Friday, January 16, 2009
Aston Martin DBR9
Based on the Aston Martin DB9 road car, the DBR9 retains the chassis, and the cylinder block and heads of the road car's V12 engine. The rest of the car is re-engineered for high performance competition use. The DBR9's bodywork is a blend of optimum aerodynamic performance and the styling of the DB9 road car. All the body panels are constructed from carbon fibre composite (except the roof) to minimize the weight of the car. To complete the aerodynamic body, the bottom of the car is flat all the way from the front to the rear diffuser. To optimise rear downforce a carbon fibre wing has been added. The car goes from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds.
For the 2007 24 Hours of Le Mans, Prodrive made modifications to the DBR9 design in order to not only improve performance, but also to increase driver comfort in the cockpit. Due to new regulations put into place by Le Mans organizers, the DBR9 required the installation of an air conditioning unit in order to prevent overstressing drivers. Prodrive went further by putting a heat-resistant white roof on all new cars to assist in keeping cockpit temperatures down. Performance modifications included the removal of two cooling vents from the bonnet of the car due to no longer being necessary.
Aston Martin DB9 LM
Aston Martin is not only showing the DBS for the first time in Europe at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week but will also showcase two new special editions – the Aston Martin DB9 LM and the V8 Vantage N400. Both special editions draw inspiration from the company's recent achievements at Le Mans and the N?rburgring 24-hour races.
The V8 Vantage N400 commemorates Aston Martin's achievements at the N?rburgring where the company enjoyed success in the gruelling ADAC 24-hour race with the V8 Vantage N24 production race car. Aston Martin develops and tests all of its road cars extensively on the N?rburgring Nordschleife circuit and the Vantage N400 recently broke the eight minute benchmark around the legendary 14-mile circuit.
The Vantage N400 includes a number of technical improvements as well as enhancements to the car's standard range of renowned colour and trim specifications. These include a power upgrade to Aston Martin's 4.3 litre V8 engine, lifting peak power to 400bhp and peak torque to 420Nm. The car also comes equipped with a new Sports Pack which offers subtly different driving dynamics tailored to enthusiasts who seek even more responsive handling. The Sports Pack comprises a unique lightweight graphite-finished aluminium wheel with diamond turning, up-rated springs and dampers and a new rear anti-roll bar (for the Coupe). The Vantage N400 also includes a number of exterior design changes, including a revised side sill design, Magnum Silver bonnet and side strake meshes, clear rear lamp lenses and a bright finish grille.
Interior enhancements include perforated black leather seats, micro-spin alloy facia trim and a unique numbered sill plaque. The Vantage N400 will be available in three new exterior colours; Bergwerk Black, Lightning Silver or Karussell Orange, with either Sportshift automated manual or conventional manual transmission and in either Coupe or Roadster forms. Additionally, the Vantage N400 comes equipped with a range of normally optional equipment, including Satellite Navigation, 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System, Bluetooth telephone preparation, HID headlamps, cruise control and memory/heated seats.
The DB9 LM celebrates Aston Martin's GT1 class victory in the Le Mans 24-hour endurance classic in June with the DBR9 – a race car derived from the DB9.
This special edition car, available in Coupe form only with Touchtronic transmission, includes a unique Sarthe Silver exterior paint finish, meshes and rear crossbar finished in Magnum Silver and red brake callipers. Inside, the DB9 LM is fitted with handcrafted black leather finish, perforated leather inserts, unique 'Tertre Rouge' facia trim and numbered sill plaque. The car is also equipped with the normally optional DB9 Sports Pack as standard, with colour keyed and diamond turned alloy wheels.
The V8 Vantage N400 commemorates Aston Martin's achievements at the N?rburgring where the company enjoyed success in the gruelling ADAC 24-hour race with the V8 Vantage N24 production race car. Aston Martin develops and tests all of its road cars extensively on the N?rburgring Nordschleife circuit and the Vantage N400 recently broke the eight minute benchmark around the legendary 14-mile circuit.
The Vantage N400 includes a number of technical improvements as well as enhancements to the car's standard range of renowned colour and trim specifications. These include a power upgrade to Aston Martin's 4.3 litre V8 engine, lifting peak power to 400bhp and peak torque to 420Nm. The car also comes equipped with a new Sports Pack which offers subtly different driving dynamics tailored to enthusiasts who seek even more responsive handling. The Sports Pack comprises a unique lightweight graphite-finished aluminium wheel with diamond turning, up-rated springs and dampers and a new rear anti-roll bar (for the Coupe). The Vantage N400 also includes a number of exterior design changes, including a revised side sill design, Magnum Silver bonnet and side strake meshes, clear rear lamp lenses and a bright finish grille.
Interior enhancements include perforated black leather seats, micro-spin alloy facia trim and a unique numbered sill plaque. The Vantage N400 will be available in three new exterior colours; Bergwerk Black, Lightning Silver or Karussell Orange, with either Sportshift automated manual or conventional manual transmission and in either Coupe or Roadster forms. Additionally, the Vantage N400 comes equipped with a range of normally optional equipment, including Satellite Navigation, 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System, Bluetooth telephone preparation, HID headlamps, cruise control and memory/heated seats.
The DB9 LM celebrates Aston Martin's GT1 class victory in the Le Mans 24-hour endurance classic in June with the DBR9 – a race car derived from the DB9.
This special edition car, available in Coupe form only with Touchtronic transmission, includes a unique Sarthe Silver exterior paint finish, meshes and rear crossbar finished in Magnum Silver and red brake callipers. Inside, the DB9 LM is fitted with handcrafted black leather finish, perforated leather inserts, unique 'Tertre Rouge' facia trim and numbered sill plaque. The car is also equipped with the normally optional DB9 Sports Pack as standard, with colour keyed and diamond turned alloy wheels.
Alfa Romeo Brera
Alfa Romeo Brera
Fully disclose talent Engine 3.2 JTS V6 24v allows unique Full power transmission Q4. New Alfa Romeo Brera offers more than traditional models for all brands of driving pleasure thanks to its suspension front and the rear. In doing so, Alfa Romeo Brera combines sporting manageability with high comfort.
3.2 Q-Tr: Volume 3195 cm3
Alfa Romeo Brera Type V6
Power (hp at rpm) 260/6200
Maximum torque (Nm at rpm) 322/4500
Average fuel consumption (l/100 km) 12.23.2 MT Volume 3195 cm3
Alfa Romeo Brera Type R4Power (hp at rpm) 185/6500
Maximum torque (Nm at rpm) 230/4500Average fuel consumption (l/100 km) 9.4
Alfa Romeo Brera
Looks Alfa Romeo Brera developed Centro Stile Alfa Romeo in collaboration with the famous Italian ateliers body Italdesign / Giugiaro. Not surprisingly, the new model Alfa Romeo Brera attracts views its impeccable Italian elegance and totally unique, inimitable style, which corresponds to the present and the pleasure of driving should be fully traditions brand.
Alfa Romeo Brera
The interior of the Alfa Romeo Brera said exclusivity and uncompromising as the vehicle through the use of expensive materials in the finishing, as well as high-standard equipment.
Alfa Romeo Brera
Salon Alfa Romeo Brera landing with the formula 2 +2 distinguishes high-quality finishing and carefully chosen materials: expensive plastic, aluminum and leather, red or blue black, in the Italian style.
Alfa Romeo Brera
Exclusive status Alfa Romeo Brera stresses the impressive list of standard equipment, which includes a system ABS, EBD, ASR, ASR, MSR, FPS, the dynamic control system stabilization VDC (ESP) to the feature Hill Holder, 7 airbags, including a unique cushion for the driver's knees, BI-XENON headlights, electronic transmitter, climate with separate management, leather upholstery Saloon, excellent audio system, specially calibrated by top salon acoustics Bose output 570 Watt, alloy wheels dimension of 18 inches.
Fully disclose talent Engine 3.2 JTS V6 24v allows unique Full power transmission Q4. New Alfa Romeo Brera offers more than traditional models for all brands of driving pleasure thanks to its suspension front and the rear. In doing so, Alfa Romeo Brera combines sporting manageability with high comfort.
3.2 Q-Tr: Volume 3195 cm3
Alfa Romeo Brera Type V6
Power (hp at rpm) 260/6200
Maximum torque (Nm at rpm) 322/4500
Average fuel consumption (l/100 km) 12.23.2 MT Volume 3195 cm3
Alfa Romeo Brera Type R4Power (hp at rpm) 185/6500
Maximum torque (Nm at rpm) 230/4500Average fuel consumption (l/100 km) 9.4
Alfa Romeo Brera
Looks Alfa Romeo Brera developed Centro Stile Alfa Romeo in collaboration with the famous Italian ateliers body Italdesign / Giugiaro. Not surprisingly, the new model Alfa Romeo Brera attracts views its impeccable Italian elegance and totally unique, inimitable style, which corresponds to the present and the pleasure of driving should be fully traditions brand.
Alfa Romeo Brera
The interior of the Alfa Romeo Brera said exclusivity and uncompromising as the vehicle through the use of expensive materials in the finishing, as well as high-standard equipment.
Alfa Romeo Brera
Salon Alfa Romeo Brera landing with the formula 2 +2 distinguishes high-quality finishing and carefully chosen materials: expensive plastic, aluminum and leather, red or blue black, in the Italian style.
Alfa Romeo Brera
Exclusive status Alfa Romeo Brera stresses the impressive list of standard equipment, which includes a system ABS, EBD, ASR, ASR, MSR, FPS, the dynamic control system stabilization VDC (ESP) to the feature Hill Holder, 7 airbags, including a unique cushion for the driver's knees, BI-XENON headlights, electronic transmitter, climate with separate management, leather upholstery Saloon, excellent audio system, specially calibrated by top salon acoustics Bose output 570 Watt, alloy wheels dimension of 18 inches.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
1972 Opel GT Targa V8
We like cars that have tasteful modifications. This Opel GT will definitely not appeal to the purists out there. Not only has it had an engine swap but also the big wheels transform the car completely. The new engine is a reconditioned Rover 3.5-liter V8 and fits nicely. The original cars came with a 1100 or 1900cc engine. The V8 engines were originally built by General Motors in the US and Rover bought the production rights in the mid-60s. Seeing that Opel is part of GM, this seems a great mod. The car is meant to have an automatic gearbox so to see the gearstick might be a bit tricky at first.
This particular car has been completely restored up in Scotland and is for sale here on ebay. All wiring and suspension bits have been replaced, and it has been converted to right hand drive. The dashboard has been chopped and changed. The Targa conversion was an aftermarket modification, but in our opinion a very nice addition.
We could be tempted to remove the rear windscreen antenna and to change the wheels for a set of BBS alloys. The registration plate could be worth a bit of money as well as a cherished plate. We like it!
Opel GT Design
As it has been already said, Irmscher was created as a anniversary gift, and it will make a world premiere in Geneva. Its manufacturers have no doubts, it is sure to cause a stir at the company’s stand in Hall 2.
The car is delicious both inside and outside, everything is aimed to make it driving performance better, even its sleek design and an exclusive leather fitting inside that makes a driver to think about the performance and driving and not about comfort.
There will be only a limited edition of these cars and don’t forget that models with the “i” in their name have always been so special.
Oh, this car looks yummy, I would like to taste it!
Opel GT
The modern definition of an athletic two-seater finds its form in the new Opel GT. As a classic roadster, it has a powerful front-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive, a cockpit with sporty instruments and a tailor-made fabric roof. With a wide stance, sleek silhouette, long, front-hinged hood and short overhangs, the proportions are typical of this class. The Opel GT also brings new charm to this genre with its own unmistakable personality thanks to its exciting shape, which contrasts sharp edges with curved surfaces to create a dynamic look, and its configuration, which enables a refined driving experience, even on long journeys. The GT's pricing is also attractive. For 30,675 euros (recommended retail price in Germany incl. VAT), customers get no less than 264 hp from the high-tech turbo engine with gasoline direct injection. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes less than six seconds. The new two-seater carries its legendary name because it continues the tradition of the first Opel GT (1968 - 1973) and, like the original, competes in one of the most exciting vehicle classes. 
The new Opel GT also showcases the brand's passion for dynamic cars, and the conviction that "Opel was never as young as today". This is underlined by niche models with a high fun factor, such as the Astra GTC with panorama windshield, the Tigra TwinTop and Astra TwinTop cabrio-coupés, as well as the high-performance OPC family. They enrich the model portfolio and emotionalize the brand.
The development of the Opel GT is a prime example of transcontinental collaboration within GM. It stems from the decision to expand the concern's portfolio with a compact, rear-wheel drive, sporty vehicle architecture that can be implemented globally. The first step towards realizing this idea was the Solstice concept car in 2002, followed a year later by the Vauxhall VX Lightning concept, which was conceived at the GM Advanced Design Studio in Coventry, England. Strongly inspired by the VX, the Opel GT has been adapted to the current Opel design language at the GM Design Studio in Detroit and the GM Europe Design Studios in Rüsselsheim under the direction of Bryan Nesbitt. The Opel roadster will be built at the Wilmington/Delaware plant in the USA, where its highly successful American GM sister models, the Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky, are also produced.
The new GT's story is reminiscent of that of its classic predecessor. In 1968, the original Opel GT set an automotive manufacturing precedent in Europe when it became the first car to go into production after being debuted to the public as a concept study. The legendary American sports car, the Corvette, made the same start in 1953 in the USA. The new Opel GT shares some engineering characteristics with the current Corvette, such as part of the architecture.
Crisp, dynamic look with strong face
Sharp lines coupled with taut surfaces give the new Opel GT a crisp, dynamic look. Its strong face is dominated by the fender's accentuated sweep, the bold chrome crossbar with integrated Opel logo, the elongated hood with brand-typical center crease, chrome-bordered vents and bold 3-D headlamps in clear glass look drawn deep into the side panels. The GT's especially sporty characteristics include the long air vents in the hood, the grooving in the front fenders with their dynamic, Opel-typical horizontal contours − like on the Antara −, the double-pipe exhaust system and the twin air scoops behind the head restraints, which are reminiscent of designs from roadster and motor sport history. 18-inch aluminum wheels in new five-spoke design fill out the wheelarches, and emphasize the roadster character, as does the fabric roof, which completely disappears beneath a cover for open-top driving fun.
Chrome-ringed instruments in the cockpit clearly display all important information, while black piano lacquer and chrome finishes accentuate the high-tech nuance of the surface structures. These all combine with optional leather seats with visible stitching to highlight the sporty ambience. The short gear stick adds significantly to the driving fun: directly connected straight to the roadster's five-speed transmission, its short gear travel enables quick gear shifts from the roadster-typical seating position.
High-tech turbo engine with direct injection and variable camshaft phasing
The new Opel GT does not just look quick, it is quick! Its longitudinally front-installed 264 hp engine with turbocharging and gasoline direct injection accelerates the roadster to 100 km/h from a standing start in just 5.7 seconds, and up to a top speed of around 230 km/h. "When it comes to high-performance roadsters, there is no better balance between price, driving enjoyment and fun," says Alain Visser, Executive Director Sales and Marketing, Opel. There's no question about it: no other Opel has ever produced 132 hp output per liter. The new Opel GT's engine not only complements the car's dynamic look perfectly, it also far outperforms today's other roadsters and most two-seat sports cars.
High-tech features such as gasoline direct injection, twin-scroll turbocharger with intercooler, double camshaft phasing and twin counter-rotating balance shafts provide the basis for the 1998 cm3, four-cylinder engine's impressive performance data. Maximum output of 194 kW/264 hp at 5300 rpm and high torque plateau of 353 Nm between 2500 and 5000 rpm ensure plenty of power in all situations. The GT requires an average of 9.2 liters of super unleaded gasoline per 100 kilometers. Jointly developed by GM Powertrain engineers on both sides of the Atlantic, the all-aluminum ECOTEC unit is based on the 2.2-liter direct injection unit available in the Vectra model range since 2004, and on the 2.0-liter turbo induction unit, which debuted in the Vectra GTS in spring 2003.
The development of the Opel GT is a prime example of transcontinental collaboration within GM. It stems from the decision to expand the concern's portfolio with a compact, rear-wheel drive, sporty vehicle architecture that can be implemented globally. The first step towards realizing this idea was the Solstice concept car in 2002, followed a year later by the Vauxhall VX Lightning concept, which was conceived at the GM Advanced Design Studio in Coventry, England. Strongly inspired by the VX, the Opel GT has been adapted to the current Opel design language at the GM Design Studio in Detroit and the GM Europe Design Studios in Rüsselsheim under the direction of Bryan Nesbitt. The Opel roadster will be built at the Wilmington/Delaware plant in the USA, where its highly successful American GM sister models, the Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky, are also produced.
The new GT's story is reminiscent of that of its classic predecessor. In 1968, the original Opel GT set an automotive manufacturing precedent in Europe when it became the first car to go into production after being debuted to the public as a concept study. The legendary American sports car, the Corvette, made the same start in 1953 in the USA. The new Opel GT shares some engineering characteristics with the current Corvette, such as part of the architecture.
Crisp, dynamic look with strong face
Sharp lines coupled with taut surfaces give the new Opel GT a crisp, dynamic look. Its strong face is dominated by the fender's accentuated sweep, the bold chrome crossbar with integrated Opel logo, the elongated hood with brand-typical center crease, chrome-bordered vents and bold 3-D headlamps in clear glass look drawn deep into the side panels. The GT's especially sporty characteristics include the long air vents in the hood, the grooving in the front fenders with their dynamic, Opel-typical horizontal contours − like on the Antara −, the double-pipe exhaust system and the twin air scoops behind the head restraints, which are reminiscent of designs from roadster and motor sport history. 18-inch aluminum wheels in new five-spoke design fill out the wheelarches, and emphasize the roadster character, as does the fabric roof, which completely disappears beneath a cover for open-top driving fun.
Chrome-ringed instruments in the cockpit clearly display all important information, while black piano lacquer and chrome finishes accentuate the high-tech nuance of the surface structures. These all combine with optional leather seats with visible stitching to highlight the sporty ambience. The short gear stick adds significantly to the driving fun: directly connected straight to the roadster's five-speed transmission, its short gear travel enables quick gear shifts from the roadster-typical seating position.
High-tech turbo engine with direct injection and variable camshaft phasing
The new Opel GT does not just look quick, it is quick! Its longitudinally front-installed 264 hp engine with turbocharging and gasoline direct injection accelerates the roadster to 100 km/h from a standing start in just 5.7 seconds, and up to a top speed of around 230 km/h. "When it comes to high-performance roadsters, there is no better balance between price, driving enjoyment and fun," says Alain Visser, Executive Director Sales and Marketing, Opel. There's no question about it: no other Opel has ever produced 132 hp output per liter. The new Opel GT's engine not only complements the car's dynamic look perfectly, it also far outperforms today's other roadsters and most two-seat sports cars.
High-tech features such as gasoline direct injection, twin-scroll turbocharger with intercooler, double camshaft phasing and twin counter-rotating balance shafts provide the basis for the 1998 cm3, four-cylinder engine's impressive performance data. Maximum output of 194 kW/264 hp at 5300 rpm and high torque plateau of 353 Nm between 2500 and 5000 rpm ensure plenty of power in all situations. The GT requires an average of 9.2 liters of super unleaded gasoline per 100 kilometers. Jointly developed by GM Powertrain engineers on both sides of the Atlantic, the all-aluminum ECOTEC unit is based on the 2.2-liter direct injection unit available in the Vectra model range since 2004, and on the 2.0-liter turbo induction unit, which debuted in the Vectra GTS in spring 2003.
Chassis with classic sporty configurationFor the Opel GT, engineers designed a classic, sporty configuration based on a rigid chassis, wide track (front/rear: 1543/1561 mm) and long wheelbase of 2415 mm: all four wheels are suspended from twin A-arms made from forged aluminum, the center of gravity is low, and the weight distribution of 51:49 percent (front/rear) is well balanced. A manual five-speed transmission with sporty, short gear travel and limited slip differential provide propulsion power. A torque beam between the transmission and rear axle suppresses reactions to acceleration/deceleration effects.
While disk brakes on all wheels, ABS, Traction Control (TC) and the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) monitor safety, the driver can control the level of ESP and use of TC himself. Both systems are fully active after ignition, with the setup providing driving fun but also keeping the vehicle stable within the physical limitations. At the touch of the ESP button in the instrument panel, the Traction Control (TC) is switched off, but ESP remains active and intervenes as soon as the yaw angle exceeds certain thresholds. Two short presses change the ESP's calibration to a sportier mode and keep the Traction Control (TC) deactivated. Pushing and holding the ESP again for around ten seconds until the "ESP Off" symbol illuminates, completely deactivates ESP and TC. A short press of the button in any mode returns the two systems to their normal states, which also occurs automatically with each new engine start. A display and control light in the instrument panel keeps the driver informed about the current status of both systems.
Stiff vehicle structure with center tunnel and side members
The typical roadster vehicle architecture was designed from the beginning to meet the special demands of an open-top, two-seat sports car without compromise. The vehicle structure, which consists of hydroformed side members and a supporting center tunnel made from drawn sheet steel, provides a solid basis for the car's precise handling and passive safety. The hydroforming forging technique, in which components are manufactured from steel with the help of high water pressure, is already employed in automobile construction for chassis components in the Opel Vectra and Astra.
Only the legendary American Corvette sports car is also based on hydroformed side members. But the Opel GT also breaks new ground in another regard: the GT model family belongs to the first car line produced in significant numbers to have numerous exterior parts made using a procedure that is relatively time-consuming, but provides designers with greater creative freedom. The hood is one example: thanks to unconventional hydraulic technology − known as super forming − the long hood section with its front hinges was optimally integrated into the roadster's silhouette without a gap between the hood and fender.
Opel Astra
The Opel Astra is a small family car produced by Opel, a subsidiary of General Motors. It is badged an Opel in continental Europe, the Republic of Ireland, the Middle East, North Africa, South Africa and India; Vauxhall in the United Kingdom, Holden in Australasia, and Chevrolet in Latin America. In Russia, it is sold as both an Opel and a Chevrolet.
The Astra is now built in Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Brazil, South Africa, India, Poland and Russia, as well as being assembled in CKD (completely knocked-down) kits in other countries. It competes mainly against the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf.
Naming convention
As of 2006, there have been three generations of the vehicle. In a fashion typical for Opel models, they are designated with subsequent letters of the Latin alphabet. Opel's official convention is to continue the Opel Kadett lineage, thus referring to the first generation of Opel Astra as the Astra F (the last Opel Kadett was the Kadett E). Another convention used by GM starts with Astra A, adopting the notion that the Astra is a separate model. Models sold as Vauxhall, Holden or Chevrolet have different generation designations reflecting the history of those nameplates in their home markets and their naming conventions.
Astra H
GM Europe launched Astra H at the end of 2003 and early 2004, depending on the market. Based on the then-new Delta platform, its size was increased, the engines improved and the styling and interior made distinctly more dynamic. Handling was further improved with each engine provided with its own Lotus-tuned suspension settings. It is so far available as a five-door hatchback, a five-door Caravan estate and a sporty three-door hatchback, designated the GTC for European markets, Sport Hatch in the UK and the Coupé in Australia. The GTC has the option of a panoramic windscreen (unique for a production car at the time of its launch) which extends into the roof area.
A first for any major European car is the availability of digital radio on some versions of the new Astra, while for the Astra product class first are electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC) and AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting). In 2005, the new Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid appeared. By the end of 2005, estate and coupé versions were also launched.
The Astra is now built in Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Brazil, South Africa, India, Poland and Russia, as well as being assembled in CKD (completely knocked-down) kits in other countries. It competes mainly against the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf.
Naming convention
As of 2006, there have been three generations of the vehicle. In a fashion typical for Opel models, they are designated with subsequent letters of the Latin alphabet. Opel's official convention is to continue the Opel Kadett lineage, thus referring to the first generation of Opel Astra as the Astra F (the last Opel Kadett was the Kadett E). Another convention used by GM starts with Astra A, adopting the notion that the Astra is a separate model. Models sold as Vauxhall, Holden or Chevrolet have different generation designations reflecting the history of those nameplates in their home markets and their naming conventions.
Astra H
GM Europe launched Astra H at the end of 2003 and early 2004, depending on the market. Based on the then-new Delta platform, its size was increased, the engines improved and the styling and interior made distinctly more dynamic. Handling was further improved with each engine provided with its own Lotus-tuned suspension settings. It is so far available as a five-door hatchback, a five-door Caravan estate and a sporty three-door hatchback, designated the GTC for European markets, Sport Hatch in the UK and the Coupé in Australia. The GTC has the option of a panoramic windscreen (unique for a production car at the time of its launch) which extends into the roof area.
A first for any major European car is the availability of digital radio on some versions of the new Astra, while for the Astra product class first are electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC) and AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting). In 2005, the new Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid appeared. By the end of 2005, estate and coupé versions were also launched.
Ford GT
Unveiled at the 2002 North American International Auto Show, the Ford GT40 concept became an instant sensation. And just 45 days after the vehicle was unveiled, Ford stunned the world again, officially announcing that a production version was in the works. Ford's GT40 concept car was created to celebrate that great era in history and look forward to the great years to come.
Although the new production car and the original race car both share the mystique of the Ford GT name, they do not share a single dimension. The new car is more than 18 inches longer and stands nearly 4 inches taller. Its new lines draw upon and refine the best features of Ford GT history and express the car's identity through modern proportion and surface development.
The Ford GT production car, like the concept, casts the familiar, sleek look of its namesake; yet every dimension, every curve and every line on the car is a unique reinterpretation of the original. The car features a long front overhang reminiscent of 1960s-era race cars. But its sweeping cowl, subtle accent lines and high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlamps strike a distinctly contemporary pose.
The front fenders curve over 18-inch wheels and Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires. In the tradition of original Ford GT racers, the doors cut into the roof. Prominent on the leading edge of the rear quarter panel are functional scoops that channel fresh air to the engine. The rear wheel wells, filled with 19-inch wheels and tires, define the rear of the car, while the accent line from the front cowl rejoins and finishes the car's profile at the integrated "ducktail" spoiler.
Alfa Romeo GT
Front wheel drive small Bertone-designed coupe. The GT was introduced in 2004 and is based on the 156 saloon, which ceased production the following year. Engine options include two petrol (1.8L, 2.0L, 3.2L V6 is discontinued) and one diesel (1.9L) version. Interior is based heavily on the 147.
Alfa Romeo 159
Current mid-size saloon, introduced in production form at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. The 159 is available with four different petrol engines and three diesels. 159 Sportwagon is an estate version of this car. Was launched in 2005 to replace the 156.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
