With the Paris Motor Show quickly approaching, General Motors’ German Opel brand has released a series of teaser shots of its upcoming Astra GTC model. The GTC model on hand at the Paris show will still be in concept form, with the production model expected to bow early next year at the Geneva Motor Show.
Opel says that “And the speed was pure beauty,” a line from the novel Jonathan Livingston Seagull, inspired the Astra GTC Paris. Opel’s Vice President of Design Mark Adams also helped the project move along, asking the design team to show him “the most emotional side of Opel’s new design language, ‘sculptural artistry meets German precision’.”
The GTC will likely feature unique design cues — including a wider stance — meaning it will more closely rival Volkswagen’s svelte Scirocco rather than its GTI hot hatch. The Astra will bridge the gap between the two by offering more usable proportions than the Scirocco — including seating for five — but a lower and sportier roofline than the GTI.
Opel has confirmed that the GTC Paris will be powered by a turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0L four-cylinder, but has yet to release any performance figures. We expect at least 240 horsepower, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see a rating as high as 280hp. Power will be sent through a six-speed manual transmission, eventually hitting the ground via 21-inch wheels.
The Astra GTC could come to North America as a Buick model, but nothing has been confirmed as of yet. Buick will launch a compact sedan based on the Astra by 2012, leaving the door open for a performance model.
By Drew Johnson
Opel says that “And the speed was pure beauty,” a line from the novel Jonathan Livingston Seagull, inspired the Astra GTC Paris. Opel’s Vice President of Design Mark Adams also helped the project move along, asking the design team to show him “the most emotional side of Opel’s new design language, ‘sculptural artistry meets German precision’.”
The GTC will likely feature unique design cues — including a wider stance — meaning it will more closely rival Volkswagen’s svelte Scirocco rather than its GTI hot hatch. The Astra will bridge the gap between the two by offering more usable proportions than the Scirocco — including seating for five — but a lower and sportier roofline than the GTI.
Opel has confirmed that the GTC Paris will be powered by a turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0L four-cylinder, but has yet to release any performance figures. We expect at least 240 horsepower, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see a rating as high as 280hp. Power will be sent through a six-speed manual transmission, eventually hitting the ground via 21-inch wheels.
The Astra GTC could come to North America as a Buick model, but nothing has been confirmed as of yet. Buick will launch a compact sedan based on the Astra by 2012, leaving the door open for a performance model.
By Drew Johnson
