Opel bosses are well on the way to developing a hard-top Coupé-Cabriolet version of the Astra. The new model is due to breeze into showrooms in 2006. The car pictured right is an almost production-ready car at an engineering facility recently.
The spy image shows a project chief showing colleagues how the complex folding roof mechanism works. An innovation in the field of folding hard-tops, it lowers in three stages rather than the usual two.
The design allows the lid to be stowed more compactly than rivals, and it means the car will have a full-sized boot whether the roof is up or down. Despite the extra folding mechanism, the roof will drop as quickly as class leaders.
Another hi-tech feature allows the top to be folded with the touch of a button on the keyfob.The car will be revealed at next September's Frankfurt Motor Show, before going on sale in spring 2006.
In the meantime, chassis experts will have to ensure the body is stiff enough to maintain the latest Astra hatchback's impressive handling and excellent record in crash tests.
On top of that, a high-tech production line will have to be set up with a separate coachbuilder, as it would be uneconomic to build the car in one of Opel's high-volume factories. Several companies are thought to be in the running for this, including Bertone, the Italian concern behind the MkIV Astra cabriolet, and French firm Heuliez, which builds the new Tigra.
The model will be available in topline specifications only, and will replace the current Astra Coupé and Convertible, which remain on sale despite being based on the MkIV car. Engine choices will also be targeted at the top of the market, so there are unlikely to be 1.4 or 1.6-litre petrol variants.
The entry-level cabriolet is expected to have a 1.8-litre 125bhp powerplant, while SRi-badged 170bhp and 197bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged versions are also likely. A 240bhp OPC model could appear later.
To be a viable option for mainstream customers, the Astra CC will have to be capable of carrying at least four. However, rumour has it that Opel are actually hoping it will carry five in comfort.