Sexy 2012 Opel Astra GTC Goes Official

Opel Astra GTC

I loved the previous generation of the Astra GTC and the new one is even more breathtaking. General Motors decided not to wait anymore and unveiled the model, ahead of its public debut which will occur this September during the 64th edition of the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. Set to go on sale later on this year, it will wear the Opel badge in Europe, except for United Kingdom as it will be available as a Vauxhall. In addition, if we were to believe recent reports, U.S. will get a Buick Astra GTC version.

Opel Astra GTC

Opel says that compared to the 5-door hatchback and the estate versions, the only elements that these cars share are the door handles and the roof aerial. Even the tracks and the wheelbase have been changed for the GTC version. The sporty model has been lowered by 15 mm and the wheelbase has grown in size by 10mm. In addition, both tracks are wider now, measuring 1,584 mm in the front (+40 mm more than before) and 1,588 mm in the back (+30 mm than before).

Opel Astra GTC

Opel and Vauxhall said that the new generation of the Astra GTC is a more driver’s car in comparison to its 5-door sibling. We have enough reasons to believe this statement if we take into consideration the fact that it features a High Performance Strut setup, which can be found on the OPC / VXR version of the Insigna, while the standard model, comes with a regular McPherson suspension configuration.

Opel Astra GTC

Out in the back, the 2012 Astra GTC has the same Watt’s link axle, but Opel offers the possibility to opt for a fully-adaptive FlexRide chassis control system that comes with three settings: standard, tour and sport.

Opel Astra GTC

Upon launch, customers will be able to choose from four engines, but others will follow, including the all-mighty OPC version which will be out sometime in 2012.

Opel Astra GTC

At the moment, we know that it will come with a 2.0-liter CDTI common-rail turbo diesel power unit that produces 165 hp and 380 Nm of torque. It benefits from a diesel particulate filter and is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, along with Opel’s new generation of the start/stop system. Powered by this engine, the Astra GTC needs 8.9 seconds to do the 0-62 mph sprint, on its way to a top speed of 131 mph (210 km/h) while returning 48 mpg (4.9 liters / 100 km) and CO2 emissions of 129 g/km.

Opel Astra GTC

The most potent engine will be a turbocharged gasoline 1.6-liter unit, good for 180 hp and mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, enabling the car to reach a top speed of 137 mph (220 km/h). A less powerful 1.4-liter, 4-cylinder, turbocharged engine will be available in two output configurations: 120 hp and 140 hp.

Opel Astra GTC

In United Kingdom, prices for the 2012 Astra GTC start from 18,495 pounds for the model fitted with the 1.4-liter 120 hp engine, while the 165 PS SRi 2.0 CDTi will set you back at least 22,430 pounds.