Photo: Opel
The new Opel Astra K comes with everything a driver needs except performance. It’s simpler than its predecessor and yet more spacious. For added style and fun, Opel is considering launching a dedicated coupe based on the same platform.
According to a recent report from British media, Opel will show a GT coupe concept at the Geneva Motor Show, come March 2016. The model has not yet been approved for production, and everything is riding on a positive response from the crowd.
The original Opel GT came out in 1965 and was arguably one of the sexiest cars ever made by the German automaker. On a number of occasions, they tried to revive the German Corvette, culminating with the 2-seater roadster you see above. It was interesting to look at but not as engaging to drive as a Honda S2000 or BMW Z3. Still, the model made it across the pond as a Pontiac.
The chances of a 2-liter turbo in a sportscar being well received are much higher right now (same engine as OPC of the time). But Opel will also sacrifice the RWD setup. The company plans to underpin this new GT on the same platform as the Astra K hatchback. That means there’s no chance of power going to the rear wheels.
The body design will be that o a coupe though it’s not clear exactly what kind. Will they repeat the Astra GTC and give us a Scirocco rival or will we get an Audi TT competitor?
According to Auto Express, several turbocharged engines will be made available, joined to the a six-speed manual gearbox and an optional automatic transmission. However, we wouldn’t get our hopes up for anything with over 300 horsepower, as the biggest engine that will fit inside the Astra K is a 1.6-liter turbo.
If Opel fans like it and the sales and marketing people decide it’s worth a shot, the Opel GT will be revived in 2017. A lot can happen in two years, so we wouldn’t start saving just yet.
The original Opel GT came out in 1965 and was arguably one of the sexiest cars ever made by the German automaker. On a number of occasions, they tried to revive the German Corvette, culminating with the 2-seater roadster you see above. It was interesting to look at but not as engaging to drive as a Honda S2000 or BMW Z3. Still, the model made it across the pond as a Pontiac.
The chances of a 2-liter turbo in a sportscar being well received are much higher right now (same engine as OPC of the time). But Opel will also sacrifice the RWD setup. The company plans to underpin this new GT on the same platform as the Astra K hatchback. That means there’s no chance of power going to the rear wheels.
The body design will be that o a coupe though it’s not clear exactly what kind. Will they repeat the Astra GTC and give us a Scirocco rival or will we get an Audi TT competitor?
According to Auto Express, several turbocharged engines will be made available, joined to the a six-speed manual gearbox and an optional automatic transmission. However, we wouldn’t get our hopes up for anything with over 300 horsepower, as the biggest engine that will fit inside the Astra K is a 1.6-liter turbo.
If Opel fans like it and the sales and marketing people decide it’s worth a shot, the Opel GT will be revived in 2017. A lot can happen in two years, so we wouldn’t start saving just yet.
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