2012 Opel Ampera Review

The revolutionary Ampera Opel celebrated its world premiere at the 79th Salon de l'Automobile in Geneva. General Motors Europe President Carl-Peter Forster, said the extended-range electric vehicle and announced its intention to put the car into production in late 2011.Ampera also be offered the right GD UK sister brand Opel, Vauxhall."Ampera is a further demonstration of electrification on the

2012 Opel Zafira Tourer Review

Opel Zafira Tourer makes its world premiere at the 64th International Fair of Frankfurt am Main, 15-25 September 2011. Offering a perfect blend of functionality and well-being, Opel Zafira Insignia Tourer provides the values ​​of high quality and innovative technology and design philosophy of Opel - "art of sculpture is combined with German precision - to MPV segment."Tourer" in the name

Opel Insignia OPC, 2010

Opel Insignia OPC, 2010 The high performance version of the Opel Insignia, Car of the Year 2009, was unveiled on May 7, 2009, when the Opel Insignia OPC premiered at the 2009 Barcelona Motor Show, ten years after the launch of the first OPC model (Opel Performance Center).The heart of the Opel Insignia OPC is its 2.8 V6 Turbo engine. Derived from the powerful gasoline engine already available on

Opel Flextreme GT-E Concept, 2010

Opel Flextreme GT-E Concept, 2010  Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept makes its debut at the 80th Geneva Motor Show (March 4 - 14, 2010), it will boost the company's credentials as a leader in green technologies, offering expressive design with efficient environmental performance - and engineered with German precision.In Opel's strategy for achieving more independence from fossil fuels, electricity

Opel Corsa, 2010

Opel Corsa, 2010 The Opel Corsa range has been rejuvenated to provide more power and more driving fun with less fuel consumption. Opel engineers have given the Opel Corsa a complete make-over, introducing an enhanced powertrain line-up that reduces fuel consumption by up to 13 percent, significant chassis improvements and a new steering calibration. In addition to its agile handling and greater

Opel Astra, 2010

Opel Astra, 2010   With its sporty, good looks, comfortable driving experience, innovative technology and a full fuel efficient powertrain line-up, the new Opel Astra, which debuted in Frankfurt at the 2009 IAA as a five-door hatchback, is set to energize Europe's compact car segment.Grounded in the tradition initiated in 1936 with the first Opel Kadett, the Opel Astra has consistently made the

2011 Opel Zafira Review

Opel has finally released the new concept of pride MPV improvement. The new Opel Zafira 2011 Tourer concept reveal is planned during the Geneva Motor Show. The new Opel Zafira looks more like elegant comfort and luxurious design perfect. Print this futuristic new Opel Zafira 2011 seen through the fog that has a single, unified within a single frame with the haze below. This projector is called a

GM Rebadges Opel Insignia OPC But With New Engine

Leave it to GM to take out all the fun even when it comes to re-badging its own vehicles... See, while the General took the decision to reveal a North American version of the Opel Insignia OPC in the form of the Buick Regal GS showcar in Detroit, unfortunately, the European model's 325HP 2.8-liter twin-scroll turbo V6 has been replaced with a lighter but more puny 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing an estimated 255HP.

Officially, the Detroit automaker says that the Regal GS was designed "to explore the appeal of a high-performance variant of the Regal", but chances are that it will make it into production in the very near future.



"We designed the Regal GS to explore the appeal of a high-performance variant of the Regal," said Craig Bierley, product marketing director for Buick. "Like the Regal, the Regal GS is based on the award-winning Opel Insignia, and we believe it will reinvigorate Buick's storied Gran Sport legacy."

The Regal GS showcar uses a modified version of the 220HP 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot that will be offered on Regal CXL models later this summer tuned to deliver greater boost pressure. The engine's output is estimated at 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm).

Furthermore, whereas the Regal CXL comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Regal GS's engine is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox that directs torque to an adaptive all-wheel-drive system.

As with its German counterpart, the GS is equipped with an electronic, limited-slip rear differential to reduce wheelspin.

General Motors says that the 255HP Buick Regal GS is expected to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds, which sounds a bit optimistic considering the fact that the 325HP Opel Insignia OPC reaches 60mph in 5.8 seconds.

The Regal GS also benefits from a tuned four-wheel-independent suspension, a revised steering wheel system and a high-performance Brembo brake system with 14 x 1.2-inch (355 x 32 mm) cross-drilled rotors; four-piston, high-strength aluminum calipers, and high-performance pads.

There's also Opel's Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) chassis technology that allows the driver to chose from three different operating modes (normal, sport and GS) for the suspension settings, throttle response and steering sensitivity.

Other than that, the Buick Regal GS gets the same tasty bodykit, sexy 20-inch alloy wheels and interior upgrades including a pair of Recaro front seats and flat-bottom steering wheel as its European counterpart.

2011 Opel Meriva AKA Vauxhall Meriva Revealed

Vauxhall has released the first images of the redesigned 2011 Meriva (aka the Opel Meriva), ahead of its official unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show.

Featuring the same design language as the critically-acclaimed Insignia, the Meriva looks far more upscale than its predecessor. The advanced design is further highlighted by the addition of FlexDoors which were originally shown on the Meriva Concept in 2008. According to Vauxhall, the rear-hinged FlexDoors "swing open towards the back of the car at an angle of nearly 90 degrees, vastly improving the ease with which occupants enter and leave the cabin. Rather than having to step back, or to one side, as one would using a normal front-hinged door, the FlexDoor allows unimpeded forward access/egress to and from the cabin, enhanced further by the Meriva's exceptionally high roof line."



While Vauxhall didn't release any interior pictures, they stated the cabin will feature a FlexRail system which allows owners to choose from a variety of modular storage bins and other components. Elsewhere, the company also revised the FlexSpace system (fold-down rear seats which can slide forward and backwards to improve legroom or storage capacity) to be more intuitive to use.

Engine options will include six turbocharged units with power outputs ranging from 75 to 140PS. On average, the engines will have a 15% improvement in fuel efficiency and 25 g/km reduction in CO2 emissions. If that isn't green enough, the company will also introduce an ecoFLEX model.

2011 Opel Corsa Review

2011 Opel Corsa, this car has been updated years ago, and now updated exterior and interior design and joined the initial & stop. Exercises done in the style of Opel Corsa 2011 alter the easiest element to change without any obligation to unreasonable costs.Thus, the work of the bumper and grill in betting on the new Corsa for greater joy and sportsmanship, as shown by the chrome strip that

New Opel Antara 2011

New Opel Antara 2011, Opel Antara 2012, Opel Antara 2010, Opel Antara 2009, Opel Antara 2008, Opel Antara 2007

Opel Insignia Specification

The Opel Insignia is a large family car engineered and Produced by Opel, the Germany subsidiary of General Motors (GM) since 2008, replacing the Opel Vectra. Launched at the 2008 British International Motor Show in London as the Vauxhall Insignia, the United Kingdom market name, the Opel Insignia name is Used throughout continental Europe and Ireland, with Chinese-market Buick Regal badged

New Opel Zafira Powered 1,6 Turbo Engine

Opel performed the world debut of its first Compressed Natural Gas compact van with a turbocharger, the Zafira ecoM, at the Bologna motor show. This particular variant of Opel's 7-seater minivan is equipped with a 1.6-liter turbo engine designed to run on either natural gas, bio-methane or any mixture of the two. The unit is provided with special pistons, valves and valve seats, plus separate

2010 Opel Astra New Set Images

Did the papers have something significant to them about the car or do they just use them to block our view?That is the head designer Marc van der Haegen Astra and Laszlo Kreth, technical coordinator at the new Astra project, doing the best strip tease to show the next generation model.Opel will offer a version of the body's upcoming Astra several styles, including three-door hatch, which inspired

2011 Opel Vauxhall Ampera Plug-in Hybrid

The most enlightening spy photos of the production version of the 2011 Opel Ampera plopped in our inbox today. At first we thought it was just the concept model out testing, but a closer look at the completely undisguised Ampera with the German license plates revealed that this is the actual production model that's due to go on sale in Europe and the UK (as a Vauxhall) in late 2011.

2011 Opel Vauxhall Ampera Plug-in Hybrid

Vauxhall Ampera will be unveiled along with Vauxhall Meriva compact MPV at the Geneva Motor Show 2010. Vauxhall Ampera, schedule for production late next year, is a five-door four-seater with same design DNA as Astra and the Car of the year-winning Insignia. Ampera uses extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology. E-REV uses electricity as its primary power source, supplemented by a small engine to generate electricity for its motors when electric power runs low. This helps the Ampera overcome the ‘range anxiety’ issues associated with pure electric cars.

2011 Opel Vauxhall Ampera Plug-in Hybrid

Unlike other conventional propulsion systems, E-REV uses electricity as its primary power source, supplemented by a small engine to generate electricity for its motors when electric power runs low. This helps the Ampera overcome the ‘range anxiety’ issues associated with pure electric cars. Vauxhall will unveil not one, but two cars at this year’s Geneva Motor Show on March 2, with world premieres of the all-new Meriva compact MPV and a futuristic concept car, which is set to boost the company’s credentials as a leader in environmental vehicles.

2011 Opel Vauxhall Ampera Plug-in Hybrid

A quick recap of the details we already know, the Ampera will use the same plug-in hybrid gasoline-electric drivetrain as the Volt. It mates a powerful electric motor and a 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery pack to a 75HP 1.4-liter gasoline engine. But unlike conventional hybrids that use gasoline engines to power the wheels when the battery is depleted, the Ampera uses the petrol unit to generate electricity for the electric motor that always drives the (front) wheels. Owners will be able to charge the battery pack with a home outlet and drive for about 64km or 40 miles before the gasoline engine-generator kicks in to extend the Ampera's range to more than to more than 300 miles or 480 kilometers.

2011 Opel Vauxhall Ampera Plug-in Hybrid

Bolstering this message still further at the show will be the groundbreaking Ampera extended-range electric vehicle and Vauxhall’s most economical production car to date, the latest Corsa ecoFLEX.

2011 Opel Vauxhall Ampera Plug-in Hybrid

‘Vauxhall is covering all bases at Geneva,’ said Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall’s Managing Director. ‘With the Meriva, we have a unique and innovative take on family motoring, but the concept car and Ampera prove that we are truly at the forefront of environmental technology. These vehicles also show that their versatility and efficiency doesn’t come at the expense of stunning design.’

2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System

Think of the Opel Flextreme GT/E concept as a bigger Chevrolet Volt (or Opel Ampera if you're European). The idea behind this concept, which will debut at the Geneva Motor Show (March 4 - 14, 2010), is to show how the Volt's extended-range electric vehicle drivetrain can be used in a larger vehicle, in this case a mid-size five-door hatchback. And it will boost the company's credentials as a leader in green technologies, offering expressive design with efficient environmental performance - and engineered with German precision.

2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System

In Opel's strategy for achieving more independence from fossil fuels, electricity plays a key role. The 4.7-meter long Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept illustrates how extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology can be plugged into large or mid-size vehicles, as well as compact cars such as the upcoming Opel Ampera. Opel calls this strategy e-mobility unlimited: adapting the highly efficient E-REV drive system - which removes the limitations of battery-only power - to vehicles across all market segments. To enjoy zero CO2 driving emissions Opel-style, the Flextreme GT/E concept shows that size doesn't matter.

2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System

The purposeful design also enables the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept to achieve a projected drag co-efficient of just 0.22, which helps it reach a 200 km/h-plus top speed as well as conserve energy and extend its driving range. Stand-out visual features include a low and wide stance, wing-shaped lights front and rear, a distinctive nose and grille, floating C-pillars and muscular, sculptured bodywork.

2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System

The clean, frontal styling features a low hood line and an extended nose section, which is clasped by wing-shaped, signature LED headlamps. These are deeply carved into the front fenders and across the hood line. The new trapezoidal grille execution is slim but bold. The prominent wing-shaped chrome bar carries a large Opel emblem, which doubles as a socket for charging the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept's battery pack. The upper section of the grille is used to admit cooling air, the lower portion being covered by a translucent panel. The absence of additional air intakes allows a low frontal area for aerodynamic efficiency and also enables the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept to meet future pedestrian protection requirements.

2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System

In profile, the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept is distinguished by innovative, stubbed C-pillars. This floating design allows the glasshouse to be extended rearwards under the arching roofline, emphasizing the flowing lines of the side body. The car's dynamic character is further underlined by a fresh expression of Opel's signature blade motif, now a swooping swage line from the base of the C-pillar into the lower front fender. The translucency of the fixed glass panel in the center of the roof is adaptive, allowing sunlight to warm the interior in the cold of winter, but darkening for coolness in summer. A duct at the rear edge of the roof is for additional cooling of the battery and electronic components.

2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System

Integral to the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept's expressive looks is the efficiency of the design execution. The small frontal area, low roof height (1308 mm) and a flat, enclosed underbody all enable the car to cleave the air with a minimum of disturbance. The 21-inch alloy wheels are relatively narrow, to reduce wind resistance, and fitted with 195/45, low rolling resistance tires. Clear, flush-mounted trim inserts also minimize air turbulence.

2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System

The Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept also explores the potential for active shape shifting. At speeds above 50 km/h, a vertical panel extends along the body from the air extraction slot behind each rear wheel-arch. These 350 mm-long side spoilers guide high-speed airflow around the rear corners of the car, further reducing the amount of turbulence.

2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System

Mass reduction measures for the body include the use of lightweight, carbon composite outer panels, polycarbonate window glazing and aluminum alloy structural components. Compared to conventional materials, these offer a 40 percent weight saving which further contributes to reduced energy consumption and an increased driving range.

The efficient concept also includes GM's ground-breaking E-REV drive system, already developed for the Opel Ampera. The Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept shows the versatility of this technology by displaying it in a larger, mid-size vehicle format.

2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System

Despite its greater size and a maximum speed of more than 200 kilometers per hour, the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept is projected to offer performance similar to that of the Ampera: a battery-powered driving range of up to 60 km - with zero CO2 tailpipe emissions - and a total range of more than 500 km. Average fuel consumption is estimated at 1.6 l/100 km, with CO2 emissions of less than 40 g/km. Unlike a hybrid vehicle, the wheels of the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept are powered at all times by electricity. For typical journeys up to 60 km, energy is supplied by a T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack located under the floor and rear seat.

2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System

However, unlike a battery-only electric vehicle, the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept eliminates any possibility of range anxiety through fear of being stranded without power. The small gasoline engine/generator is seamlessly engaged to provide electricity whenever the battery's supply becomes depleted. In this mode, the driving range is extended to more than 500 km, until the plug-in battery pack can be recharged or the car is refueled. The motor in the electric drive unit delivers a substantial 370 Nm of instant torque, giving lively performance and projected zero to 100 km/h acceleration in less than nine seconds.

2010 Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept with E-REV Drive System

The Flextreme GT/E concept is a further step in Opel's unfolding strategy for the electrification of the automobile, which includes a wide portfolio of products using battery, extended-range, hybrid and fuel cell technologies.

Irmscher Upgrades its 2010 Opel Astra Styling Kit

Longtime Opel tuner Irmscher has expanded its 2010 Astra offerings with the launch of 20-inch alloy wheels that are available in various designs and can be wrapped in 235/35 R20 tires. The new rims complement the tuner's styling package that was first introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and includes 18-inch alloys and a body kit with a new grille, front lip spoiler, rear apron with a diffuser, side skirts and a roof spoiler.

Buyers can also upgrade the new Astra with a sport exhaust system with two or four tail pipes and a suspension kit that lowers the car's ride height by 30mm for a sportier stance.



On the inside, Irmscher's offerings include a leather package for the seats, door panels and central armrests, matt aluminium door-locking pins and sport pedals.