Autoblog

2012 Opel Astra OPC gets 280 horsepower, 155 mph top speed

Jeff Sabatini — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:44:00 EST

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

We ogled the curvaceous Opel Astra GTC at Frankfurt, but this is the one we've really been waiting for: The OPC version. Standing for Opel Performance Center, "OPC" is similar to the Honda "Type R" or BMW "M" nomenclature, although not nearly as well known. The 2012 Astra OPC could change that in a hurry.

GM's European division has really done a number on the compact hatchback to make it worthy of the badge, dropping a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four with direct injection underhood. The 280-horsepower engine is also good for 295 lb-ft of torque, and GM says the Astra OPC can do all of 155 mph. Like the Astra GTC, the OPC uses the HiPerStrut front suspension with adjustable dampers, steering and throttle, thanks to the FlexRide control system. But the top-of-the-line Astra model adds a limited-slip front differential to help control all that turbo torque. Brembo brakes, special front and rear fascias, dual exhaust, performance seats, a special steering wheel and new instrumentation round out the OPC package.

The Astra OPC will also be sold as the Vauxhall Astra VXR in the U.K.

Of course, the first question any of us here in the States have is, "Will we get it?" To which the answer is, per usual, not likely. If we do get any version of the Astra, it's much more likely to be the GTC, which could potentially be sold as a coupe version of the Buick Verano. Read the entire press release after the jump.

Continue reading 2012 Opel Astra OPC gets 280 horsepower, 155 mph top speed

2012 Opel Astra OPC gets 280 horsepower, 155 mph top speed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus reportedly brought in for chassis work on new Vauxhall Astra VXR

Noah Joseph — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 16:41:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Lotus, Opel, Vauxhall, UK

2010 Vauxhall GTC Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

From the likes of the Dodge EV to the Ford Cortina, Lotus has had its fingers in all of the Big Three's pies. But its strongest relationship has historically been with General Motors. The British engineering firm helped develop the engine in the original Corvette ZR-1, engineered the Vauxhall VX220/Opel Speedster, re-engineered the Vauxhall Carlton into ones of its own, and has undertaken a variety of projects for the General over the years. Now the latest reports have Lotus teaming up with GM's European subsidiaries for a new hot hatch.

Much as it did with the outgoing Vauxhall Astra VXR, Lotus is reportedly hard at work tuning the chassis on the next generation of the model. Previewed by the GTC concept at the Paris Motor Show, the new Astra VXR is tipped to ditch the current model's electronic differential for a more traditional mechanical one. The engine is rumored to produce in the neighborhood of 280-300 horsepower, with Lotus reportedly brought in to help minimize the torque steer inevitable with that much power channeled through the front wheels.

The Hyperstrut front suspension set-up developed for the Insignia VXR is tipped to port over to the smaller hatchback, expected to hit European markets towards the end of next year to do battle with the likes of the Ford Focus RS and Volkswagen Golf R. We can only hope that GM finds space in the lineup of one of its remaining brands to bring the new Astra VXR to American shores.

Gallery: Vauxhall GTC Concept

[Source: Autocar]

Lotus reportedly brought in for chassis work on new Vauxhall Astra VXR originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Top Gear flogs the Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst and HSV Maloo

Alex Nunez — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 23:34:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Truck, Videos, GM, Holden, Vauxhall, Australia, UK, Specialty

Top Gear gets busy with some Aussie muscle -- Follow the jump to watch

Let's just say that Richard Hammond rightfully digs the blown, delightfully obscene Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst (above, bottom), which costs a not-insignificant £45,000 in Blighty. For that not-insignificant sum, he says, "you get almost limitless vulgarity." Trust us, he's paying it a compliment, based on the s**t-eating grin he wears throughout his stint behind the wheel. Then he drives the HSV Maloo R8 (above, top) - Holden's factory-tuned super-ute, which really is one of the coolest cars we'll never get here. As you'll see, it doesn't haul hay bales particularly well, but it can suck the windshield out of a new Audi S4. Finally, the Stig uses his right foot like a cattle prod with both cars in some split-screen action. It's all good.

After watching this clip, you'll probably want to send some thoughtfully-worded feedback to GM's "Tell Fritz" web thingamajig. You all know Fritz. He's that guy who spiked the return of the Holdens to the U.S. because he doesn't believe in rebadging. Yeah, we're beating a dead horse. We don't care. Watch the video and you won't either. Thanks to Bradley Wint for the heads-up.

Gallery: Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst S

Gallery: HSV Maloo R8

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear flogs the Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst and HSV Maloo

VIDEO: Top Gear flogs the Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst and HSV Maloo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Aug 2009 23:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vauxhall withdraws from British Touring Car Championship after 20 years

Noah Joseph — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Vauxhall, UK

By most accounts, the mantra of "Win on Sunday, sell on Monday" hasn't worked for a long time. In fact, we're not sure it ever worked. But there were certainly happier times for motorsports fans when the automakers blissfully adhered to that age-old nugged. Unfortunately blissful ignorance isn't the best game plan at this stage - especially for any General Motors divisions - which could go a long way towards explaining why so many automakers have been canceling their factory racing programs recently. The latest to leave the track, British motorsport fans will be saddened to learn - is Vauxhall.

The British automaker has been competing in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) for 20 years now, and with its partner Triple Eight Race Engineering racing under the VX Racing banner, had achieved an insurmountable dominance of the saloon car racing series in claiming the title seven out of the last eight years, racking up 100 race wins along the way. Unfortunately, desperate times call for desperate measures, and that dominance will come to an end after this season is over. Will a future Vauxhall teamed up with Opel under new management find its way back to the BTCC? Only time will tell, but Vauxhall is leaving the door open just in case. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Vauxhall]

Continue reading Vauxhall withdraws from British Touring Car Championship after 20 years

Vauxhall withdraws from British Touring Car Championship after 20 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Opel Insignia OPC almost ready for Frankfurt

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Wagon, Europe, Hatchback, Opel, Vauxhall

2010 Opel Insignia OPC - Click above for a high-res gallery

Although the Opel Insignia OPC was a no-show at the Geneva Motor Show, work is still underway on the hottest version of Opel's mid-sized sedan. Early reports indicated that the OPC variant will be motivated by a 320-hp, twin-turbocharged V6 powering all four wheels, with sedan, hatchback and wagon body styles available at launch. Although these newest spy shots show 19-inch wheels, when the production version debuts - likely at the Frankfurt Motor Show - expect 20-inch hoops, upgraded rubber and brakes to be fitted at all four corners, along with a revised suspension and a more aggressive fascia. The OPC and its Vauxhall Insignia VXR counterpart are expected to go on sale abroad later this year or early next. Too bad Saturn is flailing - this could've made a great Redline model.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Opel Insignia OPC

Spy Shots: 2010 Opel Insignia OPC almost ready for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Undisguised Vauxhall Insignia VXR caught napping

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 15:35:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Europe, Opel, Vauxhall

It didn't make an appearance at the Geneva Motor Show, but General Motors' white-hot Vauxhall Insignia VXR is spending more time out of doors and (accidentally?) posing for pictures for the folks at Auto Express.

With 320 horsepower and a rumored all-wheel drivetrain at work, the fettled Insignia is said to have lapped the Nürburgring in (grains of salt at the ready) just over eight minutes on its 20-inch wheels. If true, that's the kind of time aimed for by smaller, nimbler cars.

Even better: Pretty soon we expect to see pictures of the Insignia VXR hatch and wagon versions, perhaps wearing Opel badges. Mmmm, hot wagons... Yum.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: Undisguised Vauxhall Insignia VXR caught napping originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Mar 2009 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next gen. Vauxhall Vectra to get AWD, twin-turbo V6

Dan Roth — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, GM, Saturn, Vauxhall

Here's what the Saturn Aura Red Line should be, courtesy of Vauxhall. The Vectra is being replaced by an Epsilon 2-based car called the Insignia. The Epsilon 2 will also serve as the basis for the second-generation Saturn Aura. That platform sharing will no doubt be good in workaday trim, but Vauxhall's turning up the wick for the Insignia VXR, and we're crossing our fingers that Saturn is hanging out in the gym with its cousin. The VXR will gain visual horsepower and there will be real output from the powertrain to back up the appearance. A twin-turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 laying down 300 horsepower through the all wheel drive system that debuted with the GTC concept car in Geneva. The suspension will be able to cope with the power by using a revised version of the Vectra VXR's adaptive dampers, and the AWD system carries at least one limited slip differential. A 0-60 time in the mid 5-second range sure sounds good, as does the 165 mph top speed.

Just as exciting to us diesel-starved US consumers is the 2.9 liter V6 turbodiesel variant of the Insignia. The diesel packs a not-insignificant 247 horsepower, and both cars get a six-speed manual transmission standard. What will we do if both versions make it Stateside? We'd have a hard time choosing, but it would be amusing to see what Saturn calls the diesel. The Aura Grey Line? Brown Line? The Insignia VXR is about a year and a half away, with lesser models arriving sooner. Cost will be £25,000 -- which we hope doesn't translate into a $50,000 range-topper Epsilon 2.

[Source: Auto Express]

Next gen. Vauxhall Vectra to get AWD, twin-turbo V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Nov 2007 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vauxhall VXR8 to prowl UK roads

Alex Nunez — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:19:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Europe

click above image for hi-res photo gallery of the VXR8

This is the UK's new Vauxhall VXR8, which also happens to be Australia's HSV Clubsport R8 (ignore that "based-on" nonsense....this is as straight a rebadge as you'll ever see). Both are the spawn of the Holden VE Commodore as presented after the speed freaks at HSV have had their way with it.

In this case, "having their way" means 420 horsepower, 400+ lbs of torque, and a sub-5-second run to 60mph. The source of the enhanced juice is GM's muscled-up 6.0L V8, which is mated to a six-speed manual as standard equipment. A 6-speed automatic is available on the option sheet as well.

Big brakes, a new bodykit with unique front and rear fascias, and new 20" wheels help maximize the badassedness. All in favor of this car as the Pontiac G8 GXP say, "Aye!"

Let the General know in the comments.

[Source: Vauxhall]

Gallery: Vauxhall VXR8

Continue reading Vauxhall VXR8 to prowl UK roads

Vauxhall VXR8 to prowl UK roads originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:19:00 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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More Power for Vauxhall's Vectra and Monaro VXR models

Alex Nunez — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 17:34:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, Europe, Hatchback

The lads at Vauxhall, the British version of Opel, have been keeping busy with their tuneriffic VXR editions of the Vectra and Monaro.

Let's start with the Vectra. It comes in hatchback (pic after jump) and wagon bodystyles, and its turbocharged 2.8L V6 is good for 276 horsepower (280 PS) and a 6.1-second 0-60 time. (The wagon does it in 6.3.) A button on the dash lets the driver switch the suspension settings between regular and sport modes.

This is all very nice, and it makes us think about a potential (and hopefully probable) Saturn Aura Red Line. We think that a Saturnized grille with VXR-style bodywork and 300 horsepower underhood would do the trick. Pretty please, Ms. Lajdziak...

As for the Monaro, well, this is going to make fans of the recently-departed Pontiac GTO very angry. You see, the Vauxhall Monaro VXR500 (above) is a limited edition version of the rebadged Holden, and in this guise, the 6.0L LS2 gets added jolt via a supercharger, upgrading it to 493 horsepower (500 PS) and 500 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 now takes less than 5 seconds and the badass Vauxhall tops out at 180.

I told all you Pontiac fans you'd be mad about this...

(Vectra VXR hatch pic, press release after the jump)

[Source: Vauxhall]

Continue reading More Power for Vauxhall's Vectra and Monaro VXR models

More Power for Vauxhall's Vectra and Monaro VXR models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Sep 2006 17:34:00 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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