!NEW! Opel Astra GTC - Now with Highly Efficient 170 hp 1.6 SIDI Turbo gasoline unit

Perfect fit: Powerful engine underlines sporty coupé character

Unrivalled class: Up to 280 Nm torque with overboost function

Frugal strength: 15 percent lower consumption and CO2 than predecessor

Attractive choice: New direct-injection Turbo modernizes gasoline portfolio

Opel Astra GTC 1.6 SIDI Turbo 

Now the Opel Astra GTC is also taking off with the all-new 1.6 SIDI Turbo (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) engine. The new generation Turbo direct injection unit rounds off the compact coupé’s gasoline portfolio while it replaces the previous 1.6 Turbo. The 125 kW/170 hp engine recently made its premiere in the Opel models Cascada, Astra five-door hatchback and Sports Tourer as well as in the Zafira Tourer, and now takes the Astra GTC right into the top field of its direct competitors. With 260 Nm maximum torque (up to 280 Nm due to an overboost function), top speed of 219 km/h, extremely low fuel consumption of just 6.1 liters per 100 km with NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) and 143 g/km CO₂ emissions, the Astra GTC 1.6 SIDI Turbo leaves its toughest competitors scrambling to catch up.

New Opel ECOTEC 1.6 SIDI Turbo engine with 125 kW/170 hp

“Through 2016 we are introducing three all-new engine families, 13 new engines and a host of new transmissions. The new-generation 1.6 SIDI Turbo is the start of our large powertrain offensive. So of course this engine has to be offered in our sporty compact coupé,” says Opel Management Board Member for Engineering Mike Ableson. “With its superb performance the Turbo direct injection gasoline engine perfectly complements the Opel Astra GTC’s character – a muscular look that combines attention-getting design with strong performance and exemplary economy.”

The Opel Astra GTC 1.6 SIDI Turbo is available with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission and can be ordered for an entry-level price of 23,850 euros (RRP incl. VAT in Germany).

Top values: Higher torque, better performance, lower consumption

The new 1.6 liter Turbo gasoline engine with direct injection boasts exemplary values in the Opel Astra GTC. It stands out with its impressive torque of 260 Nm available between 1,650 and 3,200 rpm and offers up to 280 Nm due to an overboost function, which temporarily gives the vehicle an extra burst which is very useful when overtaking for example – up to 22 percent more than the predecessor engine. With this the Astra GTC distinguishes itself from competitors in the 1.4 to 1.8-liter displacement class, as most models here offer maximum torque of just 240 to 250 Nm. But its excellent power development is not only apparent in its low-speed torque. With 219 km/h top speed, the Astra GTC SIDI makes a clear statement to its direct competitors. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds and sprints from 80 to 120 km/h in 9.3 seconds in fifth gear.

The all-new direct injection engine offers excellent refinement and smooth power delivery with lower fuel consumption. The Opel Astra GTC 1.6 SIDI Turbo consumes just 6.1 liters fuel per 100 km with six-speed manual transmission and Start/Stop technology (combined cycle) and emits 143 g/km CO₂. With these values, the new-generation direct injection gasoline engine undercuts most of its direct competitors. 

Compared to the 1.6 liter Turbo predecessor, it boasts a 15 percent reduction in fuel consumption.

Within just a few months, Opel completely renewed the top-of-the-line engines for the Astra GTC. The wide portfolio is completed by the 206 kW/280 hp top OPC version, the high-performance diesel 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI with 400 Nm maximum torque and now also the powerful and quiet 1.6 SIDI Turbo.

Pleasant sound: Smooth Turbo engine increases passenger comfort

To provide excellent performance and refinement for optimum driving comfort, the key engine development objectives for engineers were low overall levels of radiated noise and vibration, with no unusual sounds. Optimization of the induction and exhaust systems included decoupling the cam cover from the cylinder head via specific fasteners and a sealing system. In spite of direct injection and pulsed combustion, engineers were able to substantially reduce noise levels compared to the previous engine. As a result of these ‘sound-engineering’ measures, the driver and passengers in the new Opel Astra GTC 1.6 SIDI Turbo will appreciate quiet and smooth idling, with a pleasant sound quality even at high road speeds, engine speeds and loads.

The enhanced transmissions also contribute to higher economy, more comfort and better performance. The next generation of six-speed manual transmissions in the Opel Astra GTC 1.6 SIDI Turbo is distinguished by high shifting comfort and reduced friction. The updated, low-friction six-speed automatic transmission features an Active Select function to allow manual shifting for a more sporty driving experience.

NEW generation 1.6 SIDI Turbo now powers Opel Astra model range

Opel Astra 5-door hatchback 1.6 SIDI Turbo

• Best-in-class: SIDI Turbo gasoline unit with strong low-end torque and high refinement
• Three body styles: Available as 5-door hatchback, 4-door sedan and Sports Tourer
• More torque: Up to 280 Nm from just 1,650 rpm
• Greater economy: Fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions cut by up to 14 percent
• Refined transmissions: Smooth six-speed manual and automatic transmissions

Opel Astra 4-door sedan 1.6 SIDI Turbo

An all-new gasoline engine in three Astra variants: the new-generation 1.6 SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) Turbo unit now makes its debut in the Opel best seller. The 125 kW/170 hp, direct injection engine leads the newly-launched Opel powertrain offensive and takes the Astra five door hatchback, four door sedan and Sports Tourer models to the top of their segments for superb low-end torque and refinement.

Opel Astra Sports Tourer 1.6 SIDI Turbo

This new-generation engine tops the gasoline offer in the Astra family and replaces the previous 1.6 Turbo. It generates exceptional maximum torque of up to 280 Nm (50 Nm more than its predecessor), which is available from just 1,650 rpm (previous generation: 2,200 rpm). It does more than just beat its predecessor: it also delivers 12 percent more torque than its closest competitors from the compact class with 150 - 180 hp output, even those from German premium brands.

Opel ECOTEC 1.6 SIDI Turbo engine

At the same time, with NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) fuel consumption of just 5.9 liters/100 km 

(five door and sedan), the new Astra models powered by the 1.6 SIDI Turbo also require up to 14 percent less gasoline than their predecessors. Refined transmissions also play a role in delivering better fuel economy as well as enhanced comfort and performance.

Opel Astra 5-door hatchback 1.6 SIDI Turbo

The five door Astra, the sedan and Sports Tourer 1.6 SIDI Turbo come with next-generation six-speed manual gearboxes distinguished by especially high shifting comfort and substantially lower friction. A new, low-friction six-speed automatic transmission can also be combined with the new 1.6 SIDI Turbo engine in the Astra models. It features an Active Select function to provide manual shifting for a sportier driving experience.

Opel Astra Sports Tourer 1.6 SIDI Turbo

The five door Astra 1.6 SIDI Turbo can now be ordered, with prices starting at 23,385 euros (RRP incl. VAT in Germany) and 24,485 euros for the similarly equipped Astra Sports Tourer. The Astra four-door sedan with the 1.6 SIDI Turbo engine will be available this fall.

Opel Astra 4-door sedan 1.6 SIDI Turbo

Top of segment: Higher torque than all direct competitors

While most competitors provide maximum torque of 240 - 250 Nm, the Astra five-door, sedan and Sports Tourer 1.6 SIDI Turbo impress with powerful low-end torque of up to 280 Nm between 1,650 and 4,250 rpm. The all-new engine combines excellent refinement and a smooth power delivery with lower fuel consumption. It boasts up to 22 percent more torque than its predecessor engine and a reduction of up to 14 percent in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, diminishing impact on the environment and drivers’ wallets.

Opel ECOTEC 1.6 SIDI Turbo engine

With Start/Stop technology and a six-speed manual transmission, the Astra five-door and sedan 1.6 SIDI Turbo models have an NEDC combined fuel consumption of just 5.9 l/100 km and emit only 139 g/km CO₂. The five-door Astra 1.6 SIDI Turbo accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 8.7 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 220 km/h, while the sedan achieves two km/h more. Both variants also boast impressive elasticity in fifth gear, with acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h in just 8.8 seconds, nearly two seconds faster than the predecessor model.

The new Astra Sports Tourer 1.6 SIDI Turbo also easily joins the ranks of exemplary performers: it accelerates from 80 to 120 km/h (fifth gear) in nine seconds – 1.5 seconds faster than the previous 1.6 Turbo model– and from zero to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds, with a maximum speed of 220 km/h. The flexible Opel station wagon consumes 6.1 l/100km (NEDC combined) and emits 144 g/km CO₂.

Music to the ears: Running smoothness par excellence

Strong pulling power, exemplary elasticity and excellent running refinement were the key development objectives for the new 1.6 SIDI Turbo. To achieve low overall levels of radiated noise and vibration, engineers optimized the induction and exhaust systems. This included decoupling the cam cover from the cylinder head via specific fasteners and the sealing system. In spite of direct injection and pulsed combustion, engineers were able to substantially reduce noise levels compared to the previous engine. As a result of these ‘sound-engineering’ measures, occupants of the new Astra 1.6 SIDI models will appreciate quiet, smooth idling and a pleasant sound quality even at high road speeds, engine speeds and loads.

Opel Management Board Member for Engineering Mike Ableson says, “Following the introduction of the all-new 1.6 SIDI Turbo in the Cascada and Zafira Tourer, we are now delighted to make this state-of-the-art engine available for our customers in our best seller, the Astra, in three very popular body styles. With this powerful and quiet new-generation Turbo, we are heading towards the top of the class – three times over with the five-door Astra, the Astra sedan and the Astra Sports Tourer.”

The new 1.6 SIDI Turbo gasoline engine is the start of Opel’s huge powertrain offensive. Through 2016, the automaker will introduce three completely new engine families and 13 new engines. Many new transmissions will also be introduced in the same time frame. As a result, Opel will renew 80 percent of its engine portfolio within the next four years.

!NEW! Opel Begins Extensive Powertrain Renewal

Three new engine families, 13 new engines by 2016

Engine portfolio 80 percent new by 2016

New 1.6-liter gasoline and diesel turbo engines deliver class-leading performance

Downsizing for more power, reduced fuel consumption and lower CO₂

Extensive ‘sound engineering’ measures give class-leading refinement

Revised manual gearboxes offer superior shift quality 

CDTI Engine Development in Torino                 

Opel is launching three new engine families and 13 new engines between 2012 and 2016, renewing 80 percent of its engine portfolio. In the same period the company will also launch a host of new transmissions. Opel is beginning the renewal of its powertrain portfolio now, by introducing all-new 1.6 liter gasoline and diesel engines, together with next generation five and six-speed gearboxes. They will be joined by the end of this year by a new small displacement gasoline engine family. All are developed to deliver class leading performance and refinement.

Focused on meeting a growing customer demand for ‘downsized’ engines offering strong power with reduced fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, the new gasoline and diesel powertrains are being progressively introduced across the Opel product range.

Best-in-class power densities and levels of refinement define both 1.6 liter engine families, while the further improved gearboxes provide a smooth gear shifting quality which matches the benchmarks amongst Opel’s competitors. An all-new six speed gearbox and a new automated manual transmission follow in the near future.

Class leading: All-new  gasoline engine

Featuring Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI), this all-new, four cylinder gasoline engine comes in two configurations. 

New Opel ECOTEC 1.6 SIDI 125 kW (Eco Turbo) engine in Opel Cascada

The Eco Turbo version, delivering 125 kW/170 hp and 280 Nm peak torque, is focused on optimized fuel economy, high low-end torque and outstanding elasticity. 

The Performance Turbo, packing 147 kW/200 hp and 300 Nm peak torque, boasts an exceptional specific power output of 125 hp per liter which is best in class amongst Opel’s competition.

Compared to Opel’s previous 1.6 liter turbo engine, CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption have been cut by 13 percent, while peak power and torque are increased by up to 30 percent. The Eco Turbo’s superb elasticity is demonstrated by a 20 percent improvement in fifth gear acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h, while the 200 hp Performance Turbo adds an even sportier edge to the new engine’s character.

Technical highlights include:

• Class leading refinement: only engine in its class to feature balance shafts for smooth running. Innovative thin wall cylinder block with mass saving, two piece crankcase and diecast aluminum bedplate. Host of ‘sound engineering’ measures for low noise and vibration, including fine tuning for specific vehicle applications.
• Optimum fuel efficiency with minimal emissions: spark plug/fuel injector units centrally located at top of combustion chamber.
• Fast throttle response: dynamic turbocharger boost strategy giving rapid response comparable to twin-scroll design, plus improved packaging. Compressor with low and high-pressure resonators to suppress airborne hiss and pulsation noise.

Class leading: All-new 1.6 CDTI diesel engine

Opel’s all-new, 1.6 liter turbo diesel delivers class leading performance across all key engine parameters. It is launched in the Zafira Tourer and will be rolled out to replace the current 1.7 liter and lower powered 2.0 liter diesel engines in a wide range of Opel models, with even more powerful versions to come.

New Opel 1.6 CDTI ECOTEC Euro 6 engine in Opel Zafira Tourer MPV

Packing 100 kW/136 hp and strong torque of 320 Nm, Opel’s first all aluminum diesel engine boasts an exceptional power density of 85 hp per liter which is unrivalled in its class. Its low fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions are already demonstrated by the Zafira Tourer’s best-in-class figures.

In common with its gasoline counterpart, the 1.6 CDTI benefits from a series of ‘sound engineering’ measures in its design and fine tuning to minimize noise, vibration and harshness. It has recorded the lowest sound ratings in testing with the Zafira Tourer against other vehicles using 1.6 liter Turbo Diesel engines.

With Opel’s BlueInjection Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system or Lean Nox Trap (LNT) technology enabling compliance with Euro 6 emissions standards, the 1.6 CDTI is as clean as a gasoline engine in operation.

Technical highlights include:

• Aluminum cylinder block and bedplate, saving more than 20 kilograms in weight.
• Optimized performance with closed-loop combustion control and multiple fuel injections, up to 10 per cycle, for efficient, clean and quiet running.
• Rapid throttle response with variable geometry, water cooled turbocharger operating at high peak boost pressure of 1.7 bar.
• Lowest internal engine friction rating, switchable water pump and variable displacement oil pump all contribute to fuel economy and reduced CO₂ emissions.   

Enhanced manual and automatic transmissions portfolio
With numerous revisions to internals and the shifter mechanism, Opel’s next generation five and six-speed gearboxes have been benchmarked against competitor offerings for superior shift quality. They are now being rolled out for ADAM, Corsa, Meriva, Mokka, Astra, Antara, Zafira and Insignia models with engines exceeding 130 Nm of torque.

New medium torque 6-speed manual transmission (MT6)

For small and sub-compact vehicles, with engines rated up to 235 Nm maximum torque, Opel has designed an all-new six-speed gearbox. It is significantly lighter than similar gearboxes and incorporates many of the modifications from the next generation units.

 Manual Transmission Automated (MTA)

For the ADAM and Corsa, a new automated manual transmission offering sequential style gear shifting and start/stop functionality, as well as five-speed automatic operation, is under development.

In the longer term, improvements to Opel’s current generation six-speed automatic transmission will be followed by the debut of an all-new, eight-speed transmission. The wider gear spread will enable an average improvement in fuel economy of more than three percent.