Otocars Review

Spy Shots: New Opel Astra Convertible Caught Out in the Open Again - Opel is sure taking its time to complete the lineup of its popular Astra model. It has already been close to three years since GM's European brand introduced the five-door hatchback, which was followed by the Sports Tourer estate, the three-door GTC and more recently, the 276hp OPC flagship sports model.

In fact, while we're still waiting for the presentation of the four door sedan (closely related to the Buick Verano) and convertible models, we found out that Opel is working on a mild update for the five-door hatch!

The Convertible model seen in these latest spy shots will enter production next year, which means that its world premiere should take place at the Paris Motor Show this fall or at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

Read more » http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/03/spy-shots-new-opel-astra-convertible.html

Opel Ampera to Run at the 2012 Rally Monte Carlo - The Chevrolet Volt's European twin, the Opel Ampera, will be making its inaugural appearance at this year's edition of the international Rally Monte Carlo.
All in all, six Ampera sedans will participate in the “Alternative Energy” version of the rally, which starts in Annecy-le-Vieux, Clermont-Ferrand and Lugano on March 22 and finishes three days later in the capital of Monaco, Monte Carlo.

The Ampera will be competing against some 150 green cars that are expected to take part this year. The Tesla Roadster was the winner of the last two competitions.

In order to participate in the Monte Carlo Rally for Alternative Energy Vehicles, a car must emit less than 115g/km of CO2. The goal is to cover a certain distance and maintain a constant speed while using as little energy as possible.

The Ampera, which was recently crowned 2012 Car of the Year in Europe, is equipped with an electric motor that drives the wheels and a conventional petrol engine that kicks in to produce electricity once the batteries are depleted.

The electric propulsion system produces up to 150-horsepower and instant torque of 370Nm (273 lb-ft) allowing for a zero to 100 km/h acceleration time of around nine seconds and a top speed of 161 km/h (100mph).