Saturn Astra on Motorweek.

[opelenvy]

As I am down with the flu I've been a couch potato watching TV. Saw the Astra test drive on Motorweek this morning.
They spoke very highly of it! They kept referring to it's "European" this and that.
the final comment of the article was, "Bringing the best of Opel to America is what a global GM should be doing, and we hope they keep it up."
Yeah!
They said, "But the Astra's true talents are in its European driving dynamics. Thankfully, Saturn did not soften the Astra to American taste. We experienced its agile handling and fun-to-drive feel on the sweeping roads in and around San Diego. The Astra proved itself to be solid and nimble with exceptionally good cornering prowess."
This is good news.
The print article is http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/reviews/rt2721b.shtml

[Opelkurt]

The early reviews of this Opel-as-Saturn Astra have been pretty positive. There's been some moaning about the lack of engine options, especially no Redline option, at least as of yet. Apparently GM is toying with the idea of offering a turbocharged 1.4 liter option for next year, for better fuel efficiency more than for performance.

I'd buy a turbo-diesel Astra if they would only sell them here...

Regarding Saturns built prior to the Opel influence, I'd sooner be run over by one than drive it. It'll be interesting to see if the division finally comes to life.

-Kurt

[manta a]

I got your turbo right here...

http://www.opel.de/shop/cars/astra/p...t?model=0TO08&

[RallyBob]

If they offered the 260 hp 2.0 litre Ecotec turbo engine in the Astra (same as the 2008 Cobalt Sport), I'd be all over that car like a fly on sh**.

As it is, I'm not much a of a Cobalt fan, but the new Cobalt Sport (used to be called the SS) recently turned the fastest FWD econo-box lap at the Nurburgring ever...8:22 over 14 miles. A new 911 Turbo laps the 'ring in about 7:40 for comparison. Given that they tuned the Cobalt's chassis in Germany you know which division of GM is probably responsible for that aspect of the car's performance...

So now my list of possible new car purchases includes the Saturn Astra, the Cobalt Turbo, and the Mazdaspeed 3. Just need a turbo in the Astra to make it a fair comparo.

Bob

[gr_diver]

In Greece, this car has been available the last 3 years, and there is one parked every 100 metres!

The best value for money is said to be the 1.6 turbo engine, producing 180hp. And there always is the sexy OPC version, 3-door chassis with a 2.0 turbo engine producing 240hp.

The big advantage of the car is said to be it's "Sport" button on the dashboard, that when activated makes the suspension stiffer and the steering heavier and more accurate. It's humble 1.6 and 1.4 engines are not worth even mentioning. Even with the 1.6 it's slooooow, because it is rather heavy!

[GoinManta]

Now if they only bring over the Astra Twin Top..

That I would trade my GTO for... or get for my wife.. (She doesnt need to know its an Opel

Charles

[GoinManta]

Or what about this...

This would friggin rock.. !

The Astra Diesel hybrid, based on the GM/DaimlerChrysler two-mode hybrid powertrain, used a 1.7-liter turbo diesel engine delivering 125 hp and 206 lb-ft torque with two electric motors, rated at 30 kw and 40 kw, respectively. The diesel hybrid prototype delivered zippy 0–100 km/h acceleration of less than 8 seconds—but with fuel consumption of less than 4-liters/100km (58.8 mpg)—25% more fuel-efficient than the conventional diesel model with the same displacement engine.

That wrapped in a Astra Twin Top Body... I would definately sell my GTO for..

[heimue]

Originally Posted by GoinManta Now if they only bring over the Astra Twin Top.. That I would trade my GTO for... or get for my wife.. (She doesnt need to know its an Opel

See here

And my wife knows the Saturn Astra is an Opel, and she even appreciates it!

Dieter

[namba209]

Originally Posted by heimue And my wife knows the Saturn Astra is an Opel, and she even appreciates it! Dieter

I may be in trouble too Dieter. Margaret called me when she was out and about today. She was behind a Pontiac Solstice (which she knows is a rebadged Opel GT) and thought it was a neat car. If they were going to a strip mall, she was gonna follow them and ask their opinion of the car. Then show them a pic she carries of Willit? and inform them it is the progenitor of their car.

[opelbits]

Originally Posted by GoinManta That I would trade my GTO for... Charles

After talking with you in Springfield, I know that would never happen! Unless there have been more dealer woes?

I still owe you for the Manta battery area patch set.

Tony P.

[GoinManta]

Originally Posted by namba209 I may be in trouble too Dieter. Margaret called me when she was out and about today. She was behind a Pontiac Solstice (which she knows is a rebadged Opel GT) and thought it was a neat car.

Actually its the Saturn Sky thats the GT.. Calling the Solstice a rebadged GT is like calling a Trans AM a rebadged Camaro. The body is all different.

Actually all the Saturns are Opels now.. all but the Outlook apparently the only Saturn design not designed or sold as a Opel. The rest are Opel designs. The Opel Vectra is a Saturn Aura, obviously the Opel Astra is a Saturn Astra and in the case of the Saturn Vue, its the other way around and a Saturn Vue is an Opel Antara.

The question is if the Smart car sells well.. is the Saturn Tigra far away

I can think of a few other Opels that are either rebadged US market vehicles (Zafira = Pontiac Vibe?) or vice versa..

BTW anyone know if the Aura will get a Caravan version?

Its nice to see GM realizing Opels potentional even if it is rebadged..

Now if Opel would only produce the Manta D or Calibra B and bring them over..

Charles

[BMWonly]

Originally Posted by Opelkurt I'd buy a turbo-diesel Astra if they would only sell them here... -Kurt

I just spent 3 weeks in Germany and had an Astra Caravan with the 1.9 Turbo Diesel engine as a rental car. Very impressive torque below 2000 RPM, and all the power you will ever need in the US (as a daily driver). I really enjoyed driving it, especially since it had a 6-speed manual !!!

Dieter (2)

[opelenvy]

Originally Posted by namba209 Then show them a pic she carries of Willit? and inform them it is the progenitor of their car.

Wait a minute Ron...Your wife carries a picture of your car in her purse????

I guess now I have a goal. It may be a while, but one day, I will get my wife to carry around a picture of my GT. Is the key to dump WAY to much money into it?

[gr_diver]

Originally Posted by GoinManta Now if Opel would only produce the Manta D or Calibra B and bring them over... Charles

And when either of these happen, I will sell my new car, and get one of those. Strictly RWD for the Manta, and AWD for the Calibra. We should not forget the past!

Irrelevant: If anybody gets the Astra, I can find you genuine european Opel Badges!

[Opelkurt]

Originally Posted by BMWonly I just spent 3 weeks in Germany and had an Astra Caravan with the 1.9 Turbo Diesel engine as a rental car. Very impressive torque below 2000 RPM, and all the power you will ever need in the US (as a daily driver). I really enjoyed driving it, especially since it had a 6-speed manual !!! Dieter (2)

A Turbo Diesel Astro Caravan is about the only vehicle that could replace my TDI Jetta wagon.

Here's another entertaining Astra article, focusing on over-compensating..

-Kurt

[namba209]

Originally Posted by opelenvy Wait a minute Ron...Your wife carries a picture of your car in her purse???? I guess now I have a goal. It may be a while, but one day, I will get my wife to carry around a picture of my GT. Is the key to dump WAY to much money into it?

Well George, I guess I should clarify a couple of things. Margaret and I are not married, we've just been living together for over 20 years. Something about convenience and a good relationship. The pic she carries with her is one she took of "her" motorhome with Willit? on the trailer hooked up to it. But I guess it's more of a statement of, the money I spent and what I have verses the money she spent and what she has.

[namba209]

Originally Posted by GoinManta Actually its the Saturn Sky thats the GT.. Calling the Solstice a rebadged GT is like calling a Trans AM a rebadged Camaro. The body is all different. Charles

Not quite true, Charles, the Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky, and Opel GT are built on the same assembly line in Wilmington Delaware. Check this out from the GM press release on the GT.

The development of the new Opel GT is an excellent example of transcontinental collaboration within GM. The design was inspired by the VX Lightning concept car, which was conceived by the GM Advanced Design Studio in Birmingham, England in May 2003 for the 100th anniversary of the Vauxhall brand. The new GT will be built in Wilmington/Delaware, in the USA, where its sister models, the Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky, are also produced. The Opel GT is scheduled to hit the markets in spring 2007.

[GoinManta]

Originally Posted by namba209 Not quite true, Charles, the Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky, and Opel GT are built on the same assembly line in Wilmington Delaware. Check this out from the GM press release on the GT.

I dont doubt that.. and they are the same on teh frame.

But the only difference between the GT and Sky are a few detail items.

The Differences between the Sky/GT and Solstice are the side panels rear lenses, entire front end, lights, ... etc..

As I mentioned comapring the GT to the Solstice is like comparing the 2002 Camaro to the 2002 Trans Am.. Both made in the same place, but share little in the looks department.

I love the look of the Sky/GT but think the Solstice is a bit too rounded looking..

I guess what I am saying is you could buy a Sky and "badge engineer" a GT, but you couldnt do that to a Solstice.

[namba209]

You're right Charles, the Pontiac would take a bit more to make it a GT. Another hood, for a start, and both would take the bottom of the front bumper to make them exact to include the parking lights. But all in all the bodies are the same, as is the engine.

[alpharm]

Originally Posted by gr_diver In Greece, this car has been available the last 3 years, and there is one parked every 100 metres! The best value for money is said to be the 1.6 turbo engine, producing 180hp. And there always is the sexy OPC version, 3-door chassis with a 2.0 turbo engine producing 240hp. The big advantage of the car is said to be it's "Sport" button on the dashboard, that when activated makes the suspension stiffer and the steering heavier and more accurate. It's humble 1.6 and 1.4 engines are not worth even mentioning. Even with the 1.6 it's slooooow, because it is rather heavy!

OPC Z20LEH PETROL ENGINE

"Sport" button on the dashboard, that when activated makes the suspension stiffer (EDS+ only) the steering more accurate and the engine has better sporty resonse.

To the 16T engines this also gives an extra .....with overboost