Car Throttle

It's apparently hot hatch week.  Hot on the heels of yesterday's first pictures and details of the 5-door Fiest ST comes this: the new Vauxhall Astra VXR (or Opel Astra OPC to those on the continent.)  Although the shape itself isn't a surprise (the current Astra GTC three-door has been around since 2009), the big news is what's under the hood.

The VXR is made to compete with the Focus ST, Golf R, Scirrocco R, and Megane Renaultsport in Europe, so a 2.0L Turbo gas motor is a given.  Where the previous Astra VXR was no slouch with it's 237bhp turbo motor, the new motor benefits from direct injection, which allows a higher compression ratio and more boost.  Total power rises to 280bhp and 400nm

Since the restructuring of General Motors, all the existing brands have started to transform. With only half the brands they once had for the US market, GM needs each of it's divisions to cover more of the market.  And if ever there was a sign that GM is not afraid of change, and the future in general, it's gotta be this: the Buick Regal GS "concept." You've probably already had an earful on the new Regal by this point.  If you haven't, here's the cliff notes:  Take one Opel Insignia, mix with Buick grille and badges, and bam - instant Regal!  This isn't the first time GM has slung Adam Opel's wares as Buicks in the US (Remember the old Buick-Opels?  Buick-Opel-Isuzus?), but it's probably going to

If you've been reading my posts, you know doubt know that i have a soft spot for: A) The Opel Insignia VXR, and B) Station Wagons. All of my hopes, prayers, and dreams (except one!) were fulfilled today with the official debut of the Insignia VXR/OPC Sports Tourer, which is marketing double-speak for "station wagon" - since apparently calling a spade a spade is just not done any more. The Sports Tourer is just like the regular OPC/VXR, only more useful and better looking.  Ok, I'm biased with the two-box shapes, but I think the proportions just make a lot more sense on the wagon.  It's up for debate, as the taillights are a bit strange looking, but in my eyes this is one seriously attractive

CarScoop is really on a roll these days.  Just yesterday they found uncovered spy shots of the upcoming Saab 9-5, and today they bring us completely undisguised shots of the Insignia OPC wagon. We've discussed the impressive technical side of the OPC/VXR here before, so there's little need to reiterate.  For those that missed it, power comes from a turbocharged 2.8L V6 with 325bhp, funnelled through the latest Haldex IV torque-vectoring AWD, and there are Brembos and Recaros and all the usual trappings of a luxury performance sedan. Did I say sedan?  I also meant wagon.  I personally think the OPC works better as a wagon; the proportions make a lot more sense and the shape overall is a lot prettier than the sedan.  I'm

GM Europe's Opel and Vauxhall divisions have just revealed the range-topping high performance version of the Insignia, and it looks like it's going to offer serious competition for Audi's new S4 sedan.  Considering I can say that unironically, let's take a closer look at these new hi-po GM sedans to see what they have to offer. The Insignia replaced the Vectra as GM Europe's large sedan last year, and was met with largely positive reviews in the press.  It's a looker, too, especially with the Irmscher Performance Parts on it.  Now GM has stepped into the ring with the full-on OPC/VXR models, boasting lots of power, grip and poise for the discerning driver. Under the hood is a derivative of GM's "high feature" 2.8L 24v V6.