New Astra Coupe Concept for GM Europe
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12th September, 2010
- 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
Opel and Vauxhall’s GTC Paris Concept, which gives the strongest hint yet to the Astra Sport Hatch’s
successor and is set for a debut early next month 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 monicker 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 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 Opel/Vauxhall Insignia and provides 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.
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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 Concept 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
matched 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.
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