No fear of the dark thanks to IntelliLux LED Matrix Light from Opel

• Adaptive IntelliLux LED light technology in Opel Corsa, Astra, Insignia and new Mokka
• LED headlamps standard on many Opel models
• Energy saving LED lights further increase efficiency

Opel Corsa with IntelliLux LED matrix light

Clocks have just been put back one hour to winter time, but the darker season holds no fear for Opel drivers – from Corsa and Astra to the flagship Insignia, their cars are ideally equipped for driving in gloomy conditions with IntelliLux LED matrix light.

Brand new among the models with this technology is the new Opel Mokka and the all-electric Mokka-e, which are also available with adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix light.

All-New Opel Mokka with IntelliLux LED matrix light

Full LED headlamps with numerous automatic functions are also available on the majority of Opel passenger cars, such as the Opel Grandland X and the new Opel Crossland. Compared with conventional systems, LED lights are not only brighter, but also more durable and energy-efficient and therefore further reduce CO2 emissions.

Precise, glare-free, bright as day: Adaptive IntelliLux LED Matrix light

IntelliLux LED Matrix light is far superior to xenon or conventional systems because it is more precise and more powerful. Clever headlamps make driving in darkness safer and more comfortable. As soon as the car leaves urban surroundings, the matrix headlamps switch automatically to main-beam and continuously adapt the range and distribution of the light cone, regardless of whether the car is on the motorway, country roads or driving through a curve. LED segments rapidly and automatically adapt to the prevailing traffic situation. Individual LEDs switch off in milliseconds, turning night into day without glare for oncoming traffic.

Adaptive IntelliLux LED Pixel Light of the Opel Insignia features 168 LED elements, 84 per headlamp. High number of continuously reacting LED elements results in a seamless adaptation. Approaching or preceding traffic is precisely “cut” out of the light beam.

 Opel Insignia with IntelliLux LED Pixel Light

In particular, Pixel Light provides a further improved autobahn function. In left-hand curves, additional light shines to the left, improving the driver’s visibility of the driving lane, while sufficient light remains on the right for the driver to see, for example, roadside signs. In right-hand curves, the light shines more to the right, in order to avoid glare for oncoming traffic.

New Opel Mokka with full LED light as standard

Opel offers advanced lighting in many other models as well. New Opel Mokka, for example, features a full LED system consisting of headlamps, daylight running lamps, indicators and LED taillights as standard. New Opel Crossland is available with optional adaptive full LED headlamps, with curve light, main beam assist and automatic levelling all integrated in the Opel Vizor, as on the new Mokka.

Instead of the standard ECO LED headlamps, Opel Grandland X is also available with the option of camera-based, adaptive AFL LED technology. Thanks to the automatic main beam, the driver does not need to switch it on and off manually to prevent glare for other road users. AFL LED headlamps feature up to eight individual functions – light for town, country roads, motorways, cornering, turning and parking, plus main beam assist and automatic dipping.

Opel Grandland X with AFL LED

New Opel Corsa Ultimate Leaves Nothing to be Desired

• Bestseller: Germany’s most popular small car now features new top-of-the-line variant
• All on-board: New Corsa Ultimate with IntelliLux LED Matrix-light, Multimedia Navi Pro, OpelConnect and Alcantara seats
• Even sportier: Opel Corsa GS Line now standard with black roof and 17-inch light alloy wheels

 

Opel Corsa GS Line 

Opel Corsa now offers even higher comfort. Germany’s most popular small car is now available as the high-end Ultimate variant, bringing additional premium features to the small car segment as standard. Opel Corsa Ultimate, which is offered from €23,870 (all prices RRP incl. VAT in Germany), leaves nothing to be desired. Innovations such as the IntelliLux LED Matrix light, which is unique in this vehicle class and the Multimedia Navi Pro infotainment system are standard, along with OpelConnect Services and the luxurious Alcantara trim. For fans of even sportier looks, Opel is making the Corsa GS Line even sharper than before.

Opel Corsa GS Line 

New Opel Corsa Ultimate is the only Corsa that offers the top-of-the-line Multimedia Navi Pro infotainment system at no extra charge. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible Multimedia Navi Pro has a high-resolution 10-inch colour touchscreen and voice control for audio, telephone and navigation. In combination with the standard OpelConnect Services, route guidance is even more practical and time-saving. With LIVE Navigation 1, traffic events are registered in real time and traffic jams can be avoided dynamically. In addition, OpelConnect offers a direct connection to breakdown assistance and emergency calls. Help is available in seconds using the red button. If the seat belt tensioners or airbags are triggered, the system automatically sends an emergency call. In order to make the journey in the battery-electric Corsa-e even more relaxing, other special services and solutions for electric vehicles are accessible via smartphone with OpelConnect and the myOpel app as well as the Free2Move Services2 app.

Standard automatic climate control and Alcantara trim with black seat covers promise maximum comfort in the new Opel Corsa Ultimate. Driver and front passenger sit on six-way adjustable, heated seats. Electro-pneumatically adjustable driver's seat features a massage function. Heated leather steering wheel makes driving even more pleasant right from starting the engine, especially in winter.

Adaptive IntelliLux LED Matrix light increases safety in the dark in every Corsa Ultimate. As soon as the Corsa passes the city limits, the headlamps with glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix light switch to high beam mode. LED elements then automatically and continuously adapt the light beam to the respective traffic situation and environment. Cars driving in front as well as oncoming cars are simply "cut" out of the light cone if necessary. This means that there is no glare and the driver has optimum vision. Opel offers the pioneering lighting technology across all segments, from the top model O    pel Insignia to the Opel Astra, the new Opel Mokka and, of course, Opel Corsa.

Seventeen-inch light-alloy wheels in stylish bi-colour black are now standard on the Opel Corsa GS Line, as well as the Opel Corsa Ultimate. As further eye-catchers, sport seats with red accents and the standard black roof, contrasting with the rest of the paintwork, now sharpen the sporty character of the GS Line (available from €20,855).

[1] LIVE Navigation services free of charge for 36 months after activation. Fees apply thereafter.

[2] Free2Move is the mobility brand of Groupe PSA.

New Additions: Opel Expands Powertrain Portfolio for Opel Insignia

• On sale now: New diesel and petrol drivetrain combinations
• Euro 6d across the board: Strict emissions standard met
• Optimal: New Opel Insignia among most fuel-efficient cars in its segment

New Opel Insignia Grand Sport and Opel Insignia Sports Tourer

Opel is adding a new petrol engine to the powertrain portfolio of the new Insignia Grand Sport limousine and the Insignia Sports Tourer estate. New power unit produces 125 kW (170 hp) and already develops maximum torque of 350 Newton metres at only 1,500 rpm (Grand Sport fuel consumption in the NEDC 1 cycle: combined 6.0-6.4l/100km, 150-145g/km CO2). Opel offers the four-cylinder engine in combination with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission. In this configuration, the Opel flagship accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in only 8.7 seconds. Maximum speed is 228km/h. New Opel Insignia 2.0 Turbo is already available in Elegance trim at a starting price of €38,919 (all prices RRP including VAT in Germany).

Also new is the combination of 2.0 diesel, eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. With 128 kW (174 hp) and 380 Nm of torque, Opel Insignia 2.0 Diesel offers a calm, confident performance (Grand Sport fuel consumption in the NEDC 1 cycle: combined 5.1l/100km, 135 g/km CO2). High-tech all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring transfers optimum power to the road surface in all conditions. Maximum speed is 223 km/h and the Opel Insignia takes only 8.9s to sprint from zero to 100 km/h. Opel Insignia 2.0 Turbo D with AWD is available from €41,531.

“New Opel Insignia has been in production at our Rüsselsheim plant since September”, says Andreas Marx, Head of Opel Germany. “We are especially proud of our flagship and its dynamic yet elegant design. With the two new additions to our powertrain portfolio, every customer can choose the ideal  Opel Insignia for their very own needs.”

New Opel Insignia GSi Sports Tourer

Opel offers the new Insignia as the especially sporty GSi (169 kW/230 hp, Grand Sport NEDC 1 fuel consumption: combined 7.0l/100km, 159 g/km CO2), Grand Sport and Sports Tourer with newly developed, extra-efficient petrol and diesel engines that all meet the strict Euro 6d emissions standard. In addition, new low-friction gearboxes further reduce fuel consumption and at the same time increase comfort. An active full-face shutter further improves the new Insignia’s aerodynamics. Compared to its predecessor, NEDC fuel consumption is up to 18 per cent lower, while CO2 emissions are as low as around 99 g/km. New Opel Insignia is therefore one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment.

[1] The preliminary fuel consumption and CO2-emission data given have been determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology, and the relevant values are translated back into NEDC to allow the comparability with other vehicles, according to regulations R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1153 and R (EU) No. 2017/1151.

Opel Corsa-e Rally: Safety First !

• Opel and DMSB develop new safety concept for the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup
• Pioneer in the development of safety standards for electric rally cars
• Concept includes the use of vehicles as well as training of teams and rally marshals

 Opel e-Rally

As the first car manufacturer worldwide, Opel is currently developing a fully electric rally car for use in a national championship. One of the key areas of focus of the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup is safety. The development of the Corsa-e Rally is a trailblazing achievement. As no one has ever held an electric rally one-make cup before, the corresponding rules and regulations must be developed in parallel with the competition car. Opel and the ADAC, as the series operator, are working closely together with the Deutscher Motor Sport Bund – DMSB (German Motor Sport Federation) in this process.

“Safety always comes first at Opel,” emphasises Opel Managing Director Engineering Marcus Lott. “On the one hand, our engineers strive for the greatest possible driving dynamics and driving fun for our customers – on the road as well as on the rally stages. On the other hand, total focus is on operational safety. So also in this respect, customers, organisers and fans can rely on us in the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup. We are all looking forward to exciting and safe rallies in the coming season.”

Opel Corsa-e Rally is based on the production model. This makes the Opel Motorsport engineers’ challenging work much easier. After all, the Corsa-e already meets the very high European standards for approval of type-approved vehicles. Additional racing-specific regulations stipulated by the FIA and the DMSB serve to further improve safety.

In the underbody of the Opel Corsa-e Rally, high-strength steel protects the 18 battery modules, which in turn are installed in a battery casing. In addition, the car has a two-piece protective plate made of five-millimetre thick aluminium.

Furthermore the Corsa-e Rally, like its series production counterpart, complies with regulation UN ECE R100.02. This defines the conditions for the approval of vehicles with regard to the special requirements for the electric powertrain of road vehicles and their batteries. This includes, for example, the minimum insulation resistance of high-voltage components and lines as well as fire protection. The drive batteries (REESS, Rechargeable Energy Storage Systems) must also fully comply with this regulation in terms of mechanical integrity, vibration, thermal shock, mechanical impact, fire resistance, overcharge protection, over-discharge protection, over-heating protection and external short circuit protection.

Fire extinguishing system required is Lifeline Zero 360. It works with an electrically insulating extinguishing agent, whereby the fire risk in an electrically powered car with no fuel on board is generally much lower than in a conventional vehicle with a combustion engine.

Meticulous monitoring of the high-voltage system

Permanent monitoring of the high-voltage system is also important for the safe operation of an electric rally car. Different faults call for different measures. In the event of an insulation fault, a sophisticated sensor system ensures that the displays of the Master Alarm Indicator System immediately report a fault in the HV system, which is operated at up to 434 volts. System can then be switched off manually inside and outside the cockpit. Irrespective of this, the HV system is completely switched off within less than one second in the event of a severe delay, such as an accident. Master Alarm Indicator constantly provides information on the current status of the high-voltage system by means of light signals.

Comprehensive training for safety personnel

Deutscher Motor Sport Bund is responsible for ensuring that the strict safety regulations can be adhered to at all times during an event. On the one hand, this concerns the technical specification of the car, the key data of which are regulated in Appendix J of the International Sporting Code. However, since these formulations are very comprehensive and highly specific, the DMSB is currently developing a safety concept in cooperation with Opel and TÜV Thuringia that meets the needs of both experts and users in practice.

One of the most important tasks for the DMSB is the training of the rally marshals, from the marshals on the special stages to the Service Park personnel. For all persons who have to perform certain tasks on or with an electric competition car, different safety certifications are required, which are categorized according to the colours blue-green-yellow-orange-red. Only those who are certified in the red category are allowed to carry out work on the high-voltage system of the Opel Corsa-e Rally or any other electric rally car.

Newly developed safety concept for the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup covers all relevant areas for the use of electric rally vehicles. It encompasses the technical specifications, the training of teams and rally marshals as well as information for spectators on the special stages and in the Service Park.

“DMSB is responsible for careful monitoring of compliance with technical and sporting regulations, which include safety guidelines,” says DMSB Sports Director Michael Günther. “Our task is to develop a concept for electrically powered rallying in order to guarantee the safety of all participants and to make exciting rallying possible. In the first step, this also includes identification and elimination of possible knowledge gaps among all participants.”

New Opel Corsa is Germany's best-selling small car

• Opel bestseller leads the small car segment so far this year
• Segment share in Germany rises to 13.8 percent in September
• Every third private customer chooses the electric variant

New Opel Corsa

New Opel Corsa is the most popular small car in Germany. With 6,146 new registrations, the Opel bestseller led the segment for the second month in a row in September. According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), the share within the segment will grow to 13.8 percent. Compared to the same month last year, new registrations of the Corsa rose by 22.4 percent.

New Opel Corsa-e

“New Opel Corsa is a real winner in the highly competitive small car segment. Also and especially as a purely battery-electric Corsa-e, the new edition of our bestseller is increasingly providing more impetus. Every third private customer has already opted for the electric version, ”says Opel Germany boss Andreas Marx.

New Opel Corsa-e

Since its introduction in 1982, the Corsa has been one of Opel's most popular vehicles with around 14 million units sold. Current model, which came to the car dealerships in November 2019, is gaining momentum and is continuously climbing up in the registration statistics.

As early as August, the Corsa was at the top of the small car segment in Germany. With almost 34,000 newly registered units, the Corsa has remained the best-selling small car in Germany so far this year and is in the favor of customers over numerous strong competitors.

New Opel Corsa 

But the Corsa is not only extremely successful in Germany. According to the latest statistics from the British Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Vauxhall Corsa was the best-selling car in the UK in September: 10,553 units were newly registered within a month. This is the third time this year that the award-winning, efficient and innovatively equipped newcomer has topped the new vehicle registration list on the British market after June and July.

New Vauxhall Corsa

New Opel Crossland: Sweeping change

• Early adopter: Opel Crossland features unique face premiered by new Opel Mokka
• Sweeping change: Opel Vizor covers whole fascia, integrating grille and headlights
• For enthusiasts: Sporty GS Line+ trim with distinctive black and red colour scheme
• Outstanding versatility: Sliding rear seats and up to 1,255 litres of trunk volume
• Excellent comfort: Optionally with new ergonomic, AGR-certified, alcantara seats
• Dynamic drive: Opel engineers further develop chassis and steering
• For every surface: Now with IntelliGrip adaptive traction control
• Euro 6d across the board: All petrol and diesel units meet strictest emissions standard
• Get ready: Order books open soon, cars at dealerships across Europe in early 2021

New Opel Crossland

Crisp and compact on the outside, very spacious and versatile on the inside with cool SUV looks. That is the new Opel Crossland, which is the first model to adopt the brand’s unmistakeable new face, showcased just a few weeks ago by the new Opel Mokka. As with the Mokka, new Opel Crossland dispenses with the X-appendix in its name. In addition to the design, Opel has further developed the Crossland’s chassis, steering and added a sporty GS Line+ trim as well as IntelliGrip adaptive traction control.

New Opel Crossland: IntelliGrip adaptive traction control

Organically integrating the grille and headlights, Opel Vizor of the new Crossland extends in one single sweep across the front of the vehicle. Vizor optically stretches the width and organises the fascia with a reduced amount of elements. Brand’s legendary lightning-flash emblem proudly dominates the centre. Vizor will become a hallmark of all Opel models in the course of the 2020s with the idea of further clustering top technologies.

New Opel Crossland: Opel Vizor covers whole fascia - integrating grille and headlights

At the rear, new dark-tinted taillights enhance the signature Opel wing light design, and the new high-gloss black tailgate surface (available in combination with the black roof) makes the new Crossland look wider and stronger.

New Opel Crossland: dark-tinted taillights enhance signature Opel wing light design, new high-gloss black tailgate surface 

Also new are the front and rear skid plates (painted silver on the Ultimate model variant), LED front fog lamps (with chrome décor on Ultimate and Elegance), a chrome door moulding for the Ultimate trim, plus stylish 16 and 17-inch light-alloy wheels. Former are available in silver, high-gloss black bi-colour or high-gloss black, while the latter come in high-gloss black bi-colour or high-gloss black.

New Opel Crossland: 17-inch light-alloy wheels

Fans of sporty looks will get their money's worth with the Crossland GS Line+. This new trim, including black 17-inch light-alloy wheels, black roof, red signature daylight opening, AGR-certified ergonomic seats (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.) for driver and front passenger, LED taillights and roof rails make the compact SUV really stand out from the competition.

New Opel Crossland: Interior with Alcantara and AGR ergonomic seats

Generous feeling of space and the first-class AGR ergonomic front seats in the Opel Crossland will make long trips even more comfortable. SUV also convinces with a high level of flexibility, thanks to individually sliding and reclining rear seats. They come with a 60/40 split and slide by up to 150 millimetres, increasing trunk space from 410 to a class-leading 520 litres in seconds. Folding the rear seats completely increases trunk volume to 1,255 litres.

New Opel Crossland: New springs and dampers for the McPherson strut front suspension and the torsion-beam rear axle

Dynamic drivers will especially appreciate the improvements Opel has made to the Crossland’s chassis. Opel engineers in Rüsselsheim have developed new springs and dampers for the McPherson strut front suspension and the torsion-beam rear axle. In combination with the new steering column intermediate shaft, which improves steering precision and centre-feel, the chassis of the new Crossland delivers an optimum balance of comfort and agility.

New Opel Crossland: New steering column intermediate shaft, which improves steering precision and centre-feel

New with IntelliGrip: Optimum traction at all times

New Opel Crossland buyers can add extra safety to the enhanced driving dynamics with IntelliGrip (available from early 2021). This adaptive traction control system enables optimum traction and stability on all kinds of surface. IntelliGrip features the following five modes:

• Normal / On-road: ‘Normal mode’ switches on as soon as the Crossland starts up. ESP and traction control settings are appropriate for normal driving conditions downtown, on the motorway or in the countryside.

• Snow: This special winter mode enables optimum traction on icy and snowy surfaces at speeds up to 50 km/h. Traction control regulates the slip of the front wheels, slowing down the spinning wheel and transferring the torque to the other front wheel.

• Mud: This mode allows more wheel slip. This intentional spinning of the wheel with the least traction when the vehicle is launching enables the removal of mud from the tyre, which can then regain traction. Meanwhile, the wheel with the most grip receives the highest torque. This mode is active up to 80 km/h.

• Sand: This mode allows a small amount of simultaneous spin of both the front-driven wheels, enabling the vehicle to move and reducing the risk of sinking.

• ESP Off: This deactivates ESP and traction control at speeds up to 50 km/h. For safety reasons, IntelliGrip automatically returns to ‘normal mode’ at speeds above 50 km/h.

Drivers and passengers can enjoy not only strong grip, they are also well connected and entertained thanks to the range of infotainment systems comprising Radio BT, Multimedia Radio and the top-of-the-line Multimedia Navi Pro with 8.0-inch colour touch screen. Multimedia units are also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Compatible smartphones are chargeable while in use via wireless inductive charging. In addition, the Crossland offers the “OpelConnect”1 service as an option. LIVE Navigation 2 with real-time traffic information and current fuel prices, plus a direct link to breakdown assistance and emergency calls makes journeys even more relaxing.

New Opel Crossland: Multimedia Navi Pro with 8.0-inch colour touch screen

Euro 6d petrol and diesel engines: Driving fun with low emissions

Opel Crossland customers can choose from a powertrain portfolio of efficient petrol and diesel engines with 1.2 and 1.5 litre displacement. Both the petrol engines with 61 kW (83 hp) to 96 kW (130 hp) and the diesel engines with 81 kW (110 hp) and 88 kW (120 hp) now meet the strict Euro 6d emissions standard.

Trendsetting lighting technology and innovative assistance systems

Journeys will be even more relaxing and safer with the numerous ultra-modern technologies and assistance systems available with the Opel Crossland. Adaptive Full-LED headlamps with cornering light, high beam assist and auto levelling ensure outstanding visibility in the dark.

Most important assistance systems of the new Opel Crossland at a glance:

• Head Up Display (HUD) projects the most important data on speed, navigation and assistance systems into the driver’s direct line of sight.

• Forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection operates at speeds above 5 km/h. If a vehicle or pedestrian ahead is approached too fast, the system sounds a warning chime and displays a message in the Driver Information Centre. If a collision is imminent, the braking system is prepared and, if necessary, emergency braking is deployed to minimise the effects of a potential collision. Below 30 km/h, the system can bring the vehicle to a complete stop. If the speed exceeds 30 km/h, speed is reduced and the driver must actively brake.

•  Lane Departure Warning issues audible and visible signals if it registers that the lane is being left unintentionally.

• Driver Drowsiness Alert evaluates fatigue level through the driving style and alerts the driver if a break is necessary.

• Side Blind Spot Alert uses ultrasonic sensors and reports vehicles travelling to sides of car and alerts the driver with a warning light in the relevant mirror.

• Panorama Rear View Camera with 180-degree angle of sight at rear.

• Automatic Park Assist identifies suitable parallel and perpendicular parking spots and parks the car automatically; the driver only needs to operate the pedals and gear shift.

• Cruise control with speed limiter, together with Speed Sign Recognition, enables quick and easy adherence to the speed limit.  

Opel will soon open the order books for the new Crossland, which will arrive at dealerships in early 2021.

[1] Dependent on market-availability of “OpelConnect” services.

[2] LIVE navigation services available free-of-charge for 36 months after activation. Payment for Live navigation services required thereafter.

[3] Preliminary fuel consumption and CO2-emission data given have been determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology, and the relevant values are translated back into NEDC to allow the comparability with other vehicles, according to regulations R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1153 and R (EU) No. 2017/1151.

Smooth Operator: Opel Astra with Efficient Stepless Transmission

• Almost infinite: variety of gear ratios optimises efficiency at all engine speeds
• High comfort: Astra’s stepless transmission delivers imperceptible gear shifts
• Perfect match: optimum balance of refinement and responsiveness
• Up to 21 per cent lower CO2: most efficient Opel Astra of all time

With the launch of the new Astra, Opel took the car industry by surprise by introducing a state-of-the-art stepless transmission on the Astra hatchback and estate. The typical smooth power delivery and high efficiency of the stepless transmission is a perfect match for the new generation of the award-winning Opel Astra (European Car Of The Year 2016). In combination with the 107 kW (145 hp) 1.4-litre, Direct Injection Turbo petrol engine (NEDC fuel consumption1: 6.3 l/100km urban, 4.3-4.2 l/100km extra-urban, 5.1-5.0 l/100km and 116-114 g/km CO2 combined), the stepless transmission (aka Continuously Variable Transmission or CVT) brings a refined, frugal and lively power unit to the brand’s powertrain portfolio. With a completely new generation of engines and transmissions, the Opel Astra sets standards for low emissions, putting it at the top of the compact class. This new Astra is the most efficient ever with up to 21 per cent lower CO2 emissions than the predecessor. Five of the seven powertrain combinations on offer even undercut the magical 100 gram mark for CO2 emissions per kilometre driven (NEDC 1).

Smart operating principle: Two pulleys and chain belt instead of gears and clutches

Peter Naumann, Global Program Manager and acting Chief Engineer Automatic Transmissions in Rüsselsheim, explains how stepless transmissions work: “Operating principle is smart and simple. In contrast to a traditional torque converter automatic transmission that has planetary gears, clutches and fixed gear ratios, a stepless transmission has two pulleys connected by a chain belt under tension. Between the outsides of the pulleys, there is a conical shaft, which the chain belt sits on. By continuously adapting the space between the pulleys, you get a variable gear ratio, because the change of the contact surface alters the diameter. This is comparable to transmitting torque from small to big gears and vice versa. Finally, one planetary gear set on the input shaft is still required in order to select forward or reverse driving.”

Due to the almost infinite availability of gear ratios, powertrains with a stepless transmission operate at the most efficient point across all engine speed bandwidths. Peter Naumann: “For each operation point, the transmission enables the powertrain to find the optimum balance of fuel efficiency, attenuation of noise and vibrations, and accelerator pedal responsiveness.”

“Cars with low weight and powertrains producing maximum torque of 230-300 Nm are most suitable for stepless transmissions”, says Naumann. “With 236 Nm of torque and a kerb weight of 1,350kg, the new Astra 1.4 is therefore ideal.”

Great idea: Stepless transmissions in automotive development

Idea of a stepless or shiftless transmission is not new. American engineer Milton Reeves invented a variable speed transmission for saw milling way back in 1879, which he then applied to his first automobile in 1896.

Numerous variations on the stepless-theme followed in the 1920s, on motorcycles as well as automobiles. George Constantinesco, an engineer and inventor from Romania, created one of the most interesting in 1926. The “Constantinesco Car” featured a 5hp engine with an integrated torque converter. According to advertisements, it was the car with “No clutch, no gears, only one control – the accelerator”!

It took until 1958 for the stepless concept to become more widely known. At the Amsterdam Motor Show, DAF presented the 600 small family car with its innovative Variomatic transmission. Designed by Dutchman Hub van Doorne, the Variomatic made the little DAF sedan famous, among other things, for driving backwards as fast as forwards! Thereafter, stepless transmissions appeared on all sorts of machines, from tractors and snowmobiles to motorbikes and all-terrain vehicles, as well as automobiles.

Opel offered its first example in the Vectra C, which made its debut in 2002. However, the career of the “CVTronic” was short-lived, with production at the Szentgotthard factory in Hungary ending in 2005.

Suitable for a variety of vehicles: From small cars and SUVs to vans and hybrids

Today, “stepless” is making a comeback, aided by the increasingly strict global targets for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Because stepless transmissions adjust gear ratios continuously, the engine can always run at its most efficient speed, which saves fuel, especially in city driving.

As a result, they are available on a variety of automobiles, such as small cars and limousines, SUVs, minivans and hybrids. However, modern stepless transmissions are notable for more than just their high efficiency. They are also popular with drivers and passengers who appreciate the imperceptible shifting of gears.

Stepless transmissions are already common in Asian markets, where their smooth and quiet performance makes them very popular. New Opel Astra with 1.4 engine and stepless transmission is perfect for customers looking for a compact hatchback or estate car with an automatic transmission that offers not only lower noise and vibrations but also moderate fuel consumption and good responsiveness.

[1] Fuel consumption and CO2-emission data given have been determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology, and the relevant values are translated back into NEDC to allow the comparability with other vehicles, according to regulations R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1153 and R (EU) No. 2017/1151.

Very Special Anniversary: 30 Years Opel from Eisenach

• Start in 1990: Opel Vectra A first model produced in Eisenach
• German unity: Major investments in the site
• Good utilization: Sustainable future thanks to production of Opel Grandland X
• Remarkable figure: More than 3.5 million vehicles produced in Eisenach until today

Opel Grandland X from Eisenach

30 years of German reunification and 30 years of Opel from Eisenach – there is reason to celebrate this October. German Chancellor Helmut Kohl drove the first Opel from Eisenach – an Opel Vectra 1.6i – off the assembly line on October 5, 1990. Opel was thus one of the first companies to commit to creating new, promising jobs in East Germany. 

Opel Vectra A 1.6i

For almost two years, around 200 employees produced 10,000 units of the successful mid-range model annually in a former production hall of the Eisenach automobile factory (AWE). At the same time, Opel started developing the current plant which was officially inaugurated in 1992. So far, more than 3.5 million vehicles have been produced and some €1.5 billion invested in this plant.

“We are very proud of our team in Eisenach and the excellent work that has been done here for 30 years,” said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller. “Opel was the first German carmaker to commit significant investments to the site directly after the reunification of the country and thus played in important part in German unity. So far, more than 3.5 Million cars in outstanding Eisenach quality have left the production line and our plant in Thuringia plays a key role in the transformation of the automotive industry. Electrified versions of the Opel Grandland X are impressive proof of this.”

Opel Grandland X 

From day one, Opel has consistently implemented a new production system in Eisenach. Planned according to the principles of lean manufacturing and equipped with the most modern systems, the Thuringian location works with particularly high productivity and quality. Extensive modernization work was carried out at the plant last year to enable the localization of Groupe PSA's EMP2 platform. Almost no stone was left unturned. Among other things, the “marriage” - the connection between chassis and bodywork - has been completely modernized and a more efficient and environmentally friendly painting process has been introduced.

Opel Grandland X 

Extensive refurbishment work and the production of the Opel Grandland X not only ensure a sustainable future for the plant. They are also an important pillar in Opel's electrification offensive. The successful SUV – whether as a plug-in hybrid or with a classic combustion engine – rolls off the assembly line in Eisenach.

Overview of all Opel models made in Eisenach:

• Opel Vectra A from 1990 to 1992
• Opel Astra F from 1992 to 1995
• Opel Corsa B from 1993 to 2000
• Opel Astra G from 1998 to 2003
• Opel Corsa C from 2000 to 2006
• Opel Corsa D from 2006 to 2014
• Opel ADAM from 2013 to 2019
• Opel ADAM Rocks from 2014 to 2019
• Opel Corsa E from 2014 to 2019
• Opel ADAM S from 2015 to 2019
• Opel Grandland X since 2019
• Opel Grandland X PHEV since 2020

Everything started with a democratic decision in 1990

It is thanks to the founding fathers Wolfram Liedtke and Louis R. Hughes that there was even an Opel plant in Eisenach. Managing director of the Eisenach automobile factory (AWE) Liedtke and the then Opel CEO Hughes are the ones who advocate the location despite resolute resistance. Because actually the GDR automobile combine has other plans for the AWE. However, since it has been unclear for a long time what these plans will look like and thus the future of the people in Eisenach is uncertain, Opel present a convincing concept. Liedtke then manages to leave the combine and to find his own way for Eisenach.

Workforce fully supports Liedtke and resolutely stands up for their plant and their future. At an all employee meeting in 1990, decisions are made democratically. Opel board member Hughes makes a special trip and answers all questions from the employees, who then vote in favour of Opel’s commitment by a large majority.

Then everything happens really fast, always under the motto “Opel banks on Eisenach”. With the new Opel production system, the company is the first European manufacturer to introduce entirely new production methods in Eisenach. There are five fundamental principles: the involvement of employees, continuous improvement, quality assurance from the start, standardization and short lead times thanks to perfectly organized logistics.

Opel in Eisenach has also set the highest standards in the area of environmental management from the start. Recycling cycles for the reuse of production residues or a modern water treatment plant that meets the highest demands are just two examples of the sustainable system.