SCOOP: New Opel Zafira Grows up but Doesn't get FlexDoors

Opel and its sister company Vauxhall are pushing ahead with the development of the next generation Zafira minivan, which was caught here testing by our scoop photographers. The new seven-seat model is expected to grow in dimensions offering improved passenger and luggage space. Unlike the latest Meriva that boasts a pair of suicide doors, the new Zafira will continue to use conventional rear doors.

The sleeker shape of Opel's newcomer can easily be seen beneath the harlequin camouflage, while the pictures suggest that the minivan takes styling cues from both the Insignia and new Astra, including the wing-shaped head lamps.

The interior design will also be more or less inspired by the Astra, while the car's flexibility is reported to have been improved by a revamped three-row flexible seating system providing independent seating for all seven passengers.

The new Zafira will use hardware from the Astra range, so expect a suite of turbocharged diesel and petrol engines, including more eco-friendly and frugal EcoFlex versions and possibly even a sporty OPC / VRX variant.

Look for the next generation of Opel's people mover to make its world premiere at a major international motor show this year with European sales to start in late 2011 or early 2012.

There's no official word about a North American variant, but given that the Zafira is essentially the minivan version of the Astra (which itself forms the base for the new Buick Verano), as well as the fact that Ford is preparing the U.S. launch of the Focus-based C-Max, we wouldn't completely rule out the possibility.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Vauxhall's Corsa VXR gets the Blues: New Special Edition of 192HP Hot Hatch

To mark the launch of the subtly refreshed Corsa VXR, Vauxhall is introducing a new limited edition version of its hot hatch with an additional kit and a special blue paintjob as standard.

In detail, the new Corsa VXR Blue Edition is finished in an Arden Blue metallic paint and comes fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, dark-tinted glass, bespoke interior air vents and Recaro seats, which equate to a £445 saving compared with the cost of speccing a ‘standard’ VXR with this kit.

Other standard features include a lowered sports suspension, uprated brakes and switchable Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).

Powering the VXR Blue Edition is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four producing 192PS, which allows for a 0-60mph [96 km/h] sprint time of just 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 140mph [225 km/h]. An overboost feature increases maximum torque to 260+Nm when the driver needs more power.

The price for the limited edition Corsa VXR is set at £19,425 (including 20% VAT), with Vauxhall claiming that it undercuts key rivals such as the Citroen DS3 R and the Mini Cooper Works by up to £3,600.

The sport hatch is available for order now with the first examples to arrive in dealerships in late February.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Opel Astra ecoFLEX Gets Start/Stop Technology, Returns 60.3 mpg

With an average fuel consumption of 4.1 lt/100 km (57.4 US mpg) and CO2 emissions of 109 g/km, the diesel-powered Opel Astra 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX hatchback was already a frugal and eco-friendly proposal. However, GM's European division decided to do further improve the Astra's green-credentials by adding a rather effective Start and Stop system.

The new start and stop technology helps the hatchback version of the Astra ecoFLEX reduce its CO2 emissions from 109 to just 104 g/km and its combined fuel consumption from 4.1 liters to 3.9 liters per 100 km, which is equal to 60.3 mpg. The Sport Tourer estate version of the Astra ecoFLEX consumes on average 4.1 lt/100 km and emits 109 g/km of CO2.

All ecoFLEX models come equipped with an active aero shutter incorporated in the front grille that channels more air towards the engine at slow speeds for improved cooling and closes at higher speeds to smoothen the airflow around the fascia. The aero shutter is complemented by refined underbody aerodynamics.

Under the bonnet there's a 95HP 1.3-liter diesel engine, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is offered as standard.

In Germany, the base price of the Astra ecoFLEX is €19,780 while customers can also benefit from additional tax breaks.

By Csaba Daradics

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Holden’s E3 GTS Transforms into the 2012 Vauxhall VXR8 in Britain

Based on Holden’s most recent E3 series GTS model, the 2012 Vauxhall VXR8 will hit UK dealers next March, featuring several improvements over the previous model, which was built on the lower-spec ClubSport R8. Priced at £49,500 (VAT included), the new model is still considered a bargain in the country, considering that there’s a 6.2-liter V8 powerhouse under the bonnet.

The VXR8 undercuts the competition, such as the Mercedes E63 AMG, by between £13k and £29k, and even performance saloons from the class below, like the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG, but truth be said, it was always a little rough around the edges. Some consider that a perk, others a drawback. Nevertheless, the VXR8 was mildly revised for the 2012 model year, featuring a redesigned grille, LED daytime running lights and tail lamps, new wing vents and rear spoiler.

Inside, there’s an updated instrument cluster and full leather trim is standard. Other amenities include HSV Performance Seats and an Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI), which is a fancy name for a smarter onboard computer. EDI can record such data as G-forces, engine parameters and lap times, which can be later analyzed by owners using special software provided with the car.

In order to deliver performance that’s worth recording, the VXR8 comes with a fourth generation GM-sourced LS3 engine, delivering 431 ponies and 550 Nm (407 lb-ft) of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels, either through a six-speed manual gearbox or an automatic transmission. A limited slip differential comes as standard.

The 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) sprint takes just 4.9 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).

To improve handling, engineers fitted the VXR8 for the first time with electronically controlled dampers. The system is called Magnetic Ride Control and it’s based on technology borrowed from the Corvette ZR1.

The VXR8 can be ordered in the UK through six dealers at the moment, but it will be available in a total of 34 locations later on.

By Csaba Daradics

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Vauxhall gets into the Christmas Shopping Spirit, Announces 20% Discounts on Most New Models

'Tis the season for shopping at Vauxhall as GM's British subsidiary has announced a significant 20 per cent discount on most of its new models, just days before the VAT increases in the country by a hefty 2.5 per cent in early January. The automaker's offer is called "Vauxhall Countdown" and it is available on new cars purchased between December 27, 2010

While Vauxhall did not release a full price list, the automaker did provide some examples. With the 20 per cent discount, the on-the-road price of an Astra 1.4 (100PS) Exclusive tumbles by more than £3,190, while savings on the Agila range start from £1890.

According to the automaker, Corsa buyers can save up to £3400 off the on the road price, depending on model, while the Astra Sports Tourer will attract discounts of between £3,300 and £4,685. Those in need of more power can opt for the range-topping Insignia VXR (OPC for the rest of Europe) and see the road price drop by £6,165 to £26,150.

"We’re committed to reducing the pain of the latest VAT rise as much as possible,” said Peter Hope, Vauxhall’s Marketing Director. “Vauxhall Countdown is a no-nonsense 20 per cent discount that applies across almost all models in our range. It has instant appeal for all our customers and makes ownership of some of our latest, award-winning cars even more attractive than before."

2010 Vauxhall GTC Paris Concept Photos

2010 Vauxhall GTC Paris Concept First Look

2010 Vauxhall GTC Paris Concept Car Wheel

2010 Vauxhall GTC Paris Concept Photos

2010 Vauxhall GTC Paris Concept Rear Side

Vauxhall Sports Cars Red Victor 3 V8 Engine

The Vauxhall sports car Red Victor 3 will appear at the CXR Power Festival this year which takes place at the Silverstone Circuit on August 28-29. General Motors’ Vauxhall  sports cars division is to enthusiasts while breathing a new life into a classic 1967 Victor FD by turning it to get a 3,000-hp. This is three times as much as a Veyron sports car! The Vauxhall sports car Red Victor 3 is based on the original 1967 Victor FD.

The sports car is named as the Red Victor 3 and it’ll be powered by an 8.8 liter twin-turbocharged GM V8 engine that churns out a whopping 3000hp. The 3000HP Vauxhall Red Victor 3 is expected to be able to reach a maximum speed of 240 mph, and a quarter mile run shouldn't take more than 6.5 seconds. Note that the Vauxhall sports car Red Victor 2 was able to accelerate from 0 to 153 mph in 4.8 seconds and reach top speeds of 200 mph.

The Vauxhall’s sports car Red Victor 3 will compete at 2011 MSA Pro-Modified Drag Racing season at Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire this Bank Holiday, August 28-29, and it’s supposed to be street-legal.

Press Release:

“We’re sure visitors to the Power Festival will make a B-line for the Victor,” said Stuart Harris, Vauxhall’s Group Product Manager. “We’re really looking forward to working with Andy Frost, Red Victor’s creator, and his team next year and see this as a great match for the VXR brand.”

Vauxhall’s VXR Power Events, which has run through 2010 to raise money for Help for Heroes, reaches its zenith with the two-day Power Festival at Silverstone this Bank Holiday. Thousands are expected to attend the event, which aims to raise further funds for H4H through high-octane activities like 0-60 challenges, autotesting, karting and VXR track tuition with pro-drivers. VXR and Vauxhall V8 owners can even pay to take to Silverstone’s famous track in their own cars.

But if you’d rather just sit back and watch the action, don’t miss the Pro-Am Pursuit, in which famous racing drivers from Vauxhall’s past, like Fabrizio Giovanardi, Jason Plato and James Thompson take on celebrities such as TV chef, James Martin, ex-England footballer, Luther Blisset and Eastenders’ Kara Tointon. And if that isn’t enough, then Paul Swift will be there to perform some unbelievable stunts in a Vauxhall road car.

Vauxhall Sports Cars Red Victor 3 V8 Engine

What the VXR Power Festival won’t do is cost you the earth. With adult tickets costing just £10 and children under five entering for free, the whole family can enjoy an action-packed day without breaking the bank. Even the on-site challenges only cost between £5-10, with all proceeds going to one of the UK’s most worthy causes.