Opel Insignia OPC, 2010

Opel Insignia OPC, 2010

 

The high performance version of the Opel Insignia, Car of the Year 2009, was unveiled on May 7, 2009, when the Opel Insignia OPC premiered at the 2009 Barcelona Motor Show, ten years after the launch of the first OPC model (Opel Performance Center).

The heart of the Opel Insignia OPC is its 2.8 V6 Turbo engine. Derived from the powerful gasoline engine already available on the top-of-the-line Insignia, this version reaches an output of 239 kW/325 hp. The increase in power was obtained by a special engine development and by reworking the exhaust, significantly reducing the counter pressure. And because sound is so important in the appreciation of an engine, the acoustic specialists worked on the exhaust of the V6 by adopting specific center and rear mufflers.

The Opel Insignia OPC is available with a six-speed manual gearbox. The strong torque of 400 Nm ensures abundant pulling power even at lower engine speeds. With this engine performance, the Opel Insignia OPC reaches a top speed of 250 km/h (restricted) and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in six seconds.

The already very well performing Insignia chassis was further fine tuned for the OPC variant which ride height has been reduced by 10 mm compared to the Insignia (AWD Sport version). The newly developed mechatronic chassis also receives a new front axle. The front suspension architecture of the Opel Insignia OPC retains a so called McPherson strut, however the engineers at the Opel Performance Center came up with an evolution called HiPerStrut (for high performance strut). Benefits are an improved steering feel, reduced steering disturbances due to the high torque and an enhanced feeling in the handling for the driver.

The Opel Insignia OPC also comes with the adaptive FlexRide suspension which not only adapts to driving situation and driving style but also to the driver's preferences. While on the Insignia the system offers the choice between a standard adaptive setting, a more comfortable mode and a sport mode, the OPC is definitely addressing those enjoying a sportier ride. OPC drivers can choose between three different sport modes: the standard mode as the high comfort setting, a special Sport mode and the OPC mode, for optimal performance.

For the first time also in the OPC portfolio, the Adaptive 4x4 system and its electronic rear limited slip differential (eLSD) are standard. The four-wheel drive management unit has been recalibrated to adapt torque distribution to the sporty philosophy of the OPC. Taking the higher performances of the OPC into consideration, significant development efforts were put into further improving the brake system. Connoisseurs will immediately spot the Brembo calipers and the perforated 355 mm disc on the front axle.

Distinctive looks are a clear statement on dynamic ambitions
The top-of-the-line body style dressed in an elegant sports outfit is inspired by the GTC concept car which starred in 2007, but still remains true to the Insignia's design philosophy of sculptural artistry meets German precision.

Compared to less powerful versions of the Insignia, the OPC shows a spectacular new front end with two large vertical intakes and a specific rear bumper with dual integrated exhausts. The 19-inch wheels (tires: 245/40) are standard and give the car the stance it deserves. New 20-inch lightweight forged wheels (with 255/35 tires) are available as an option.

The dynamic sportiness of the exterior is also mirrored in the cockpit. When opening the door, the OPC is immediately impressive, from unique Recaro seats to a flat-bottomed sporty steering wheel and specific gear knob. The OPC also presents distinctive instrument graphics.

Opel Flextreme GT-E Concept, 2010

Opel Flextreme GT-E Concept, 2010

 

 

Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept makes its debut at the 80th Geneva Motor Show (March 4 - 14, 2010), it will boost the company's credentials as a leader in green technologies, offering expressive design with efficient environmental performance - and engineered with German precision.

In Opel's strategy for achieving more independence from fossil fuels, electricity plays a key role. The 4.7-meter long Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept illustrates how extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology can be plugged into large or mid-size vehicles, as well as compact cars such as the upcoming Opel Ampera.

Opel calls this strategy e-mobility unlimited: adapting the highly efficient E-REV drive system - which removes the limitations of battery-only power - to vehicles across all market segments. To enjoy zero CO2 driving emissions Opel-style, the Flextreme GT/E concept shows that size doesn't matter.

The purposeful design also enables the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept to achieve a projected drag co-efficient of just 0.22, which helps it reach a 200 km/h-plus top speed as well as conserve energy and extend its driving range. Stand-out visual features include a low and wide stance, wing-shaped lights front and rear, a distinctive nose and grille, floating C-pillars and muscular, sculptured bodywork.

Exterior design: expressing efficiency with emotion
The low, coupé-like proportions of the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept explore the potential for evolving Opel's new design language - sculptural artistry meets German precision - within an envelope optimized for aerodynamic efficiency.

The clean, frontal styling features a low hood line and an extended nose section, which is clasped by wing-shaped, signature LED headlamps. These are deeply carved into the front fenders and across the hood line. The new trapezoidal grille execution is slim but bold. The prominent wing-shaped chrome bar carries a large Opel emblem, which doubles as a socket for charging the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept's battery pack.

The upper section of the grille is used to admit cooling air, the lower portion being covered by a translucent panel. The absence of additional air intakes allows a low frontal area for aerodynamic efficiency and also enables the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept to meet future pedestrian protection requirements.

The sculpted hood, with an Opel signature central crease line, features narrow longitudinal vents on either side to draw air out of the engine compartment. The muscular fenders and wheel-arches sweep back into the side-body.

In profile, the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept is distinguished by innovative, stubbed C-pillars. This floating design allows the glasshouse to be extended rearwards under the arching roofline, emphasizing the flowing lines of the side body. The car's dynamic character is further underlined by a fresh expression of Opel's signature blade motif, now a swooping swage line from the base of the C-pillar into the lower front fender.

Access to the cabin is enhanced by the adoption of rear-hinged rear doors, an evolution of the Opel FlexDoors concept from the new generation Meriva monocab. To preserve the clean exterior looks, all door handles are replaced by light sensors. These trigger the doors open when covered by the driver's or passenger's hand. To reduce air turbulence, exterior front door mirrors are also absent, replaced by small camera pods in the base of the A-pillars.

At the rear, a strong shoulder line embraces sculpted wheel-arches that further emphasize the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept's wide, ground-hugging stance. The coupé look is completed by a steeply raked tailgate, carrying wing-shaped LED light units which echo the form of the front headlamps. Like that of the Insignia Sports Tourer, the tailgate has a wraparound design for improved trunk access. Its deep glass screen is slightly convex to improve airflow.

The translucency of the fixed glass panel in the center of the roof is adaptive, allowing sunlight to warm the interior in the cold of winter, but darkening for coolness in summer. A duct at the rear edge of the roof is for additional cooling of the battery and electronic components.

Managing airflow and saving weight
Integral to the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept's expressive looks is the efficiency of the design execution. The small frontal area, low roof height (1308 mm) and a flat, enclosed underbody all enable the car to cleave the air with a minimum of disturbance.

A series of measures optimize airflow management. The 21-inch alloy wheels are relatively narrow, to reduce wind resistance, and fitted with 195/45, low rolling resistance tires. Clear, flush-mounted trim inserts also minimize air turbulence.

The minimal front intake improves airflow around the nose of the car and the underbody sweeps up, venturi-like, at the rear to further reduce drag.

The Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept also explores the potential for active shape shifting. At speeds above 50 km/h, a vertical panel extends along the body from the air extraction slot behind each rear wheel-arch. These 350 mm-long side spoilers guide high-speed airflow around the rear corners of the car, further reducing the amount of turbulence.

Mass reduction measures for the body include the use of lightweight, carbon composite outer panels, polycarbonate window glazing and aluminum alloy structural components. Compared to conventional materials, these offer a 40 percent weight saving which further contributes to reduced energy consumption and an increased driving range.

Innovative propulsion
The efficient concept also includes GM's ground-breaking E-REV drive system, already developed for the Opel Ampera. The Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept shows the versatility of this technology by displaying it in a larger, mid-size vehicle format.

Despite its greater size and a maximum speed of more than 200 kilometers per hour, the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept is projected to offer performance similar to that of the Ampera: a battery-powered driving range of up to 60 km - with zero CO2 tailpipe emissions - and a total range of more than 500 km. Average fuel consumption is estimated at 1.6 l/100 km, with CO2 emissions of less than 40 g/km.

Unlike a hybrid vehicle, the wheels of the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept are powered at all times by electricity. For typical journeys up to 60 km, energy is supplied by a T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack located under the floor and rear seat.

However, unlike a battery-only electric vehicle, the Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept eliminates any possibility of range anxiety through fear of being stranded without power. The small gasoline engine/generator is seamlessly engaged to provide electricity whenever the battery's supply becomes depleted. In this mode, the driving range is extended to more than 500 km, until the plug-in battery pack can be recharged or the car is refueled.

The motor in the electric drive unit delivers a substantial 370 Nm of instant torque, giving lively performance and projected zero to 100 km/h acceleration in less than nine seconds.

The Flextreme GT/E concept is a further step in Opel's unfolding strategy for the electrification of the automobile, which includes a wide portfolio of products using battery, extended-range, hybrid and fuel cell technologies.

Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept: Technical Data

    * Body style
          o Type: 5-door coupé, 4-seat upper mid-size concept vehicle
          o Co-efficient of drag: 0.22
    * Exterior dimensions
          o Overall length: 4762 mm
          o Height: 1308 mm
          o Width: 1871 mm
          o Wheelbase: 2900 mm
          o Front track: 1600 mm
          o Rear track: 1600 mm
    * Wheels/Tires
          o Wheel size: 21 inch
          o Tires: 195/45 R 21; extra low-rolling resistance
    * Powertrain
          o Type: Electric drive, front-wheel-drive
    * Battery system
          o Type: Advanced lithium-ion (manganese spinel)
          o Energy: 16 kWh
          o Nominal voltage: 350 volts
          o On-board charger: 3.3 kW
          o 100% recharge time (230V outlet): < 3.0 hours
    * Electric drive unit
          o Max. power: 120 kW
          o Torque: 370 Nm
    * Generator
          o Power: 53 kW peak output
          o Engine type: 4-cyl. 1.4l gasoline-fueled combustion engine
    * Performance
          o Pure electric mode range: 60 km
          o Full range, range extender engaged: > 500 km
          o CO2 emissions, combined cycle (est.): < 40 g/km
          o 0 - 100 km/h acceleration: < 9.0 seconds
          o Maximum speed: > 200 km/h

Opel Corsa, 2010

Opel Corsa, 2010

 

The Opel Corsa range has been rejuvenated to provide more power and more driving fun with less fuel consumption. Opel engineers have given the Opel Corsa a complete make-over, introducing an enhanced powertrain line-up that reduces fuel consumption by up to 13 percent, significant chassis improvements and a new steering calibration. In addition to its agile handling and greater ride comfort, drivers will appreciate engines that give more pulling power.

These enhancements are accompanied by the introduction in Germany of several new special editions like the sporty Color Line series. The Color Race, Color Edition and Color Wave variants feature distinctive bodywork finishes and attractive 17-inch alloy wheels. Also, in celebration of 111 years of automotive tradition, Opel will release a captivating 111 Limited Edition in Europe.

The Opel Corsa comes in two distinct body styles, the coupé-like three-door and the family friendly five-door. Inside the cabin, the Opel Corsa continues to offer one of the roomiest and most attractive interiors in its class. True to Opel's philosophy, it also features innovative technologies at an affordable price, including halogen Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL), a heated steering wheel, active front head restraints, Hill Start Assist, a Panorama sunroof or the integrated FlexFix bicycle carrier which is unique to Opel.

The Opel Corsa is a highly popular choice throughout Europe, accounting for some 30 percent of all Opel/Vauxhall sales. In addition to its athletic dynamic styling and great driving fun, it also offers customers top class quality. Germany's DEKRA Defect Report 2010 named the Opel Corsa the overall winner, with the lowest defect rate (2.4 percent) of all the vehicles tested. DEKRA (Deutscher Kraftfahrzeug-Überwachungs-Verein) is a full-service provider for safe and efficient mobility and Europe's leading technical expert organization.

Reinvigorated to deliver more driving satisfaction and lower fuel costs, the Opel Corsa range ticks all the right boxes for customers seeking a peppy package at an affordable price.

More power with improved fuel economy
The powertrain line-up consists of a wide offer of gasoline engine from the 1-liter 3 cylinder (48 kW/65 hp ) entry level version to the turbo charged 1.6-liter on the Opel Corsa OPC (141 kW/192 hp). On the diesel side, different versions of the 1.3 and 1.7 CDTI motors offer outputs ranging from 55 kW/75 hp to 96 kW/130 hp all with fuel consumption under 5 liters per 100 kilometers. The Opel Corsa ecoFLEX 1.3 l CDTI offers exceptionally low CO2 emissions of just 98 g/km for the 3-door variant, 99 g/km for the 5-door.

Opel engineers have developed the engines to give greater torque, while at the same time reducing their appetite for fuel and lowering CO2 emissions. All gasoline engines, and the new 1.7 CDTI diesel, comply with Euro 5 emissions standards.

The most popular gasoline powertrains - 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4-liter with manual and automated Easytronic transmissions - offer combined cycle fuel consumption between just 5.0 and 5.5 l/100 km, and CO2 ratings from 117 to 129 g/km with manual transmission. With an average fuel consumption of just 5.0 l/100 km and 117 g/km CO2, the Opel Corsa 1.0 is the cleanest of all gasoline-powered entries in its segment. The 1.4 engine comes in two variants, with 64 kW/87 hp and 74 kW/100 hp and is available with full automatic transmission in its most powerful execution. The 1.2 and 1.4-liter Twinport engines are now fitted with double cam phasing to allow variable valve timing on both inlet and exhaust sides for more efficient breathing.

Other measures that improve fuel consumption for all gasoline engines include a low friction oil pump, remapping of the engine thermostat and a "shift up" indicator to help the driver change gear for optimum fuel economy.

The 1.3 CDTI engine is also improved, giving the Opel Corsa ecoFLEX model exceptionally low CO2 emissions of just 98 g/km for the 3-door variant, 99 g/km for the 5-door. The Corsa ecoFLEX is Opel's lowest emitting car, yet it is packed with 27 percent more power and 10 percent greater fuel efficiency. A diesel particulate filter and the "shift up" indicator in the cluster are standard.

The top-of-the-line 1.7 CDTI diesel engine now offers more power and torque - increased to 96 kW/130 hp and 300 Nm - as well as a nine percent cut in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, to 118 g/km and 4.5 l/100km.

Uprated chassis and steering
Opel chassis engineers have upgraded all major suspension components and the steering system. The result is improved ride comfort, more precise steering feel and greater directional stability - without compromising Opel Corsa's acclaimed agility.

Dampers, springs, anti-roll bars, the rear axle, the electric steering gear and its calibration software all have been optimized. All the changes apply to Essentia, Enjoy and Cosmo variants, while versions equipped with the Sport chassis, GSi and ecoFLEX models benefit from additional improvements to the rear axle and steering. The Opel Corsa OPC took over the changes applied to the steering gear.

Opel Astra, 2010

Opel Astra, 2010

 

 

 With its sporty, good looks, comfortable driving experience, innovative technology and a full fuel efficient powertrain line-up, the new Opel Astra, which debuted in Frankfurt at the 2009 IAA as a five-door hatchback, is set to energize Europe's compact car segment.

Grounded in the tradition initiated in 1936 with the first Opel Kadett, the Opel Astra has consistently made the top-three list of Europe's best-selling compacts for decades - a segment which accounts for 27 percent of the total car market. Opel Astra sales make up a third of all Opel/Vauxhall purchases, for an average volume of nearly 500,000 units per year.

The new Opel Astra brings many comfort and safety features to the compact class from the upper segment - most were introduced by the Opel Insignia to the midsize class. Exceptional technologies like an all-new mechatronic chassis, the most advanced lighting system, a front camera that recognizes traffic signs and seats with the best ergonomics will be available.

Opel's new design language reinterpreted for the compact class
The new Opel Astra brings into the compact class its own interpretation of the brand's award-winning design language of combining "sculptural artistry with German precision" first seen in the Insignia. Its strong coupé-like silhouette and elegant details give the car a fresh sporty look. Elegant proportions provide a strong, cab-forward silhouette, with a steeply-raked windshield and falling rear roofline, adding visual excitement to the traditional hatchback format.

The flank of the Opel Astra receives a dynamic inverted blade that visually connects to the powerful movement of the rear window and the C-pillar. In the back end, double wing-shapes in each of the rear lights make it immediately recognizable.

The interior echoes the flowing forms of the bodywork: sweeping lines, curvaceous shapes and the quality of the execution are all part of Opel's design language. A signature design cue is the wraparound wing shape of the instrument panel that arcs into the top of the door moldings. The effect is a warm embrace of the occupants, providing a welcoming ambience that is enhanced at night by a red diffused light that illuminates the base of the center stack and the front door panels.

New mechatronic chassis system with Watt's link in rear axle
Driving dynamics and stability are improved by a wheelbase that is 71 mm longer, for a total of 2685 mm. The new Opel Astra has a 1544 mm wide front and 1588 mm wide rear and the tracks are increased by 56 mm and 70 mm respectively. This gives the car a wider footprint, contributing to more stable handling and an inherently better road-holding capability. The core body structure stiffness is improved by 43 percent in torsion and 10 percent in bending to provide a firm base for optimizing the new Opel Astra's handling and ride capabilities. Increased stiffness also benefits comfort, as it reduces noise and vibrations inside the cabin.

The Opel Astra's chassis has been developed as a mechatronic system that fully integrates mechanical functions and electronic controls. The new Opel Astra retains the dynamic, fun-to-drive character of the previous model, with significant improvements in steering response and ride comfort.

While the chassis has the proven McPherson strut layout at the front, Opel engineers in Rüsselsheim are the first in the world to combine a compound crank with a Watt's link in the rear axle. This new construction keeps the advantages in size, weight and overall efficiency of the compound crank rear axle layout design, At the same time, the Watt's link supports lateral forces during cornering and makes the car dynamic and agile without compromising on stability and comfort.

Like the Insignia, the new Opel Astra can come with the clever Opel FlexRide electronic driving system, a rarity in this class. The FlexRide adaptive suspension system continuously adapts to changes in driving style and cornering speed. In addition, it offers a choice of three settings - Standard, Sport and Tour - and additional personalization.

Line-up of super efficient engines reduces emissions by 12 percent
The new Astra will launch with a complete line-up of eight engines ranging from 70 kW/95 hp to 132 kW/180 hp and will provide drivers with affordable, real-life efficiency.

The Opel Astra's line-up of powertrains with manual transmission provides impressive performance and overall cuts CO2 emissions by more than 12 percent compared with the current generation. The average fuel consumption of the diesel engines is 4.6 l/100 km and only 6.1 l/100 km for the gasoline line-up.

The four diesel engines, which are expected to power almost half of the new Opel Astra cars sold in Europe at launch, deliver 70 kW/95 hp to 118 kW/160 hp. With the manual transmission, they all consume under 5.0 l/100 km and do not emit more than 129 g/km CO2. When it launches early next spring, the ecoFLEX version with the 70 kW/95 hp 1.3 CDTI engine will have fuel consumption of only 4.2 liter/100 km and emit only 109 g/km of CO2.

The gasoline range comprises naturally-aspirated and turbocharged 1.4 and 1.6-liter engines, giving a power bandwidth from 74 kW/100 hp to 132 kW/180 hp. The entry-level version in the gasoline line-up emits only 129 g/km CO2 - the best figure for a gasoline engine in the compact segment. Continuing Opel's strategy of downsizing, engineers replaced a 103 kW/140 hp 1.8 liter engine of the previous generation with a new 1.4 Turbo with similar output that only requires 5.9 l/100km, cutting fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by nearly 18 percent.

Innovative technologies brought to the compact segment
Many of the innovative technologies introduced by the new Opel Astra are unique to the compact class or bring a sophistication not seen before in this segment:
    * The Opel Eye recognizes road signs and warns the driver when the car inadvertently departs from its lane.
    * Ergonomic Sport Seats feature a 6-way adjustment range, the widest in the segment, a 4-way adjustment of the lumbar support and extendable seat cushion. Available at all trim levels, this driver's seat comes with enhanced support and overall body comfort. It is the only one in the compact class to receive the much coveted seal of approval from Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (Action for Healthy Backs, known as AGR), an independent panel of ergonomics experts and doctors in Germany.
    * The most advanced lighting system in the compact class, a new generation of Opel bi-xenon Advanced Forward Lighting (AFL+) changes its intensity and reach to suit prevailing driving and road conditions using nine different lighting functions.

Two other clever innovations in body engineering also increase the on-board versatility of the Opel Astra:
    * FlexFix, Opel's novel bike-carrier, is integrated behind the rear bumper and offered as an option on the new Opel Astra hatchback. It makes transporting bikes easy and convenient because it slides out of the rear bumper like a drawer when a release lever near the lip of the trunk is pulled.
    * A creative idea from Opel engineers and designers, FlexFloor allows for easy-to-use stowage of a wide variety of cargo. The trunk floor is moveable and can be positioned at three levels by engaging ergonomically-designed fixing channels near each corner of the trunk.