Rüsselsheim, Germany – Opel will debut the new Astra at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September, along with the Opel Ampera, an extended-range vehicle that uses the propulsion system from the upcoming Chevrolet Volt.

To mark ten generations of Opel compact cars, the Astra will launch later this year. It is slightly larger to provide a roomier interior, while engineering enhancements improve fuel efficiency and performance.

The four-seater Ampera hatchback uses GM’s Voltec system, which plugs into a household socket for primary driving, and then runs a small gasoline engine to generate electricity when necessary. Opel’s extended-range electric vehicle is scheduled to go into production in late 2011.

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