Sporty concept unveiled ahead of Paris Motor Show

(Opel)

European automaker Opel has unveiled the first shots of the GTC Paris concept car it intends to debut at next month's Paris Motor Show.

The General Motors-owned brand says that the GTC Paris was designed with the emotional side of Opel's design philosophy in mind, featuring sweeping lines and a wide stance.

Measuring 4.46 meters, the GTC Paris is a compact, sporty model that hints at the Opel line-up's future direction.

The three-door model can carry five passengers, features LED front and rear lamps and a 2.0 liter turbo engine, which is fitted with Start/Stop technology and a six-speed manual gearbox.

If Opel takes the GTC Paris concept to production as the latest of the Opel/Vauxhall Astra line, it is likely to go head to head with performance variants from other brands such as the three-door Volkswagen Golf GTI, Renault Megane RS and the Ford Focus XR4 Turbo.

The Paris Motor Show runs in Paris October 2-17.

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