Range Rover

The Chevrolet Volt will be sold in Europe, along side the Opel and the Vauxhall Ampera and there is a chance that both could be sold at the time in the same region.

Chevrolet says the Volt will cost €41,950, including Europe's hefty value added tax, when it goes on sale in Germany later this year, and will carry a similar price tag when it launches on the rest of the continent.

The Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera are basically the same car, differentiated by the unique design of the front and rear of the car. Both models are manufactured at the General Motors plant in Detroit, Hamtramck, Michigan and have the same specifications: an electric motor of 111kW (150hp) and 370nm of torque, 161km / h top speed from 40 to 80km electric range and up to 600km using gasoline.




Press Release

Chevrolet Volt to go on sale for €41,950

• Germany price announced at Geneva Motor Show press conference
• Standard eight-year/160,000 km warranty on battery and powertrain

Zurich. The award-winning electric car with extended-range capability, the Chevrolet Volt, will be offered for a price of €41,950 (including VAT) in Germany. This was announced in the Chevrolet press conference at the Geneva Motor Show 2011. The Volt will come fully equipped with all the safety features you would expect and a host of convenience features, including leather seats. Similar prices can be expected for other euro markets.

European Chevrolet customers will have the same unprecedented standard eight-year/160,000 km warranty as U.S. customers on the Voltec powertrain and the advanced lithium-ion battery. It is the automotive industry's longest, most comprehensive battery warranty for an electric vehicle.

"We believe Volt is the best solution on the planet today for worry-free electric driving", says Wayne Brannon, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe. "Our price in Europe is based on the U.S. Volt price adjusted for transportation cost, import duties, exchange rates and homologation."

The Chevrolet Volt is designed and engineered to be the only car in the household. It is the world's first electric vehicle with extended-range capability, a four-seater that can drive between 40 and 80 km electrically with a small fuel-powered generator that sustains the battery charge to extend the range to about 600 km in total. Due to its instant torque of 368 Nm the Volt only needs nine seconds from 0-100 km/h and achieves a top speed of 161 km/h. To charge the battery all you need is a normal household 230-Volt power outlet. The charging will take between three to four hours.

Since late 2010, the Volt has been on sale in the first seven U.S. launch markets (California, Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Washington, DC). Thanks to the high demand, it was decided to speed up the national rollout so the Volt will be sold in the remaining U.S. states by the end of 2011. The Volt will reach European Chevrolet showrooms in November of 2011, just in time for Chevrolet's 100th birthday.

Chevrolet plans to produce 10,000 Volts by the end of the 2011 calendar year, and an additional 45,000 Volts during the 2012 calendar year. The Chevrolet Volt is produced at GM's Detroit Hamtramck plant in Michigan, U.S.A. The state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery is produced at GM's Brownstone Township plant, also located in Michigan.

Opel revealed their lineup for the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and it includes the new Zafira Tourer Concept which they claim will take flexibility, comfort and sophistication to the next level. They refer to this car as a ‘lounge on wheels’.

The Opel Zafira Tourer Concept is based on the next generation of the model and promises to be a genuine Lounge On Wheels. The Opel Zafira Tourer Concept previews a possible future monocab production vehicle that will define a new segment in the automotive industry.

The car will feature a completely new wing shaped headlamp that creates a very dynamic look. Moreover, the new Zafira Tourer Concept brings Insignia ambition, quality and innovative technologies and according to the German manufacturer it is designed to ensure that every journey is pleasant, safe and relaxing for all aboard.

On the outside, the Zafira Tourer Concept features the new corporate logo and grille on its nose, 'blade' surfacing on its flanks, as introduced on the latest Astra, and distinctive wing-like headlights which will mark out the production car from its rivals.






Press Release

The series production model of Opel’s revolutionary extended-range electric vehicle, the Ampera, will make its grand premiere at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show (March 3-13). First deliveries will be made before the end of this year. With this, Opel makes good on its promise to be the first manufacturer to make this highly innovative technology available in .

Fair visitors will also get a glimpse into the future of Opel’s next-generation Zafira: The Zafira Tourer Concept brings on-board flexibility to a new level of sophistication and comfort, showcasing how an elegant Lounge On Wheels could look.

More of Opel’s future as a leader in sustainable mobility will also be displayed with the latest low-emission ecoFLEX models. Entering the market in early 2011, the re-worked Corsa and Antara will also be featured at the Opel booth.

Opel Ampera production car – e-mobility within drivers’ grasp

Keeping the promises it made in the last years, Opel will continue being a trendsetter with the market introduction of the Ampera by the end of this year. The production model of the Opel Ampera that will debut at the Geneva Motor Show does not deviate from the targets set during the development phase while its bold design remains very close to that of the early concept cars.

The Opel Ampera extended-range electric vehicle will be the first electric car in Europe suitable for everyday driving: it gives drivers the peace of mind that they won’t be stranded due to a flat battery. With its unique electric propulsion system providing lively acceleration and high levels of refinement, the five-door Ampera seats four passengers and offers ample trunk space. It is powered by electricity at all times and speeds. For the first 40 – 80 kilometers, power is supplied by the electricity stored in the 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery. While driving on electricity delivered by the battery, the Ampera moves free of gas and tailpipe-emissions.

Independent research found that about 80 percent of Europeans drive less than 60 kilometers per day, so the Ampera would easily meet their requirements. When the Ampera’s battery runs low, it can be recharged in about four hours at 230V by plugging the vehicle’s on-board charge system into a standard outlet. Because the battery can be recharged quickly, most Amperas are likely to be driven in battery mode all the time. If a longer trip is required, the gasoline-fueled engine/generator can seamlessly extend the total driving range to more than 500 kilometers on a full tank. This range-extending technology makes the Ampera the first practical car with worry-free electric driving. The extremely quiet 111 kW/150 hp electric motor delivers 370 meters torque from a standstill. It accelerates the Ampera from zero to 100 km/h in around nine seconds and enables a maximum speed of 161 km/h.

Zafira Tourer Concept: A Lounge On Wheels

In , Opel will also present the vision of what a new generation of its larger monocab, the segment-defining Zafira, could look like. Dubbed a “Lounge On Wheels”, the Zafira Tourer Concept features an airy and bright interior executed in high quality. “We’ve applied the lounge concept to a motor vehicle,” says Mark Adams, Vice President Opel/Vauxhall Design. “A lounge is a place you want to escape to and relax, a place where you really want to be. We wanted to offer the same feeling in a monocab and make it the lounge you want to spend time in.”

All in true Zafira fashion, Opel’s new concept car offers highest possible cabin flexibility to meet most needs for space, with a great emphasis on rear passenger seats. The cabin is also generously glazed to invite light, enhance the feeling of wellness and a peaceful openness to the outside world.

The spacious and sophisticated lounge-style interior is embraced by an elegant, sculptured and dynamic exterior, featuring a new, bold face that integrates a dramatic wing shaped headlamp that creates a very dynamic look.

The Zafira Tourer Concept brings Insignia ambition, quality and innovative technologies to the monocab segment. It is designed to ensure that every journey is pleasant, safe and relaxing for all aboard.

Opel ecoFLEX family: More efficiency thanks to Start/Stop technology deployment

Opel stands for sustainable and practical mobility without compromising on driving fun. Opel ecoFLEX models enable low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions without skimping on performance or dynamic driving – all at an affordable price.

The new ecoFLEX family displayed in features two major novelties:

• The Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX now combines its 70 kW/95 hp powertrain with Start/Stop technology, offering combined fuel consumption of 3.5 liters per 100 km and emitting just 94 g/km CO2 .
• Start/Stop technology is also available in the new version of the Opel Astra 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX (70 kW/95 hp). In the 5-door hatchback, it reduces CO2 emissions from 109 to just 104 g/km and combined fuel consumption from 4.1 liters to 3.9 liters per 100 km. While the 5-door hatchback is available with and without the Start/Stop system, the new Sports Tourer 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX has it as standard (fuel consumption 4.1 l/100 km, emissions 109 g/km CO2).

With the deployment of Start/Stop technology all through the model range, Opel has taken another major step towards its goal of lowering fuel consumption and emissions.

Start/Stop technology is now available in the Opel Agila, Corsa and Astra. Before the end of 2011, it will also be offered in the Meriva, Zafira and Insignia.

Starting 2011 – the new face of Opel Antara and Opel Corsa

Starting in the spring of 2011 with accentuated exterior design, new engines, newly tuned chassis and an upgraded interior, the re-designed Opel Antara combines sporty off-road flair with high utility value and urban chic. The fully re-worked engine line-up consists of two new 2.2 CDTI units with 120 kW/163 hp and 135 kW/184 hp, and a new 2.4 ECOTEC gasoline variant with 123 kW/167 hp. All engines meet Euro 5 emissions standards and guarantee improved driving performance with significantly reduced consumption and emissions. The two available transmissions – a six-speed manual and an automatic – have also been completely newly developed. Refinements to the chassis and active safety include improvements to the ABS system and the standard fitting of Hill Start Assist (HSA) which prevents roll-back when driving away on grades.

Following the overhaul of everything under its skin in 2010 – engine line-up, chassis and steering system – the Opel Corsa gets a new wardrobe in 2011. A redesigned face lends it a sportier, expressive look; new exterior colors and interior ambiances as well as a great offer of individualized, sporty versions make it more attractive than ever. The new multimedia infotainment system called “TOUCH & CONNECT” features a color touch screen, full navigation coverage for 28 European countries, Bluetooth, iPod and USB connections at a very competitive price. The 70 kW/95 hp ecoFLEX 1.3 CDTI version now equipped with Start/Stop technology benefits from 8.7% lower fuel consumption in the urban cycle. Overall, it only requires 3.5 liters per 100 km and emits just 94 g/km CO2.

German manufacturer Opel has unveiled the shows off the GTC Paris concept. Measuring 4.46 meters long, the 5-seater GTC Paris concept is motivated by a 290hp 2.0 liter turbocharged four potter with direct injection. The engine is linked to an engine start/stop function and a 6-speed manual transmission.

Essentially a preview of the Astra OPC / VXR, the GTC features an aggressive front fascia, LED daytime running lights, and 21-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin is outfitted with sport seats, metallic trim and a flat-bottom steering wheel.

On the dashboard, the interior continues Opel’s recurring “wing” and “blade” motifs. In this execution, the blade theme is expressed in details like the shape of the polished chrome door grab handles and the trim for gearshift molding.

The GTC Paris concept also gets the FlexRide adaptive suspension system, which continuously adapts to changes in driving style and cornering speed, allowing for a more rewarding driving experience.





Press Release

Opel envisions GTC Paris as the obtainable dream car

Showcasing Opel's emotional side, the GTC Paris concept car is conceived to be the obtainable dream car delivering German engineering precision and innovation matched with eye-popping design. Inspiration was partly drawn from a quote from Richard Bach's famous novel, Jonathan Livingston Seagull "...and the speed was pure beauty."

This phrase is embodied throughout the character of the sporty compact three-door hatchback, with its sweeping lines, sculptural surfaces and wide muscular stance. It is bold yet pure and very iconic in presence. At 4.46 meters, the GTC Paris offers room for five passengers.

Most iconic cars have been drawn from the side. Many can be sketched with two or three sharp lines. So, too, with Opel's new concept car: In profile, the designers have maximized tension by limiting the amount of lines in the GTC Paris. Similar to tendons in a sprinter, these lines create tension and provide a sculpted shape. They serve as the foundation to which the highlights and surfacing react and press into the wheels in a very athletic fashion.

The Opel signature blade is introduced in the same direction as first seen in the Insignia - a fine, crisp line that sweeps upward from the rocker at the beginning of the front door. A second line encapsulates the door handle and sweeps to the rear, emphasizing the vehicle's dramatic stance by spreading the surfaces to a fine undercut and a broad shoulder. The third line following the silhouette of the roof is finished in finely brushed aluminum accentuating the window, guiding the eye to the sharply accented integrated spoiler.

Echoing the flowing, simple forms of the bodywork, the hallmarks of the GTC Paris interior are sweeping lines and shapes as well as the bold use of fabric. The interior is driver-focused, with a positive/negative use of color. While the driver's seat is red with black trim, the rest of the interior is outfitted in a charcoal black with red stitching.

The best of Opel's compact car technology is brought to its sportiest level on the GTC Paris. The chassis has a special design with an extra-wide stance. It features a compound crank with an Opel-exclusive Watt's link in the rear, a new, updated execution of the adaptive mechatronic FlexRide suspension and a front limited slip differential. The GTC Paris is planted to the ground with 21 inch wheels.

The powertrain in the GTC Paris is a four-cylinder, 213 kW/290 hp-strong 2,0-liter turbo engine with gasoline direct injection. It is fitted with Start/Stop technology, proving that drivers can combine high performance with maximum fuel efficiency in urban driving conditions. The transmission is a six-speed manual gearbox.

GM has unveiled the Opel GTC new Photo Gallery and Specs, Including Details on 290HP 2.0L Turbo. which will debut at the 2010 Paris Auto Show.

The Opel GTC Paris will be powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder twin scroll turbo engine delivering 290 horsepower (213 kW) to the front wheels via a six speed manual transmission.

The chassis of the Opel GTC Paris has a special design, with an extra wide stance, and features a compound crank with the Watt’s Link in the rear and a newly developed adaptive mechatronic FlexRide suspension.

The Opel GTC Paris will also feature Start Stop technology and a limited slip differential, plus unique 21 inch alloy wheels that include carbon iber inserts to optimize aerodynamics, 'Wing' and 'Blade' design cues at the exterior and high quality materials inside the cabin.





Press Release

Paris/Rüsselsheim. The GTC Paris concept car embodies the passionate side of Opel: Its role is to show how Opel can “dial up” the brand’s now established design direction by creating a very sporty and emotional interpretation.

The GTC Paris is designed to be artistically sculpted using sweeping dynamic lines. At the same time, it is engineered with German precision and energized with technical innovation, like a 2.0 liter Turbo gasoline engine with direct injection, a new execution of the fully adaptive FlexRide suspension and an limited slip differential in the front.

This three-door sporty hatch is pure but sporty, simple but expressive and at the same time bold and iconic. Keeping in line with Opel’s DNA, it is an achievable dream car, conceived to showcase an energized brand. This energy is also conveyed by the vibrant and expressive Liquid Metal Red exterior color.

Coming close on the heels of the new generation Astra Sports Tourer which will also debut at the Paris motor show, the GTC Paris is how Opel envisions the next logical step of a newly shaped line-up.

Exterior design: Muscular lines like tendons on a sprinter

At 4.46 meters, the GTC Paris is the ideal size for a compact, sporty car, which still offers room for five. In profile, the designers have maximized drama by limiting the amount of lines in the GTC Paris. Three strong lines create tension and provide a sculpted shape. The Opel signature blade is introduced in the same direction as first seen in the Insignia -- a fine, crisp line that sweeps upward from the rocker at the beginning of the front door. A second line encapsulates the door handle and sweeps to the rear, emphasizing the vehicle’s dramatic stance by spreading the surfaces to a fine undercut and a broad shoulder. The third line following the silhouette of the roof is finished in finely brushed aluminum accentuating the window graphic, which guides the eye to the sharply accented integrated spoiler.

The shoulder section is the most dramatic area of the Opel GTC Paris. The broadest point pulls down to a wide athletic “bulldog stance,” giving the car a very purposeful road presence. The line from the C-pillar slides into the tail and curls around into the rear spoiler, which is ingeniously integrated into the continuing roof line.

The clean frontal styling features Opel’s typical centerline crease. It is further accented by intense, very slim eagle-eye shaped headlamps acting as parenthesis between the refined chrome emblem bar and the dramatic low trapezoidal grill which hints at its sporty character. Opel typical wing-shaped signature LED daytime running lights get a new twist with finely sculptured chrome jewels that are seen easily behind clear glass. The trapezoidal grille is recognizably Opel, but separate from the chrome bar and placed lower, for a race track feel.

The wide stance is accentuated in the rear, where the proportion of the vehicle is most imposing due to the powerful shoulder design. This is further enhanced with the LED taillights and one long stretched “wing” motif, which make the new Opel vehicles distinguishable at night.

The aerodynamics of the dynamic 21-inch wheels is optimized with carbon-fiber inserts which enclose the center caps.

Purposeful driver’s cockpit

Echoing the flowing, sculpted forms of the bodywork, the hallmarks of the GTC Paris interior are sweeping lines and shapes as well as the bold use of fabric. The interior is driver-focused, with a positive/negative use of color: Whereas the driver’s seat is red with black trim, all other components in the interior are outfitted in a charcoal black with red stitching. The car’s inspiration, a quote from Richard Bach’s novel, Jonathon Livingstone Seagull is laser-etched in calligraphy script into the seat … “and the speed was pure beauty.”

Sporty, bucket front seats have been specially designed for the GTC Paris. Their aggressively shaped contours and graphics perfectly compliment the overall dynamic spirit of the car are outlined in titanium and filled in with black netting, repeating a design cue seen on the carbon fiber inserts on the wheels.

The small black leather racing steering wheel features metal inserts. On the dashboard, the interior continues Opel’s recurring “wing” and “blade” motifs. In this execution, the blade theme is expressed in details like the shape of the polished chrome door grab handles and the trim for gearshift molding. The wing design cue is immediately evident in the warm, inviting wraparound instrument panel that embraces front seat occupants. It arcs across the cabin into the top of the door moldings.

The Opel design team used leather and micro-fibers for the seats, plush carpeting on the flooring, and a textured black instrument panel. These classic materials have a contemporary twist, not only in the choice of hues but also in the positive/negative stitching.

German Engineering Packs Powerful Punch with 213 kW/290 hp 2.0 liter Turbo

In line with Opel’s strategy to turbo-charge for efficient performance, the GTC Paris is powered by a small displacement, twin-scroll turbo-charged four-cylinder with direct injection - a range-topping 2.0-liter Turbo equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. . This punchy engine packs 213 kW/290 hp. Double camshaft phasing and twin balance shafts provide the basis of the engine’s impressive performance data. In addition, an Limited Slip Differential helps control traction without limiting the torque of this state-of-the-art turbo engine.

Yet with all this performance, environmental responsibility is not forgotten: Start/Stop technology keeps emissions and noise down in the urban traffic. This keeps the GTC Paris frugal without diminishing its sporty character.

Innovative technology enhances performance

The best of Opel’s compact car technology is brought to its sportiest level on this concept car. The chassis has a special design with an extra-wide stance for best possible performance and handling. In addition to the front limited slip differential, it has a compound crank with an Opel-exclusive Watt’s Link in the rear, and a new execution of the adaptive mechatronic FlexRide suspension..

The compound crank rear axle enhanced with the cleverly positioned Watt’s link enables the crisp handling and high comfort that is being celebrated on the current Astra. Keeping the advantages of size, weight and overall efficiency of the compound crank rear axle layout over a classical multi-link design, the architecture with its additional Watt’s link better supports lateral forces on the suspension while cornering. It also makes the car dynamic and agile without compromising on stability and comfort.

The GTC Paris also features the FlexRide adaptive suspension system, which continuously adapts to changes in driving style and cornering speed. Apart from a more rewarding driving experience, FlexRide also offers safety benefits in emergency situations as it enhances the vehicle stability in all circumstances.

Together features like these allow the sporty compact GTC Paris concept to make best use of the power and energy conveyed by its design.