Latest news with #Opel
Auto Blog
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
How European Stellantis Models Could Revive Dodge & Chrysler
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Americans seem to get the short end of the stick You might have noticed that in recent times, it seems that most of Stellantis's North American model lineups have been slimmed down to just a small handful of options–options that seem like they're either incredibly dated, like the Dodge Durango whose current generation has been around to see three different CEOs, or the Dodge Charger EV which hasn't been able to resonate with long-time Mopar muscle car buyers. After some time spent walking around the streets of Europe and the United Kingdom, I've begun to wonder why these North American-based Stellantis brands don't offer any of the popular models offered exclusively to European buyers. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:10 Full screen VW will introduce a sub-$20,000 EV, but probably not here Watch More 2012 Buick Regal GS You may recall a time when Saturn–one of General Motors' sub-brands that received the corporate axe, as well as Buick- offered rebadged Opel products to North American buyers. One example is the fifth-generation Buick Regal, which was essentially a rebadged Opel Insignia and was hugely successful for the brand. According to GM, the fifth-gen Buick Regal 'helped to boost Buick's total annual sales 40 percent,' and actually helped the brand appeal to a younger demographic that it desperately needed. GM noted that 'More than 60 percent of Regal Turbo customers alone are younger than 55,' and that the model actually swayed buyers who otherwise would not have considered a Buick towards the brand. Saturn employed similar strategies, selling the Opel Astra in North America. Although it found some success in the United States, it proved significantly more popular in Canada, where the country's European influence tends to result in more willing buyers for Euro-style hatchbacks and station wagons. 2004 Saturn Astra Unfortunately, Saturn ended up being axed from GM's brand portfolio as a result of the 2008 financial crisis, with Buick being saved thanks to its popularity in China. However, in the years leading up to its inevitable demise, rebadged European models kept Saturn afloat. Now, however, in 2025, Opel no longer falls under the General Motors brand umbrella. Instead, Opel belongs to Stellantis–along with other Euro-exclusive brands like Peugeot, Lancia, and DS Automobiles. To me, this begs the question as to why North American Stellantis brands like Dodge and Chrysler, which now exist with massively diminished model lineups, don't take a page out of Saturn and Buick's playbook and offer North American buyers models that are exclusive to Europe. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Using generative text-to-image artificial intelligence software and Adobe Photoshop, we take an imagined look at what some Opel and Peugeot models could look like if rebranded as Dodges or Chryslers. These renders are for speculative and entertainment purposes only and in no way resemble any actual Dodge and Chrysler products. Chrysler could revive the venerable Sebring as a rebranded Peugeot 508 Chrysler Sebring Concept — Source: Cole Attisha Using Midjourney AI Alright, maybe describing the Sebring as 'venerable' is a bit of an exaggeration, I'll admit, but there's no denying that people still recognize the name to this day, and it's perfectly fitting for a semi-premium mid-size sedan that isn't quite the old-school, rear-wheel drive 300. Using the second-generation Peugeot 508 as a foundation, which has been in production since the 2019 model year, could allow Chrysler to offer a significantly more advanced and modern successor to previous mid-size sedan models like the Cirrus, the Sebring, and the 200. Although the mid-size sedan segment has dwindled in recent years in North America, a few brands still carry the torch with notable examples being the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, and the Kia K5. Using some of Peugeot's efficient and modern powertrain options, a Chrysler-badged 508 could not only offer competitive performance, but it could also offer something truly unique in its segment: a 355-horsepower plug-in hybrid option. While its standard powertrain would most likely be the Peugeot 508's 222-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter PureTech four-cylinder, the revived Chrysler Sebring could also offer up the turbocharged 1.6-liter PSE plug-in hybrid powertrain, which pairs 355 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. That would make it a one-of-a-kind offering within its segment and match current Stellantis efforts to offer more plug-in hybrid variants across its various lineups. Dodge could revive the Caliber hatchback as a rebranded Opel Astra / Peugeot 308 2026 Dodge Caliber Concept — Source: Cole Attisha Using Midjourney AI If you throw a stone almost anywhere in Europe or the United Kingdom, odds are it'll land near an Opel Astra or a Peugeot 308. Sharing the PSA EMP2 Platform and many of its powertrains, the pair of hatchbacks has taken Europe by storm, rivalling other hatchback heroes such as the Volkswagen Golf and the Toyota Corolla Hatchback–models that we did, in fact, receive stateside. Although the Astra's basic powertrain — a turbocharged 1.2-liter inline-three — might be a bit too anemic for North American buyers, its optional 222-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo-four plug-in hybrid power plant could make an interesting addition to our domestic market. Dodge Caliber Concept — Source: Cole Attisha Using Midjourney AI For buyers who are still wary of PHEV technology, the Dodge Hornet's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder could be carried over, offering 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Perhaps with a modified state of tune and a power figure somewhere just north of 300, we could even see a return of the cult-classic Dodge Caliber SRT4–a possibility made even more likely by the recent announcement that Dodge's SRT division will once again churn out high-performance muscle machines. What if the Dodge Neon returned as an Opel Mokka-based subcompact crossover Dodge Neon Crossover Concept — Source: Cole Attisha Using Midjourney AI Don't hate me for suggesting Dodge should slap the Neon nameplate on a crossover, just as Mitsubishi so sacrilegiously did with the Eclipse. The unfortunate truth is that subcompact sedans and hatchbacks just don't cut it with North American buyers anymore. In fact, the segment has been entirely replaced by subcompact crossovers like the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, and the Chevrolet Trax. That last one specifically could be the Dodge Neon crossover's main target. By offering an inexpensive yet practical crossover, Chevrolet managed to sell over 200,000 Traxs in the United States alone last year — an 84% increase over its 2023 sales. Dodge Neon Crossover Concept — Source: Cole Attisha Using Midjourney AI You may or may not be surprised to learn that the previous generation of the Chevrolet Trax was, in fact, a rebadged Opel Mokka–and so was the Buick Encore, so this strategy is certainly nothing revolutionary within the segment. With its new Stellantis parents, however, the Opel Mokka B is a massive step forward from its previous generation, just as the new Trax is. Using the Opel Mokka B's turbocharged 1.2-liter inline-three, which produces 128 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque, the Dodge Neon Crossover would remain competitive with the Chevrolet Trax's similarly turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder, which produces 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Whereas the Trax is available only with a six-speed automatic gearbox, the Mokka has eight speeds. 2024 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV — Source: Chevrolet To one-up the Chevy Trax, Dodge could even offer the Neon Crossover with a fully-electric variant, akin to the Opel Mokka-e. Featuring 156 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of instantly available torque, the long-range version of the Opel Mokka-e benefits from a 54kWh battery and an estimated range of up to 252 miles. All this would mean that an electric Dodge Neon Crossover could offer 23 more horsepower, 3 more lb-ft of torque, and 52 more miles of battery range than the Hyundai Kona Electric SE–a feat that buyers of inexpensive EVs would surely appreciate. Final thoughts Admittedly, the hypothetical return of the Chrysler Sebring as a rebadged Peugeot and the Dodge Neon as a rebadged Opel crossover don't seem all that glamorous and exciting, but that's exactly the point. While these models may not be as controversial as the electric Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack or as exciting as the return of Hemi-powered Ram 1500s, they are sensible and practical vehicles that American buyers want and need. They are vehicles that brands like Dodge and Chrysler used to do quite well with, and they are vehicles that these brands desperately need within their lineups today, because what else do they really have to offer? I don't for a second believe that this solution is a serious one for the long-term longevity of these brands, but I do believe that it's a great way to give their showrooms something to sell in the meantime while Dodge and Chrysler develop more of their own models, buying the brand and its employees some time before their buyers give up completely. Who knows, maybe Stellantis might just find the sense to go through with it. About the Author Cole Attisha View Profile
Motor 1
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Stellantis Abandons Hydrogen Fuel Cell Development: 'Niche Segment'
Many people have considered hydrogen nothing more than a pipe dream from the very beginning. However, some automakers have insisted (and a few still do) that there is a future for electric vehicles with fuel cells instead of bulky batteries. Stellantis was determined to pursue hydrogen in the commercial vehicle segment, but pouring money into this technology has now come to an abrupt end. Stellantis recognized that it needed to invest a significant amount of money to make hydrogen feasible. Even if it hadn't abandoned the effort, customers would still have faced a severely underdeveloped refueling infrastructure worldwide. The automotive conglomerate also believes governments should've put more effort into incentivizing this segment to drive down prices for consumers. 2025 Opel Vivaro Hydrogen Photo by: Opel When all is said and done, 'the hydrogen market remains a niche segment,' and there are 'no prospects of mid-term economic sustainability.' Not only is Stellantis ending its hydrogen development program, but it's also abandoning plans to launch hydrogen-powered workhorses this year. New models from the Pro One commercial division were supposed to enter production this summer, but that's no longer happening. The plan was to build midsize vans in Hordain, France, and large vans in Gliwice, Poland. The silver lining is that Stellantis pledges not to reduce the workforce at the plants that were supposed to manufacture the hydrogen commercial vehicles. Additionally, the research and development team will pursue other projects unrelated to fuel cells. In early 2024, when Stellantis was still betting on hydrogen, it said it would have eight fuel cell midsize and large hydrogen vans: Citroën ë-Jumpy and ë-Jumper, Fiat Professional E-Scudo and E-Ducato, Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro and Movano, and Peugeot E-Expert and E-Boxer. While Stellantis is calling it quits, Toyota remains committed to hydrogen for the long haul. Aside from improving fuel cells with an upcoming third generation, it's also experimenting with combustion engines that run on hydrogen . The world's largest automaker is helping BMW bring its first series-production hydrogen car to market in 2028, potentially an SUV based on the next-generation X5. 2026 Hyundai Nexo Photo by: Hyundai Hyundai is not giving up on hydrogen either. It recently launched the new Nexo crossover and sees a future for fuel cell trucks such as the Xcient. Honda has a next-generation fuel cell module that it will mass-produce from 2027, featuring 50% lower production costs and more than double the durability of its predecessor. The Japanese automaker also has a joint venture with General Motors, called Fuel Cell Systems Manufacturing LLC. The 70,000-square-foot FCSM facility, located in Brownstown, Michigan, manufactures fuel cells that are sold to either Honda or GM's Hydrotec division. What about Volkswagen? Ex-CEO Thomas Schafer declared at the 2023 CES that the technology is not feasible for passenger cars , at least not in the foreseeable future: 'It's not competitive, especially not for passenger cars, the tanks take up space in the cabin. Maybe for commercial vehicles, but not in the passenger car. So, I don't see this happening in this decade. Not at Volkswagen.' Even Renault's niche brand Alpine believes hydrogen has a place in the sports car world by taunting us with a supercar powered by a twin-turbo, 3.5-liter V-6 fueled by hydrogen. Renault itself cooked up a rear-wheel-drive Emblème wagon concept with a fuel cell and a rechargeable battery. However, regardless of how much fuel cell technology advances, without a suitable refueling infrastructure, these efforts will be in vain. Hydrogen Is Not Dead: BMW Thinks the 'Timing Is Right' For Hydrogen. Is It Really? Cummins Made a New Turbocharger for Hydrogen Engines Source: Stellantis Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Opel Frontera SA launch delayed to 2026: What to expect
Planned for unveiling this year, Opel has pushed the launch of the revived Frontera to next year as part of its expanded crossover/SUV range, which currently consists of the Mokka and all-new Grandland. What to expect According to The Citizen, unveiled last year as the replacement for the Crossland, the Frontera changes segment from being a body-on-frame SUV, previously sold locally as the Isuzu Frontier, to a unibody crossover with five or seven seats based on parent company Stellantis's Smart Car platform. Measuring 4 385mm long, 1 795mm wide and 1 635mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2 675mm, the Frontera offers between 460 litres and 1 600 litres of boot space. Unlike the original, it is built in Slovakia rather than by Isuzu in Japan and comes without an all-wheel-drive option. Hybrid or EV Also without a manual gearbox option, the Frontera uses a mild-hybrid powertrain as standard. It pairs the well-known 1.2-litre turbocharged PureTech petrol engine in two states of tune – 74kW and 100kW – with a 21kW electric motor integrated into a newly developed six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The fully electric version, simply called the Frontera Electric, features a 44kWh battery pack producing 83kW and offers up to 305km of range on a single charge. A long-range version, claiming up to 400km, will arrive later. In its home market, two trims are available: Edition and GS Line. Notable features include the Opel Pure Panel setup with two 10-inch displays, up to 17-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting, IntelliLux LED headlights, a six-speaker sound system and up to five USB-C ports. The GS Line adds dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-look steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging, auto-folding electric mirrors, front parking sensors (the Edition only gets rear), a reverse camera and Blind Spot Monitoring. Standard safety features across both trims include tyre pressure monitoring, Hill Start Assist, cruise control, Driver Attention Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist. For South Africa Speaking to The Citizen at Stellantis's Media Connect event at Montecasino last week, Opel Middle East and Africa head Falk Zimpel confirmed that a mid-2026 market debut for the Frontera has been approved, suggesting a launch around June or July. Priced from €23 900 (about R499 000) in Germany and from £23 995 (about R577 000) in the UK – where sister brand Vauxhall calls the Edition the Design – details on local pricing and spec will be announced closer to launch. However, it is expected to possibly forgo the mild-hybrid powertrain for the conventional 1.2-litre PureTech turbo developing 96kW/230Nm, as used in the Corsa. The electric variant is unlikely to join the South African range in the near future.
IOL News
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Meet the revamped Opel Grandland: a striking German SUV aiming to dethrone Chinese rivals
Opel has completely revamped their Grandland SUV. Image: Supplied Opel has completely revamped its Grandland SUV incorporating many of the features first seen in the Experimental concept car and now introduced on a production model. It's bulkier and more angular than the outgoing model, which was more of a wallflower than extrovert thanks to 173mm of extra length, 54mm extra width and standing 19mm higher. Exterior They have introduced a new execution of the Opel brand face: the 3D Vizor that's combined with the illuminated Opel Griffin logo made more prominent using Edge Light Technology. Making its debut on the Grandland is Intelli-Lux Pixel Matrix HD with 51,200 elements for high-definition light distribution. Based on traffic, a camera detects oncoming objects which then cuts them out providing a brighter and more homogeneous light pattern. There's a funky welcome and goodbye animation with graphical projections in front of the vehicle. At the rear of the Grandland the distinctive compass lighting signature with the first integration of the illuminated 'OPEL' wordmark, also makes its debut while the LED brake light bar stretches across its full width. There's no more chrome lettering as Opel's Greenovation approach replaces it with embossed lettering. Standing on 19-inch alloys, cladded elements around the wheels and lower body and combined with a two-tone floating roof the family SUV is one of the more attractive ones around. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The Opel Grandland receives the distinctive compass lighting signature with the first integration of the illuminated 'OPEL' wordmark. Image: Supplied Interior The interior has also been thoroughly upgraded to a more modern and neater look and feel although there were some elements around the centre console especially that felt less than premium. Behind the steering wheel is what Opel calls a discrete 10-inch instrument cluster that neatly fits under the top of the dashboard without dominating your view. In the short time we got to drive it the 16-inch infotainment system provided clear and crisp graphics and seemed easy enough to operate. They have also introduced Pure Mode that reduces the content on the screens and head-up display providing a less distracting experience. Fortunately frequently used settings like climate control and volume can still be accessed by physical buttons. The new Pixel Box has a translucent glass face behind which is a wireless charger and USB ports allowing you to keep an eye on the charging process and preventing the phone from sliding around and falling out. Single powertrain While the platform allows for New Energy Vehicle set-ups, locally it is powered by the company's PureTech turbo-charged petrol engine with 134kW and 300Nm coupled to a six speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels. For some sporty driving there are now paddle shifters. The GS Line for now is the only model range available. Behind thee steering wheel of the Opel Grandland is a discrete 10-inch instrument cluster. Image: Supplied Driving Climbing into the cabin the ergonomic AGR seats provide a very comfortable perch. AGR is the German 'Campaign for Healthier Backs' and the seats (the driver's seat is ventilated and features a massage function) have lateral comfort adjustment thanks to two pneumatic pockets located in the backrest's side bolsters. There's also an Intelli-Seat feature in the front seats, a slot that relieves pressure on the tailbone on long journeys. We'll be able to pass better judgement on the Grandland's suspension set-up when we get it for a full review, but it's fitted with frequency selective damping (FSD) technology used in the chassis. FSD creates a second hydraulic circuit in the damper chamber to mechanically adapt the damping force about the frequency. Depending on the situation, road surface conditions and driving style, it enables different damping characteristics. Brief driving impressions through Fourways towards Kyalami though were fairly positive. Once it has reached its ideal rev-range it powers along nicely despite being a bit sluggish on take-off. The driving position is comfortable and the steering wheel rake and reach adjustable. Safety Fitted with Intelli-Drive 2.0 system it receives Automatic Cruise Control with Stop and Go function, Extended Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Adaptation and In Crash Braking, semi-automatic lane-change assist and Recommended Speed Adaption as well as a rear-view camera with an automatic cleaning function. In a market that's regularly flooded with new SUVs here's hoping that another German rival can take on the Chinese that seem to have a strong foothold. It comes with a five year/100,000km warranty with Roadside Assistance, a five year/90,000km service plan and a 12 year/unlimited kilometre anticorrosion warranty. Pricing GS Line 1,6T AT: R789,900.00
The Citizen
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Opel Frontera's South African arrival pushed back to ‘mid-2026'
Third "modern" Opel SUV after the Mokka and Grandland will debut last, and possibly without hybrid assistance as offered from the start in Europe. No longer made by Isuzu, the all-new Frontera has now been re-approved for South Africa from 2026. Image: Opel Planned for unveiling this year, Opel has revised the launch date for the revived Frontera to next year as part of its renewed crossover/SUV range currently consisting of the Mokka of the all-new Grandland. What to expect? Unveiled last year as the replacement for the Crossland, the Frontera changes segment from being a body-on-frame SUV sold on local soil as the Isuzu Frontier, to a unibody crossover with five or seven seats based on parent company Stellantis' Smart Car platform. ALSO READ: Opel unwraps more of revived Frontera approved for South Africa Measuring 4 385 mm long, 1 795 mm wide and 1 635 mm with its wheelbase stretching 2 675 mm, the Frontera offers between 460-litres and 1 600-litres of boot space, but unlike the original, is built in Slovakia rather than by Isuzu in Japan, and without the option of an all-paw gripping system. Hybrid or EV Also without the option of a manual gearbox, the Frontera derives motivation from a mild-hybrid powertrain as standard. Depicted base Frontera Edition can be had with 16-inch steel wheels or 16-inch alloys. Image: Opel Consisting of the stalwart 1.2-litre turbocharged PureTech petrol engine in two states of tune; 74 kW and 100 kW, the unit is bolstered further by a 21 kW electric motor housed within a newly developed six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The EV Frontera Electric is unlikely to form part of the local range next year. Image: Opel The fully electric option, simply called the Frontera Electric, makes do with a 44-kWh battery pack that develops 83 kW, and offers up to 305 km of range on a single charge. Arriving later, the long range version will have a claimed distance of 400 km. Likely spec In its home market, two trim levels are offered; Edition and GS Line, with notable features comprising the Opel Pure Panel made-up of two 10-inch displays, up to 17-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting, Opel's IntelliLux LED headlights, a six-speaker sound system and up to five type-C USB ports. Standard across all models is the Opel Pure Panel made-up of two 10-inch displays. Image: Opel Reserved for the GS Line are dual-zone climate control, rain sense wipers, an imitation leather-trimmed steering wheel, a wireless smartphone charger, auto folding electric mirrors, front parking sensors to go with the Edition's rear, a reverse camera and Blind Spot Monitoring. With the split rear back folded down, the Frontera's boot can take 1 600-litres of luggage. Image: Opel Standard across both grades safety-wise is a tyre pressure monitor, Hill Start Assist, cruise control, Driver Attention Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist. For South Africa Speaking to The Citizen at Stellantis' Media Connect event held at Montecasino last week, which included the launch of the all-new Grandland, Opel Middle East and Africa Head, Falk Zimpel, said a mid-2026 market debut for the Frontera has been approved, alluding to it going on-sale around June or July. Priced from €23 900 (R499 259) in Germany and from £23 995 (R577 942) in the United Kingdom where sister brand Vauxhall refers to the Edition as the Design, details surrounding the Frontera's price and spec for South Africa will only be announced closer its launch next year. However, expect it possibly eschew the mild-hybrid powertrain for the conventional 1.2-litre PureTech turbo that develops 96kW/230Nm in the Corsa. At the same time, the Electric is unlikely to form of the local range anytime soon. ALSO READ: Opel Frontera officially returns as Crossland's reinvented successor
