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<b>HOT BASICS:</b> Opel's Astra GTC forms the basis of the Astra OPC slated for 2012.
The all-new Opel Astra GTC comes to South Africa fresh from its world debut at September's Frankfurt Motor Show.
Though based on the Astra platform, the GTC is styled as a stand-alone model within the Opel range, sharing only its rear view mirror surrounds and radio antenna with the family hatchback.
SPORTIER SUSPENSION
According to Opel, the GTC's design brief was to deliver the "ultimate expression of Opel’s design language of ‘sculptural artistry meets German precision’" and designers limited themselves to using just three syling lines to convey this. Of these, the shoulder element is most dramatic, showing off the car's proportions and purposeful road presence.
Its frontal design incorporates Opel's signature centre crease, daytime running lights, and the latest version of Opel's panoramic windshield concept.
A compact Watt’s link-type rear suspension layout compliments the HiPerStrut front suspension, which is said to absorb as much as 80 percent of all lateral loads on the suspension for extra stability in a straight line, or under cornering.
In addition to this, the Astra GTC also uses Opel's adaptive FlexRide chassis control system that automatically adjusts the suspension to suit various road and driving conditions. Three suspension settings - Standard, more comfortable Touring, or Sport modes - can be selected at the push of a button.
OPC ON ITS WAY
Astra GTC models are offered with a 132kW 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine or a 121-kW common rail turbodiesel engine.
Six-speed manual transmissions are fitted across the range.
A high performance OPC version of the GTC is under development for introduction during 2012.
Read more about the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show.
Though based on the Astra platform, the GTC is styled as a stand-alone model within the Opel range, sharing only its rear view mirror surrounds and radio antenna with the family hatchback.
SPORTIER SUSPENSION
According to Opel, the GTC's design brief was to deliver the "ultimate expression of Opel’s design language of ‘sculptural artistry meets German precision’" and designers limited themselves to using just three syling lines to convey this. Of these, the shoulder element is most dramatic, showing off the car's proportions and purposeful road presence.
Its frontal design incorporates Opel's signature centre crease, daytime running lights, and the latest version of Opel's panoramic windshield concept.
WHAT'S IN A NAME?: Astra GTC shares a name with the regular familty hatchback, but not much else...
A compact Watt’s link-type rear suspension layout compliments the HiPerStrut front suspension, which is said to absorb as much as 80 percent of all lateral loads on the suspension for extra stability in a straight line, or under cornering.
In addition to this, the Astra GTC also uses Opel's adaptive FlexRide chassis control system that automatically adjusts the suspension to suit various road and driving conditions. Three suspension settings - Standard, more comfortable Touring, or Sport modes - can be selected at the push of a button.
OPC ON ITS WAY
Astra GTC models are offered with a 132kW 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine or a 121-kW common rail turbodiesel engine.
Six-speed manual transmissions are fitted across the range.
A high performance OPC version of the GTC is under development for introduction during 2012.
Read more about the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show.
