Astra – Page 3 – Automobiles Review

2015 Opel Astra OPC Extreme [video]

Opel has released a promotional video clip for the all-new Astra OPC Extreme. The super powerful hot hatchback comes with extreme aerodynamics package and a lot of power under the hood.

The radical Astra is actually going into production sometime in next year. Some of the highlights include a carbon fiber hood, roof and wheels. There are also sport front seats, a safety rollcage and a carbon fiber-reinforced steering wheel and Schroth 6-point safety belts.

The 2.0 liter turbocharged gasoline engine has 300HP (225 kW). It is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox sending the power to an LSD (limited-slip differential) at the front wheels. 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. There is also a Brembo 6-piston brake system with 370mm front discs sitting behind the 19” alloy wheels fitted with specially developed 245/35 tires.

Enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMkEjc8CBTM

Source: Opel

March 14, 2014

2014 Opel Astra 1.6 CDTi – Price £17,635

2014 Opel Astra 1.6 CDTi is now available with pricing starting from £17,635 for the 110HP ecoFLEX model.

The super-smooth and super-quiet new generation engine boasts an impressive 76.3 mpg UK and CO2 emission of just 97 g/km. It also complies with EURO 6 regulations and boasts best-in-class low noise and vibration.

Jerry Ramsdale, organiser of the Fleet World Fleet Show event, commented: “We are delighted with the green emphasis at this year’s Show, which has seen many manufacturers keen to show off their very latest low-carbon offerings, like the new ‘whisper diesel’ Astra from Vauxhall.”

“For those fleet decision makers who want to find out more about the benefits of going green, the Allstar Card Services Eco-driving Hub will help them understand all the factors affecting the size of their future fuel and tax bills, and all the ways of improving them,” , he added.

The 1.6 liter CDTi ECOTEC is also available with 136HP (100 kW) and 320Nm (237 lb-ft) of torque. The combined cycle is just 4.1 liters / 100 km with emissions of just 109 g/km CO2.

This new generation engine and its innovative engine control unit have been entirely developed in-house by a global team of engineers in Turin, Rüsselsheim and the USA.

Source: Opel

March 10, 2014

2014 Geneva Motor Show: Opel Astra OPC Extreme

Opel is currently exhibiting the most powerful Astra called OPC Extreme at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The twin brother of Vauxhall Astra VXR Extreme comes with the same extremely powerful engine and an aggressive body kit.

The 2.0 liter turbocharged gasoline engine produces 300HP (225 kW). It is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox sending the power to an LSD (limited-slip differential) at the front wheels. 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. There is also a Brembo 6-piston brake system with 370mm front discs sitting behind the 19” alloy wheels fitted with specially developed 245/35 tires.

Other highlights include a lot of carbon fiber parts including front hood, front diffuser, bumper and spoiler as well as a carbon fiber roof. The result is -100kg (220 lbs) compared to the normal OPC.

The interior comes with a roll-bar, Recaro bucket seats, with six-point safety belts from Schroth and a carbon-fibre-reinforced, suede-covered steering wheel with fine yellow decorative stitching.

Source: Opel

March 5, 2014

Vauxhall Astra VXR Extreme at 2014 Geneva Motor Show

Vauxhall is going to exhibit the all-new 2014 Astra VXR Extreme at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, in March. The ultra-hot hatchback comes with extreme body kit and extreme engine.

The 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol has over 300HP (225 kW), which means that is the most powerful front-wheel drive Vauxhall, ever. Derived from last year’s Astra Cup race car that competed in the Nurburgring Endurance Championship, the Extreme model is the lighter, more powerful street-legal race sibling to the current Astra VXR. The engine is connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox sending the power to the front wheels through an LSD (limited slip differential).

The curb weight is whopping 100kg less than the original model thanks to the use of high-quality carbon components. This high-strength, ultra-light material is used for the aerodynamically-optimised rear wing, the diffuser, front spoiler, bonnet, suspension cross-bracing, engine cover, wheels, rear wheelhouse ventilation and roof.

Other highlights include a set of ultra high-performance, 245/35, 19” tyres, specially developed for the Extreme modell a Brembo 6-piston brake system including 370mm diameter discs up front and adjustable dampers.

The interior comes with a roll-bar, Recaro bucket seats, with six-point safety belts from Schroth and a carbon-fibre-reinforced, suede-covered steering wheel with fine yellow decorative stitching.

The car is actually planned to go in a low-volume production, which are great news.

Source: Vauxhall

February 26, 2014

A Glimpse At The Vauxhall Astra VXR Extreme

Vauxhall-Astra-VXR-Extreme-Concept-shadow It’s always exciting to talk about something that’s supposed to be the -iest of its kind. That’s why when we saw the “Radical Vauxhall Concept Heralds Fastest Production Astra” title, we flinched a bit. Still not resistant enough to sensationalist headings then

But Vauxhall are indeed up to something. Here’s the first picture ever (sorry) of the Astra VXR Extreme…concept. It’s essentially a “sibling” to the current 280 PS and 400 Nm Astra VXR. We are not good at taking hints. Does that mean no more than that power or no less than that? We do know for a fact, however, that the Extreme will be on a strict carbon fiber diet. Even though its interior spots an integrated safety structure and racing seats and six-point safety belts, the Extreme will be completely road-legal. However, with the Astra Cup race car playing the role of a biological mother, it will feel most at home on closed grounds. Anyone up for making some history at the local track day circuit in the fastest production Astra ever?! (Darn it, we did it again, didn’t we?)

The full reveal is expected at the 2014 Geneva expo. More to come in the coming month.

Source: Vauxhall

January 30, 2014

Superchips Vauxhall Astra VXR GTC – 312HP and 475Nm

Superchips has announced a tuning program for the powerful hot hatchback – Vauxhall Astra VXR GTC.

Astra VXR GTC is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine – 280HP (206 kW) and 400Nm (296 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Stage 1 includes an ECU remap – 23HP (17 kW) at 5,093 RPM and 61Nm (41 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. On the road the added punch translates into a sharper, even more exciting drive, with a crisper throttle response allied to greater urgency across the rev range. Priced at £455.00, the Superchips ECU remap for the March 2012 onwards Vauxhall Astra GTC VXR 2.0T is available now.

Stage 2 is also available, with the calibration tailored to suit Astra GTC VXR 2.0T models fitted with a readily available free flowing aftermarket exhaust system and sports catalyst (sold separately through Superchips’ partner Thorney Motorsport). It boosts the engine with 32HP (24 kW) at 5,698 RPM and 75Nm (56 lb-ft) at 2,935 RPM.

Customers can be assured that both Stage 1 and Stage 2 Superchips Vauxhall Astra GTC VXR 2.0T ECU remaps are covered by a full Customer Service Guarantee and an industry-leading 12 month / 30,000 supplementary vehicle warranty.

Source: Superchips

July 30, 2013

Opel Astra H OPC Nurburgring by WRAPworks

WRAPworks has chosen the compact Opel in order to make of it an exquisite creation which will proudly carry the name “Nurburgring Edition”. The foil colors that have bee used in this project are titan-metallic mat as well as high-gloss red and they have been carefully chosen to match the factory logo.

However, in order to foil every tiny detail, the car has been largely disassembled into its component parts. In addition, there was especially developed a high-gloss digital printing in carbon style for the engine hood in order to accentuate the logo.

What is ore, this Astra is equipped with an exhaust system by Remus with centered tailpipe which is accentuated by means of the red line ending on it. To preserve the relation to the original Nurburg Edition, the series checks have been left on the bonnet, top and tailgate, at least partially.

Next, the Astra H OPC is lowered by means of EIBACH-30/30 springs and includes an OPC 1 brake cooling and yellow fog lights, an adjustable Whiteline-rear axle-stabilizer and a Pipercross air filter, Courtenay PU motor bearing and the bronze bushings for the guide pins of the ATE-break calipers at the front axle, Nitro rims by Motec in size 8×18 ET30 and Hankook Ventus V12 tyres in size 225/40ZR18. Finally the rear wiper was removed and Rally-4-safety belts by SCHROTH were installed inside.

Source: Miranda Media

April 24, 2013

Irmscher Opel Astra GTC Sport 45 Special Edition To Debut In Geneva

Irmscher Opel Astra GTC Sport 45 Special Edition is going to be unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show was just announced by the tuning company. Only 45 units of this special vehicle will be made in order to celebrate the 45th birthday of Irmscher in 2013.

The customization here was created with the aim to enhance the distinctively sporty design of the Opel Astra GTC. Under the hood of the latter works an improved Astra 1.6 Turbo engine, which develops 200 hp (147 kW).

With a lowering of 30 mm with progressive spring rate, in conjunction with 20-inch alloy wheels this Opel is full of power on the road and in addition in grabs the attention of the viewers immediately.

Balance in proportions is also an aim here and is an attribute which Irmscher clearly emphasizes with its design ideas and their development. Seen from the front, the radiator grille with Irmscher Carbon bar, the harmoniously integrated front spoiler lip and the track width of 20-inch wheels in Evo Star design perfectly contribute to a new more dramatical visual stance.

Observed from the rear, one can see that the sporty ambitions are also evident there. In fact, the striking roof spoiler, the diffuser insert and the left and right ellipsoidal tailpipes contribute to more agile and dynamic look. In addition, at the tail one can also notice the “Sport 45” signature.

On the other hand the interior of the car includes original Irmscher seats, door panels and center armrest, which were trimmed with fine leather and correspond to the exterior color with a yellow stitching. Moreover, the tuning company refined the interior further by adding door pins and pedals in aluminum. At last, the floor mats include Irmscher logo and the “Sport 45” signature.

Source: Irmscher

February 19, 2013

JMS Opel Astra J GTC Coupe Shows Exclusive Styling

JMS Opel Astra J GTC Coupe is now in the form of a real vehicle after the design concept that the tuning team from JMS has done few months ago. The specialists have eventually built the first example featuring a new tuning kit.

The latter comprises of new front lip spoiler with integrated diffuser, which fits easily with glue and screws onto the series front bumper. This one in turn is only a few centimeters deeper than the original bumper, and this means that side skirts and rear apron aren’t needed anymore.

For better driving performance JMS included a KW V1 inox coil over kit with 50mm lowering at the front and 40mm at the back. At last but not least, the perfect visual characteristics of this Opel are due to the Schmidt Gotham shadow green wheels with 245/35-20 tyres.

Source: JMS

January 18, 2013

Superchips Gives More Horsepower to Vauxhall Astra GTC

Superchips Vauxhall Astra GTC now has extra performance for its new GM 1.4-litre petrol turbo powerplant. The technicians from Superchips, are offering a great ECU Remapping program, which enhances the 1364cc 120 hp (88 kW) 1.4T motor.

Through chassis dyno and road testing, Superchips has developed a performance Bluefin ECU remap which improves its power output while at the same time retaining factory failsafe protocols and reliability levels.

The Superchips Bluefin ECU remap produces additional 22 hp (16 kW) at 5428 rpm, with progressive increases throughout the rev range from just 1700 rpm all the way to the powerplant’s 6250rpm limiter. Torque outputs are similarly enhanced, with the Superchips remap producing noticeable gains from 2500 to 5000 rpm. In fact the overall increase in the torque here is 36 Nm (26 lb-ft) at just 2557rpm.

The consequence of the modifications done are more liveliness of the Vauxhall, more exciting driving and enhanced fast cruising, overtaking and load carrying performance .Yet this extra verve doesn’t come at the expense of fuel economy.

The reason is the combination of the additional low-speed torque and the extra efficiencies, meaning that if the car is driven in a “like for like” manner then standard fuel economy levels will be retained.

Source: Superchips

November 26, 2012

Vauxhall Astra BiTurbo now generates 195 horsepower

Vauxhall Astra BiTurbo five-door Hatch and Vauxhall Astra BiTurbo Sports Tourer are the new two high performance diesels from the brand. Both are generating 195 horsepower (143 kW) and have 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque.

Both Vauxhalls are the most powerful cars in their class: they offer blistering performance, high levels of practicality and impressive frugality. Their top speed reaches 135mph and can achieve 0-60mph in less than eight seconds.

Despite the boost in performance, they have excellent economy as well: low CO2 emissions of 134g/km and a combined efficiency of 55.4mpg. The great fuel economy is further enhanced by the Start/Stop technology included in the models.

In fact, the twin turbo technology is rare in this class. The Astra uses a sequential turbocharging system, with the smaller turbo accelerating quickly at lower speeds to eliminate ‘lag’, providing 320Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque from 1,250rpm.

Furthermore, in the mid-range of rpm, both turbochargers operate together, with the larger turbocharger pre-compressing the intake air, before it is fully compressed in the smaller one. A continuous control over the bypass valve is happening, in order to pass on part of the exhaust gases to the larger turbo. The effect of all this is that the driver still enjoys smooth acceleration.

In addition, some stylish changes have been made as well. The new Astra now has more aggressive look thanks to the revised front grille, new front indicators and fog lamps, and refreshed rear-panel styling.

Other unique features are the fresh 18” alloy wheels, twin rear exhausts, exterior styling pack and alloy sports pedals.

The Vauxhall Astra BiTurbo five-door Hatch has a starting price of £24,095 and the Sports Tourer – £25,110.

Source: Vauxhall

August 1, 2012

Astra GTC Bi-Turbo Diesel Joins Vauxhall Family

The Vauxhall Astra Hatch and Sports Tourer get some work done on the outside. A more “bold and aggressive appearance” is the desired effect or so we’ve been told. Put in a few words, they have just replaced the grille, relocated the badge, restyled the lower section and the indicators. If you happen to tick the “fog light” box, you’ll get the now new ones as well. The back is also somewhat changed but that’s not important right now. The real highlight of the story is that a new Astra GTC BiTurbo line is joining the family and it’s going to be the most powerful off all (not counting the VRX models).

Yes, get out of the way, petrol. A 195 PS diesel is in the house. The Astra GTC uses a 2.0 CDTi BiTurbo…charged engine that heats up the front tires with 400 Nm of torque. It won’t be expensive too – £995 ($1,556) over the price of the old GTC 2.0 CDTi that had only 165 PS. So that’s £23,925 ($37,423) in total for 195 PS of power, a time of 7.8 seconds for the 0 to 60 mph run and 53.3 mpg on the combined cycle (it has a Start/Stop system). The 30 extra PS come from the two turbochargers (one smaller and one bigger) which work in a sequential way in order to eliminate and traces of lag at low rpm.

Other than that, you get 18-inch alloy wheels, climate control a lower stance a meaner look and a “Track” interior trim complete with a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel.

From now on, all Vauxhall Astras will have even more optional extras – a Driver Assistance Pack which has all kinds of gizmos to keep you safe and sound on the road, a Rear View Camera Pack, a Winter Pack and LED daytime running lights (optional!)

Source: Vauxhall

The Vauxhall (Opel) Astra Hatch and Sports Tourer get some work done on the outside. A more “bold and aggressive appearance” is the desired effect or so we’ve been told. Put in a few words, they have just replaced the grille, relocated the badge, restyled the lower section and the indicators. If you happen to tick the “fog light” box, you’ll get the now new ones as well. The back is also somewhat changed but that’s not important right now. The real highlight of the story is that a new Astra GTC BiTurbo line is joining the family and it’s going to be the most powerful off all (not counting the VRX models).

Yes, get out of the way, petrol. 195 PS diesel is in the house. The GTC uses a 2.0 CDTi BiTurbo…charged engine that heats up the front tires with 400 Nm of torque. It won’t be expensive too – £995 ($1,556) over the price of the old GTC 2.0 CDTi that had only 165 PS. So that’s £23,925 ($37,423) in total for 195 PS of power, a time of 7.8 seconds for the 0 to 60 mph run and 53.3 mpg on the combined cycle (it has a Start/Stop system). The 30 extra PS come from the two turbochargers (one smaller and one bigger) which work in a sequential way in order to eliminate and traces of lag at low rpm.

Other than that, you get 18-inch alloy wheels, climate control a lower stance a meaner look and a “Track” interior trim complete with a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel.

From now on, all Vauxhall Astras will have even more optional extras – a Driver Assistance Pack which has all kinds of gizmos to keep you safe and sound on the road, a Rear View Camera Pack, a Winter Pack and LED daytime running lights (optional!)

June 15, 2012

Tag: Astra