Autoblog

Vauxhall launches new 195-HP turbodiesel Astra GTC together with refresh

Noah Joseph — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 08:44:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Performance, Wagon, Hatchback, Vauxhall, UK, Diesel

European automakers offer some tempting hot hatches, but the stark reality of gas prices that are even higher across the pond than they are here in the United States dictates that most buyers are opting for diesels. Vauxhall is here to say, however, that it doesn't have to be one or the other.

Slotting in below its VXR performance range is a new turbodiesel Astra, packing a 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel four with 195 horsepower and a whopping 295 lb-ft of torque. The sequential twin-turbo oil-burner is the same as Vauxhall offers in the larger Insignia, but in the smaller hatchback, all that twist helps the Astra GTC BiTurbo run from 0 to 62 mph in 7.8 seconds en route to a 139 mph top speed, all the while returning 53.3 miles per gallon on the European combined cycle - thanks in part to the standard stop/start system.

The new engine option is being launched together with a styling update to both the hatchback and Sports Tourer wagon versions of the Astra. The revision includes a new front grille, bumper and lamps, as well as a reshaped tail. A front camera system is also on offer to help keep that new chin clear of curbs, all of which you can read more about in the press release below and scope out in the high-resolution image gallery above.

Continue reading Vauxhall launches new 195-HP turbodiesel Astra GTC together with refresh

Vauxhall launches new 195-HP turbodiesel Astra GTC together with refresh originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Atalanta Sports Tourer revived after 75 years

Zach Bowman — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:03:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Performance, UK, Design/Style, Luxury

An automotive enthusiast and a vehicle restoration specialist have endeavored to create a modern interpretation of a storied 1930s sports car. Neil Watson introduced the original Atalanta Sports Tourer 75 years ago, and to mark the occasion, Martyn Corfield and Trevor Farrington crafted a new version of the vehicle that combines modern engineering with the classic lines of the first Sports Tourer.

Details are worryingly scarce about the vehicle's driveline, but we're told that 85 percent of the vehicle is unique to the Atalanta brand, including certain castings, the axles, and the steering system, among other components. That also means the revival vehicle is likely to carry a price tag as stunning as the vehicle's exterior. Unsurprisingly, the company has yet to say a word regarding the MSRP.

Atalanta is now accepting orders for the Sports Tourer, and buyers can custom tailor each car to their tastes. Whether that extends beyond the typical interior appointments wheel-and-color options to include driveline options remains to be seen. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Atalanta Sports Tourer revived after 75 years

Atalanta Sports Tourer revived after 75 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tongue-Waggin' Wagon: Vauxhall Insignia VXR Sports Tourer unveiled

Alex Nunez — Wed, 20 May 2009 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Europe, GM, Opel, Vauxhall

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Vauxhall Insignia VXR Sports Tourer

No more spy shots. GM has formally unveiled the Vauxhall Insignia VXR Sports Tourer (a.k.a. the Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer on the other side of the Chunnel). By now, you're probably seen the specs, but we'll go over them again for the sake of being complete. 325 horses are corralled in the 2.8-liter turbo V6 underhood. Yep, that's a six-speed stick you see in the attached photo gallery, and both all-wheel drive and eLSD are standard. Stopping power is supplied by Brembo, the seats are by Recaro, and the overall appearance is liberally sprinkled with awesome. All told, the whole package is good for a zero-to-60 run in six seconds flat, which has us dreaming of this car, in this color, wearing the Buick Tri-Shield up front. Maybe Grand National badges on the fenders, too. Okay, it's more like a pipe dream, but let us have our fun. The PR joins an official video after the jump.

Gallery: Vauxhall Insignia VXR Sports Tourer

Continue reading Tongue-Waggin' Wagon: Vauxhall Insignia VXR Sports Tourer unveiled

Tongue-Waggin' Wagon: Vauxhall Insignia VXR Sports Tourer unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 May 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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