Detroit Motor Show: GM to Launch Opel in Australia Next Year

Last September, we reported that Nick Reilly, Chairman of Opel, hinted at the launch of the German brand in Australia. GM's European division made it official today at, announcing that Opel is set to enter the Australian market in 2012.
Nick Reilly, said at the Detroit Auto Show: “This launch is an important part of our international expansion strategy. With its growing demand for German design and technology, the Australian car market is an excellent opportunity for Opel. Australian drivers have a strong affinity with Opel vehicles.”
In a statement released to the press, Opel said the company’s offerings will include the Insignia, Astra and Corsa, with the full model line-up to be announced closer to the actual start of sales.
GM's Australian subsidiary, Holden, will most likely continue to offer its RWD Commodore and Caprice range with the rest of the lineup comprising of rebadged Chevrolet and Daewoo models such as the Barina Spark, Captiva and Cruze. The Opel brand will be positioned more upmarket targeting Volkswagen.

Following the previously announced launch of the brand in Chile and Israel, Australia becomes the third export brand for Opel, which is looking to strengthen its exports and increase sales. The German company said other markets that are under consideration include Argentina, the Middle East and an expansion in South-Africa and China.




Gallery: Opel's European Range

Source URL: https://autocarsnews-guides.blogspot.com/search/label/Chevrolet
Visit Auto Cars News for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Chevrolet Sonic Z-Spec Concept Bows in Detroit

Making its world premiere alongside the regular variants of the all-new Chevrolet Sonic sub-compact at the Detroit Show today is a Z-Spec-badged concept study of the five-door hatchback model.
In a similar fashion to the Z-Spec 2011 Cruze , Volt and Spark minicar displayed at the SEMA Show last November, the Sonic Z-Spec demonstrates a possible lineup of factory-engineered accessories. The parts seen on the concept could be purchased individually, to suit customer tastes and budgets, but could also spawn a limited-edition version from Chevrolet in the near future.
The Detroit Show study is finished in a black paint job with contrasting orange details such as the BBS alloy wheels, the front grille surround, the upper part of the mirrors and the roof wing, plus the racing stripes. The car is also fitted with a body kit that comprises of a front and rear apron, and side skirts, while the larger chrome exhaust tail pipe completes the look.
Inside, the Sonic Z-Spec features a two-tone color theme with beige leather sports seats, steering wheel accents and gearbox, complemented by a piano black trim on the center console and doors.
Chevrolet has not yet issued a release on the performance upgrades, but judging from the aftermarket partners featured on the labels just above the rocker panels, the Z-Spec model should feature Brembo-sourced brakes, a Borla sport exhaust system, a K&N filter and a sport suspension from Pedders.




_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Source URL: https://autocarsnews-guides.blogspot.com/search/label/Chevrolet
Visit Auto Cars News for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Chevrolet Unveils 2012 Sonic in Both Sedan and Hatchback Body Styles

General Motors will be showing off the Aveo's North American market replacement in the form of the all-new Sonic sub-compact at the Detroit Show later today. We've already seen the Sonic five-door hatchback, which will continue to use the Aveo moniker in Europe and other international markets, but the US automaker also released the first photos of the four-door sedan model.
“The all-new Chevrolet Sonic blends the practicality of a small car with the passion for driving that Chevrolet vehicles like the Corvette are known for,” said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “Its combination of great design, fun driving experience and the latest connectivity features create a serious competitor with a fun spirit.”
Aside from the non-necessary associations with the Corvette, GM claims the sedan model offers segment-best trunk capacity that is greater than most compact cars, adding that both body styles of the Sonic offer better rear-seat roominess than Ford's new Fiesta.
The Sonic will be powered by the same 1,8-liter naturally aspirated and 1.4-liter turbo Ecotec petrol motors found on the Chevrolet Cruze in the U.S. The 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec pushes out 138HP and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm) between 1,850 rpm and 4,900 rpm, and can be paired to a six-speed manual. The 1.8-liter unit produces 135HP and 123 lb.-ft. of torque (167 Nm) at 3,800 rpm., and can be hooked up to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
Available features depending on the model include XM Satellite Radio, 10 airbags, antilock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, OnStar with Automatic Crash Response, and a choice of alloy wheels including 17-inch rims shod in sport tires.
Production of the North American Sonic at GM's Orion Assembly Center in Michigan, will begin later in 2011.


_________________________CHEVY SONIC 5D____________________________



_______________________________________________________________________



_________________________CHEVY SONIC 4D____________________________

Source URL: https://autocarsnews-guides.blogspot.com/search/label/Chevrolet
Visit Auto Cars News for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection