Vauxhall unveils new Astra GTC ahead of Goodwood debut

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ASTRA GTC SET TO ROCK MID-SIZE COUPE CLASS AS VAUXHALL OPENS ORDER BOOKS

- Vauxhall's mid-size coupe challenger available to order from today
- Dramatic design will set it apart from rivals – as will sub-£18.5k entry price!
- Driver-focused chassis layout derived from Insignia VXR and fine-tuned in the UK
- World debut at next month's Goodwood Festival, reflecting UK market's dominance

Luton – These are the first official shots of the new Astra GTC, which will lay down the gauntlet to VW's Scirocco and Renault's Megane Coupe with a heady mix of dynamic excellence, dramatic design features and competitive pricing as order books open at Vauxhall retailers today.

Closely based on last year's stunning GTC Paris concept, the production Astra GTC enters the UK market – the biggest in Europe for this model - priced from just £18,495, nearly £1,100 less than the basic VW Scirocco. But even in entry-level trim, the Astra GTC adopts the sophisticated front suspension from the Insignia VXR, featuring Vauxhall's HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut), combined with the clever Watt's link rear axle for unmatched stability and handling precision.

The third body style to come off the new Astra's Delta platform (following the Hatch and last year's Sports Tourer), the only elements the GTC shares with its siblings are door handles and the roof aerial – even the wheelbase and tracks are different. Brit, Mark Adams, Vauxhall's Vice President of Design, has aimed to create a car that looks like it's been plucked from the class above, with its low, wide stance and simple, yet rakish lines.

But don't be fooled: the GTC's 'straight-from-concept' looks shroud a cabin that's roomy and comfortable enough to accommodate four adults and their luggage. So while the GTC will appeal to UK car enthusiasts, its practicality will ensure that it accounts for around 20 per cent of all Astra sales when it arrives in UK showrooms towards the end of this year.

"The GTC is a high-profile addition to the Astra range and one that's sure to appeal to anyone who loves cars and driving," said Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall's Managing Director. "Better still, its chassis has been fine-tuned by Vauxhall Engineering Centre in the UK, reflecting the importance of our Millbrook-based operation, and also the fact that the UK will be the dominant market for GTC when it arrives in showrooms later this year."

The GTC will receive its world premiere at next month's Goodwood Festival of Speed (July 1-3), reflecting the importance of the UK market to this model.

High-tech front and rear suspension

Right from the start of the Astra GTC's development the target was to deliver a focused and driver-orientated feel to the car, and one that worked well on UK roads. As a result, significant changes were made to the front suspension, including the adoption of Vauxhall's HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) used on the 325PS Insignia VXR. Much proving work was also done on British roads by engineers from Europe and VEC (Vauxhall Engineering Centre) to hone the car's damper and steering performance, recognising the unique nature of our road network.

The HiPerStrut uses the existing attachment points from the regular Astra, and has a reduced kingpin inclination and a shorter spindle length. This reduces levels of torque-steer, improves grip – and therefore cornering power – while also enhancing steering precision and feedback.

At the rear, the GTC continues to use the compound crank with a Watt's link that has been employed with such success on the Astra Hatch and Sports Tourer. This unique and innovative combination is far more compact and light weight than a multi-link set up, while providing excellent control and stability, as well as excellent noise insulation.

Compared with the Astra Hatch, the GTC's ride height has been lowered by 15mm, while the wheelbase has grown by 10mm, from 2685mm to 2695mm. Both tracks are wider, too, at 1584mm (+ 40mm) front and 1588mm (+ 30mm) rear. This allows the option of larger rims (up to 20-inch), as well as improving stability.

Enhancing the GTC's chassis still further is the option of Vauxhall's FlexRide adaptive damping. FlexRide automatically adapts to prevailing road surfaces and driving styles, providing drivers with fully optimised handling, even in the event of an emergency situation. In addition, FlexRide offers a choice of three settings – Standard, Tour or Sport - which will change the car's character on demand at the push of a button.

Sleek and handsome lines frame spacious and practical cabin

Since the Astra GTC shares no body panels with either the Astra Hatch or Sports Tourer, it has a unique appearance in the range, and one which has largely stayed faithful to last year's stunning GTC Paris concept.

"We wanted the Astra GTC to be the ultimate expression of Vauxhall's design language, and to embody our passion for the motor car," said Mark Adams, Vice President of Vauxhall/Opel design. "But we didn't want emotion to get in the way of functionality: the Astra GTC still needed to be clever, affordable and practical."

In profile, Mark and his team created tension in the GTC's shape by minimising the lines running along the body. Vauxhall's signature blade, a crisp line that sweeps up from the rocker at the front of the door, is now similar to the Insignia's, but runs the opposite way to other Astras. A second line strikes through the door handle, stretching to the rear, while a third line follows the roof's profile, guiding the eye to the sharply integrated spoiler.

At the front of the car, a centreline crease is complemented by slim, 'eagle-eye'-style headlamps featuring wing-shaped daytime running light graphics. A chrome emblem bar running across the dramatic trapezoidal grille – mounted lower than on other Astras – completes the picture from the front.

The GTC's rear treatment is equally dramatic. Its powerful shoulder section gives the car imposing proportions and a purposeful road presence. The line from the C-pillar wraps around the tail and the rear spoiler, which integrates with the roofline. LEDs – optional across the GTC range – highlight the stretched 'wing' motif created by the tail lamps.

Four engine line-up, with high output unit for VXR to follow in 2012

The Astra GTC can be ordered with a choice of four engines – one diesel and three petrols.

With 165PS, the 2.0 CDTi is an upgraded version of the diesel that's fitted to some models in the Insignia and Astra ranges. All engines have a diesel particulate filter, six-speed transmission and Start/Stop as standard, maximising economy and performance. Delivering 380Nm of torque (including overboost function) the 2.0 CDTi engine provides excellent mid-range acceleration for the GTC, combined with a 0-62mph time of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 130mph.

That torque also allows the GTC a relaxed cruising gait, meaning a combined mpg of 57.6mpg and C02 emissions of just 129g/km. It also gives drivers a range potential in excess of 700 miles.

Start/Stop and a six-speed gearbox are also standard on both versions of the 1.4-litre Turbo petrol engine. With either 120PS or 140PS, the 1.4T achieves a combined 47.9mpg and 139g/km of C02 emissions, yet each still delivers crisp performance with maximum torque of 200Nm delivered between 1850-4200rpm.

The most powerful engine in the range is the 1.6-litre Turbo, which produces 180PS and allows the GTC to hit a top speed of 132mph.

In 2012, a high output VXR model is set to wow British hot-hatch enthusiasts – more news on that later in the year.

Practicality and technology enhance GTC's appeal for all drivers

Don't be fooled by the GTC's swooping lines and sporting looks: unlike many of its competitors, functionality has not been compromised. Not only can the GTC accommodate four adults in comfort, but its luggage compartment provides between 370 and 1235 litres – over 200 litres more than some of the competition.

In line with the current Astra, storage volume in the cabin has also been improved by 50 per cent over the current model, with items like the standard electronic park brake liberating space around the centre console in every GTC.

Standard equipment is generous no matter which GTC model customers choose. Even in entry-level Sport trim, the GTC comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, DAB stereo and USB functionality. Move up to the top-spec SRi, and buyers get as standard tinted glass, onboard computer, leather-trimmed steering wheel and fog lamps. The latest generation Bi-Xenon Advanced Forward Lighting (AFL), which offers nine separate light beams, is optional across the range.

A range of new colours and materials, bespoke to the GTC, set the car apart from others in the Astra range. Morello Red, a new premium leather trim, is also available as an option and brings with it six-way adjustable front seats.

Pricing

The GTC range starts at £18,495 for the 120PS Sport 1.4 Turbo and extends to £22,430 for the 165PS SRi 2.0 CDTi. A full list is shown below.

As with all cars in Vauxhall's range, the GTC comes with a 100,000 mile Lifetime Warranty, available to first owners. This is supported by 12 months' Vauxhall Assistance breakdown cover and six years' body panel anti-perforation warranty.



NEW VAUXHALL ASTRA GTC TO PREMIERE AT GOODWOOD FESTIVAL

- Stunning Astra GTC heads up diverse Vauxhall line-up at this year's FoS
- Groundbreaking Ampera and EN-V to be showcased in FoS Tech Pavillion
- Vauxhall's innovation in rallying and concept design celebrated

Luton – Vauxhall's new Astra GTC will make a surprise debut at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, more than two months ahead of its official world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The announcement comes on the back of today's news that the GTC's order books are now open for UK customers with full pricing and specs available for the car, which was first previewed as the GTC Paris Concept at last year's Paris Motor Show.

Goodwood show-goers will get to see the GTC travelling up the Festival's hillclimb track twice a day throughout the event between Friday, July 1 and Sunday, July 3, driven by Vauxhall's chief chassis engineer. The GTC has a heavily revised chassis and a sleek, all-new body designed by Brit, Mark Adams. It's also the latest successor in a long line of sporting Vauxhall three-door coupes, including the Astra GTE, the Firenza and the Chevette 2300HS. When it's not on the track, the GTC will be on show in the Cathedral Paddock.

Vauxhall will also be giving visitors to Goodwood a vision of the future – as well as the not too distant future. Next year's hotly awaited Ampera E-REV – the first Extended-Range Electric Vehicle to go on sale in the UK - will be in the FoS Tech Pavilion and giving demonstration drives on the hill. In one fell swoop, the Ampera is set to offer green-conscious customers the potential of zero tailpipe emissions, combined with a range of up to 350 miles, eliminating completely the issue of 'range anxiety' suffered by drivers of conventional EVs.

Joining the Ampera in FoS Tech will be GM's EN-V (Electric Networked Vehicle) which will make its European driving debut at the Festival. Representing GM's leading market in Europe, Vauxhall is showcasing the EN-V as a vision of what urban vehicles may look like in 2030. The 1.5 metre-long EN-V – which runs on just two wheels - has a raft of clever technologies, such as collision avoidance and the ability to run in convoy with other EN-Vs. Its lithium-ion phosphate battery offers zero emissions, a 25-mile range and a 25mph top speed.

From a 2011 vision of the future to one from the Sixties, Vauxhall's forward-thinking XVR concept is entered in this year's Cartier 'Style et Luxe', one of the Festival's highlights. Originally shown at the 1966 Geneva Salon, where it showcased the company's design talent, visitors to the Style et Luxe Arena can admire the XVR's flowing lines, and its unique gullwing-style doors and windscreen.

But Vauxhall hasn't forgotten what's at the heart of the Festival: Power. Making its first public appearance for many years is the manic Astra 4-S rally car, built to compete in the 1985 Group 'S' rally class. Featuring a supercharged 325hp Ascona 400 engine and X-Trac four-wheel drive, the car was only used in one event, where it finished second. Visitors should have their ear-plugs ready when it makes its demonstration runs on the hill!