Frankfurt: 2012 Opel Astra GTC gives us Buick-tinted hope for the future [w/video]

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, GM, Opel

A more engaging driving experience should always be considered a wonderful thing, and it's clear from the Astra GTC that Opel agrees. The compact hatchback has its sights set squarely on the Volkswagen Scirocco, and it's clear the two cars share a common design ideology. Low and sleek, the Astra GTC has been styled to provide enthusiasts with a sneak peek of the driving experience waiting once they strap in behind the wheel.

The key to getting the Opel Astra GTC to play nice with twisty roads lies in the changes made beneath the car's skin. General Motors engineers took the HiPerStrut setup from the front suspension of an Opel Insignia OPC and applied them to the Astra. Opel says this upgrade reduces the amount of unwanted front-tire movement felt during cornering and other high-grip situations.

Out back, the Opel Astra GTC gets more suspension-related attention. The Watt's link rear setup now sports revised roll-stiffness and a lower roll-center height to keep things more composed. Additionally, the entire three-door compact was 15 millimeters compared to the standard Astra, and the wheelbase and front and rear tracks have grown as well.

Opel has plied a lot of handling know-how and upgraded styling into its Astra to turn it into the Astra GTC. If you like what you see, keep your fingers crossed. Rumor has it that General Motors could bring the Astra GTC stateside as a more entertaining brother for the Buick Verano. A convertible version is reportedly also in the works. Want to learn more? Check out the video after the jump and the official release.

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2012 Opel Astra GTC gives us Buick-tinted hope for the future [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/14/2012-opel-astra-gtc-frankfurt-2011/

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