New concept set to debut at Paris Motor Show

(Opel/Vauxhall)

Opel/Vauxhall is to debut a new concept car at the Paris Motor Show, the brand confirmed August 4.

Opel and its UK brand Vauxhall, both owned by General Motors, will debut the GTC Paris among a host of other introductions expected at the show, which runs from October 2-17 in Paris.

The vehicle is expected to be an indication of the direction that Opel will take with the three-door Astra Sporthatch expected next year.

Opel says that the name, GTC Paris, "evokes both the dynamic character of the vehicle and the fashionable city where it will have its debut and that the car "is an expressive, sporty compact hatch with dramatic proportions and sculptural surfaces typical of Opel’s design language."

The brand will also stage the world premiere of the Astra Sports Tourer, an enlarged version of the Astra five-door which adds 25 liters of cabin space and features an automatic rear-seat folding system and easy-access cargo cover.

Also likely to generate significant buzz will be the Ampera display, showcasing the European cousin of General Motors' Chevrolet Volt.

Like the Volt (due for release later this year in the US), the Ampera will feature extended-range capability of up to 500 kilometers and an all-electric range of 60 kilometers, although it is not scheduled to enter production until 2011.

The Paris Motor Show is one of the largest in the automotive calendar and, along with Geneva, is the natural place for European automakers to unveil new products.

Peugeot, VW and Mercedes-Benz are also lining up to unveil new models and concepts at the show, along with Bentley, which is expected to reveal a makeover of the Continental GT.

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