Opel Astra GTC Launching U.S The last time that the Opel Astra hit US shores, it dropped its regular badging for some Saturn ones. Needless to say, that didn’t go all that well, but General Motors is willing to have another go at it with the newest model reportedly being considered as a wolf in Buick clothing.
According to Car and Driver, the big General wants to introduce the three-door Opel Astra GTC under the Tri-Shield brand, giving customers a more thrilling alternative to the Verano sedan with which it shares its platform.
The GTC is pretty much confirmed for the US, but a convertible could also make its way over that will be based on the same Delta platform as the Astra and Verano. Although it will be based on the same mechanicals as the Verano, Astra and Cruze, it's expected to get its own distinct styling. The new convertible is expected to launch as an Opel in late 2012, but it remains to be seen if it will come here as a Buick.
The Astra GTC offers practically the same space and everyday suitability as the five-door model. With a compact rear that underlines its long, 2.61-meter wheelbase, the GTC offers the same luggage compartment volume (380 liters) as the five-door Astra. The rear seat backs can be folded down (standard 60:40 or optional 40:20:40 split) for more flexible use of interior space. Even though the designers snugly pulled in the side windows to give the body-shoulder more tightness, two adults can comfortably travel in the rear.
The dynamics of the new Astra GTC's looks turn into action on the road, thanks to the IDS chassis (Interactive Driving System) with ESPPlus, the optional IDSPlus adaptive chassis system with electronic damping control (CDC) and the networking of all electronic chassis systems. In addition, the GTC driver can activate a sport set-up at the touch of a button (SportSwitch) that regulates damper adjustment as well as accelerator-pedal and power steering response. In conjunction with automatic and Easytronic transmissions, gear shift points are modified for a sportier driving style.
