GM Europe's let fly with more details on its Antara crossover — which we'll likely see as the next Saturn Vue — ahead of its unveling at the Paris show next month. The Antara's entry engine will be a DOHC 2.4-liter four, with diesel options and a top-line 3.2-liter V6. Where the Antara will be built by those who developed the platform — at GM Daewoo in Korea — its Vue cousin will reportedly be built in Mexico. Click through for specs.
Press Release:
Opel Antara: Elegant 4WD Crossover for Everyday and Leisure Use
# Powerful diesel engines / Top-of-the-line gasoline 3.2 V6 with 227 hp
# Passenger car driving experience and clever transport features such as "Flex-Fix"
# Dynamic crossover launch in fall 2006
R sselsheim. Following the enthusiastic reaction to the Antara GTC crossover concept car at the IAA 2005, Opel launches the production version of the all-new Antara this year. The technically sophisticated five-seater combines dynamic, elegant design with intelligent four-wheel drive, high levels of functionality, generous interior space, a raised seat position and clever transport features such as "Flex-Fix". Prices start at 26,850 euros for the five-door Antara, with which Opel is again staking a claim as leader among volume manufacturers in the SUV and crossover segment. The Antara makes its public world premiere at the Mondial de l Automobile in Paris (September 30 - October 15, 2006). It can already be ordered now and will be available at dealerships from November.
Initially, three transversally-mounted engines with four valves per cylinder are available for the Antara. The most powerful is a V6 gasoline engine with a displacement of 3.2 liters, and output of 167 kW/227 hp. Opel expects the 110 kW/150 hp, 2.0-liter common-rail turbo-diesel to be the top seller. Within a few months, it will be joined by a second version which produces 93 kW/127 hp. Both engines come with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter. The entry-level engine is a 2.4-liter, 103 kW/140 hp four-cylinder gasoline unit with two overhead camshafts and one balance shaft.
The Antara's intelligent active four-wheel drive system combines the benefits of front-wheel drive - such as tractional stability when accelerating and increased driving dynamics - with those of permanent four-wheel drive.
It features an electronically controlled electro-hydraulic differential which ensures optimal torque distribution between the front and rear axles in all situations. The drivetrain is fully integrated in the ABS and ESP systems, enhancing vehicle control and active safety.
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Whatta Vue: Opel Antara Revealed