It's the last episode of this season at Top Gear. We know it went so quickly, but the last show, the boys at Top Gear prepared a great show for their fans. This week, Richard Hammond hits out the Top Gear test-track, with two Australian Holden imports to prove a point. Hammond thinks that true sportscars are not only cheaper and more practical, but also better to drive than the business-men sports-sedan. He got to get the 2009 Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst and the 2009 Vauxhall HSV Maloo. One is a supercharged 560 hp super-sedan, and the other is the fastest pick-up truck ever produced, or what the Australians call it a Ute. The Stig also recorded laps for the two.Refresher:
- 2009 Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst: Powered by a supercharged 6.2L LS3 V8, producing 560 hp and 527 lb-ft of torque. Launch to 60 mph comes in 4.6 seconds, on-wards to a limited top-speed of 155 mph.
- 2009 Vauxhall HSV Maloo Ute: Powered by a naturally-aspirated 6.2L LS3 V8, packing 420 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 mph is delt in 5 seconds-flat, and top speed is limited to 155 mph. That makes it the world's fastest Ute (pick-up)
In the Star In A Reasonably Priced Car, Jeremy Clarkson usually interviews British celebrates, that mostly are only known in the UK. This episode though, the all-time-great talk-show host Jay Leno. Surprisingly, Leno is actually a #1 petrol-head, and he owns 150 cars in his garage. Leno also got to set a lap-time in the Chevrolet Lacetti. Want to know more? Just watch the embedded video below.
Finally, we come to the end of this week's Top Gear Episode feature. Top Gear ended this season with a 4-minute scenery-drive in the amazing and fabulous Aston Martin V12 Vantage, that actually felt sad to end-in the show. Personally, this was the best bit in this episode and it's really worth the watch.Top Gear will be back for a 14th season in the winter.
The all-new Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer (Vauxhall Insignia VXR Sports Tourer in UK) is actually the wagon version of the OPC sedan. As for looks, the Insignia OPC Sports Tourer has the same front fascia as the sedan, but the hatch at the back gives the OPC Sports Tourer a more settle stance. Inside, the OPC Sports Tourer gets the same OPC steering wheel are gear shifter as the OPC sedan.
Like the sedan, the 2010 Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer is powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.8L V6, that packs 325 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 mph time in the OPC Sports Tourer is 0.2 seconds slower than the OPC sedan, at 6-seconds to 60 mph. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.
The 2010 Insignia OPC Sports Tourer also sits 10mm lower than the regular Sports Tourer and features the new HiPerStrut system, “which reduces torque-steer and maintains negative camber during cornering.” The all-wheel drive system which incorporates a electronically controlled, limited slip rear differential (eLSD) can transfer more power to the rear wheels at moments.
So the OPC Sports Tourer is the everyday wagon that can hold goodies and even a pet at the back, but with 325 hp, it's one very fast wagon. Best rival to the OPC Sports Tourer is the 
The 2010 Astra has an all-new sheet metal shape. This hatchback model shown looks sportier, sleeker, and a lot more dynamic than the current generation Astra. In fact, the Astra shares many design cues from the 
Astra will be built on the new GM’s Delta platform with front-wheel-drive. Same platform is used by 
Wide range of new engine choices for the Astra:
No information yet whether Astra makes it to the States under the Saturn brand. As for the European market, the Opel Astra should roll the streets later this year, as a Vauxhall model for the UK market as well. No pricing list yet, but it should be well thought-out, as the Astra still holds the top-three list of Europe’s best-selling compacts. Final words come from Andy Gilson, Vauxhall's Marketing Director said that 
In the looks, the design chiefs at Opel decided to go for a flamboient look. The new body kit features a GTC Concept Coupe with tear-like air scoops at both corners, style front bumper upfront. At the back, the trunk holds a sport lip-spoiler, and the rear bumper houses two large matte chrome exhaust pipes. The best side for the Insignia OPC is in profile-view; with the extended side sills and 19-inch darkened wheels, the OPC has a mean stance.
Inside, Opel treated the Insignia OPC with sport Recaro front seats, a new three-spoke leather steering wheel, OPC badges around the inerior, and a sharper gear shifter for rapid shifts throughout the gears.
The top-gun Insignia OPC is powered by GM's 2.8L V6, with added twin-turbochargers. Output is an astonishing 325 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. With only a 6-speed manual offered, the Insignia OPC will hit 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, at reach to an electronic top speed of 155 mph. That's actually quite brisk considering the Insignia OPC is a budget high-performance.
Unlike previous generation front-wheel drive Vectra OPC, the range-topping Insignia OPC benefits from a new four-wheel drive system, also used in Saab 9-3 Turbo X, which incorporates a torque-splitting electronic rear differential and senses which wheel needs more grip than the others. With this high-tech four-wheel drive system, the electronically controlled, limited slip rear differential (eLSD) can transfer up to only 40% of torque at moments. So in other words, it's still mainly a front-wheel drive chassis.
Nevertheless, Opel engineers have developed a new front-axle architecture, with HiPerStrut front suspension based on the famous McPherson struts. Benefits are an improved steering feel, reduced steering disturbances due to the high torque and an enhanced feeling in the handling for the driver. Stopping power is now provided by a set of Brembo vented and cross drilled discs.
Sales of the new Opel Insignia OPC are scheduled to begin in Europe as quick as this summer. So with a competitive line-up from the standard Insignia, the 
The 2010 Astra has an all-new sheet metal shape. This hatchback model shown looks sportier, sleeker, and a lot more dynamic than the current generation Astra. In fact, the Astra shares many design cues from the 
Astra will be built on the new GM’s Delta platform with front-wheel-drive. Same platform is used by 
As for engine options, Opel hasn't announced anything yet, but Auto Motor und Sport claim the Astra will come with three engines. The base is a naturally-aspirated 1.4L petrol 4-cylinder engine, with 90 hp and stop/start technology for better fuel economy. Turbocharged sporty version of that engine will be available as well with around 180 hp. The 4-cylinder diesel engine offers a 1.7L of engine displacement, and a turbocharger that kicks the power to around 110 hp.
No information yet whether Astra makes it to the States under the Saturn brand. As for the European market, the Opel Astra should roll the streets later this year, as a Vauxhall model for the UK market as well.
Compared with its sibling 
This is where the similarities end. Mechanic wise, the Ampera is basically a European-version of the Volt. So the Opel Ampera uses the same 5-door hatchback body, and the same Voltec plug-in hybrid system as the Volt. GM says that Voltec system has a 40 mile (65 km) range from a single charge. Small gasoline engine on the car which powers the generator will increase the range to about 500 miles (800 km). Recharging from a European 230-volt outlet is expected to take 2-3 hours.
GM also says 80% of German drivers travel less than 60 km daily. With the right pricing, this car could be a huge success. It promises what most Europeans want, 60 km daily driving and zero CO2 emissions.
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