Rendered speculation: 2011 Opel/Vauxhall Astra
AutoExpress has produced a couple of renderings of what the next-generation Astra will look like for Opel and Vauxhall. The new compact lineup is set to debut this September at the Frankfurt Motor Show before going on sale in Europe early next year. Unfortunately, it's looking increasingly likely that we won't be seeing this iteration coming to U.S. Saturn dealers. The current-generation model sold less than 12,000 copies in the U.S. last year and although GM has committed to funding Saturn through 2013, it's not clear whether that includes any new product. For those markets that do get the Astra, a lineup of gas and diesel engines will be available underhood, including the new 1.4L turbo that's going into the Chevy Cruze. That engine will reportedly be available in multiple power levels in addition to the 140 hp unit that will go into the U.S. market Cruze. The Astra will also probably be one of the first models available with the second-generation GM mild hybrid system which uses a more powerful 15 kW starter/generator and a lithium ion battery pack.
[Source: AutoExpress]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tuning Styling 3:06PM (1/27/2009)
I don't think this new version will save GM/Opel in these times of crisis. And to be honest these renderings look to much like the new VW Scirocco and Golf.
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Throwback 3:14PM (1/27/2009)
Considering the Astra is usually in the top 3 in sales in Europe (Focus & Golf being the other 2) I think this car is critically improtant to GM. GM Europe actually makes money, at least until the current crash. The Astra also sells well in South America.
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