!NEW! Opel Ampera-e with Range of Over 500 Kilometers

• World premiere at Paris Motor Show: Ampera-e with segment-leading electric range according to NEDC

No range anxiety: New Opel Ampera-e revolutionizes electro-mobility.

This Opel is simply electrifying: The German carmaker is revolutionizing electro-mobility with its battery electric Ampera-e at Paris Motor Show. With its range of more than 500 kilometers (electric range, measured based on NEDC test cycle in kilometers: >500, preliminary figures) the exhibition star outperforms its closest segment rival currently on the road by at least 100 kilometers.

“With the new Ampera-e, we continue the largest model offensive in Opel’s history,” says Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “The Ampera-e with its outstanding range makes electric mobility fully feasible for everyday use and also lots of fun.”

Sprinter: New Opel Ampera-e accelerates from 0 to 50 in just 3.2 seconds.

While the NEDC cycle is important to create comparability, the test cycle does not truly reflect everyday reality. In real world, factors such as road characteristics, weather conditions, driving style or additional load influence the range. Opel therefore also tested the Ampera-e approximated to the speed profile defined in the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure) driving cycle (shortened test procedure). The WLTP results are closer to real driving behavior. And the Opel Ampera-e also delivers here: Based on the development test, the engineers estimate the combined WLTP range to be more than 380 kilometers. Naturally, the range in everyday use will vary and depends on personal driving behavior and on external factors.

Apart from providing ease of mind during long journeys, the Ampera-e can also offer the feistiness of a sportscar. The performance of the electric engine is equivalent to 150 kW/204 hp (PS) thus making effortless starts from a standing position or highway access two of the Opel Ampera-e’s main strengths. The compact electric car accelerates from 0 to 50 km/h in 3.2 seconds. And as the large, 60 kWh capacity batteries are cleverly integrated in the underbody, the car also offers ample space for five passengers and a trunk with the load capacity of a five-door compact class car. Furthermore, the Ampera-e comes with Opel-typical outstanding digital connectivity thanks to OnStar and smartphone projection.

Well informed: New Opel Ampera-e with digital instrument panel and central, iPad-inspired monitor.

“Our Ampera-e is not eco-luxury, not a gadget and not just a second car. Opel is showing that electro-mobility is also achievable for a much broader audience thanks to the most innovative technology – Opel is democratizing the electric car with the Ampera-e,” said Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann.

!NEW! Range over 400 Kilometers: New Opel Ampera-e Revolutionizes Electro-Mobility

• Best in class: At least 25 percent more range than the closest competitor
• Sprinter: Accelerates from 0 to 50 in just 3.2 seconds
• Exhibition star: World premiere at the Paris Motor Show on September 29

Opel Ampera-e will finally eradicate the biggest downside of an electric car for everyone – range anxiety. In accordance with the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC, the current standard for range comparisons between different vehicles) the new e‑car from Rüsselsheim can clear the magical 400 kilometer barrier by a considerable margin without recharging (purely electrical range measured based on the NEDC in km: >400; provisional figure). This makes Opel’s new electric compact model by far the best in its segment. In comparison, the BMW i3, even equipped with the optional large 33 kWh battery can only cover 300 kilometers in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle), the Nissan Leaf manages 250 kilometers, the Renault Zoe 240 kilometers and the VW e-Golf 190 kilometers. With at least 25 percent more range than its closest competitor, the Opel Ampera-e revolutionizes electro-mobility. Naturally, the maximum range in everyday use deviates from the NEDC values. In practice, factors such as road characteristics, weather conditions, driving style or additional load influence the range. However, the Ampera-e can effortlessly cover more than 300 kilometers even under average everyday conditions. Opel’s newcomer will celebrate its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show (Public days: October 1 to 16) in Hall 5-2 (booth 501).

Best in class: Opel Ampera-e boasts at least 25 percent more range than the closest competitor

“In the Ampera-e we will bring an electric car suitable for everyday use to the market. It delivers an extensive range and will be offered as of spring next year already. Opel Ampera-e is not eco-luxury, not a gadget and not a pure second car. Opel is showing that electro-mobility is also achievable for a much broader audience thanks to the most innovative technology – Opel is democratizing the electric car with the Ampera-e,” said an enthusiastic Opel CEO Dr. Karl‑Thomas Neumann.

However, the 4.17 meter long Ampera-e not only impresses with its outstanding range. It also offers space for up to five people and a trunk volume of 381 liters, which is clearly above average for cars of a similar overall length. This generous spaciousness is made possible by the clever integration of the ten battery modules. The entire package is located in the underbody and is tailored to the contours of the vehicle. This means that no space is wasted. The battery consisting of 288 lithium-ion cells and a capacity of 60 kWh was developed in cooperation with LG Chem.

Driving pleasure: First a sprint then energy recuperation

The Opel Ampera-e excites with its acceleration that is on par with sportscars. The maximum torque of 360 Nm is responsible for the electrifying temperament of the Opel newcomer. Effortless starts from a standing position (such as at traffic lights) or highway access are two of the Opel Ampera-e’s main strengths. The compact car accelerates from 0 to 50 km/h in 3.2 seconds, mid-range acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h, which is especially important for overtaking, is successfully completed in 4.5 seconds (preliminary figures). Top speed is electronically limited to 150 km/h for the benefit for the overall range. The performance of the electric engine is equivalent to 150 kW/204 hp.

But the Ampera-e has even more to offer: the revolutionary electric car allows casual and almost silent cruising while also being able to recharge the batteries when in motion. To do so, the driver just needs to ease off the accelerator in the normal “Drive” mode. The Ampera-e recuperates automatically in overrun and wins back energy from the electric motor that doubles as a generator. The motor’s braking effect is increased when the driver switches to “Low” mode, thus also increasing recuperation. Furthermore, the driver can switch to “Regen on Demand” for maximum energy recuperation via a paddle at the back of the steering wheel. The drag torque of the motor is so high in “Low/Regen on Demand” modes that the brake pedal does not need to be applied to reduce speed to a full stop in normal traffic. The Ampera-e can thus safely be controlled via the accelerator (One Pedal Driving). Obviously, the brake pedal still needs to be applied in case of emergency. Initial vehicle simulation models show that drivers can increase the range by up to five percent compared to “Drive” mode when applying “One Pedal Driving” with the corresponding full recuperation when in dense city stop-and-go traffic.

Fully connected: With Opel OnStar and smartphone integration

Outstanding digital connectivity is an integral part of a sustainable concept. Opel Ampera-e has both latest generation IntelliLink infotainment and Opel OnStar on board – the award‑winning connectivity and service assistant offers a powerful Wi-Fi hotspot for up to seven devices (depending on the market). The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible IntelliLink systems bring the world of smartphones into the Ampera-e, thus allowing passengers complete access to their favorite music or the possibility of streaming movies.

!NEW! “e” for Electrifying: Opel Ampera-e World Premiere in Paris

• e-Premiere: revolutionary electric car at Paris motor show
• e-fun to drive: acceleration and overtaking ability like a sportscar
• e-connectivity: always online with IntelliLink infotainment and Opel OnStar

Electrifying: Opel will revolutionize electromobility with the new Ampera-e.

Opel will revolutionize electromobility at the up-coming “Mondial de l’Automobile” in Paris. From October 1-16 the Opel Ampera-e – an electric car that electrifies in every way – makes its world premiere (hall 5-2, booth 501). The car with the lightning flash logo combines pioneering battery technology and localized emissions-free operation with a fun-to-drive experience, as the maximum torque of 360 Nm provides impressive acceleration figures and overtaking ability.

“The Opel Ampera-e makes electromobility fully feasible for everyday use and ready for the future” says Opel CEO, Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “The Ampera-e demonstrates impressively how well sustainability and driving pleasure can form a unity. And with its strong-as-an-ox electric motor, it delivers pure fun-to-drive.”

The maximum torque of 360 Nm is responsible for the electrifying temperament of the new Opel. The power output of the electric motor is 150 kW/204 hp (PS). Standing starts at traffic lights and entering the motorway belong to the Opel Ampera-e’s favorite disciplines. The compact car sprints to 50 km/h in only 3.2 seconds, acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h for overtaking is accomplished in just 4.5 seconds (provisional figures). The Ampera-e thus performs at the same level as OPC models, the sporty spearheads of Opel.

Fun-to-drive with the Opel Ampera-e also means swift cruising at up to 150 km/h. At the same time, the Ampera-e also offers a significantly longer range than most other electric cars. The unique, compact proportions of the Ampera-e are driven by the battery pack being mounted flat, under the vehicle floor. The efficient packaging of the battery also enables a roomy interior providing comfortable seating for five passengers and trunk space comparable with that of a car in the compact class.

Best entertainment: download your favorite films and music

Driving pleasure for the passengers over long distances is provided. In addition to the excellent feeling of roominess, there comes the best in digital connectivity, in typical Opel fashion. The Ampera-e has the newest generation of IntelliLink infotainment as well as Opel OnStar onboard. Subject to availability, the award-winning connectivity and service assistant simultaneously offers up to seven mobile devices access to its powerful Wi-Fi hotspot. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible IntelliLink systems bring the world of smartphones into the Ampera-e, so that passengers have full access to their favorite music or can download at will their preferred films – just a few examples of the many functions of the multifaceted entertainment.

!NEW! 25 Years of Opel Calibra: From Aerodynamic Champion to Cult Coupé

• Big splash: World premiere at 1989 Frankfurt Motor Show
• Slippery shape: Low 0.26 Cd, best value among series production cars
• Affordable dream: Thanks to volume production technology, 115 hp for 33,900 marks
• Sporting highlight: All-wheel drive Calibra V6 wins 1996 ITC Championship
• Most successful sports coupé of 1990s: 238,647 units produced in seven years

Calibra: Real cult coupés come from Opel

Real cult coupés come from Opel. Following the successes of the Manta, Opel GT and Monza, the sleek Calibra continued Opel’s winning formula when it premiered at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in 1989, exactly 25 years ago. It was an extremely progressive concept way ahead of its time, with the best drag coefficient of all series production cars, independent wheel suspension and semi-trailing arm rear axle, optional all-wheel drive and ultra-modern gasoline engines with closed-loop-controlled catalytic converters fitted as standard. These attributes were recognized in 1990 when the Calibra won the coveted Golden Steering Wheel, Germany’s most prestigious automobile award.

Opel Calibra 2.0: Entry-level engine with 115 hp

The 2.0 liter entry-level engine with 85 kW/115 hp propelled Opel’s aerodynamic world champion to a top speed of 203 km/h, while the 150 hp, four-valve version went on to 223 km/h. Despite such impressive performance, the Calibra 16V was still able to return 7.7 l/100 km combined cycle fuel consumption. In other words, this was sporty looks and performance with no compromises – typical Opel, just like the low entry-level price of 33,900 marks.

This kind of value is, of course, a tradition for coupés from Rüsselsheim. The legendary Manta already benefitted from the high volume production technology of the Ascona, and the Calibra leveraged a similar gain from its close relative, the Opel Vectra. As a result, the Manta and the Calibra were both affordable dream cars that became cult coupés thanks to their successful recipe of sportiness with economy and reliability, and both are now much sought-after classic cars.

Design lesson: Form follows function

Opel Calibra: Wind tunnel testing 

Opel Calibra united exciting design with optimized aerodynamics and uncompromised everyday practicality. The wide-opening tailgate gave easy access to a versatile, 980 liter luggage compartment. And despite its coupé format, the Calibra’s long wheelbase ensured all four occupants had plenty of space and comfort. Generous standard equipment included power steering, a five-speed close-ration gearbox, a six-speaker audio system and tinted windows. Air conditioning, a four-speed automatic transmission and an electric tilt/slide sunroof were among the options.

Top priority: Safety first

In developing the Calibra, Opel engineers were already focused on pedestrian protection, a top issue today. Trend-setting features such as the slippery body shape, rounded edges, the hidden windshield wipers and concealed roof drip moldings would become part of future vehicle design.

Safety first: Opel Calibra new ellipsoid headlamps with higher light output

Electronic ABS and sleek, new ellipsoid headlamps with a higher light output, sharp contrast and reduced light scatter improved active safety. And the large, beautifully integrated front and rear bumpers were designed to absorb plenty of impact energy in the event of an accident.

The most important models: As you like it

Powerhorse: Opel Calibra Turbo with 204 hp

At market launch in 1990, a high-quality all-wheel drive system was optionally available in addition to the standard front-wheel drive for both 2.0 liter gasoline engines. The Calibra 4x4 impressed with excellent traction, superb braking stability and ultra-safe driving behavior. They were qualities that deserved even more power under the hood – and in March 1992 Opel made waves when the Calibra Turbo entered dealerships at a highly-competitive price of 49,800 marks. All-wheel drive, a six-speed gearbox, sports seats and 16-inch light alloy wheels with wide, 205/50 tires all came as standard. But the big story was the 2.0 liter turbo engine pumping out 204 hp (150 kW) with a massive torque ‘curve’ that resembled the elevated plateau of Table Mountain in Cape Town. In short, whenever the driver of a Calibra Turbo knocked on the door, there was always someone at home!

Six pointer: Opel Calibra 2.5 V6 with 170 hp

The Calibra’s Keke Rosberg Edition is, of course, legendary. Just in time for its works debut in the German Touring Car Masters (1993/94), Opel introduced  the new 125 kW/170 hp, 2.5 V6 Calibra, together with 2.0 liter four-cylinder  variants in Opel’s white-yellow DTM look. Customers who chose a Calibra Cliff Motorsport Edition in May 1996 were way ahead of the game. Its paintwork was the same as the Class 1 racing car in which Manuel Reuter would win the ITC championship – successor series to the DTM with World Championship status – for Opel at the end of the season. The street-legal Cliff racer had a 20 mm lower sports chassis, BBS light alloy wheels (7J x 16) and a price advantage of 3,601 marks.

For real fans: Opel Calibra Cliff Motorsport Edition

Grand finale: Last Edition

Just one year after its ITC success, the Calibra entered another home stretch, this time towards the end of production. After 222,000 registrations since 1990, a special limited volume Last Edition was created as a final chapter in the Calibra story. It could be ordered until the end of April 1997 and came with a sports chassis, BBS wheels, leather trim and air conditioning to provide a luxurious experience. The engine choice comprised the 2.5 liter V6 or a 136 hp/100 kW, 2.0 liter, four-cylinder unit.

Last but not least: Opel Calibra Last Edition

August 29, 1997 marked the official end of production. After seven years, 238,647 Calibras had been produced at the main plant in Rüsselsheim, and also at Valmet in Uusikaupunki, Finland. To meet high customer demand, the production run in 1990 was increased to 60,000 units from a planned volume of 20,000, with part of this being produced at Valmet Automotive.

The Calibra’s biggest markets were Germany, the UK, Italy, Spain and France. The 115 hp entry-level model led the sales charts with production totaling more than 130,000 units, followed by the 150 hp, 2.0 liter version, of which more than 61,000 were built.

Opel Calibra was most successful sports coupé of 1990s: 238,647 units produced in seven years

Fittingly, it was a black Last Edition with a 2.0 liter, four-valve engine which rolled off the assembly line as the final Calibra to be made. Today, Opel Classic enjoys showing this car at many Youngtimer events, where the beautiful coupé always ends up a crowd favorite.