The first official pictures of the GTC Paris concept, which previews the new Astra OPC/VXR has just been released. Designed to embody the twin ideas of beauty and speed, the GTC features an aggressive front, LED daytime running lights, stocky rear wheel haunches, and incorporates the classic Opel styling cues, like the ‘blade’ from the Insignia.

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Apparently some of our friends from CarMag in the UK managed to get some “rare” details on how the n BMW 1-series is going to look like. With an accent on fuel efficiency, the new BMW 1 is going to sport a new 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine but the power figures are like that.

PETROL

• BMW 116i – 136bhp (101kW)
• BMW 118i – 184bhp (137kW)
• BMW 120i – 218bhp (163kW)
• BMW 130i – 272bhp (203kW)
• no M1, but a twin turbo that will sport 300bhp (225kW)

DIESEL

• BMW 118d with 150bhp (112kW)
• BMW 120d producing 184bhp (137kW)
• BMW 123d good for 211bhp (157kW)

Mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed double-clutch (as optional), running on a RWD suspension, and a few body changes, we’re only eager to get behind the wheel for a test ride. This BMW looks much better than the older version .. isn’t it ?