The first Vauxhall Astra GTE started its journey as the UK’s first vehicle which featured body-colored wheelarch extensions and spoilers and alloy wheels. The story continued with the 1984 release of the second-generation model which displayed a teardrop-shaped design.
The early vehicles used the 115bhp 1.8-litre engine which matched the specifications of Cavalier SRi at that time, but the engine performance proved inadequate. The company decided to replace the engine with a 124bhp 2.0-litre engine after they discovered the motoring icons of the 1980s.
The Legacy of the Vauxhall Astra GTE 16v in Motoring History
Pontiac Trans Am (1982-1992):
The second-generation Pontiac Trans Am becoming a global poster car after Burt Reynolds successfully escaped from Sheriff Buford T Justice in two Smokey and the Bandit films. The 1982 Pontiac Trans Am needed promotion because its previous promotional efforts had failed when the Knight in shining armour arrived to provide support at that crucial time.
Read: Controversial Cars from Famous Manufacturers
Toyota Corolla GT AE86 (1983-1987):
You should explain the concept of hedging your bets. In the 1980s Toyota produced two different models which included the front-wheel drive Corolla GT 16v hot hatchback and the rear-wheel drive Toyota Corolla GT (AE86).
Volkswagen Golf GTI MkII (1983-1992):
Volkswagen established the entire hot-hatch category through its first-generation Golf GTI which the company followed with its Mk2 development. The product matched the needs of customers who desired both the GTI badge prestige and high-quality construction plus swift performance.
Toyota MR2 (1984-1989):
Eddie Murphy appeared in Beverly Hills Cop while he was thrown through windows and Indiana Jones created destruction throughout the Temple of Doom. Toyota introduced the MR2 which functioned as a two-seat mid-engine vehicle that parents could potentially buy. How exotic did that seem?
Ford Sierra Cosworth (1986-1992):
By the early 1980s, Ford had become a minor competitor in global automotive markets. The Sierra, which the company planned to use as its main product, received reviews that proved to be lukewarm. Cosworth developed its engine independently from the company but decided to combine their engine with the Sierra for racing purposes.
BMW M5 (E28) (1984-1988):
The BMW M5 established the first sports saloon standard which all subsequent saloons would follow. BMW upgraded a 535i saloon with new suspension and steering and brake systems while installing the M1 supercar's 282bhp 3.5-litre straight-six engine. The results created an impressive outcome which established a lasting standard for the complete product line.
Porsche 959 (1986-1993):
The Porsche 959 created Knight Rider as a real-life version of its speed abilities. Porsche used the 959 project to create a new 911 replacement which they developed through their involvement with Group B rally racing.
Ferrari F40 (1987-1992):
The F40 serve as Ferrari's 40th birthday celebration present to their customers. The F40 serves as both the Ferrari's 40th anniversary celebration vehicle and the last automotive project which Enzo Ferrari managed before his 1988 death. The development process developed into an exceptionally short period because they created the racing vehicle which needed to operate on public streets within 13 months.
Ford Capri 2.8 Injection (1982-1986):
The Ford Capri 2.8i remains stylish despite people using unoriginal Essex-boy stereotypes to describe it. The vehicle achieves its status as a perfect UK muscle car through its combination of long bonnet design and rear-wheel-drive system and pepper-pot alloy wheels and creamy V6 engine which resides in its front section. The Mk3 Capri went on sale in 1978, and looked great with its four headlights and little boot spoiler. The car became fashionable because Bodie and Doyle used it as their vehicle in the show.
Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 (1983-1988):
The small saloon from Mercedes showed strong performance capabilities, but it failed to provide exciting driving experiences. The manufacturer planned to use the vehicle for rally competitions, but the introduction of Audi's four-wheel-drive system would make their rear-drive 190 obsolete from its initial launch.
You May Also Like: Best Family SUV for Safety, Space, and Comfort
Audi quattro (1981-1990):
Audi had been developing four-wheel drive systems for their road vehicles during multiple years before they successfully created their first working prototype with an Audi 80 model which they developed during the late 1970s. The quattro which premiered in 1980 received excellent reviews because its 80-platform base used a coupé body design which provided exceptional traction capabilities beyond any other street-legal vehicle at that motoring icons of the 1980s.
DMC De Lorean (1981-1982):
The DMC De Lorean received divided reviews at the time of its introduction. The vehicle suffered from inferior construction standards yet its driving performance delivered acceptable results. The economy performance of the vehicle demonstrated unexpected efficiency because it used a 2.8-litre V6 engine.
Buick GNX (1986-1987):
Buick introduced the Grand National package because it had experienced successful sales growth since 1982 following its NASCAR victories during the 1981 to 1982 period. The Grand National obtained a 3.8-litre V6 engine in 1984 which produced 200bhp to deliver decent performance despite its lack of extreme power. The vehicle showed standard performance abilities while it could outpace a Chevrolet Camaro V6 and keep up with a Corvette.
