1.4-litre Turbo (150PS) engine and Red ’n‘ Roll-design
Performance chassis with VXR braking system
New Vauxhall ADAM GRAND SLAM
Vauxhall’s top-of-the-range ADAM GRAND SLAM will make its UK debut at Autosport International 2015 (Thursday 8th – Sunday 11th January) at the NEC, Birmingham.
Previewed at last year’s Geneva and Frankfurt Motor Shows, the Vauxhall ADAM GRAND SLAM features slick design and a spirited 1.4-litre Turbo (150PS) powertrain. It also gets a specially-tuned chassis and a VXR braking system.
With 150PS and 220Nm of torque, the new version of the 1.4-litre Turbo ECOTEC unit in the Vauxhall ADAM GRAND SLAM boasts a specific power output exceeding 100PS/litre. It is a turbocharged, high performance unit derived from the ADAM’s existing four-cylinder, 1.4-litre engine, that has been exclusively developed for the Vauxhall ADAM GRAND SLAM.
The front lip spoiler, side sill moldings and an extended rear bumper cut-out with a visible, bold exhaust tailpipe make the bodywork appear more muscular then a standard ADAM. A total of ten body paint choices and four further roof combinations are available with the Red ʼn‘ Roll roof design reserved exclusively for ADAM GRAND SLAM customers. The distinctive rear spoiler above the rear window and the special ADAM logo on the C pillars complete the look.
Inside the vehicle, the driver and front passenger can choose between four different seat arrangements, three of which are exclusively available for this ADAM variant, including the Recaro Performance seats in Morrocana or nappa leather. The interior reflects the Red ʼn‘ Roll design in many ways, with the optional leather package including black and red steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake in leather or the red and white lighting for the instrument panels and doors.
Orders will open for the Vauxhall ADAM GRAND SLAM in January 2015.
About Autosport International
A must see event for motorsport fans and performance car aficionados: Autosport International brings together an unmissable combination of cars, stars and action.
From Formula 1 to karting, visitors can get up close to iconic race car displays and a host of motorsport stars. Stunning classic and contemporary performance road car and supercar displays form the Performance Car Show that runs alongside Autosport International.
Thrill seekers can enjoy live racing, precision driving demonstrations, breath taking stunts and celebrity interviews in the Live Action Arena and can take part in the high speed driving experience or wheel-to-wheel arrive-and -drive karting sessions.
Please note that 8th and 9th January are trade only days.
Lighting systems specialist from Wieselburg commended for top quality, deliverypunctuality and customer service
The flood of awards for ZKW is reaching its height: on 11 December ZKW CEO Mag. Hubert Schuhleitner received the GM SQ Excellence Award at the headquarters in Wieselburg. The award was presented by Zvonimir Facol, SQ Engineer Deployment at Opel AG. This medal is the reward for the particularly high quality of the supplier services. ZKW obtained 100 of 100 possible points in the assessment for the GM SQ Excellence Award, thus achieving the best possible quality performance. In addition, the lighting systems specialist received the GM Platinum Award for maximum delivery punctuality and optimum customer service. "The GM Awards and the numerous other commendations are the result of the special achievements of our employees. This is of enormous importance to us and reflects an extremely successful year," says Mag. Hubert Schuhleitner, CEO of the ZKW Group.
From left to right.: Karl Stöhr (Customer Director ZKW), Mag. Hubert Schuhleitner (CEO ZKW), Zvonimir Facol (SQ Engineer Deployment Opel AG)
Of the 8,300 European suppliers of General Motors, 191 were rewarded with the GM SQ Excellence Award in eight categories – including Electronics, Interiors, Exteriors and Body. ZKW was one of the few suppliers who were able to achieve two top rankings. The award winners were selected by the GM Top Management in Detroit. The assessment period was the last 12 months. One requirement for nomination is certification according to the international quality standards TS16949 and QSB.
Above all the plant in Wieselburg (Austria) was rewarded for delivery reliability and on-time shipping. ZKW has thus demonstrated highest quality along the entire supply chain. GM has been a customer of the Wieselburg lighting systems manufacturer since 1979. Currently ZKW produces a number of small lamps for the global automobile group.
Automated tests tab millions of them before you touch a single one
A frozen computer is frustrating, but a frozen touchscreen in an automobile is a much bigger deal. That’s why engineers push the touchscreen buttons on the Buick IntelliLink infotainment system more than 2 million times every week, ensuring it consistently responds to user commands.
Buick’s durability testing extends to the IntelliLink infotainment system, where automated tests can simulate more than 2 million on-screen button pushes a week.
Multi-function touchscreen systems, which bundle controls and menus for several systems into one interface, are increasingly common in automobiles. From playing MP3 files to placing phone calls, planning a navigation route or adjusting climate controls, touchscreens are tasked with handling more complex functions than ever and doing it seamlessly to the user.
Much like opening too many windows on your home computer, mobile multitasking can tax some infotainment systems, and force the system to reboot.
“Car shoppers expect their in-car infotainment systems to offer not only a full range of convenience features but also complete dependability and functionally,” said Karl Brauer, senior editor of Kelley Blue Book. “That means a rapid response to user inputs and hardware components that consistently withstand consumer demands.”
To make IntelliLink robust, General Motors’ engineers subjected the system to exhaustive testing inside and outside the car. IntelliLink’s human-machine interface, or HMI, which includes the touchscreen liquid crystal display, or LCD, is hooked up to a state-of-the-art automated test bench, complete with cameras that constantly monitor the touchscreen.
The test bench fully replicates the various modules and components connected to the HMI while testing IntelliLink at a speed no human engineer can match. The stability lab can simulate 210 days of continuous in-car use within a week. Depending on the test performed, the lab can also subject IntelliLink systems to the equivalent of more than 2 million touchscreen pushes in the same period.
“We test our systems in real vehicles, but as humans, we can only log so many hours inside a car,” said Robert Rimkus, engineering group manager for GM’s Next Generation Infotainment systems. “These automated test stations help us push IntelliLink to its limits, ensuring customers get a system that’s consistently reliable in their own vehicles.”
Those simulated fingertaps and pushes mimic what an actual user would do while on the road based on customer feedback and design test procedures. For example, one simulation mirrors the audio, climate, and navigation control inputs a driver would make while making a road trip from Detroit to Chicago.
Other tests replicate situations owners may subconsciously encounter in the real world.
“When you shut off and leave a car, it takes the infotainment system as long as three to four minutes to fully go to sleep, much like any other computer,” said Rimkus. “You’re not always given that luxury in the real world. What if you stop at a gas station to grab a quick drink? The system hasn’t fully shut off, but it needs to quickly reboot when you turn the ignition key.”
The automation lab replicates other potential real-world use by staying close to GM road test engineers who drive pre-production vehicles. Issues noted during these early engineering drives can quickly be replicated within the confines of the automation lab, allowing developers to quickly find and address software or hardware issues that might push a driver’s buttons.
Just weeks after the official presentation to the public of Europe and the Greek presentation in Santorini, the new Opel Corsa E simultaneously won two major distinctions, one European and one Greek !
New Opel Corsa E - Car of the Year 2015 for Greece. The Jury members along with Opel Mktg and Communication Managers
This is the European 'AutoBest 2015' and 'Car of the Year 2015' for Greece.
New Opel Corsa E - President and CEO of GM Hellas, John Passadis andCommunication Manager Amalia Giannakopoulou
The President and CEO of GM Hellas, John Passadis said: 'We are very happy and yet very proud for both titles, but much more for the prize we won here in Greece, the' Car of 2015 '. The honor this distinction came from professional journalists - members of the institution, who appreciated the technological innovations that brings the new Opel Corsa E, safety, premises and performance of new engines. The new Opel Corsa E will continue to be best seller in both Greece and the rest of Europe'.
New Opel Corsa E - Car of the Year 2015 for Greece
“Best Buy Car of Europe for 2015”: Opel’s new small car wins over expert jury
First car in AUTOBEST history to win for consecutive generations
Unbeatable: The new Opel Corsa saw off stiff competition to win the AUTOBEST “Best Buy Car of Europe for 2015” award, becoming the first car in AUTOBEST history to win for consecutive generations.
The new Opel Corsa is a real winner. Just three months after its launch, Opel has already received over 55,000 orders for the fifth generation of the small car. And now the bestseller has already taken the spotlight on the European stage: the Opel Corsa has won the AUTOBEST 2015 award. At the large test finale in Belgrade, Serbia, the newcomer prevailed with a total of 994 points over the likewise brand-new competitors Hyundai i20 (906 points), Skoda Fabia (871 points) and Citroën C4 Cactus (830 points) making it the first ever car in AUTOBEST history to win the prestigious award for consecutive generations.
The AUTOBEST expert jury is made up of leading motoring journalists from 15 central and eastern European countries. Comprising around 300 million people, the award is extremely popular and highly respected in this market. Only cars with a compelling price-performance ratio can win this title, because next to classic vehicle characteristics, the jury also carefully considers maintenance costs, spare-parts distribution and dealers’ range of services. Ultimately the best deal for the normal, average customer is victorious – and the Opel Corsa proved to be unbeatable. Dan Vardie, chairman of the AUTOBEST jury, stated: “The new Corsa proved to be a great small car. All the jury members noticed the arguments that made the new Opel `The Best Buy Car of Europe in 2015`. The new generation is a meaningful evolution of the Opel model that won AUTOBEST award seven years ago”.
“Best Buy Car of Europe for 2015”: The AUTOBEST expert jury made up of leading motoring journalists from 15 central and eastern European countries gave the prestigious award to the new Opel Corsa.
“We are convinced that the Corsa is the best new small car, and now the AUTOBEST jury has confirmed this. We are very proud of this. The new Corsa generation stands for the art of German engineering, emotional design and excellent value for money. Safety and assistance systems as well as new, state-of-the-art engines and transmissions are real technological highlights,” says Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann.
The Corsa is one of Opel’s most important models and accounts for around one-fourth of the tradition-rich brand’s total sales. In the 32 years since the first Corsa generation was introduced to the market, over 12.4 million units of the small car have been sold. The fourth generation alone, the Corsa D, sold around three million units between 2006 and 2014 and won the AUTOBEST award in 2007. The new Corsa is also a cornerstone of Opel’s ongoing product offensive: to 2018, the brand will introduce 27 new cars and 17 new engines to the market.
Start of an era: Opel Astra OPC with 118 kW/160 hp ready for the race track
Turbo debut 2001: turbocharged Opel Zafira OPC fastest compact van in the world
Lap records: OPC models are developed and set the pace on the Nürburgring
OPC flagships today: Opel Astra with limited slip differential and Opel Insignia OPC with all-wheel drive
Debut 1999: Opel sounds in a new era with the first OPC model, an Opel Astra G with 118kW/160 hp, and bids farewell to the GSi abbreviation.
At Opel exceptional athletes receive an abbreviation – OPC. Exactly 15 years ago, the first production model from the Opel Performance Center hit the roads. Since that day, Opel has combined its knowhow for motorsport outings with the development of performance cars for the road, guaranteeing a regular technology transfer between the world of motorsports and serial production.
“The Opel Performance Center provides our performance-hungry clients with vehicles that are irresistibly dynamic, have a sporty look and are very different from the large production models, without making any comprises on everyday usability. Our OPC models stand for outstanding performance and pure passion,” explained Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann.
The unmistakable OPC design: “Convey the performance”
Opel Astra OPC: Specially sculpted front and rear bumpers, side skirts, an aerodynamic roof spoiler and two fully integrated exhaust tail pipes in a trapezoid shape
“An OPC model must immediately be recognizable as such,” said Mark Adams, Opel’s Vice President for Design. Opel Astra OPC, for example, is keen to display its perfectly toned body with specially sculpted front and rear bumpers, side skirts, an aerodynamic roof spoiler and two fully integrated exhaust tail pipes in a trapezoid shape ensuring it has the specific OPC appearance. Moreover, for the Opel Insignia OPC the designers created an archaic sabertooth appearance for the voluminous air intakes. All OPC models follow the requirements set out by Mark Adams. “Every detail and every line must convey the performance of the vehicle.”
Opel Insignia OPC: Designers created an archaic sabertooth appearance for the voluminous air intakes
The new foundation for motorsports: OPC instead of GSI
Opel Astra F GSi: 2.0 16V 110 kW/150 hp
When the Astra G replaced the Astra F in 1998, the Opel bestseller increased quality, efficiency and spaciousness but Opel motorsport legend and OPC co-founder Volker Strycek remembers a flaw. “The car was a long way away from being suitable for motorsports. As there were no plans for a GSI version, both a competitive powertrain and a corresponding chassis were missing. So we sat down – inside only one year we developed and tested our debut model, the Opel Astra OPC 1,” explained Strycek. Numerous Opel OPC models followed and could hit the normal roads, in some cases immediately after setting new lap records on the Nürburgring.
Currently, the sporting OPC flagship is the 239 kW/325 hp Insignia OPC but the Astra OPC with 206 kW/280 hp is hot on its heels: With its compact dimensions and a more radical overall set-up the powerful Astra is almost as fast as its big brother is.
1999: Opel Astra OPC with 118 kW/160 hp leaves its mark
Based on the 100 kW/136 hp, 2.0-liter ECOTEC, the newly created OPC team built a free-revving and responsive engine that was completely different to the frugal base model. The engine befits from forged pistons, sharper camshafts, larger intake and exhaust channels along with an exhaust manifold system and optimized engine management, thus resulting in 118 kW/160 hp. An additional oil cooler and an adapted coolant thermostat ensured the correct temperature in every situation.
Opel Astra G OPC: 2.0-liter engine befits from forged pistons, sharper camshafts, larger intake and exhaust channels along with an exhaust manifold system and optimized engine management, thus resulting in 118 kW/160 hp
The chassis obviously also needed some refinement to match the increased performance of the engine, with Opel wanting the performance to be reflected in the drive characteristics and the handling. The car’s center of gravity was lowered by two centimeters, Bilstein dampers, larger brake discs behind 17-inch BBS rims, newly designed wishbones and a more direct steering were all incorporated. Furthermore, the Opel OPC stood out with an aerodynamics package and Recaro bucket seats. To this day, the Astra G OPC remains a very popular racing car that continues to win in the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine class.
Opel Astra G OPC: 17-inch BBS rims, Bilstein dampers, larger brake discs behind, 1999
Volker Strycek was responsible for 2,500 Sport-Astra, necessary for homologation, produced in series. However, the enthusiasm was much bigger. Even before hitting the market the motorsport fans went mad for the Astra OPC. As a result, the number was increased to 3,000 and these had sold out after only four months.
2001: Turbocharged performance plateau
Opel Zafira A OPC 2.0 Turbo with 141 kW/192 hp, 2001
The confidence of the OPC crew grew with the sporting and commercial success and the next project targeted something very special. The team set its sights on making the fastest compact van in the world. The debut of the Opel Zafira OPC also saw the introduction of turbocharging. From this moment on, all further models created in the Opel Performance Center were also equipped with the efficient turbo technology.
2002: Opel Astra G OPC: 2.0 Turbo with 147 kW/200 hp and Xenon headlights as option
Opel Astra G OPC Caravan: 2.0 Turbo with 147 kW/200 hp - New version from 2002
The performance of the 2.0-liter engines gradually grew from 141kW/192 hp in the first generation Opel Zafira OPC to 147 kW/200 hp in the second generation Opel Astra OPC, and then from 177 kW/240 hp to the 206 kW/280 hp available in the current Opel Astra OPC. The torque also grew with the performance. The first generation 2.0 liter turbo engine had 250 Nm whereas the latest has a breathtaking 400 Nm.
Record hunting: At home on the Nürburgring
Opel Astra H OPC: 2.0 Turbo with 177 kW/240 hp, 2005
Opel Zafira B OPC: 2.0 Turbo with 177 kW/240 hp, 2005
The OPC models have proven just how good they are on an annual basis and they regularly break the lap record on the 20.8 kilometer long Nürburgring-Nordschleife. The second generation Opel Astra OPC set a new class record of 8:35:94 minutes in 2005. The following year the Opel Zafira OPC set a new record for compact vans (8:54:38 minutes) which is still valid today. And the Opel Corsa OPC set new standards in the small car segment in 2007, when a pure serial-production car completed the course in just 8:47:99 minutes.
Opel Corsa D OPC: 1.6 Turbo with 141 kW/192 hp, 2007
In addition to the record-breaking runs, all OPC vehicles ‘suffer’ vigorous endurance tests through the “Green hell”, which is classed as the most demanding racetrack in the world. The legendary Nordschleife is traditional Opel territory. The cars with the Blitz have been put through extreme tests there since the 1960s. Currently, Opel has a cooperation agreement with Nürburgring Ltd and furthermore established its own test center in the direct vicinity of the course as early as 2006.
Nürburgring Edition: Nomen est Omen
Opel Astra H OPC Nürburgring Edition: 2.0 Turbo with 177 kW/240 hp, 2008
To date the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker has produced two special “Nürburgring” editions, the Opel Astra OPC in 2008 and the Opel Corsa OPC in 2011. The Astra H in the special racing trim had the same performance as the Astra OPC but a special, spectacular livery. In 2011, the Nürburgring Edition Corsa OPC boasted an additional 14 kW/18 hp for a total of 210 hp delivered by its 1.6 turbo engine and a limited slip differential compared to the “normal” Corsa OPC which made it a more radical and efficient rocket.
Opel Corsa D OPC Nürburgring Edition: 1.6 Turbo with 155 kW/210 hp, 2011
Compact class athlete: Current Opel Astra OPC with impressive performance
Opel Astra J OPC:2.0 Turbo with 206 kW/280 hp, 2012
Opel Astra OPC has been the top-level model in the compact class since the summer of 2012. A two-litre turbo with 206 kW/280 hp and 400 Nm torque give it outstanding propulsion. The athletic Astra accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in six seconds flat and has a top speed of 250 km/h – faster than any previous Astra. It was fine-tuned on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Its HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) front suspension and mechanical limited slip differential guarantee outstanding road holding and best possible traction when accelerating out of tight corners, even in the wet. Elsewhere, OPC drivers can rely on a Brembo high performance brake system if they need to reduce speed quickly.
Opel Astra J OPC: Brembo high performance brake system
Opel Insignia OPC: All-wheel drive with Touring Car genes
Fastest Opel: The ‘Unlimited-Version’ of the 239 kW/325 hp Insignia OPC (2011) reaches a maximum speed of 270 km/h – it is faster than any other Opel
Opel Insignia OPC is the flagship. Its turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 engine produces 239 kW/325 hp and sends 435 Nm torque to all four wheels. In order to guarantee that the power reaches the road in the best possible way, the OPC team developed an all-wheel drive based on the German Touring Car Championship experiences gathered with the Opel Calibra (International Touring Car Championship winner in 1996). With this powerful engine at its disposal, Opel Insignia OPC accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in six seconds (Sports Tourer 6.3 seconds) and achieves a maximum, electronically limited speed of 250 km/h. However, the Insignia can go even faster. The manual Unlimited-Version reaches up to 270 km/h (Sports Tourer 265 km/h).
New Opel Insignia OPC (2013): The ultimate Opel powerhouse.
The OPC highlight of the first 15 years:
2013: Further development of the Opel Insignia OPC with enhanced chassis
2012: Astra (J) OPC with 206 kW/280 hp 2.0 liter Turbo
2011: Opel Corsa (D) „Nürburgring Edition“ with 155 kW/210 hp
2009: Market launch Opel Insignia OPC Limousine and Insignia OPC Sports Tourer (2.8 liter V6 turbo with 239 kW/325 hp)
2009: Market launch Opel Astra (H) OPC Race Camp Edition
2008: IDS Plus 2 chassis as standard for Opel Astra (H) OPC
2008: Limited special edition Opel Astra (H) OPC „Nürburgring Edition“
2007: Opel Corsa (D) OPC sets small car lap record of 8:47:99 minutes on the Nürburgring Nordschleife
2007: Market launch of the Opel Corsa (D) OPC (1.6 liter Turbo with 141 kW/192 hp)
2006: Opel Zafira (B) OPC sets van lap record of 8:54:38 minutes on the Nürburgring Nordschleife
2006: Introduction of the Opel Meriva OPC (1.6-liter-turbo with 132 kW/180 hp)
2005: Opel Astra (H) OPC sets compact class lap record of 8:35:94 minutes on the Nürburgring Nordschleife
2005: Market launch of the Opel Vectra (C) OPC and Vectra Caravan OPC (2.8 liter V6 turbo with 188 kW/255 hp)
2005: Second generation of the Opel Zafira (B) OPC (2.0 liter turbo, 177 kW/240 hp)
2005: Market launch of the Opel Astra (H) OPC (2.0 liter turbo with 177 kW/240 hp)
2005: 20,000 OPC vehicles sold throughout Europe in only five years
2002: Market launch of the second Opel Astra (G) OPC-Generation (2.0 liter turbo with 147 kW/200 hp, three-door and Caravan variants)
2001: Introduction of the Opel Zafira (A) OPC (2.0 liter turbo with 141 kW/192 hp)
1999: Market launch of the Opel Astra (G) OPC (2.0 liter naturally aspirated engine with 118 kW/160 hp)
Photographs of Choupette and the Opel Corsa from the photo shooting of the year
Vernissage with calendar motifs to start in Berlin on February 4
In October, couturier, designer and photographer Karl Lagerfeld photographed his Birman cat Choupette and the new Opel Corsa in Paris. The results of this production will be on show shortly with the ‘2015 Opel Corsa Calendar, photographed and designed by Karl Lagerfeld’ being available for order from December 17. All of the motifs from the unusual shooting can be seen at a vernissage that will take place at the Palazzo Italia in Berlin from February 4 to 22, 2015.
For the cover of the calendar the designer and photographer took up his pen and drew his personal supermodel ‘Choupette’ exclusively for Opel. Opel and Lagerfeld selected the twelve best images of the cat with the new Opel Corsa for the pages of the calendar. “Choupette is a beautiful animal and did an excellent job,” said Tina Müller Chief Marketing Officer of the Opel Group, who was present for the shooting. “The new fifth generation Opel Corsa raises the bar in design, shape and functionality and Karl Lagerfeld did a magnificent job of capturing this.”
The photographs of Choupette discovering the new Corsa do not just focus on the exterior design. The twelve calendar motifs also give car and cat lovers an insight into the inner values of the bestseller from Rüsselsheim. For example, Choupette can be seen snuggling up to the heated steering wheel, getting close to the highly efficient new three-cylinder 1.0 ECOTEC direct injection engine or exploring the spacious trunk.
The limited edition 2015 Opel Corsa Calendar is available from December 17, 2014 for euro 33.50 (including VAT in Germany) from www.opel-collection.com.
New Opel ADAM packed with driver-focused technology and safety items
High-tech new 1.0T ecoFLEX engine and 6 speed manual gearbox available
Infinite customisation options for trendy buyers
Opel ADAM Group
When it arrives at Opel dealerships in January 2015, the new Opel ADAM will represent the first of a number of new-generation of Opel vehicles destined for South Africa. Developed as part of the brand’s resurgent product and technological onslaught, the ADAM shows off Opel’s new design direction bolstered by a multitude of personalisation options.
Positioned as an urban trend-setter and personalisation champion, Opel’s entry into the luxury mini segment is set to shake up the market with a comprehensive offering of standard safety equipment, infotainment and convenience features usually reserved for more premium-priced vehicles.
“The Opel ADAM is the first of our ‘new Germans’; a vehicle which truly embodies Opel’s heritage of precision German-engineered, desirable cars with attractive design and the latest technology. ADAM takes things a step further by appealing to the modern buyer who wants to stand out in a crowd with a highly customisable and affordable package,” says Opel Brand Manager at General Motors South Africa, Christopher Cradock.
Built at Opel’s plant in Eisenach, Germany, the ADAM is an A-segment, 3-door, 4-seat hatchback with a high level of customer-related equipment. Opel has placed firm emphasis on providing class-leading ergonomics and interior materials, fun-to-drive dynamics, great technology and an overall premium build quality.
The new ADAM also pays homage to Opel’s long and illustrious heritage, and is named after Adam Opel who founded the company in 1862.
South African consumers will have a choice of three models: ADAM, ADAM JAM and the range-topping ADAM GLAM. Each of these model lines offers a comprehensive choice of factory-fitted customisation options, dealer-fitted accessories and a wide selection of exciting exterior paint colours.
“ADAM is designed for trend-setting image makers, people who want self-expression through their clothes, lifestyle and cars,” continues Cradock. “For this reason, the choice of colours, wheels and interior design elements have been developed to enable a high level of vehicle personalisation, allowing the customer to be fully involved in the finishing details of their car.”
Two petrol engines power the Opel ADAM – the entry-level ADAM features a naturally-aspirated 1.4-litre ECOTEC four-cylinder unit with 74 kW and 130 Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. This engine, which has a combined fuel consumption figure of 5.3-litres per 100 km and carbon emissions of 125 g/km, allows for a top speed of 185 km/h and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 11.5 seconds.
The ADAM JAM and ADAM GLAM are both fitted with Opel’s latest-generation 1.0-litre turbocharged ecoFLEX three-cylinder engine which boasts the latest in state-of-the-art technology to offer unrivalled performance and fuel efficiency. Boasting a readily-available 85 kW and 170 Nm of torque, the 1.0-litre ecoFLEX turbo engine is mated to Opel’s latest 6-speed manual gearbox. The engine features a combined fuel consumption figure of just 5.1-litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions of just 119 g/km (as per government ECE R101 or SANS 20101 Standards). Top speed is 196 km/h with acceleration from 0-100 km/h reached in 9.9 seconds.
DESIGN
Iconic, forward-thinking, non-retro design sets Opel’s most radical model apart from its competitors. The Opel ADAM introduces a new, modern Opel design, full of attitude and emotion – epitomised by the contrasting-coloured ‘floating roof’. The front ‘wing’ signature daytime running lights are a visible emphasis on the high level of technology available in the new Opel ADAM.
The brand bar has been redesigned to cradle the Opel logo, and includes ‘winglets’ that guide the eye to the chrome features in the headlamps. Significant time was invested in designing the bonnet profile to comply with pedestrian protection requirements, without losing the drama and precision in the surfacing. The twisting surface which leads the eye from the centre across to the base of the A-pillar is a direct result of this. The same minute attention to detail is also responsible for the ‘clam shell’ cut line which separates the bonnet from the grille area and runs around the front of the car to connect with the belt line.
The bold silhouette of the new Opel ADAM has been achieved through the short bonnet design, upright windscreen, chop-top-inspired roof line and forward-reaching rear. The floating roof is enhanced by a chrome embellishment, which runs along the roof from the A-pillar into the rear and acts as an artistic stroke of varying thickness. Supporting the floating roof concept is the optimal-height wrap-around belt line that naturally delineates the glass from the bodywork. Its positioning helps to improve outward visibility for the occupants and accentuate the roof graphic and feature lines in the body sides.
Seen from behind, the new Opel ADAM reflects both Opel design heritage and the fresh flair of a new generation of Opel vehicles. The floating roof graphic creates a large span of wrap-around glass, linked by clever visual treatment on the rear side glass.
The sculpted tail lamp clusters follow the same design philosophy as the headlamps, with a high-gloss black finish and a chrome accent which supports the wing signature up front.
As seen on the Opel Astra, the Opel emblem on the tailgate hides an ergonomic touch pad, allowing for the traditional tailgate handle to be hidden which simplifies the design of the rear. The uncluttered nature of the design conveys an immediate and lasting impression of both design purity and lifestyle capability.
The interior of the new Opel ADAM delivers what the exterior promises: style and ambience in a well-organised and ergonomically-superior compact package.
Absolute out-of-the-box design principles have been applied, resulting in a unique and characterful interior. A colour-coded key fob which matches the ADAM’s exterior colour adds yet another unique touch and emotive element, inviting the driver into a new world where style, design and ambience meet to create a complete and ergonomically-superior package.
Clever use of elements such as high-quality materials, two-tone colour schemes, satin- and glossy chrome accents and ambient lighting which is usually only found in higher-priced luxury vehicles, give the ADAM a premium feel. The gently-sculpted wing-shaped top pad of the instrument panel exhibits a rich play of taut surfaces and flowing transitions. The two-tone accent colour matches the seats and wraps around from the lower instrument panel into the soft-touch padded door trims.
The round, mechanical-style instruments in their chrome tubes are designed to fascinate, and together with the chrome switches convey a feeling of sporty precision. The three-dimensionally-sculpted steering wheel is both visually inviting and efficiently pleasant to handle. In typical Opel fashion, storage has been maximised as well, to especially fulfil the modern driver’s need to store a plethora of electronic devices.
Personalisation
Personalisation options for ADAM begin with nine exterior paint colours with funky names such as Red ‘n Roll, Purple Fiction, Pump Up The Blue, The Greyfather, James Blonde, Saturday White Fever, I’ll Be Black and Silverwalker – each of which will appeal to ADAM buyers and offer the first major differentiator matched to their personality.
Once a customer has gone through the first step of selecting their preferred colour and model, a multitude of personalisation options are available to further differentiate each car.
For the ADAM JAM, the following factory options are available: the TWISTED PACK which comes with either a white or black roof, the OPC-LINE PACK which includes 17-inch Hurricane alloy wheels and an OPC-Line body kit, the TWISTED OPC-LINE PACK which combines either a white or black roof and 17-inch Hurricane wheels with the OPC-Line Pack, and finally the XTREME PACK with a black or white roof, 18-inch twister alloys and the OPC-Line body kit.
The ADAM JAM introduces a new Opel styling package called OPC-Line, which is a new sporty styling kit which will be offered on various car lines within the Opel portfolio of forthcoming new vehicles.
The ADAM GLAM takes things further, offering a standard panoramic sunroof or the unique ‘64 Starz’ headliner which features 64 individual LED elements to create the effect of a starry night sky. The ambient lighting package, which illuminates the passenger foot well, door pockets and console storage, adjusts to light conditions and features a choice of eight selectable colours to suit the driver’s mood and interior colour scheme.
In addition, the ADAM GLAM owner who chooses the Purple Fiction, I’ll be Black, or A Star is Born exterior colour options, can have their elegant interior colour coded to match the body colour. Colour-coded items include the seats, dashboard trim and steering wheel leather, as well as the gear lever surround.
Once at the dealership, finishing touches can be added to the vehicle depending on customer preference with a choice of accessories available for quick fitment allowing owners to further show off their personalities. Customisable items include interior décor elements on the dashboard and doors, rear-view mirror covers, exterior mirror caps, front logo bars, wheel clips for the model-specific 18-inch Twister alloy wheels, aluminium sports pedals and a number of exterior decal packs.
TECHNOLOGY
Engines
Supporting Opel’s advancement in technology, the new ADAM features state-of-the-art powertrain technology, safety and convenience features. At the forefront, the introduction of the new Opel ecoFLEX engine to the South African market sets the way forward for future Opel vehicles, beginning with ADAM.
The new 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged ecoFLEX engine, found in ADAM JAM and ADAM GLAM derivatives, is a direct-injection unit which features an integrated exhaust manifold, dual independent cam phasing, all-aluminium construction and a counter-rotating balance shaft. Power output is a generous 85 kW between 5 000 and 6 000 rpm, with torque of 170 Nm available between 1 800 and 4 500 rpm.
Benefits of the ultra-modern, lightweight design include a higher compression ratio, a reduction in friction, increased airflow and reduced pumping losses, a reduction in engine vibration, a faster warm-up procedure and superior engine braking energy – which in turn drive excellent fuel efficiency, improved torque availability and smoother running.
Start/stop technology goes further in reducing fuel consumption, the ecoFLEX engine allowing for outstanding fuel economy of just 5.1-litres per 100 km and carbon emissions as low as 119 g/km – without compromising performance. The 0-100 km/h sprint is completed in 9.9 seconds and top speed is 196 km/h.
The second available engine is a naturally-aspirated 1.4-litre ECOTEC four-cylinder unit with 74 kW and 130 Nm of torque mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. This engine, which has a combined fuel consumption figure of 5.3-litres per 100 km carbon emissions of 125 g/km, is only available in the entry level ADAM. Top speed is 185 km/h and the vehicle accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 11.5 seconds.
Under the skin, ADAM’s chassis has been engineered to deliver a sublime ride and superior driving comfort, with an advanced MacPherson strut front suspension design and a torsion beam setup at the rear. A neutral torque axis engine mounting system has been developed to improve driving comfort and fuel consumption by lowering the idling speed due to improved idle-shake insulation. The low centre of gravity has been optimised by special development of the front knuckles to improve steering response and roll behaviour; strengthened front sub-frame and spring rates were selected to improve pitch angle and rating during braking.
Front and rear damping has also been fully optimised. At the rear, a specific torsion profile angle has been achieved and extra stability delivered by special attention to the torsion profile angle. The benefits of this specific development are a much smoother ride, higher steering precision and outstanding all-round agility. On ADAM JAM models fitted with the OPC-Line package, the chassis is also lowered for an enhanced sporty stance.
A festival of technology
The ecoFLEX Drive Assist system monitors energy consumption by on-board equipment like air conditioning and the rear demister in addition to fuel consumption, indicating to the driver the most efficient gear change points on an adaptive basis, allowing ADAM to be driven as efficiently as possible at all times.
City Mode Steering allows the two-mode electric power steering to react with increased power assistance when the driver engages the system, making city-bound manoeuvring and parking especially in tight spots that much easier and effective.
Appealing to the connected lifestyle of the target audience, Opel’s IntelliLink infotainment system is available as standard in ADAM JAM and ADAM GLAM. IntelliLink allows for fully-integrated smartphone connectivity for a hands-free infotainment experience linked to the power and adaptability behind a smartphone environment. Featuring a 7-inch high-definition touch screen display, the intuitive IntelliLink system is linked to the multi-function steering wheel and with the premium quality sound system provides the ultimate entertainment experience in the Opel ADAM. The Bluetooth and USB-powered setup includes audio streaming as well as photo and video playback.
Much like the latest smartphones, IntelliLink also includes pre-loaded apps for an even more integrated driving experience. These include Stitcher™ which streams the latest podcasts and radio shows for a mix of news, music, sports and talk show content customised to the user’s preferences; TuneIn Internet radio; BringGo; and support for Siri when an Apple iPhone is connected.
More on BringGo
The launch of the ADAM heralds the arrival of the BringGo navigation app for IntelliLink-equipped Opels in South Africa. BringGo is a connected navigation solution which provides smartphone-powered navigation to the in-car infotainment system – available for Apple and Android devices. Android users can use the navigation app by connecting their smartphone via Bluetooth; Apple users need to connect with a USB cable.
Once connected, users have full access to BringGo’s high-end innovative navigation features such as text-to-speech voice guidance, lane guidance, signpost display, 3D buildings and landmarks, speed limit warnings, millions of on-board Points of Interest (POIs), ECO features and much more. Maps are stored on the user’s smartphone for offline use.
Playing it safe
Safety comes standard with the Opel ADAM, all derivatives featuring a comprehensive level of safety equipment which includes six airbags, ABS with EBD and BAS, ESP Plus, Hill Start Assist, dual pretensioned front seat belts, the Opel Pedal Release System (PRS), integrated pedestrian protection, ISOFIX child seat anchor points and a rigid passenger cell with high tensile steel construction and crumple zones.
Linked to the more conventional safety items, Side Blind Zone Alert brings ultrasonic blind-spot warning to the supermini segment, with integrated warning lights in each side mirror indicating the presence of another vehicle in ADAM’s blind spot at speeds up to 140 km/h.
All ADAM models also feature individual tyre pressure monitoring with tyre load indicators.
Advanced Park Assist 2 (APA2) is integrated into the IntelliLink system and is standard on the ADAM JAM and ADAM GLAM. Using radar detectors to find an available parking space under speeds of 30 km/h, APA2 is able to detect both parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. After the driver selects to hand over to APA2, the system is able to automatically turn the steering wheel and manage vehicle angles to perfectly park the Opel ADAM with extreme precision, the driver only needing to manage speed and braking, and the selection of reverse and first gear – another first in the segment.
Available on the Opel ADAM GLAM, the Sight and Light Pack increases both safety and driver comfort. The package includes automatic light control with tunnel recognition, rain-sensing wipers with vehicle speed-dependent regulation and an auto-dimming interior mirror.
MODEL RANGE
Each new derivative in the range – ADAM, ADAM JAM and ADAM GLAM – is aimed at meeting the needs of the modern customers and personalities within its target groups with affordability at the forefront of the offering. Expressing personal style need not be an expensive exercise – a notion which the ADAM range supports in every respect.
ADAM
Aimed at the entry-level consumer who expressly wants the unique aspects of the new Opel ADAM without too many frills, the ADAM 1.4 offers a comprehensive list of standard comfort and safety features to appeal to the creative-minded, trend-conscious but cost-mindful buyer. The ADAM 1.4 is available in eight striking colours: Purple Fiction, I’ll Be Black, Let It Blue, The Greyfather, James Blonde, Saturday White Fever, Silverwalker and Red ‘n Roll.
The entry level ADAM is powered by Opel’s proven normally-aspirated 1.4-litre ECOTEC petrol engine, with 74 kW at 6 000 rpm and 130 Nm at 4 000 rpm, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.
Standard equipment includes full colour-coding, 15-inch Rotation alloy wheels, daytime running lights, front fog lights, heated and electric side mirrors, a leather-bound multi-function steering wheel with rake/reach adjustment, cruise control with a speed limiter, a radio/CD audio system with USB, aux and Bluetooth support and five speakers, an on-board computer, chrome instrumentation rings, ‘flexi’ cup holders, tinted windows with electric operation and one-touch up and down functionality, the colour-coded key fob, ‘Japan Paint’ interior décor, IMIX black cloth upholstery, split-folding rear seats, speed-sensitive power steering with City Mode and manual air conditioning with a pollen filter.
ADAM JAM
The mid-range and sportier ADAM JAM 1.0T ecoFLEX features the new-age turbocharged three cylinder engine and a six-speed manual gearbox, and is available in eight body colours – Purple Fiction, I’ll Be Black, Let It Blue, The Greyfather, James Blonde, Saturday White Fever, Silverwalker and Red ‘n Roll.
ADAM JAM builds onto standard ADAM features, adding the drive assist display, 16-inch Boomerang alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, LED brake lights, IntelliLink with seven premium speakers, APA2 linked to front and rear parking sensors, Side Blind Zone Alert, OCIO Black Morrocana upholstery, and side mirror caps matched to the roof colour.
Four option packs are exclusively available for ADAM JAM, including the TWISTED PACK, with either a white or black roof; the OPC-LINE PACK, including 17-inch Hurricane alloy wheels and the OPC-Line body kit; the TWISTED OPC-LINE PACK, which combines the TWISTED and OPC-LINE packs; and the XTREME PACK, which includes a black or white roof, the OPC-Line body kit and 18-inch Twister alloy wheels, which allow for custom spoke treatment with coloured clips.
ADAM GLAM
The ADAM range is topped by the new ADAM GLAM 1.0T ecoFLEX which is aimed directly at the perfect uptown trend setter with an overriding sense of elegance and glamour.
Over and above JAM specification, ADAM GLAM includes the Sight and Light Pack, electronic climate control, eight multi-colour ambient light settings, either a panoramic sunroof or the 64 Starz headliner, 17-inch Roulette alloy wheels, ‘Tinted Steel’ interior décor and BRISTOL Black Morrocana upholstery. Exclusive to ADAM GLAM, the Purple Fiction and A Star is Born exterior colours can be specified with matching BRISTOL Morrocana Purple interior highlights on the dashboard, steering wheel, gear lever, handbrake and seats.
ADAM GLAM is available in six colours, including Purple Fiction, I’ll Be Black, Let It Blue, The Greyfather, A Star is Born and Silverwalker.
ADAM underscored by top warranty and service support
All Opel ADAM derivatives are available as standard with a 5-year/ 120 000 km vehicle warranty, a 5-year/ unlimited mileage anti-corrosion warranty, and a 3-year/ 60 000 km service plan linked to service intervals of 15 000 km.
Opel ADAM model range and pricing
The three-model Opel ADAM range includes:
- ADAM 1.4
- ADAM JAM 1.0T ecoFLEX
- ADAM GLAM 1.0T ecoFLEX
Pricing ranges from R200 000 up to R250 000, with final pricing to be made available in January 2015.
German Rallye Championship and ADAC Masters: Marijan Griebel won six out of eight national championship races and celebrated the Division 5 title before the last race of the season.
The Opel ADAM R2 has shaken up the European rallye circuit and shocked the strong competition in the first year of its international registration (homologation). In 39 starts, the pilots of the ADAM R2 with 190 hp celebrated 28 class or division wins and four national championships.
French Rallye Championship: Yoann Bonato celebrated his fourth win of the season at the Rallye du Var and celebrated the title in the R2 category.
The ADAM R2s of Opel Motorsport Team France hit it big in the French Rallye Championship last weekend. Yoann Bonato outpaced 42 opponents at the season finale, the Rallye du Var, in the south of France, celebrated his fourth win of the season and cruised to the title in the R2 category. Furthermore, Charlotte Berton recorded her fifth individual success of the season and won the French Women’s Rallye Championship.
French Women’s Rallye Championship: Charlotte Berton (right) recorded her fifth individual success of the season over the weekend and won the title.
Opel factory driver Marijan Griebel won six out of eight national championship races in the German Rallye Championship and the ADAC Masters and celebrated the Division 5 title before the last race of the season. In addition, Griebel won the R2 Category of the ADAC Rallye Germany, one of the races belonging to the World Rallye Championship.
In the Spanish Rallye Championship Esteban Vallin from Red Opel Motorsport Team Spain was in dominant form. Eight class wins gave him the R2 championship title. He was also runner-up in Division 2 for front-wheel drive vehicles and finished fourth in the overall rankings.
Spanish Rallye Championship: Esteban Vallin celebrated eight class wins giving him the R2 championship title. He was also runner-up in Division 2 for front-wheel drive vehicles and finished fourth in the overall rankings.
“Change your mind has also had an impact on the European rallye circuit. Our ADAM R2 has immediately established itself as a modern, fast and reliable rallye car. 28 wins in 39 starts speak for themselves. Championships in Germany, France and Spain along with impressive displays at World and European Championship level have not gone unnoticed. We are obviously delighted with the numerous purchase enquiries from all over Europe because they also show that the ADAM R2 is extremely successful.”
