Irmscher Opel Astra GTC Turbo with LPG Drive Debuts in Geneva

Irmscher Opel Astra GTC Turbo with LPG Drive

By Zack Newmark
February 18, 2009 6:21 PM
Filed Under: Geneva Motor Show, German, Opel, Tuners

German tuners Irmscher will introduce their new Irmscher Opel Astra GTC Turbo at the Geneva Motor Show next month. The Winnenden-based outfit specialize in Opel and Vauxhall, and it shows with this vehicle.

The company previously released their version of the Astra GTC with three different petrol engines: a 90 horsepower 1.4-liter, a 105 hp 1.6-liter, and a 1.8-liter that gives off 140 hp. Their latest innovation for the package is a 180 horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that runs on liquified petroleum gas, or LPG.

In many markets, this is known as propane, or butane. LPG systems are competing with methane-based compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative to petrol and diesel.

This is also not the first Opel Astra to be commercially available as an LPG. Steinmetz released a 260 hp model nearly three years ago.

Irmscher has three different levels of body modifications available for the car, the first of which includes a honeycomb grill, front and roof spoilers. Go up one grade to also get side sills, or go all-out and get Irmscher's 18-inch light alloys. The interior can be kitted out with an aluminum center console, a chrome steering wheel, leather upholstery and trim.

Any of the four engines can be converted to LPG at a cost of €2,695. The company claims the conversion will pay for itself in fuel savings. Unless of course you spend all of your time driving around looking for a LPG filling station.

Source: Irmscher

Press Release (Click to expand)

Irmscher Opel Astra GTC Turbo - makes saving fun

Geneva Motor Show 2009 - Sporty but economical. The Irmscher Astra GTC 1.6l Turbo with LPG drive

Sensible cars needn't be boring!
Irmscher have previously offered the Astra GTC in petrol versions with 1.4l/90BHP; 1.6l/105BHP and 1.8l/140BHP. In Geneva, Irmscher is presenting a new development of the 1.6l turbo engine with LPG drive. The power plant develops 132kW / 180BHP thus providing sporty performance. The conversion to the alternative combustion format and the sporty details are each offered in the package. The body package is available in three levels beginning with "S1", containing a radiator grill in a honeycomb design, front spoiler and roof spoiler.

Level 2 additionally contains side sills to form the "iS2" package. The all-round body "iS3" package includes 18-inch light alloy wheels.

All products can of course also be supplied as individual items.

Customers ordering the LPG facility for an additional € 2,695 can rapidly recoup the costs for this sporty conversion at the LPG filling station - thus combining pure driving pleasure with pleasing savings, content in the knowledge that they are travelling in an economically and environmentally-friendly way.

All models can be individually refined with leather upholstery and trim according to customer requirements. With immediate effect, the alterations can be ordered at any Opel dealership or directly at Irmscher.

At a glance - Irmscher Opel Astra GTC Turbo

Exterior
• Front spoiler lip, three-piece
• Radiator grill insert with frame and stainless steel panel
• Side sills
• Rear diffuser
• Roof spoiler
• Special décor - black
• White rear lights

Interior
• Leather upholstered seating
• Handbrake lever in aluminium look
• Real aluminium centre console
• Aluminium pedals
• Irmscher foot mats
• Steering wheel rim: chrome-matt

Technical features
• Light alloy wheels in GT Star Titanium design 8x19 ET 35 with 225/35x19 tyres
• Light alloy wheels in Sport Star design 8x18 ET 30 with 225/40x18 tyres
• Spring set
• Twin-pipe rear silencer, Ellipse, left/right
• Autogas (LPG) drive conversion for 1.4l, 1.6l, 1.6l Turbo and 1.8l petrol engines