first official batch of shots. Developed alongside the already successful Fiat Punto, the Corsa is longer and wider than the car it replaces. A five-door hatch is also in the works that will resemble the recently redesigned Astra, the car upon which the next Saturn Ion will supposedly be based. The Corsa, however, will be getting a 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4-liter gas engine along with a 1.3 and 1.7-liter diesel. A performance variant tagged VXR with 195 bhp is also in the works.

[Source: Autocar]

Vauxhall Corsa revealed in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 May 2006 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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