2010 Paris Motor Show: Opel GTC Concept

[Kowalski]

2010 Paris Motor Show: Opel GTC Paris Concept

You've got to love Opel. I mean they are so predictable it's not even funny.

Hey Opel! We know this is the new 3-door Astra OK? We know... And we know there will be a Vauxhall version as well.



Looks good doesn't it? At least I think so.

Anyway, I can predict the choice of versions; there will a cheapskate alternative: Exclusiv. There will be a "value for money" alternative: SE. The heavy depreciation "luxurious" alternative: Elite. The pseudo sporty alternative: SRI. And finally the mentalist alternative: VXR (OPC).

The choice of engine is predictable too.

Two gutless naturally aspirated 16 valve engines: 1.4 and 1.6. Three raucous turbocharged 16 valve engines: 1.4 with 122 and 140 bhp and a 1.6 16v with 180 bhp. Then a 1.3, 1.7 and 2.0 16v turbodiesel with 90, 110 and 160 bhp respectively and obviously the diesels will offer the EcoFLEX package.

Oh yes and predictable choices of gearboxes: 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic.

But here's something that's not so predictable; the VXR (OPC) version will have a turbocharged 2.0 litre 300 bhp engine and four-wheel-drive. Nice!

The rest, however, is pretty much predictable really.

It will make to the production line, but it won't have these LED lights, it won't have these rather cool looking wheels, those bucket seats will only be available in the more expensive sporty version, 90% of them will be the SRI version with a clattery diesel under the bonnet and you don't want one because it's an Opel or Vauxhall.

 

[martinbo]

Good looking car I must say...

 

[PanterroR]

^+1.

Kowalski, like that's not the case by other producers (being predictable)...

Like i've thought that Gran Coupe concept was actually showing next gen 1 series...

Car looks awesome, kudos to Opel! Their cars are getting better and better, at least design wise...

 

[Tarek]

I really like opel's latest offerings and this one is gorgeous.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Very clean and elegant!

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Vauxhall GTC concept completely revealed ahead of Paris Motor Show debut

GTC PARIS CONCEPT MARKS VAUXHALL'S NEXT BOLD DESIGN MOVE
07/09/10

* Three door Astra-based concept stars on Vauxhall's Paris Show Stand
* Dynamic, sweeping lines make bold statement about Vauxhall's design evolution
* Innovative suspension and drivetrain features hint at performance remit

Luton–These are the first official pictures of Vauxhall's GTC Paris Concept, which gives the strongest hint yet to the Astra Sport Hatch's successor and is set to cause a stir when it receives its debut on September 30 at the Paris Motor Show.

Mark Adams, Vauxhall/Opel's Vice President of Design, has described the GTC Paris as, 'bold, pure and iconic' in its appearance. Vauxhall has hinted that a production version will not stray far from the rakish lines of the concept, and if the GTC moniker were to be adopted, it would be the first time that a Vauxhall has been so named.

At 4.46 metres, the GTC Paris offers ample space for five people, yet still maintains a svelte and sporting appearance. Adams' team has maximised 'tension' in the design by limiting the amount of lines in the car's profile, and leaving the impression that the car's highlights and surfacing are 'pressed' on to the concept's 21-inch wheels.

Vauxhall's signature blade mimics that on the Insignia and creates a fine, tense crease along the rocker panel. This combines with a second line running from the door handle to the rear of the car, emphasising both a fine undercut and broad shoulder. A third line following the silhouette of the roof is finished in fine brushed aluminium accentuating the window graphic and leads to a sharply accented integrated spoiler.

Slim, eagle-eye shaped headlamps, flanked by LED running lights with chrome surrounds dominate the front of the GTC Paris. A sharp centreline crease runs down the bonnet (a trademark styling cue from Vauxhalls of yore) and leads to a dramatically low trapezoidal grille incorporating a chrome emblem bar.
At the rear, the imposing features of the concept are enhanced with LED tail lights, showcasing a long, stretched 'wing' night time graphic.

Underpinning the GTC Paris is a specially designed chassis with an extra-wide stance. Hinting at the car's power potential is an electronic limited slip differential and an updated version of Vauxhall's FlexRide adaptive damping system. The new Astra's unique compound crank / Watt's link rear suspension provides excellent packaging and secure, driver-focused dynamics.

A four-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, with direct petrol injection and Start/Stop technology is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, providing drivers with high levels of performance and fuel efficiency.

More details about the GTC Paris Concept will be revealed before the Paris Motor Show.

- Vauxhall GTC concept completely revealed ahead of Paris Motor Show debut

 

[Kowalski]

I was wrong... There won't be a four-wheel-drive 300 bhp VXR/OPC version.

CAR Magazine UK:
A direct injection and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine powers the GTC Paris concept. There’s an electronic limited slip differential and an updated version of Vauxhall’s FlexRide adaptive damping system too, plus stop/tech and a six-speed manual gearbox. It's a strong hint at the future spec of a VXR version of the GTC. That hyper hatch, due in late 2011, will have a turbo'd 2.0-litre four-pot with around 290bhp, and the electronic diff, adaptive suspension, and Vauxhall's trick HiPerStrut front suspension will try and put all that power through the front wheels.

The Focus RS also has a similar front suspension setup and it's widely praised by its handling characteristics.

Very clean and elegant!

It's likely to be sold in the U.S as a Buick.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

It's likely to be sold in the U.S as a Buick.

I hope not. Maybe as a chevy or something. Buicks are looking better, but Buick aways just seems like "Grandpa's" ride.

 

[Nandoz]

VERY hot design
Thx

 

[Merc1]

It is too bad Saturn is no longer around, this would have been a great car for the U.S. market to take on the Golf/GTI.

M