In contrast to many other coupés which are often merely hatchback
variants of a sedan, the Opel Astra GTC is a standalone car within the
Opel product spectrum. It is the sharpest looking Astra when it comes to
design and the very essence of what a coupé should be, because of its
extraordinary usefulness in day to day situations. None of the
components in the Astra GTC have been lifted from other Astras, apart
from the mounting of the rear mirror and the aerial.
The design
team was tasked with giving a new and dynamic expression of its mission
statement of "sculptural artistry meets German precision". They came up
with a car that is as uncompromising as a wild cat, crouching down on
the street, ready to leap. However, at the same time it can be gentle
and playful. "The essence of the new Opel design language is to reduce
everything to the maximum. And the Opel Astra GTC is our most radical
interpretation of that," says the Opel Exterior Design Director, Malcolm
Ward. "We wanted to create a really attractive car made up of only a
few key dynamic lines."
There are only three lines that create tension and define the outline of the silhouette.
A
fine, crisp line sweeps downward from the front door to the bottom of
the rear fender and energizes the body side. A second line encapsulates
the door handle and stretches to the rear, emphasizing the GTC's
dramatic stance by spreading the surfaces to a fine undercut and a broad
shoulder. The third line follows the clean, sporty silhouette of the
roof.
No compromising on design
The designers' unwillingness
to compromise, particularly when designing the GTC shoulder area, put
the whole engineering team up against a challenge. The sheet metal
sections needed to be pressed unusually deeply to enable realization of
the wide shoulder and dominant wheelhouses from the sketch and clay
model. Just a few years ago, this would have been technically
impossible. A "real" door made of steel was built earlier than usual, so
that new production methods could be tested - and to help determine if
the final car could do justice to the initial vision. And it did.
Panoramic windscreen offers unique vistas
The
Opel Astra GTC is a standalone car in its own right and its striking
design re-enforces that impression. The Vice President of Design, Mark
Adams, wants to avoid what he calls the "Russian Dolls" effect, where
all models look the same and just differ in size. He states that "It is
important that each vehicle in our portfolio has its own personality,
because each has a unique role in our portfolio and appeals to different
customers."
Therefore the panoramic windscreen was reserved
exclusively for the Opel Astra GTC within the Astra family. The
windscreen gives the racy compact coupé a dynamic look and a luxurious
note. The large front windscreen stretches all the way to the middle of
the car roof and gives the driver and the passengers an extraordinary
visual, space and driving experience. In contrast to other glass roof
solutions, in this case there is no transverse spar that reduces
visibility. On the contrary, the roof boosts the roominess of the
interior, thus improving the driving experience. The driver, his
co-pilot and the passengers in the rear are able to enjoy a vista,
similar to what pilots experience under the light plane canopies.
From
the outside, the panoramic windscreen together with its black metallic
steel roof looks like a continuous surface. The A and B pillars are also
coated in black as well as the roof liner, reinforcing the impression
of a homogenous surface. In the event of very powerful sun rays a roller
blind can be lowered inside the cabin which sits under the panoramic
glass. This helps create a pleasant atmosphere. The device which is
continuously variable can be easily adjusted and then may be attached
with a turning handle. The solar protection comes complete with an
integrated sun visor which even in its opened state disappears behind
the rear roof component.
Athletic powerhouse with practical strengths
In
contrast to its competitors, the Opel Astra GTC is not handicapped by
its coupé pedigree to deal with every situations on the road. The
flexible boot that can load between 380 and 1.165 liters, comes in
addition to the room for five passengers. The storage space inside the
cabin was increased by 50 percent in comparison to its predecessor. In
the Cosmo variant, the electric parking brake (EPB) is a basic feature
and contributes to an efficient space distribution in the Opel Astra
GTC. Specifically in the central console, where storage capacity is
normally much in demand, the EPB pays off. It means that depending on
which features have been added to the car, there are up to 19 storage
facilities on board.
The flowing and sculptural shape of the
outside body work is continued on the inside with curved surfaces and
circular features. The wing-like instrument panel embraces the front
seats in a wide arc. Similar to wing tips the upper segments of the door
panels give the impression of a broad span that offers protection. The
sickle shape, associated with Opel, is also reflected in the design
features, for example in the shape of the shiny, chrome door knobs and
the gear stick cover. The elegant central console has been fitted with a
flat angle, creating a harmonious, flowing transition from the dash
board to the gear box.
This in turn enhances the roominess of the
interior. The overall atmosphere is very pleasant thanks to décor
details such as the chrome instrument fittings and knobs or the
juxtaposition of the user-friendly surfaces and the pleasant
back-lighting.
New materials, colors and patterns give a further
boost to the very sporty nature of the Opel Astra GTC. For example, the
color combinations include Imola, Red/Morrocana, Black or Imola,
Black/Morrocana, Black for the middle seat segments and the side panels.
They are the ideal combination with the décor panels which are painted
in piano-lacquer style. Further leather accessories are also available,
including the elegant velour leather "Dinamica-Black". The sports
steering wheel which is easy to grip is part of the basic features and
fits perfectly with the nature of the Opel Astra GTC. The front seats
have the highest degree of flexibility in the segment in order to do
justice to every style of driver. Another optional extra is the
ergonomic sports seat which can be adjusted in eight different
positions. The seat carries the quality seal from the German healthy
back association "Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V."
Bespoke layout for the ultimate driving experience
Like
its predecessor, the new Astra GTC is a standalone model in its own
right within the Opel product spectrum. Its breathtaking looks and
dynamic handling were the focal points at the development stage. The
bespoke chassis layout of the sporty compact car delivers a sense of fun
and precise handling. The chassis of the new GTC is 15 millimeters
lower than that of the 5-door Astra, while the wheelbase has grown by
10mm, from 2685mm to 2695mm. Both tracks are wider, too, at 1584mm
(+40mm) front and 1588mm (+30mm) rear. The end result is that the Opel
Astra GTC has a strong presence on the road.
High-tech front suspension appeals to sports fans
Right
from the start of the GTC's development program the target was to
deliver a driver-oriented feel to the car. The precise response of
steering and dampers should not reduce comfort and performance in daily
traffic. The solution is called HiPerStrut (High-Performance Strut). In
all its versions, the Opel Astra GTC possesses this exclusive
high-performance suspension strut. It is based on the system currently
seen on the 239 kW/325 hp Insignia OPC. In its newly adapted form to the
compact coupe, the new front suspension provides better handling and
more responsive steering - just what sports car drivers are looking for.
The HiPerStrut uses the same pick up points, but achieves a reduction
of the inclination angle by 44 percent and shortens the spindle length
(kingpin offset) by 46 percent with a reduced lever arm. This helps
prevent torque-steer - a trait of many powerful front-wheel-drive cars -
allowing drivers to make more use of the GTC's performance without the
steering being corrupted.
Rear axle with Watt's link optimizes comfort and car handling
The
combination of compound-crank axle and Watt's link which has proven
successful in the 5-door Astra, is also being used in the Opel Astra
GTC. This rear axle system is lighter and more compact than a multi-link
rear suspension and provides better lateral stability. The Watt's link
is fitted to a small cross-member attached to the underside of the car,
just behind the rear wheel center line. It comprises a short, pivoting
center link with a ball joint at each end, to which the lateral links
from the wheels are bolted. In a straight line, the set up ensures
excellent stability, but during cornering it minimizes lateral
deflection in the same way a modern multi-link system would do. Opel's
engineers estimate that the linkage absorbs around 80 percent of all
lateral loads on the rear suspension. In addition, the Watt's link
allows for softer bushings, which no longer have to compensate for toe
changes at the rear of the car, and thus there is a reduction in
annoying factors such as vibration from the road surface and noise
level.
Mechatronic FlexRide boosts safety and driving fun
The
lay out of the Astra GTC chassis has been designed to perfectly
integrate Opel's intelligent, fully-adaptive FlexRide chassis control
system. FlexRide links the separate electronic driving assistance
components to one another, including the ESC stability control and the
adaptive dampers, CDC. In this way, the chassis automatically adapts to
road conditions, cornering speed, vehicle movements and individual
driving style. Better handling and vehicle balance also enhance driving
safety in emergency situations. In addition, the driver can chose from
three different FlexRide settings at the touch of a button: one can
choose anytime between the balanced Standard mode, the comfort-oriented
"Tour" mode or the more active "Sport" mode.
Precise steering with electric power steering
Precision,
feedback and confidence: these were the three target elements for the
GTC's bespoke steering program. The challenge was to optimize the
Rack-assist electric power steering REPS in such a way that it would
feel lighter at lower speeds while at the same time offering closer
contact with the road surface at higher speeds. The Opel Astra GTC uses a
rack and pinion steering system with speed sensitive assistance. But in
order to provide drivers with a more precise steering response, the
system's electric motor was mounted directly on the steering rack, as
opposed to the base of the steering column. At higher speeds, the power
steering assistance is automatically reduced so that the driver can
steer in a more precise fashion than with conventional power steering.
The second important benefit is that, because it does not require an
energy consuming hydraulic pump and responds directly to the amount of
power needed at any speed, fuel consumption is also reduced.
Broad engine spectrum for new compact coupé
Since
the start of orders, the new Opel Astra GTC has been available with a
choice of five engines - a powerful 2.0 liter turbo diesel with 121
kW/165 hp alongside four agile gasoline engines with outputs from 74
kW/100 hp to the 1.6 turbo with 132 kW/180 hp. All engines are compliant
with Euro-5. Apart from the entry-level gasoline version, all engines
are combined with six-gear manual transmissions. Further high
performance engines will be launched next year, including the 206 kW/280
hp OPC variant. The diesel spectrum will then be extended at the start
of 2012 with further two engines: both are 1.7 liter CDTI variants,
either as a 81 kW/110 hp or as a 96kW/130 hp version. They are equipped
with fuel saving Start/Stop technology. Soon Opel will launch a new
121/165 hp diesel unit with a user-friendly six-gear automatic
transmission.
Nippy 1.6 turbo
Fans of sporty cars will
appreciate the great sense of fun the 1.6 liter, 132 kW/180 hp engine
has to offer. The nippy turbo ensures that the GTC can achieve a top
speed of 220 km/h. It can accelerate the engine from zero to 100 km/h in
just 8.3 seconds. The powerhouse boasts a maximum torque of 230 Newton
meters with only 168 g/km in CO2 emissions. In order to cope with the
higher operating temperatures which are typical in a turbo, the engine's
outlet valves have been filled with sodium. In addition, the piston
head has been fitted with splash oil cooling. Furthermore, a
map-controlled thermostat increases the coolant temperature at lower
revolutions. This improves the fluidity of the engine oil, while
decreasing friction and reducing fuel consumption.
Powerful and sporty two-liter diesel
The
Common-Rail turbo diesel 2.0 CDTI engine has 121 kW/165 hp and maximum
torque of 350 Newtonmeters. Thanks to the Overboost function, the sporty
compact car can draw 380 Nm torque at short notice. The engine
performance enables the car to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just
8.9 s. Its maximum speed is 210 km/h. The engine combines a powerful
driving performance with a high level of economy. In fact, the average
fuel consumption is a mere 4.8 liters on 100 kilometers. This is
equivalent to 127 g/km of CO2 emissions. This 2.0 CDTI version of the
Opel Astra GTC can travel more than 1.100 km on a tank of 56 liters. The
Opel Start/Stop system which has its greatest fuel saving potential in
town traffic is a standard feature.
Optimized motor management
ensures that the 2.0 CDTI engine can run efficiently in any condition.
Cylinder pressure censors fitted to the spark plugs make this possible
(Cleantech Combustion Technology) and ensure more precise combustion
control. The new multiple injection system works at a pressure of 1.600
bar and delivers up to five injections per cycle. It refines the
combustion process and hereby lowers the fuel consumption. The bearings
used by the twin upper camshafts were improved by the Opel engineers
which in turn reduces friction and saves fuel.
Two new 1.7 CDTI models expand the spectrum in 2012
The
diesel engine offering in the compact coupe segment will be
complimented by two new 1.7 CDTI engines at the start of 2012. The
Common-Rail direct injection engines deliver 81 kW/110 hp or 96 kW/130
hp and provide torque of 280 and 300 Nm respectively. The Start/Stop
technology comes as a standard feature in the Opel Astra GTC 1.7 CDTI
version. This means that carbon emissions are as low as 119 g/km and
fuel consumption is only 4.5 liters on 100 km. The new motor management
which was developed from scratch by Opel engineers delivers the highest
level of efficiency and power in both engine models.
Reduced
compression and operating pressures of 1,800 bar ensure that the new
injection system can deliver up to five injections per cycle. As well as
it is the case for the 2.0 CDTI, a new turbo charger with variable
blade geometry helps to maintain a low fuel consumption. The turbo
charger has a very precise boost control thanks to an additional
actuator censor.
1.4 liter turbo gasoline engine: small displacement, lots of power
Both
1.4 liter turbo engines are available as 88kW/120 hp and as 103 kW/140
hp versions. The engines reach their maximum torque at between 1.850 and
4.200-1 (88 kW) or 4.900-1 (103 kW) respectively. At this level of
torque they deliver great reserves of power and only consume 5.9 liters
of fuel on 100 kilometers, with an output of 139 g/km in CO2 emissions.
The turbo charged, four-cylinder engine has been fitted with Start/Stop
technology as a basic feature. It also possesses a new engine control
system to deliver even more precise combustion. There are two upper
variable camshafts facing the in - and outlet side which control the
four valves per cylinder. The variable opening and closing timings which
are load dependent ensure that the torque is full bodied even at lower
to medium revolutions. This means that the delivery of power is
improved, while helping to save on fuel. The map controlled thermostat
that improves the temperature management of the engine also helps to
lower fuel consumption. The same can be said of the wider gear ratio
with bigger spacing. A six-gear automatic will be available for the 140
hp variant starting in January 2012. The 74 kW/100 hp entry level
gasoline unit is a 1.4 liter suction engine with a manual five-gear
transmission. It only consumes 5.9 liters on 100 kilometers, equivalent
to 139 g/km in CO2.
Assistance systems for a safe and comfortable driving experience
The
compact and sporty Opel Astra GTC is not only impressive because of its
dynamic and striking looks: it has been designed to enable sporty
driving and has been equipped with a string of innovative premium
technologies to assist the driver. The assistance systems ensure that
there is a sense of fun in the Astra GTC, while at the same time
delivering a high degree of safety and comfort, if the driver has lapses
of concentration or is loses focus.
The basis for the driver
assistance systems in the Opel Astra GTC is the more powerful, second
generation of the "Opel Eye" front camera system. After two years of
further development, it now has improved image processing thanks to its
widened lens view and a more powerful multitasking high-performance
computer. The camera case which sits at the base of the rear view mirror
has been reduced by 35 per cent in size so that the driver visibility
is increased.
The engineers improved the Lane Departure Warning
(LDW) that warns the driver both acoustically and visually by detecting
lane markings and also optimized the Traffic Sign Assistant (TSA Gen II)
which can identify even more road signs than the previous generation,
including rectangular signs and dynamic signs such as LED light signals.
In
addition, the new "Opel Eye" front camera system enhances the Adaptive
Light System (AFL+) by incorporating the Intelligent Light Ranging
capability. It automatically adapts the range of the low beam headlights
in order to provide the optimum lighting of the road at all times
without dazzling other road users. The Following Distance Indication
based on the front camera system helps the driver avoid collisions and
fines for not maintaining the correct safety distance to the vehicle in
front.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
In the event of unintended
lane departures, the Lane Departure Warning warns the driver both
acoustically and visually by detecting lane markings. Opel engineers
have further refined the system to minimize customer annoyance caused by
false warnings. Based on the input from steering wheel movements, brake
and acceleration motions, the system automatically recognizes a direct
driver command. No warnings are provided when the indicator signal is
used or at vehicle speeds below 55 km/h, in other words in typical city
traffic where drivers often touch or cross lane markings.
Traffic Sign Assistant (TSA Gen II)
The
new generation "Opel Eye" front camera with the enhanced second
generation Traffic Sign Assistant can identify even more road signs than
the previous generation. In addition to typical European round signs
for speed limits, the new front camera now also recognizes rectangular
signs such as Autobahn, traffic-restricted zones and speed limit-related
add-on signs with graphic symbols from a distance of up to 60 meters.
Due to multiple exposure technology, the new "Opel Eye" increases its
image processing power and can now also detect dynamic signs - for
instance LED light signals located on bridges or at accident danger
spots - which are often challenging for even human eyes to see.
Advanced Forward Lighting (AFL+)
The
Advanced Forward Lighting system AFL+ now also combines with the new
generation of the Opel Eye front camera to offer an Intelligent Light
Ranging (ILR) function which is automatically activated at speeds from
50 km/h. The front camera measures the distance to the vehicle ahead or
to oncoming traffic and adapts the range of the low beam headlights in
order to provide the optimum lighting of the road at all times without
dazzling the other road users.
Following Distance Indication (FDI)
The
Following Distance Indication which is activated automatically at
speeds from 40 km/h helps to prevent collisions and avoids possible
fines for not maintaining the correct safety distance to the vehicle in
front. The front camera system directly measures the distance to the
vehicle ahead up to a distance of 90 meters. The central driver display
shows the corresponding distance value in seconds: This is in line with
the regulations in most European countries, which define the safety
distance in terms of time, not meters. In Germany, for instance, the
minimum distance is 1.8 seconds - equivalent to half the distance of the
current speedometer reading in meters, e.g. 50 m when driving with a
speed of 100 km/h.
Dynamic and fun driving experience
There
are two different configurations available in the new Astra GTC with the
two variants, Enjoy and Sport. All the typical elements that ensure
dynamic vehicle handling are standard across all the models. They
include the 15 millimeter lower sports chassis, the exclusive HiPerStrut
front suspension and the rear axle system including the Watt's link.
The
basic safety package includes the electronic stability program ESPPlus ,
the traction control TCPlus linked to the engine and brakes and the
anti-lock braking system complete with bend brake controls and braking
assistant. Further features include a comprehensive air bag system,
active head rests for the front seats, the adaptive brake light and the
Pedal Release System (PRS).
The air conditioning system includes a
particle filter and an activated carbon filter. The radio CD 300 comes
as a standard feature as does the height and length adjustable steering
column and the equally adjustable front seats, complete with easy-entry
access and memory function. The rear seat back rests can be folded down
forwards in a ratio of 60:40.
The compact coupé is top of the
class when it comes to environmental friendliness. The two-liter diesel
engine has a particle filter that does not require maintenance. The gear
shift recommendation reminding the driver to change up is a standard
part of the dashboard in the variants with manual transmission.
Well-equipped Sport edition
The
Sport configuration comes complete with an attractive set of 18-inch
aluminum wheels. Other features include a hill drive assistant as well
as an on-board computer and speed control. The center armrest which is
adjustable by sliding and front door ambient lights are practical and
create a comfortable atmosphere. The steering wheel appears both high
quality and sporty thanks to its partly perforated leather coating and
chrome bracket. Also on board is the two-zone climate control system by
which the driver and the co-pilot can each adjust the temperature to
their own liking.
Extras mean even more individuality
Customers
can follow their individual tastes and desires by accessing a broad
spectrum of optional extras for the Opel Astra GTC. Configurations have
been turned into clear and sensible packages in order to aid the
customer and make the choice more affordable. For example, the design
package comprises light metal wheels, a fog light and the other
conventional lighting fixtures. The OPC Line package comprises a bumper
with a spoiler lip, a rear skirting lip and a side skirt. The OPC Line
package Interior comes complete with a sports steering wheel, a leather
gear stick, stainless steel pedals and a black headliner.
The
FlexRide chassis system has been tailored to the new Opel compact coupé.
It includes the adaptive Drive Mode Control and three optional drive
modes which are Standard, Sport (individually adjustable) and Tour. The
front seats have the highest degree of flexibility in the segment in
order to fit every style of driver. Maximum comfort and lateral support
are guaranteed with the help of an ergonomic sports seat that can be
adjusted in eight different positions. The seat which is available for
the driver and co-pilot carries the quality seal from the German healthy
back association "Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V."
One of the big
innovative extras of the new Opel Astra GTC is the second-generation
Opel Eye front camera with expanded functionality. The improved Lane
Departure Warning is added to the enhanced Traffic Sign Recognition
which can now identify even more of the traffic signs used in the EU and
recognize rectangular signs. In addition, the latest version of the
Advanced Forward Lighting (AFL) can be boosted with the Intelligent
Light Ranging system (ILR) that uses the front camera from the Opel Eye
to measure the distance from the vehicle ahead and adjust the headlamp
low beam pattern. This helps the driver prevent collisions and fines if
he fails to maintain the compulsory safety distance to the vehicles
ahead.
The infotainment offer includes the new "Navi 900 Europe"
navigation system with SC card- based memory technology, including
navigation and POI (point of interest) data for more than 30 European
countries. It enables high-speed access and allows universal networking
with mobile devices and digital media. Additional features include a log
book function for each trip with USB download, automatic POI
announcements and voice recognition for navigation, phone, radio and
CD/USB controls. To deliver an absolutely premium sound, the new Opel
Astra GTC offers the option of a special Infinity Sound System with
seven premium loudspeakers and a subwoofer.
New angles with panoramic windscreen
Customers
who opt for the panoramic wind screen will treat their passengers to
cinematic vistas. The large front windscreen stretches all the way to
the middle of the car roof and gives the driver and the passengers an
extraordinary visual, space and driving experience. In contrast to other
glass roof solutions, in this case there is no transverse spar that
reduces visibility. On the contrary, the roof boosts the roominess of
the interior, thus improving the driving experience. The wind screen
allows those on the inside not just to enjoy rays of sun but also
dramatic cloud patterns or street illuminations at night. In contrast to
other common glass roof solutions, in the Opel Astra GTC the driver,
his co-pilot and the passengers in the rear are able to enjoy a vista,
similar to what pilots experience under the light plane canopies. Opel
was the first car maker in the world to offer this innovative glass
technology in a production vehicle. In the 2006 Astra GTC predecessor
this feature had its world debut.
New Opel Astra GTC expected to inject even more passion and dynamism into brand
The
Opel Astra is the bestseller of the Opel product family. The tenth
millionth Astra rolled off the assembly line in Bochum back in 2008.
Since the launch of the latest Astra 5-door at the end of 2009, this
model accounts for around a third of all Opel/Vauxhall sales. The
compact station wagon, the Astra Sports Tourer, is the leader of its
segment in Europe based on data from the first eight months of 2011. In
several countries including Germany, the UK and Italy, it is the number
one compact wagon (Jan-Sep 2011). The new Astra GTC is the ultimate
Astra in terms of driving dynamics and the most dynamic expression of
Opel's new design language. It is expected to inject even more passion
into the brand and to make the Astra lineup even more desirable.
Starting in November 2011, the new sporty compact coupé will be
available at car dealers. Already more than 15,000 orders have been
received since June 2011.
Standalone member of Opel product family
The
success story of the Opel Astra GTC began as the design study GTC
Genève, which was presented at the 2003 Geneva motor show. Even at its
design stage it was remarkably similar to the later production vehicle
which was unveiled to the public in Paris a year later. It had its
market debut in spring 2005.
Even at its experimental stage, the
vehicle was equipped with a panoramic windscreen. In 2006, Opel became
the first car maker in the world to offer this as a basic feature in a
production vehicle. In contrast to many other coupés which are merely a
3-door variant of their 5-door hatchback counterparts, the first
generation Astra GTC was already a standalone model in its own right
within the Opel product spectrum. The most striking design features
include its sporty proportions and its flat, elongated silhouette as
well as its curved roof outline that is full of verve. The arrow-like
sweep of the front and rear are equally striking.
Many coupé fans
could not resist the charms of the racy 3-door car. So Opel was able to
sell more than 400.000 Astra GTCs across Europe. The biggest portion
went to the United Kingdom. At least 106.000 right-hand-drive compact
coupés have been sold there as vehicles from the Vauxhall sister brand.
Germany represents the second biggest market for the Opel Astra GTC
(70.500 sales), followed by Spain, Russia, Italy and France. The year
2006 has been the most successful year for the GTC to date with more
than 90.000 sales across Europe. These results underscore the reputation
of the Astra GTC as "an affordable dream car" and help position Opel as
the German car brand with the biggest emotional impact.
Exclusive: Patented panoramic windscreen
In
2006, the production of the Opel Astra GTC complete with panoramic
windscreen began, making it a first for the industry. Until today, it is
the only 3-door coupé with this exclusive configuration.
Eighteen-thousand European Astra GTC customers have opted for this
extraordinary system which is exclusive to the Astra GTC within the
Astra family. The windscreen gives the compact coupé a dynamic and racy
edge. The large screen at the front that stretches all the way to the
halfway point of the roof creates a special visual sensation and a sense
of space, in addition to an extraordinary driving experience. In
contrast to other glass roof solutions, in this case there is no
transverse spar that reduces visibility. This means that the driver, the
co-pilot and the passengers in the rear are able to enjoy a vista,
similar to what pilots experience under the light plane canopies. So
overall, the new Opel Astra GTC combines the very best of Opel design
with dynamic handling and exclusive features such as the panoramic
windscreen.
