GTC – Automobiles Review

What is to Own a Total of 79 Dodge Vipers?

Dodge Viper GTC 1 of 1 Dodge Viper can now be optimized according to any customer’s taste. The first two examples of this were already delivered to Wayne and D’Ann Rauh. On Friday, July 24, the couple visited the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit and received the keys to two new customized “1 of 1” Dodge Viper GTC models.

This couple is also famous for another fact and it is that with these new two additions they own a total of 79 Dodge Vipers. It is even hard to comprehend this number, but it is cool to see the enthusiasm in their eyes.

We definitely admire these people, since they have the courage to collect these fantastic cars, spend energy and time as well as money, to make their dream come true. And this is what makes them perfect for encouraging others to follow their steps.

Dodge Viper GTC 1 of 1

But how did they receive those unique one-off Viper GTC models? The answer lies in the new Viper “1 of 1” customization program, through which owners can create their own one-of-a-kind Snake. How cool is that?

What is even cooler is that there are no two cars alike, because the program implies that no two customers can order the same configuration, including color, in the same model year.

Another interesting detail here is that with the introduction of matte-finish exterior paint, the new model year Viper is now offered in more than 50 million configurations. In fact, there are more than 16,000 unique paint color options and more than 48,000 unique stripe combinations.

Besides the one-off exterior qualities of the car, the Viper is also capable of some special powers. Due to the hand-built aluminum 8.4-liter V-10 engine, the snake produces 645 horsepower (474 kW) and 813 Nm (600 lb.-ft.) of torque. The last numbers help the Viper’s engine be the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports car engines in the world.

Source: Dodge

July 27, 2015

Irmscher Opel Astra GTC Turbo

Irmscher has preented their latest project based on Opel Astra GTC Turbo powered by a 1.4 liter turbocharged petrol engine. Irmscher Astra i 1400 comes with styling and performance upgrades as well. There are also interior modifications bringing more pleasure for the occupants.

The exterior boasts a new front lip spoiler, a modified front grille and a set of enormous 20” light alloy wheels fitted with ultra-low profile tires. There are also wide side skirts, a tailgate-mounted spoiler, a new rear diffuser and a four-tailpipe sports exhaust system. The ride height is lowered by a set of sport springs with 30 mm. This improves not only the stance, but the handling as well.

The interior comes with a new premium leather upholstery, new aluminum door pins, a set of aluminum pedals and branded floor mats with Irmscher logo.

The 1.4 liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine is boosted to 170HP (125 kW) – an increase of 30HP (22 kW).

Irmscher will produce only 100 units and pricing is available upon request. All components are also available separately.

Source: Irmscher

August 22, 2014

2014 Opel Astra GTC 1.6 CDTI – 136HP and 320Nm

Opel is now offering the new Astra GTC with the updated 1.6 liter CDTI diesel engine. It ensures a powerful and clean drive in the sporty compact coupe. The model is currently available on the market and priced from €24,390 (including VAT).

The 1.6 liter CDTI diesel replaces the 1.7 liter unit. The new power unit delivers more power (+7 HP and 20Nm) and boasts lower fuel consumption. The 1.6 liter CDTI produces 136HP (100 kW) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 10.2 seconds and a top speed of 198 km/h (123 mph). Additionally the elasticity is drastically improved – 80 to 120 km/h in 8.9 seconds instead of the previous 10.5 seconds.

The fuel efficiency stands at 4.1 liters / 100 km (57.3 mpg US or 68.9 mpg UK) in combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 109 g/km.

The engine is connected to an improved 6-speed manual transmission and features a start/stop system. A host of enhancements to the transmission components and shifting mechanisms, as well as to integration in the vehicle, led to noticeable improvements in comfort.

Other power units in Astra GTC’s range include the high-performance diesel 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI with 195HP (143 kW) and 400Nm (296 lb-ft) of torque; the top-of-the-line OPC model with 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol – 280HP (206 kW) and 400Nm (296 lb-ft). There is also a powerful 1.6 liter ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo – 170HP (125 kW) and 260Nm (193 lb-ft).

June 24, 2014

Vauxhall Astra GTC Hitting 200 PS With Ecotec 1.6

Vauxhall-Astra-GTC-shadow Vauxhall-Astra-GTC-medium The Vauxhall Astra GTC line will now be available with a 1.6 Ecotec power plant. This engine might just be the biggest cause of headaches at Volkswagen.

That’s right, the GTC now pulls off 200 PS and 300 Nm. Yikes! That’s 30 percent more power than the previous equivalent. If we translate that to 0-to-60-time, it means 7.3 seconds or the fastest non-VXR Astra. At the same time, the GTC returns 51 mpg and 154 g/km of CO2 emissions (13 percent less).

Just because its a new model anyway, they’ve decided to throw in an optional extra as well – an Intellilink infotainment system that’s supposed to be user-friendly and intuitive. It comprises of a satelite navigation, voice control, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a picture viewer some reason and Gracenote album art for some reason. All gets mediated to you through a 7-inch screen.

The new GTC hasn’t hit the streets yet, but it is available for ordering. Arrival should be around Spring this year. Your move, other companies that make really good hatchbacks and rival each other. Vauxhall-Astra-GTC-medium-2

Source: Vauxhall

January 7, 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

Lotus Evora GTC – 456 HP and 460Nm

Lotus has announced the racing version of Evora – the GTC model.

It comes with a lot of carbon fiber elements to save weight – doors, roof and engine cover. There is also Plexiglass windows for additional weight savings. Thanks to all these mods, the car dropped its weight with 30kg to 1130 kg (2491 lbs.).

Traction control and BOSCH racing Anti-Lock Brakes system have been added to optimize power delivery and braking control.

The wheels and tyres are wider which not only gives the car more grip through the curves, the front and rear wheels rise to 18x10Js and 12Js respectively, mated to 27/65-18 tyres at the front and 30/65-18 at the rear.

In order to accommodate the wider wheels, flared arches have been fitted, which give the car a more aggressive silhouette.

Evora GTC is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 456HP (335 kW) and 460Nm (339 lb-ft). It is mated to an XTRAC 6-speed sequential paddle-shift transmission.

“The Evora’s development and a front-row racing car is achieving its performance targets and the GTC is an evolution of a car that has already taken wins on the track – the GT4 Enduro. Last month Team Bullrun took victory at Silverstone in the Britcar endurance championship with a GT4 Enduro that benefitted from GTC development parts, and the team’s upgrade will be completed in June when there’s an appropriate lull in their racing schedule. The car’s weight-saving and improved grip and braking abilities should help increase the gap between them and the teams chasing them in the championship. We’re very pleased to welcome McMahon Raceworks to Lotus ownership and will provide them with a car adapted to US racing rules, and look forward to seeing the GTC make its marque in Grand-Am.”, commented Claudio Berro, director of Lotus Racing.

Source: Lotus

May 14, 2012

Bentley Continental Audentia GTC by Imperium

Imperium Automotive has announced their new tuning package for the Continental GTC. The big convertible car now boasts more style and individuality. The name of the project is Imperium Audentia GTC and it features only exterior modifications.
The aerodynamics pckage includes a new front bumper with air vents, a new front grille, a pair of lowering side skirts and a custom rear apron. There is also a new boot lip spoiler, rear diffuser and sports exhaust tips.

All components are made from high-quality materials. Each individual limited edition package is manufactured to order in the finest ultra light prepreg autoclave carbon fibre.

Imperium Audentia GTC is a limited edition upgrade and the tuning company has already began taking orders.

Imperium Bentley Continental Audentia GTC

Source: Imperium

May 4, 2012

Steinmetz Opel Astra GTC

Steinmetz has announced the new tuning program for the latest Opel Astra GTC. “Make good things even better,” the result of the claim can be seen in a range of sporting accessories that are guaranteed to the GTC stylish individualists.

The package includes both exterior and interior modifications. The aerodynamics body kit consists of a new front spoiler mounted on the front bumper, a black front grille and a sport exhaust system.

The stance is optimized by a set of lowering springs, which reduce the ride height by 30mm and huge 19” alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires – 8.5J x 19” ET39 with 245/40-R19.

To complete the aggressive exterior look, Steinmetz offer door handle covers and mirror caps set in polished stainless steel shiny accents and body stripes.

The interior boasts an electronic speed indicator, Steinmetz foot mats with embroidered logo and stainless steel sill plates.

All parts have the necessary expertise or ABE and parts are manufactured in OEM quality

Source: Steinmetz

December 5, 2011

2012 Bentley Continental GTC US Price – $212 800

Bentley Motors will offer the new Continental GTC to the North American market.

“Los Angeles is the ideal location for Bentley to launch the luxurious and powerful GTC convertible,” commented Alasdair Stewart, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Sales and Marketing.

“Southern California remains the most successful market for Bentley in the US, and the US remains the largest market in the world for the Company. New model introductions, such as the GTC convertible – which will reach US customers later this year – and the new GT coupe – which went on sale in the spring – have helped Bentley global sales grow by a third in 2011.”, he added.

2012 Bentley Continental GTC is powered by a brutal twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 engine with 567PS (417 kW) and 700Nm (516 lb-ft). 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph). The engine is mated to a Quickshift transmission that improves acceleration response times and cuts shift times to only 200 milliseconds.

The GTC’s chassis, the stiffest of any convertible in the world, provides a firm foundation for suspension control, minimising scuttle shake and contributing to the GTC’s refined handling.

The GTC interior comes with luxurious wood and leather. There are also 8” touch-screen infotainment system, and zip-code entry navigation, all supported by a 30GB HDD. To ensure drivers and passengers alike enjoy an extended top-down driving season, the GTC now features neck warmers in the rear headrests of its cobra-head designed slim-line seats. With the top up, acoustics have improved thanks to the addition of acoustically-sensitive undersheet, wheel liners, front and side glass and a three-layer roof with a rubber-film middle layer.

The new Bentley GTC convertible will enter the US market in late 2011. The price tag is as stunning as the car itself – $212 800.

Source: Bentley

November 16, 2011

2012 Bentley Continental GTC

The second generation of Bentley’s iconic Continental GTC convertible will debut at next month’s International Automobile Exhibition (IAA) in Frankfurt.

Taking cues from its GT coupe sibling launched last year, the new Continental GTC builds on the highly successful foundation of the previous cabriolet, which premiered in 2006. Bentley’s design and engineering teams have improved virtually every aspect of the iconic convertible with an uncompromising focus on quality.

While the first Continental GTC was elegant and understated, the sharper radii and assertive stance of the new model delivers a more contemporary and muscular presence. Advanced manufacturing techniques produce aluminium front wings without the need for seams or welds creating the look and feel of a coach-built car. Twenty-inch wheels are now standard with three styles of 21-inch wheel, a first for GTC, available as an option, reinforcing the distinctive, sporting stance of the new Bentley.

The four-seater luxury convertible features a new, even more spacious and sumptuous hand-crafted cabin, with soft-touch leather hides, an extensive range of wood veneers, cool-touch metals and deep-pile carpets. There are 17 standard soft-touch leather hide colours with six colour split combinations, complemented by a range of seven veneers, all produced by Bentley’s talented craftsmen and women.

2012 Bentley Continental GTC

The GTC’s renowned coupe-like refinement is also enhanced. The tailored, multi-layered fabric hood is complemented by acoustic glass and under-body panels, for optimum noise isolation.

Superb everyday practicality for a luxury convertible was a hallmark of the original GTC and much valued by its customers. The cabin of the new GTC is now even more practical, with additional rear legroom, new storage solutions and innovative features such as touch-screen infotainment, automatic seat-belt presenters and a Bentley-designed Neck Warmer for comfortable roof-down motoring whatever the temperature.

A wider track, front and rear, sharper steering and retuned suspension provides a more exhilarating and class-leading drive. Bentley’s advanced all-wheel drive system features a new 40:60 rear torque bias (compared with 50:50 of the original GTC) minimising understeer during hard cornering and allowing the spirited driver to manage the car’s line and balance via precise throttle control.

This compelling dynamic package is combined with a more powerful 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine as well as a new QuickShift transmission enabling faster gear changes than ever before. Power output is raised from 560PS to 575PS (567bhp/423kW) and the famed Bentley ‘wave of torque’ has been increased by a further 50Nm to 700Nm (516lb ft).

Pricing Information

POUNDS STERLING	£149,350
US DOLLAR	$212,800 MSRP
EURO	€170,060
RENMINBI	RMB 3,838,000
YEN	¥26,400,000

Pounds Sterling inclusive of 20% VAT.
Euro price does not include individual market taxation rates.
US Dollar pricing is exclusive of individual state taxes.

2012 Bentley Continental GTC – AT A GLANCE

Sculpted exterior design

Advanced production techniques such as aluminium Super Forming (front wings) allow for a more sculpted body and sharp ‘power lines.’
Unique jewelled headlamps with LED daytime-running lights.
More upright matrix radiator grille and new ‘double horseshoe’ rear profile first shown on the flagship Bentley Mulsanne.

Luxurious, practical, hand-crafted cabin with class-leading infotainment

New interior with a bold, sweeping dashboard and instrument panel finished in premium soft-touch leather.
Choice of 17 hide colours, six colour split combinations and seven veneers.
Distinctive ‘cobra style’ seats for added comfort and enhanced rear cabin space.
A new touchscreen, 30GB infotainment system introduces advanced satellite navigation with dynamic route guidance, seven-digit postcode entry and Google Map compatibility (market specific).
Audio systems feature the latest wide-frequency Balance Mode Radiator speakers as standard.
Revolutionary Dirac Dimensions™ DSP for exceptional sound reproduction (Naim for Bentley premium audio).

More powerful 6-litre W12 engine with FlexFuel capability

6-litre W12 engine twin-turbocharged engine produces 575PS (567bhp/423kW) and 700Nm (516lb ft) of torque.
FlexFuel capability – runs on E85 biofuel, petrol or any combination of the two.
0 – 60mph 4.5 secs (0-100 km/h 4.8 secs).
0 – 100mph 10.9 secs (0 – 160km/h 10.9 secs).
Top speed 195 mph (314 km/h).

Dynamic Bentley driving experience

ZF 6HP28 transmission with ‘Quickshift’ system that cuts shift times by up to 50% and enables double downshifts.
New 40:60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system reduces understeer when powering out of bends and provides for better modulation of line and attitude by ‘throttle steering.’
Increased front and rear track improves grip and stability.
Advanced ESC system fully exploits the potential of the more powerful W12 engine and improved chassis.
20” ‘Five Spoke’ alloy wheels with optional 21” wheels in ‘Five Spoke Two-Piece’, ‘Seven Spoke Elegant’ and ‘Ten Spoke Propeller’ designs.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

ENGINE

Type: 6-litre twin-turbocharged W12
Max Power: 567bhp / 423kW / 575PS @ 6000 rev/min
Max Torque: 700Nm / 516lb/ft @ 1700 rev/min

TRANSMISSION

ZF 6-speed automatic with quickshift and steering wheel-mounted paddleshift
Driveline: Continuous all-wheel drive (40:60 rear bias)

Ratios:

1st. 4.17
2nd. 2.34
3rd. 1.52
4th. 1.14
5th. 0.87
6th 0.69
Final drive: 3.526

BODY CONSTRUCTION

Steel monocoque

BRAKES

Front: 405mm ventilated discs (optional 420mm Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)
Rear: 335mm ventilated discs (optional 356mm, Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)

WHEELS AND TYRES

9.5J x 20” (optional 9.5J x 21”)
Pirelli P Zero 275/40ZR 20 (optional 275/35 ZR21)

STEERING

Type: rack & pinion, power assisted, speed-sensitive ZF servotronic
Turns lock to lock: 2.6 turns
Turning circle: 11.3m

SUSPENSION

Front: Four link double wishbones, computer controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti roll-bar.
Rear: Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti roll-bar.
Damping: Continuous Damping Control, tuned for dynamic performance.

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase 2746mm
Overall Length 4806mm
Width (across body) 1943mm
Width (including mirrors) 2227mm
Overall Height 1403mm
Fuel Tank 90 litres
Boot Volume 260 litres
Kerb Weight (EU) 2495 kg / 5501 lb
Gross Vehicle Weight 2900 kg / 6393 lb

PERFORMANCE

Top Speed: 195 mph (314 km/h)
0 – 60 mph: 4.5 secs (0 – 100 km/h: 4.8 secs)
0 – 100 mph: 10.9 secs (0 – 160 km/h: 10.9 secs)
30 – 50 mph: 2.0 secs (60 – 100 km/h: 2.5 secs)
50 – 70 mph: 2.4 secs (80 – 120 km/h: 3.1 secs)

FUEL CONSUMPTION (EU Cycle) *

Urban 11.1 mpg (25.4 l/100km)
Extra Urban 24.9 mpg (11.4 l/100km)
Combined 17.1 mpg (16.5 l/100km)
CO2 emissions 384g/km

* Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to Type Approval

FUEL CONSUMPTION (EPA Cycle) **
City Driving 11 mpg (US)
Highway Driving 19 mpg (US)
Combined 14 mpg (US)

** Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to EPA certification.

EMISSIONS CONTROLS
EU 5 and US LEV 11

Source: Bentley

August 25, 2011

Irmscher Opel Astra GTC

Irmscher are ready with their tuning package for Opel Astra GTC. The tuning company offer both styling and performance upgrades.

The aerodynamics kit includes a new grille, front spoiler lip, roof spoiler and a rear diffuser, which houses quad exhaust tips. Irmscher also offers complete sports exhaust system with oval tips.

Furthermore, the stance is improved by lowering the vehicle with 30mm. Irmscher Astra GTC stands on enormous 21” alloy wheels fitted with low profile 245 tires.

The interior boasts leather upholstery and a set of Irmscher pedals.

The 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol engine is boosted to 220PS (162 kW) and 274Nm (202 lb-ft), which is an improvement of 40PS (30 kW).

Source: Irmscher

August 5, 2011

2011 Vauxhall Astra GTC

Vauxhall has priced the new 2011 Astra GTC at just £18 495, which is £1 100 less than the alternative – a basic Volkswagen Scirocco. The new hot hatchback from Vauxhall comes with the sophisticated front suspension from the Insignia VXR combined with the clever Watt’s link rear axle.

“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,” commented 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.”, he added.

2011 Vauxhall Astra GTC will make its official debut at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed, which will be held from July 1st to 3rd.

2011 Vauxhall Astra GTC

There will be four engines in the line-up. The first one is a 2.0 liter CDTi with 165PS and 380Nm of torque (including overboost function). It is mated to a 6-speed gearbox and Start/Stop as standard. 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 209 km/h (130 mph). Last, but not least is the fuel consumption – 57.6mpg with emissions of just 129 g/km of CO2. The range of Astra GTC 2.0 CDTi is over 1126 km (700 miles).

The second choice is 1.4 litre turbo petrol engine with either 120PS or 140PS with 200Nm available between 1850 and 4200RPM. It also achieves staggering fuel consumption – 47.9 mpg and 139 g/km of C02. Again, Start/Stop and a six-speed gearbox are also standard.

The top-of-range 1.6 litre Turbo delivers 180PS. However, nothing is mentioned about performance characteristics, but it will be definitely a real hot hatch.

Standard equipment is generous. The entry level Sport trim features 18” alloy wheels, DAB stereo and USB functionality. The top-spec Sri adds tinted glass, onboard computer, leather-trimmed steering wheel and fog lamps. There are also Bi-Xenon Advanced Forward Lighting (AFL), which offers nine separate light beams, is optional across the range.

2011 Vauxhall Astra GTC is priced at £18 495 for the 120PS Sport 1.4 Turbo.
2011 Vauxhall Astra GTC

Source: Vauxhall

June 7, 2011

Tag: GTC