Opel becomes O-Team: 1980s US TV series is source of inspiration
Imitating allowed: all modifications approved by TÜV
O-Team Zafira Life
Tens of thousands of Opel fans will once again descend on Oschersleben this weekend to celebrate the iconic Rüsselsheim brand. In addition to beautiful vintage cars and the 120 Years special models, Opel will also present a very special vehicle: the Opel Zafira Life, the fourth generation of the flexible multi-purpose van, will make its German premiere in the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben. But that’s not all. Opel will also bring another version to the racetrack, which has even more to offer: the “O-Team Zafira Life” concept car. As the name suggests, the car is inspired by the van that transported the crew in the cult US TV action and adventure series of the 1980s.
“O-Team Zafira Life” – the “O”, of course, stands for Opel – rivals the TV-original in every way: it features big wheels, the front bars and the big aerofoil, while the special colour scheme is bright neon-yellow instead of red. “O-Team Zafira Life” also makes an acoustic statement: the roaring V8 sound leaves no doubt about this car’s confident attitude. The fans of the iconic brand are likely to be just as enthusiastic as the fans of the TV series.
Spectacular “action” in design, interior layout and technology
Team from Opel Special Vehicles, that usually builds promotional vehicles and show cars, selected the six-seat Zafira Life “medium” with long wheelbase and full equipment as the basis for the “O” version. Its powerful 2.0-litre diesel engine delivers 130 kW (177hp) and 400 Nm maximum torque (NEDC fuel consumption1: urban 6.5-6.2 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.4-5.0 l/100 km, combined 5.8-5.4 l/100 km, 151-143 g/km CO2; WLTP fuel consumption2: combined 8.1-7.0 l/100 km, 213-183 g/km CO2). The power is transmitted to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, guaranteeing lots of driving fun! Exterior colour scheme of dark blue, white and neon-yellow (which also sets the tone for the interior) is derived from the much-acclaimed Opel GT X Experimental. Spectacular appearance is rounded off by the matching window decals, the unique, specially made roof spoiler, the front bars and the side-sill extensions.
Sound of the “O Team Zafira Life” is really spine-tingling, as the technical team has built in a sound module with the vocal chords of a V8 petrol engine. A tailpipe in OPC-design was also added underneath the vehicle. An additional amplifier and high-performance loudspeakers transform the interior into a concert hall with 800 watts of system power.
In the action sequences of the TV series, the tough team mastered even the most spectacular stunts and jumps with their vehicle. Of course, the chassis of the “O-Team Zafira Life” concept vehicle is also designed to handle difficult jobs with maximum precision and at top speed: lowered bodywork, air suspension (can be lowered to parking position via remote control), four-piston brakes with 380-millimetre discs in front and 20-inch light-alloy wheels from BBS plus Michelin Cup 2 tyres ensure that the crew has perfect control and optimum traction when on the road.
Thanks to the high-quality interior of Rüsselsheim’s “O-Team Zafira Life”, passengers are relaxed when they arrive at the scene of action: driver and co-driver enjoy the unmistakable performance sports seats from the Insignia GSi (NEDC fuel consumption Opel Insignia GSi 2.0 BiTurbo Diesel with 154 kW/210 hp and eight-speed automatic transmission1: urban 9.6 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.6 l/100 km, combined 7.1 l/100 km, 187-186 g/km CO2; WLTP fuel consumption2: combined 7.8-7.4 l/100 km, 204-193 g/km CO2), in both the second and third rows the crew members will find two rotating “Captain's Chairs”, all upholstered in fine leather and Alcantara.
As spectacular as the show talent of the “O-Team Zafira Life” is – it is not just a show car. All technical changes have been approved by TÜV – so it's quite possible that more “O-Team“ versions will soon be on Germany’s roads. What is certain is that at the sight of this modern version, the boss of the TV series team would light up a big cigar and say: “I love it when a plan comes together“.
New Opel Corsa-e: offers electric driving range of 330 kilometres (WLTP)
Powerful: 100 kW (136 hp) in every Corsa-e
Active safety: systems include adaptive speed assistance
Bright idea: IntelliLux LED Matrix light for first time in small car segment
All-New Opel Corsa-e: offers electric driving range of 330 kilometres
Opel goes electric. With the all-new, sixth generation Corsa, the German carmaker is offering for the first time a battery-electric version with a range of 330 kilometres (WLTP, provisional figure). Opel has chosen the brand’s most popular model to finally bring electric mobility out of its niche-existence. Opel Corsa is an absolute bestseller. More than 13.6 million units have been produced since the world premiere in 1982. Opel Corsa has made millions of people mobile; now it is offering them access to emission-free driving. Order books for the sixth-generation Opel Corsa will open in a few weeks, beginning with the Opel Corsa-e, followed by the diesel and petrol versions.
Impressive data: 100kW (136hp) power output, 330 km range
Opel has been producing cars for 120 years and has always made technology available to a wide audience of car buyers. New Opel Corsa-e offers state-of-the-art electric mobility. With a range of 330 km according to WLTP, five-seat Opel Corsa-e is suitable for unconstrained every-day use. 50 kWh battery can be fast-charged to 80 per cent of its capacity in 30 minutes. Opel Corsa-e is prepared for all charging options – via cable, wallbox or high-speed charging – and the battery is covered by an eight-year warranty. State-of-charge can be checked with the “myOpel” app, so that charging times and costs can be optimized at all times.
Furthermore, the range can be adapted by the driver, who can choose from three driving modes – Normal, Eco and Sport. Sport increases responsiveness and driving dynamics, with a moderate loss of driving range. In Eco mode Opel Corsa-e becomes a long-distance runner, significantly increasing the range while hardly affecting comfort.
Opel Corsa-e’s propulsion system combines emission-free driving with a maximum “fun-to-drive” factor. Thanks to the 100 kW (136 hp) power output and a maximum 260 Nm of instantaneous torque, the highlights include responsiveness, agility and dynamic performance. Opel Corsa-e needs only 2.8 seconds to sprint from zero to 50 km/h, only 8.1 seconds from zero to 100 km/h – a match for sports cars.
Opel Corsa-e also looks dynamic thanks to its sporty design, while the compact exterior dimensions of previous generations are retained. With a length of 4.06 metres Opel Corsa remains an agile, practical and well-arranged five-seater. Roof line is coupé-like, 48 mm lower than its predecessor’s, without detriment to headroom. Driver sits 28mm lower. Handling and driving dynamics benefit from the lower centre of gravity. Handling is responsive and dynamic, for more fun behind the steering wheel. Modern interior with fully digitalised cockpit can even be upgraded with leather seats.
Safety first: IntelliLux LED Matrix light, side blind-spot assist, flank guard
All-New Opel Corsa-e: IntelliLux LED Matrix light
Technologies and assistance systems that are more often found in higher market segments make their debut in the Opel Corsa-e. The top features include the adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix light that Opel offers for the first time in the small car segment. Eight LED elements, controlled by a newest-generation high-resolution front camera, continuously adapt light beam to the prevailing traffic situation and the surroundings. Advanced driver assistance systems provide tangible additional safety. Thanks to the new front camera traffic sign recognition now detects additional information, such as LED signs. Speed limits saved in the system are also shown in the display.
All-New Opel Corsa-e: Full LED tail light
Radar supported adaptive speed control and sensor-based flank-guard celebrate their premiere in the new Opel Corsa. Side blind-spot assist and a variety of parking assistants are also available.
Multimedia systems with Opel Connect telematics service
New infotainment systems keep the new Opel Corsa’s drivers and passenger fully connected. Multimedia Navi with 7.0 inch colour touchscreen, as well as the top-of-the-line Multimedia Navi Pro with 10.0 inch colour touchscreen, also offer the new “Opel Connect” telematics service. Helpful functions, such as Live Navigation with real-time traffic information, as well as direct connection with roadside assistance and emergency call, give additional peace of mind to drivers and passengers.
Customer satisfaction: Opel Insignia leads in J.D. Power Award
Additional prize: Opel Insignia Grand Sport is “Auto Test Winner 2019”
Opel Insignia is the winner in the midsize segment of this year’s J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study. J.D. Power surveys customers’ satisfaction with their cars every year. Market research firm asks the owners about the quality and durability of their one to three-year-old cars.
Opel Insignia Grand Sport
In addition to customers, Opel flagship is also highly rated by experts. German specialist magazine, Auto Test named the Insignia Grand Sport as “Auto Test Winner 2019” with the best price-performance ratio in its market segment. Opel Insignia Grand Sport already won last year in the same category. Excellent result was completed by the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer, which took a strong second position in its class.
Opel Insignia Sports Tourer
At the joint prize giving in Frankfurt/Germany, Opel’s Director Quality, Arnold Paluch received the trophies for the winning car. “Auto Test Winners” are announced together with the results of the J.D. Power customer satisfaction study since 2008.
“Quality and durability are the key criteria of our cars”, said Arnold Paluch. “We set high standards here and we are pleased that this is recognised by the customers. We also make innovative technology accessible to a wide range of buyers. We are pleased to see how Opel Insignia Grand Sport won the price-performance award in the hard-fought midsize category.”
This year’s J.D. Power survey is based on 12,854 answers received online between November 2018 and January 2019. Questions in the survey are about quality/durability, appeal and running costs. All the ratings result in a ranking which is won by the brand or model with the lowest amount of errors.
300 hp and AWD: New Grandland X Hybrid4 version tops Opel’s SUV family
Four driving modes: Fully electric, hybrid, AWD and sport
Convenient: Lithium ion battery fully charged in as little as one hour 50 minutes
Efficient: Regenerative braking converts deceleration to electrical energy
Opel goes electric: Entire product portfolio electrified by 2024
Opel goes electric! German carmaker continues to implement this key element of the PACE! strategic plan by presenting the new all-wheel drive PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) version of the Grandland X. Topping Opel’s SUV offer (that also comprises the Crossland X and the Mokka X), the elegant Grandland X Hybrid4 with an optional black engine hood combines the power of a 1.6 turbocharged petrol engine and two electric motors for a system output of up to 300 hp. Preliminary WLTP/NEDC fuel consumption (weighted, combined) is 2.2 l/100 km with 49 g/km CO2. Planned to go on sale within the next weeks for first deliveries to customers in early 2020, Opel’s first plug-in hybrid will contribute to the electrification of the German brand’s entire product portfolio by 2024. It is also part of the carmaker’s strategy for meeting future CO2 targets. Another step in the process, which also includes highly efficient internal combustion engines, will be the introduction of the fully battery electric version of the next-generation Opel Corsa that goes on sale this year.
New Opel Grandland X Hybrid4
Consistent with Opel’s positioning as the exciting, approachable, German brand, the new PHEV represents the state-of-the-art in plug-in hybrid technology. Propulsion system of the Grandland X Hybrid4 comprises:
WLTP-certified, Euro 6d-TEMP-compliant 147 kW/200 hp, 1.6-litre turbocharged direct injection four-cylinder petrol engine specially adapted to the hybrid application
electric drive system with two 80 kW/109 hp electric motors, all-wheel drive and a 13.2 kWh lithium-ion battery. Front electric motor is coupled to an electrified eight-speed automatic transmission. The second electric motor, inverter and differential are integrated into the electrically powered rear axle to provide all-wheel traction on demand.
Engine will mostly be driven at medium to high vehicle speeds, while the lower speeds of transient driving are covered by the electric part of the powertrain. Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 can cover up to 50 kilometres in pure electric mode in the WLTP driving cycle (60 km according to NEDC). Studies have shown that in Germany, 80 percent of all daily journeys cover a distance of under 50 km, so for these customers the Grandland X Hybrid4 could potentially drive with zero emissions all of the time.
Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 will offer four driving modes – electric, hybrid, AWD and Sport – allowing drivers to tailor the car’s characteristics to their wishes or to specific driving conditions. For example, choosing the hybrid mode allows the car to automatically select its most efficient method of propulsion, with the possibility of switching to electric mode for zero-emission driving when reaching a city centre. Selecting AWD mode activates the electrified rear axle for maximum traction on all kinds of roads.
In addition to demonstrating how Opel democratises innovation with the newest propulsion systems, the Grandland X Hybrid4 shows how Opel always keeps sight of the customer’s needs. For example, the plug socket for charging the battery via the 3.3 kW on-board charger (a 6.6 kW version is optional) is conveniently positioned on the opposite side of the vehicle to the fuel filler, while the battery is installed under the rear seats in order to optimise space in the interior and the boot.
As electricity is cheaper than petrol, drivers can save money when they regularly recharge the battery instead of putting fuel in the tank. Depending on local prices and distances covered, this can significantly lower energy bills.
Charging time depends on the type of charger in use. In addition to the cable supplied with the vehicle for charging from a domestic plug socket, Opel will offer devices for fast charging at public stations and wallboxes at home. For example, the battery charges fully in around one hour and 50 minutes with a 7.4 kW wallbox.
To make charging even more convenient, Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 will benefit from the dedicated solutions for electrified vehicles supplied by Free2Move Services, the Groupe PSA mobility brand. Offer will include a charging pass, giving access to more than 85,000 charging points in Europe, and a trip planner, which proposes the best routes based on the car’s residual range and the location of charging stations along the routes. Connected navigation via the Navi 5.0 IntelliLink infotainment system takes care of finding the routes and the guidance to the chosen charging station.
Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 will also offer the new Opel Connect telematics service. Helpful functions, such as Live Navigation with real-time traffic information, checking key vehicle data via an app, direct connection with roadside assistance and emergency call, give the driver and passengers additional peace of mind. Help can be reached within seconds via the red button. If the seatbelt tensioners or the airbags are deployed, the emergency call is activated automatically.
“One Pedal Driving”: Slowing down with the accelerator
In order to further improve efficiency, Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 features a regenerative braking system to recover the energy produced under braking or deceleration. In a conventional braking system, the mechanical energy generated by friction in the brakes is lost as heat. By converting this excess kinetic energy into electrical energy, and either using it immediately or storing it in the battery, the all-electric range of the Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 can increase by up to 10 per cent on average.
Driver can even switch to “Regeneration on Demand” for maximum energy recuperation. The drag torque of the electric motor is so high that the brake pedal need not be applied to reduce speed to a full stop in normal traffic. Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 is thus controlled via the accelerator (One Pedal Driving).
To further leverage the high voltage (300 V) electrical system, the Grandland X Hybrid4 is equipped with an electrical air-conditioning compressor and an electrical heater.
New Grandland X Hybrid4 belongs to the vanguard of Opel’s next-generation in electrified vehicles. While the Ampera-e remains on sale in selected markets, the manufacturer will globally launch within 20 months the new Corsa, the new Zafira Life MPV, the new Vivaro LCV and the successor of the Mokka X – each of which will feature a fully battery electric version.
Success of Groupe PSA’s light commercial vehicle (LCV) strategy requires additional manufacturing capacities
Convergence of Opel/Vauxhall LCV models on Groupe PSA platforms to increase efficiency
Performance plan set to adapt the Gliwice location to welcome the production of light commercial vehicles
Groupe PSA Gliwice plant
Good news for Gliwice is a clear demonstration that our Excellent Plant Program is being executed across all European countries with synergies and efficiency. The industrial performance will be a key enabler to serve our ambitions in the commercial vehicle market, guaranteeing our customers the best offer in this segment for all our brands [1],” added Yann Vincent, Executive Vice-President, Manufacturing & Supply Chain.
“Welcoming the production of large vans is a major milestone for the future of the Gliwice location and also a big challenge to achieve the highest levels of efficiency and quality for the satisfaction of business customers. We will demonstrate in the years to come our agility to adapt our processes to the production of this type of vehicle and confirm the confidence placed in us,” said Andrzej Korpak, who manages the Gliwice Groupe PSA plant.
Peugeot Boxer
Groupe PSA, the European LCV market leader, intends to further strengthen its market share in Europe and accelerate its development in the other regions.
Citroën Jumper
SevelSud plant (FCA/PSA joint venture located in Val di Sangro, Italy) has exceeded its manufacturing capacities over the last three years with the production of the Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Jumper and Fiat Ducato large vans.
Fiat Ducato
Transition of the Opel and Vauxhall brands to the shared large vans platform will require additional production capacities. Groupe PSA has decided to extend its presence in Gliwice in Poland to fully utilize its predisposition and competitiveness. Plant will be transformed to accommodate light commercial vehicles and adapted to the specific platform dedicated to large vans. Investment aims at ensuring the plant’s production capacity of up to 100,000 large vans per year.
Increase in manufacturing capacities in the large vans segment for the Peugeot, Citroën, Opel and Vauxhall brands will enable Groupe PSA to better supply customers by the end of 2021 and will provide manufacturing visibility for more than a decade in Gliwice.
No compromises: Dangel all-wheel drive system tailor-made for Opel Combo Cargo
No job too tough: Opel Combo Cargo 4x4 offers great load carrying, fuel efficiency and traction
No terrain too rough: Higher ground-clearance and underbody protection
New Opel Combo Cargo 4x4
Professionals who want a compact van from a German brand, which not only offers class-leading load carrying ability, fuel economy and CO2 efficiency but also the additional grip provided by selectable four-wheel drive, can now add the Opel Combo Cargo to their shopping list. Thanks to its powerful all-wheel drive, the new Combo goes anywhere, anytime.
Opel Combo 4x4 conversion is carried out by Dangel at a price of €6,400 (all prices in Germany, excluding VAT). The Alsatian traction experts were deeply involved during the design and development of the new Combo, which was voted “International Van of the Year 2019” by a jury of journalists from 25 European countries. The steering and suspension systems, for example are optimized for all-wheel drive and already installed at the vehicle assembly plant for maximum efficiency.
The four-wheel drive application is therefore tailor-made for the Opel Combo Cargo, which in turn delivers an engaging driving experience.
Driver-selectable: “Eco” front-wheel drive and “Auto 4WD” driving modes
Drivers can choose between two drive modes – “Eco” and “Auto 4WD” – via a rotary switch on the instrument panel. In “Eco” mode, the 4x4 system is disengaged and the Combo Cargo proceeds in front-wheel drive only, which reduces fuel consumption, emissions and tyre wear.
New Opel Combo Cargo 4x4 - Driving modes
If the going gets tougher, the driver can switch to “Auto 4WD” without stopping. The viscous coupling of the central differential then distributes part of the torque to the rear axle as soon as the front wheels begin to lose grip.
In even more demanding conditions drivers can select “R. Lock” to additionally lock the rear axle. A limited-slip rear differential for maintaining traction in the severest driving conditions is optional.
The 4x4 Combo Cargo comes as standard with the active safety of ESP, protection plates for the engine and gearbox and 20 mm higher ground clearance. Additional protection for the fuel tank and rear axle, as well as 80 mm higher ground clearance are optionally available.
Like the Combo Life and the rest of the Combo Cargo range, the 4x4 aims to deliver high efficiency and low cost of ownership. A major contribution to achieving these goals is made by the 96 kW/130 hp 1.5-litre diesel engine with six-speed manual transmission, which already meets the strict Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard (NEDC fuel consumption1: urban 6.0 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.1 l/100 km, combined 5.4 l/100 km, 144 g/km CO2; WLTP fuel consumption2: 6.8 l/100 km, 179 g/km CO2).
Uniquely business-like: Class-leading functionality and driver assistance systems
In addition to a class-leading cargo-length of up to 3,440 mm and a payload of up to 880kg, the up to 4,753 mm-long Opel Combo Cargo 4x4 also shares the same unrivalled offer of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems as its Opel Combo LCV siblings and the Opel Combo Life passenger car.
The range of useful equipment includes Automatic Cruise Control, Driver Drowsiness Alert, Forward Collision Alert with Pedestrian Detection and Automatic Emergency Braking, Side Blind Spot Alert and a Head-up Display.
Exclusive to all LCV versions of the Combo, including the 4x4 Cargo, is the option of Surround Rear Vision, which increases rearward visibility especially when the vehicle is fully loaded, while a second camera in the passenger side door mirror reduces the blind spot on this side of the vehicle.
Especially useful are the wide space between the rear wheel arches, so that the Combo Cargo can transport up to two Euro pallets, and the optional roof hatch where longer objects, such as planks and ladders, can be stowed upright at an angle.
Opel Combo Cargo’s suitability for professionals is further increased by the practical yet attractive, car-like cabin and state-of-the-art infotainment systems that keep drivers connected and help them find the optimum route. Multimedia Radio and Multimedia Navi Pro systems are simply controlled via the 8.0-inch colour touchscreen. Both are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Top-of-the-line Multimedia Navi Pro with integrated navigation including European maps and 3D-view also offers TMC (Traffic Messaging Channel) updates.
