Autoblog

If you seek humor, tear down this wall (with an Opel Corsa)

Jeff Sabatini — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Videos, Opel, Humor

Is there any higher form of comedy than Eastern Europeans doing stupid things with cars? This latest YouTube stunner features the usual stock characters: A guy wearing track pants, his cheap 15-year-old hatchback, and an audience egging him on. We'll not give away the entire plot, but it involves an Opel with a trailer hitch, some high-tensile cord and a two-story brick wall. Let's just say that the guy was given enough rope, barely...

Now be forewarned, this is an eight-plus-minute video. You will be as tempted to scrub forward to find the money shot as we are to give you the timecode when it happens. But we're not going to do that, as the payoff is pretty spectacular. Watch the video after the jump.

Continue reading If you seek humor, tear down this wall (with an Opel Corsa)

If you seek humor, tear down this wall (with an Opel Corsa) originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM to bring compact Opel back to America?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: GM, Opel

2010 Opel Corsa - Click above for high-res image gallery

Think of German automakers and you're likely to conjure up names like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, Porsche and Audi. Those are the ones we get on this side of the Atlantic. In their home market, they are joined, most notably, by Opel. The reason we don't get that brand in the States is because it's General Motors' European division, and GM already has plenty of brands operating in its own home market. But that hasn't always been the case, and may not be for much longer - if the latest reports prove accurate.

The German GM subsidiary marketed in the United States between 1958 and 1975. Since then, various Opel models have been sold Stateside as Buicks, Saturns and even Cadillacs. But with Saturn long gone, and the Omega-based Catera replaced by the stand-alone CTS, the only Opel product making it to these shores these days is the Buick Regal (née Opel Insignia).

Recent reports suggested once again that GM could be looking to sell off Opel, but a proposal reportedly being fielded within the GM hierarchy could see Opel returning to American shores. The idea would be to have GM fending off its import rivals with an import of its own, bringing a small hatchback to the U.S. market wearing an Opel badge and a nameplate such as Junior (let's hope not...) or Allegra (hm, let's hope not again).

Whether it would be an all-new product specifically targeted at American consumers or one based on a current model like the Corsa pictured above remains to be seen, but sources indicate that, if the proposal is taken up in Detroit, we could be seeing Opels on American roads as early as 2013.

GM to bring compact Opel back to America? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel channels the Nürburgring for its hottest-ever Corsa

Noah Joseph — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Opel

Opel Corsa OPC Nürburgring Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Between the New York Auto Show, the Shanghai Motor Show and Top Marques Monaco, there's a major motor expo happening on each of three continents. But the latest model you see here wasn't unveiled at any one of them.

What you're looking at is the hottest hatch to come from Opel. It's called the Corsa OPC Nürburgring Edition, and it means business. To start with, the Opel Performance Center (think of it as General Motors of Europe's AMG) has tweaked the 1.6-liter turbo four from 192 horsepower to 210 and boosted the torque count from 170 lb-ft (196 on overboost) to 184 (206 on overboost).

To cope with the added twist, OPC's fitted a multi-plate mechanical limited-slip differential. They've also added Bilstein suspension components and Brembo brakes, recalibrated the ABS, traction control and stability management systems. On the outside, they've mounted new 18-inch alloys on 35-series low-profile rubber and a new front spoiler, dual-tipped stainless-steel exhaust and the requisite special badges.

The result is a Karousel-charging 6.8-second sprint to 60 and an Autobahn-crunching 143 mph top end. Only 500 examples will be offered, with two new colors (Grasshopper green and the above-pictured Henna red) joining the catalog for this special edition. Follow the jump for the full press blast and scope out the trio of images in the gallery below for a closer look.

Gallery: Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition

[Source: Opel]

Continue reading Opel channels the Nürburgring for its hottest-ever Corsa

Opel channels the Nürburgring for its hottest-ever Corsa originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel debuts 53-mpg Corsa ecoFLEX at Bologna Motor Show

Autoblog Staff — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Technology, Hatchback, GM, Misc. Auto Shows, Opel, Diesel

2011 Opel Corsa

Opel's upcoming 2011 Corsa ecoFlex model, powered by a 1.3-liter CDTI turbodiesel, boasts an impressive fuel economy rating of 53 miles per gallon (U.S.) and an equally noteworthy CO2 emissions of 98 grams per kilometer. Credit the 95-horsepower, 140-pound-foot engine; stop-start technology; and an optimized five-speed transmission with taller gearing for the ecoFLEX model's fuel-sipping status.

The Corsa ecoFLEX accelerates from 0-62 miles per hour in 12.3 seconds and hits a top speed of 110 mph. That won't exactly light the pavement on fire, but it's 28 percent more powerful and ten percent more fuel efficient than the model it replaces. Despite the ecoFLEX's impressive numbers, the VW Polo BlueMotion - a competing model in Europe - is slightly more fuel efficient; returning 59.4 mpg (U.S.) and emitting 87 g/km of CO2.

The Corsa ecoFLEX made its debut at the Bologna Motor Show on December 4. To read more, check out the official press release after the jump.

[Source: Opel]

Continue reading Opel debuts 53-mpg Corsa ecoFLEX at Bologna Motor Show

Opel debuts 53-mpg Corsa ecoFLEX at Bologna Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Dec 2010 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Can a Vauxhall play Bingo? Well of Corsa it can!

Noah Joseph — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 09:14:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Hatchback, Vauxhall, Toys/Games, UK

Vauxhall Corsa Bingo Ball Special - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you thought the current trend of alphanumeric nameplates leaves most cars sounding like places on a bingo card, just get a load of the latest from Vauxhall. General Motors' British subsidiary has outfitted one of its Corsa hatchbacks with over 2,000 bingo balls hand-applied to a pastel bingo sheet all over the car's surface.

The one-of-a-kind promotional "art" car will be displayed at a special game event at an old church in Manchester, England. 500 participants will be on hand to play under the special Vauxhall's watchful eye, with a chance at winning one to take home for themselves... sans the bingo ball motif. See all the details in the press release after the jump and the high-resolution photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: Vauxhall Corsa Bingo Ball Special

[Source: Vauxhall]

Continue reading Can a Vauxhall play Bingo? Well of Corsa it can!

Can a Vauxhall play Bingo? Well of Corsa it can! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel releases updated Corsa in Europe

Noah Joseph — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:29:00 EST

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

Opel Corsa - Click above for high-res image gallery

Some new vehicle launches come as a surprise, while others are expected well in advance. After Fiat released the updated Punto Evo, it was only a matter of time until Opel did the same with its Corsa.

Why is that, you ask? Because the Corsa isn't just a competitor to the Punto: it shares the same platform. In fact the platform that underpins the Corsa can also be found in everything from the Alfa Romeo MiTo to the Peugeot Bipper, all courtesy of joint ventures among three major automakers across Europe. It was co-developed between General Motors and Fiat, and underpins some eight different vehicles sold as at Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Abarth, Citroën, Peugeot, Opel and Vauxhall dealerships. But even setting the others aside, the Corsa is Opel/Vauxhall's top seller, accounting for some 30 percent of its overall sales. A vital product, then.

For the latest Corsa, Opel has kept things simple. That is to say, simple on the outside. While the exterior remains virtually unchanged, a host of revisions have been carried out underneath the skin. For starters, the engine range - comprised of five gasoline fours from 1.0-liter up to a 1.6 turbo and three diesels - has been revised to deliver more power while consuming less fuel and emitting fewer carbon molecules. The suspension has also been recalibrated for increased ride comfort and the steering comprehensively re-tuned by the company's OPC performance division for greater precision. Full details can be found in the press release after the jump, with high-resolution images in the fresh gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Opel Corsa

[Source: Opel]

Continue reading Opel releases updated Corsa in Europe

Opel releases updated Corsa in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bumblebee's European Cousin: Opel Corsa Color Race [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Opel

Opel Corsa Color Race - Click above for high-res image gallery

Opel's future may still be a little uncertain, so they're kicking it old school with a new special edition of their Corsa super-mini. Called the Color Race, the appearance package harkens back to the '60s-era Opel Rallye Kadett B Sprint, pictured in a few of the shots in the gallery below.

Available in yellow, white or red, the Color Race features a black hood and roof, with complimenting checkered-flag decals all over, along with 17-inch wheels to complete the exterior package. Inside the party continues with vents and upholstery stitching matching the exterior, a standard sunroof and leather steering wheel.

The package is available only on the three-door model and can be had with any of the three engines currently offered in the Corsa range: 87 or 100 horsepower 1.4-liter gasoline fours, or a 130-hp 1.7-liter turbodiesel. Conveniently timed to battle with a similar package from Renault, the Opel Corsa Color Race starts at €15,560 (~$22,500). Check out the gallery and the video after the jump.

Gallery: Opel Corsa Color Race

[Source: CarScoop]

Continue reading Bumblebee's European Cousin: Opel Corsa Color Race [w/video]

Bumblebee's European Cousin: Opel Corsa Color Race [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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