New electronic control system lays foundation for intelligent power, handling, safety and connectivity
All-New Buick LaCrosse
At a time when the world’s attention is focused on a computer program capable of defeating a professional board game player, the automotive industry is also embracing a new era of in-vehicle electronic and software advances.
Vehicle safety, comfort, fuel efficiency and connectivity technologies are influenced at least in part by electronic control modules within the vehicle. A car’s electronic system manages a constant influx of data for many of its most important components – from an engine’s fuel injection system and the car’s windshield wiper motor, to the operation of advanced active safety features like Pedestrian Detection.
All-New Buick LaCrosse - Pedestrian Detection
The all-new Buick LaCrosse, pioneers advances for the brand in connectivity and safety. Its all-new, more robust electronic control system – an integral part of these features – includes eight in-car data Controller Area Network buses (CAN bus) that act similarly to an eight-core brain, enabling the interaction of the vehicle’s electronic systems, microcontrollers, sensors and software to perform handling, safety and connectivity operations seamlessly for the owner.
When a vehicle is in motion, a vast amount of data is being rapidly transmitted and calculated to generate instructions that are often unnoticed by the driver, such as data from the transmission as it shifts gears or even temperature sensors to alter in-cabin comfort. That is why an efficient and capable electronic control system is needed for today's increasingly smarter vehicles.
In an automobile, the electronic control layout works similarly to the central nervous system in a human being. At its core, in-car data buses form a Local Area Network (LAN) to connect the nodes and sensors of the different Electronic Control Units (ECUs). Data buses allow vehicles to detect their surrounding environment and control corresponding functions such as slippery road conditions for traction control.
While data buses serve as “messengers,” ECUs play the role of an in-vehicle computer. There are 31 ECUs distributed in the all-new Buick LaCrosse, while its predecessor utilized only 17 ECUs. This optimizes calculating efficiency. In order to facilitate the handling of large quantities of data, a specific data bus is arranged to connect ECUs, each of which can process data independently.
All-New Buick LaCrosse Offers Smart Features
The current Buick LaCrosse has been the segment leader in China in the introduction of intelligent safety features that include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Collision Imminent Braking.
The all-new Buick LaCrosse introduces additional safety functions such as Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist, Following Distance Indicator, High Beam Alert and Advance Park Assist.
The all-new Buick LaCrosse has upgraded the hardware and software of its intelligent safety systems. It features a Megapixel Front Camera, all-new long-distance radars and sensors, and added External Object Calculation Modules (EOCM). The previous distributed intelligent safety mechanism has now become an integrated one, ensuring a faster and more precise decision-making process.
For example, if the all-new Pedestrian Detection system identifies a pedestrian directly ahead and a collision is imminent, the system alerts the driver and, if necessary, automatically applies the brakes to help reduce the collision’s severity or avoid the collision.
The second-generation Continuous Damping Control (CDC) system scans road conditions at a frequency of 100 times per second, with real-time damping adaptations made accordingly to guarantee optimized comfort and handling.
New Landscape: Intelligent and Connected
Thanks to its IntelliLink infotainment system, the all-new Buick LaCrosse has a fully upgraded system that is both intelligent and connected. It is not only compatible with Apple CarPlay and Baidu CarLife, but also benefits from OnStar with 4G LTE. Its built-in Wi-Fi hotspot allows the connection of as many as seven devices simultaneously. IntelliLink ensures reliable networking services with a convenient and user-friendly operating system.
All-New Buick LaCrosse has a fully upgraded system that is both intelligent and connected.
Great distinction: New Astra beats rivals to compact class crown
Great tradition: Astra wins Opel’s 16th “Golden Steering Wheel” since 1976
Grand gala: Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann and CMO Tina Müller attend ceremony in Berlin
And the winner is: The new Opel Astra wins the “2015 Golden Steering Wheel”, Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann receives the award from presenter Barbara Schöneberger (on left).
And the winner is: The Opel Astra. Opel’s new compact class star was recognized at the Oscars of the automotive industry in Berlin yesterday evening and won the “Golden Steering Wheel” in the compact class. The Astra has only been at dealers since mid-October and has now already reaped this important award making it a true high-flyer. Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann and CMO Tina Müller attended the ceremony in the Axel-Springer-Haus, with Dr. Neumann accepting the award on behalf of Opel. The “Golden Steering Wheel” is awarded jointly by Auto Bild and Bild am Sonntag. A jury consisting of readers, experts and celebrities such as racing legend Walter Röhrl pick the best newcomers of the year after extensive test drives.
Winning smile: Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann with the “2015 Golden Steering Wheel” for the new Astra.
“The most important award for the best Opel we have ever built! And the most important car in our product portfolio. We at Opel can be extremely proud of this ‘Golden Steering Wheel’. It proves that all of our efforts have paid off. The new Astra is synonymous for lightweight, highly efficient engines, a better packaging, features from the luxury class, trendsetting connectivity and exemplary quality,” said a jubilant Dr. Neumann at the award ceremony.
Opel’s CMO Tina Müller added: “Our new Astra is a high-flyer in every sense as seen in the quantum leap video. We have already received more than 40,000 orders for the new Astra. And now we have won this very special prize. We can all be delighted with it. Opel is somebody again – with the Astra as our guiding star!”
Opel and the “Golden Steering Wheel”: All winners from Rüsselsheim
The new Opel Astra’s win at the much-coveted 2015 Golden Steering Wheel Awards is the continuation of the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker’s successful tradition in the competition, which started with the Opel Senator A in 1978, two years after the award was introduced, and includes 16 titles over five decades.
1978 – Opel Senator A: The first “Golden Steering Wheel”
1978: Opel Senator A, luxury class limousine, secures Opel’s first title.
In 1978, the brand with Blitz won its first “Golden Steering Wheel” with the Opel Senator. Presented at the IAA in September 1977, the Senator was the successor of the legendary Kapitän, Admiral and Diplomat models and was Opel’s flagship until making its final bow in 1993. The 1978 Senator was available with three different engines – a 2.8 liter engine with 103 kW/140 hp, a 3.0-liter unit with 110 kW/150 hp and the top-of-the-range 3.0-liter engine with 132 kW/180 hp.
1979 – Opel Kadett D: The award-winning space wonder
1979: Kadett D is the first Opel with front-wheel drive and wins the “Golden Steering Wheel”.
One year later Opel was back on the top of the rostrum. The 1979 Kadett D was the first ever Opel compact class car with front-wheel drive and delivered the company’s second “Golden Steering Wheel”. Thanks to the transverse engines and a missing flexible drive shaft it offers the passengers amble space despite compact dimensions and it being
126 mm shorter than its predecessor. In addition, the Kadett saw the introduction of new engines with overhead camshaft. The four-cylinder 1.3 liter OHC engine generated 44kW/60 hp or 55 kW/75 hp. In addition to the spacious station wagon with a load volume of up to 1,425 liters, Opel offered two different fastback versions. In January 1983, the sporty Kadett GTE followed, with a top speed of 187 km/h and equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that developed 115 hp.
Great white: Opel Kadett D GTE with its sports chassis, Recaro seats and feisty 115 hp began hunting down GTIs in 1983.
1981 – Opel Ascona C: Good things come in threes
1981: The front-wheel drive Ascona C delivers Opel’s third “Golden Steering Wheels”.
In 1981, it was the Opel Ascona C’s turn to bring home the goods for the Rüsselsheim-based automaker. It was the first Opel middle class car with front-wheel drive and available as a notchback and a hatchback. The Ascona C was available with gasoline engines ranging from 1.3 to 1.6 liters and a 1.6 liter diesel unit.
1982 – Opel Corsa A: Small car, huge impact
Only 12 months later, in 1982, a brand-new Opel model took the “Golden Steering Wheel” awards by storm – the Corsa A. Opel’s first ever small car featured close-coupled proportions within a short length of just 3.62 meters. It had bold, flared wheel-arches like a rallye car and an exceptionally low drag coefficient of 0.36, which was possibly record-breaking for its class. The Corsa A was designed to appeal to ‘the man of the house’ in particular. The highlight was the 72 kW/98 hp Corsa GSi. The two-door hatch and notchback line-up was expanded in 1985 with the addition of the popular five-door model. The Corsa A became a highly acclaimed top seller with 3.1 million units built.
1984 – Opel Kadett E: Another compact class winner
1984: The aerodynamics champion Opel Kadett E is named “Car of the Year”and wins the “Golden Steering Wheel”.
Five years after winning the “Golden Steering Wheel” for the first time, the Kadett took pole position again with its new generation launched in 1984. The second front-wheel drive Kadett, built from 1984 to 1991, was an absolute winner and also took the 1984 “Car of the Year” Award. Furthermore, the Kadett is rated as an aerodynamics champion. The sporty GSi, with a Cd of 0.30 stunned the experts and even the normal hatchback sedan achieved a sensational value of 0.32. In total, the aerodynamics champions was sold 3.779.289 times.
1987 – Opel Senator B: In for a penny, in for a pound
1987: Opel Senator flagship cruises to a convincing win.
The Opel Senator B also managed to repeat the success of its predecessor. Based on the rear-wheel drive Opel Omega, the new flagship mainly comes with six-cylinder engines with the smooth 3-liter in-line engine with 115 kW/156 hp leading the way. You could place a coin on its edge in the engine compartment without it falling over when the engine was running. Later, a 4 valve version of the 6 cylinder engine with Dual-Ram variable intake system and hearty 150 kW/204 hp is introduced.
1990 – Opel Calibra: The athlete shines
A true champion wins the “Golden Steering Wheel” in 1990: A breathtaking coupé with a record-breaking drag coefficient of 0.26! The Calibra was available with powerful engines ranging from 85 kW/115 hp to 150 kW/204 hp. The Opel Calibra Turbo with all-wheel drive and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 6.8 seconds was the icing on the cake. A V6 engine with 125 kW/170 hp rounds off the offer. In motorsports, a Calibra V6 wins the touring car crown by taking the ITC in 1996.
1994 – Opel Omega B: The big car takes gold
1994: The second generation of the big Opel Omega wins the “Golden Steering Wheel”.
The second edition of the Omega left a special impression on the jury. The dynamic design, the extensive amount of space and the new V6 engines with alloy cylinder heads and up to 155 kW/210 hp hit the taste of the experts. The new airbag systems ensured a high level of safety for all occupants. The station wagon version boasted sheer endless loading capacity making it the ideal car for families and artisans alike, whereas the notchback version is classed a representative business sedan.
1995 – Opel Vectra B: Mirror, mirror, on the door
1995: Opel Vectra B adds zest to the middle class and secures first place.
The Opel Vectra’s most eye-catching feature are the aerodynamically shaped door mirrors that form a harmonic unity with the front of the car. It is a feature the “Golden Steering Wheel” jury cannot resist either. The Vectra also wins because of its new and efficient gasoline engines ranging from 1.6 to 2.6 liters and with outputs between 55 kW/75 hp and 125 kW/170 hp. Elsewhere, the direct injection diesel engines with displacements ranging from 1.7 to 2.2 liters delivering exemplary consumption celebrated their debut.
1999 – Opel Zafira A: The quick-change artist with seven seats
1999: Opel Zafira A sets news standard with its variable Flex7 seating concept
Who invented it? Opel! Yes, the compact van that can be turned from a complete seven-seater into a transporter with impressive maximum load volume (1,700 liters max.) in a flash (in only 15 seconds!) without removing a single seat is a Rüsselsheim brainchild. The formula is called Flex7 and it helps the Zafira win the “Golden Steering Wheel in 1999”. Thanks to the ingenious concept, the seats disappear into the vehicle floor when necessary. The flexible space wonder also impresses with compact dimensions and outstanding driving dynamics.
2002 – Opel Vectra C: The master electrician
The third generation Vectra successful defended the title won by its predecessor by winning gold yet again. The new middle class car enters the electronic age, connects its systems via a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus instead of via a cable harness, and comes with electrohydraulic power steering. Outputs of the gasoline and diesel engines ranged from 74 kW/100 hp to 206 kW/280 hp with displacements ranging from 1.6 to 3.2 liters. In 2004, Opel also fitted the Vectra with the IDS Plus active suspension with Continuous Damping Control (CDC), which ensures that the dampers adapt to the current driving situation.
2005 – Opel Zafira B: Completing the golden dozen
The second generation Zafira continues to set the standards with a further development of the Flex7 seating system and wins the “Golden Steering Wheel” again. Furthermore, it is also classed as the fastest van on the planet when the OPC version with 177 kW/240 hp completed a lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 8:54:38 minutes. 240 powerful horses under the hood and an outstanding performance handling system help achieve this record-breaking time.
2009 - Opel Astra J: The compact designer piece
In 2009, the Astra J, a true designer piece, followed in the footsteps of the Kadett D space wonder and the Kadett E aerodynamics champions, securing Opel’s third “Golden Steering Wheel” compact class title. The Astra follows Opel’s new design philosophy ‘Sculptural artistry meets German precision’. In additional, the Astra J comes with modern assistance systems such as the Opel Eye or the AFL+ headlamp system that can see around corners. The FlexRide adaptive technology helps it adapt to the current driving situation and front-seat ocupants can enjoy the ride in AGR-certified (Campaign for healthy backs) seats.
2010 – Opel Meriva B: So clever, so compact, so golden
The Zafira’s little brother strikes gold in 2012 with the Meriva B underlining Opel’s van expertise. The jury is convinced by the versatile FlexSpace rear-seating system and the innovative rear-hinged rear door system. The FlexDoors allow easy access to small children in the rear and ensure that tall people do not struggle to gain access. The engine portfolio offers amble power while curbing consumption thanks to downsizing and turbo-charging. Outputs range from 55 kW/75 hp to 103 kW/140 hp.
2012 – Opel Zafira Tourer: The lounge on wheels
The Zafira is accompanied by a premium partner in the Zafira Tourer and immediately wins another “Golden Steering Wheel”. In addition to the flexible interior, the new boy impresses with lounge comfort, panorama glass sunroof and innovations such as radar-based speed control and emphatic Forward Collision Alert. The new frugal diesel with outstanding endurance for long distance driving is called 2.0 CDTI and delivers 121 kW/165 hp. The 1.6 CNG turbo ecoFLEX (110kW/150hp) later goes on to win the award for the most environmentally friendly vehicle in the van segment three years in a row (2013 to 2015).
2015 – Opel Astra K: The quantum leap
And the winner is: The new Astra is based on a completely new lightweight vehicle architecture, is powered exclusively by latest-generation engines and enables ultra-modern connectivity via smartphone integration and the groundbreaking personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar. The new Astra also continues Opel’s tradition of introducing features previously only known from higher segments into the compact segment. That results in the “2015 Golden Steering Wheel”.
EMC-Tested: Opel compact class car completely cackle free
Clever connectivity: Five-door and Sports Tourer with Opel OnStar and new IntelliLink systems
In the antenna forest: Electronic systems of the new Opel Astra are unimpressed by the radio waves, voltages and magnetic fields in the EMC lab.
The new Opel Astra in a recording studio? At first glance, it looks that way. Opel’s latest compact class car is in a room with bluish light and egg box-like elements adorning the walls. Furthermore, numerous ultra-modern technical devices are pointing at the car. The facility that looks like a huge studio where the latest number one hits are recorded is actually Opel’s Rüsselsheim EMC Center. EMC is short for electro-magnetic compatibility. Every vehicle has to pass through these specially equipped rooms on its way to series production and engineers around EMC Manager Martin Wagner check that all systems from infotainment to safety and assistance work interference-free.
In the Rüsselsheim EMC center: Throughout the development process the Opel experts ensure that the electronic systems do not interfere with each other.
And the new Astra has many such systems to offer. It, for example, comes with the groundbreaking adaptive IntelliLux LED® matrix light that enables driving with glare-free high beams outside urban areas along with the new personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar and the new Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible IntelliLink infotainment systems. The new Astra has more electronics performing valuable services than ever before. “To ensure that the components work interference-free throughout the vehicles’ lifecycle the Astra came into EMC Center where we tested all functions extensively before series production started,” said Martin Wagner.
In the EMC lab: The abbreviation stands for “electro-magnetic compatibility” – the interference-free functionality of the new Opel Astra is ensured here.
According to the German Accreditation Body, the Rüsselsheim EMC Center meets the ISO 17025 quality standards for professional testing laboratories. It is here that during the entire vehicle development process the experts ensure that the various electronics systems do not interfere with each other. To guarantee the interference resistance of all systems the electronics have to be developed accordingly. This requires a clever circuit design and the use of shielding and filter technologies. The engineers check whether this was successfully done during development and production in the EMC lab. “With equipment and features such as IntelliLux LED® Matrix Light, Lane Keep Assist and Opel OnStar along with the IntelliLink systems with smartphone integration the requirements are much higher than 30 years ago,” explains Wagner. Back then, it was merely a question of suppressing typical crackling noises from the radio caused by the car’s generator or the ignition system. These days, the screening parameters have grown exponentially with the number of technologies and connectivity possibilities.
Stress test: The complex systems such as the adaptive IntelliLux LED® matrix light, Opel OnStar or the IntelliLink infotainment system need to withstand the tests in the EMC lab.
First prerequisite: The perfectly shielded testing laboratory
Colorful and important: The egg box-shaped elements that adorn the walls are the basis of all measurements – they stop the reflection of electro-magnetic waves in the room.
The egg box-shaped elements that adorn the walls are the basis of all measurements. They stop the reflection of electro-magnetic waves in the room. “We can only achieve reproducible and reliable data because they absorb disturbing waves,” describes Wagner. Then the actual electronics test starts: the Astra is exposed to a high-energy electro-magnetic field during the immunity test with the EMC team watching the reaction of Opel OnStar and Co. closely from the control room. Camera systems that send video images of the vehicle’s interior to the monitors in front of the engineers via fiber optic cable are used. “This way we can recognize whether all of the displays and control instruments work faultlessly in the radiation storm,” says Wagner.
However, that is only one criteria of the EMC testing of the vehicle. In addition to the optical checks, all of the vehicle’s components and control devices linked via CAN bus systems are monitored. “Special software packages make the specifically selected bus signals visible on a monitor,” says Wagner, explaining how the data is transformed into images, scales and tables. This makes the bus communication of the vehicle transparent for the engineers. Only when all data confirms the perfect, interference-free functionality of the onboard electronics do the engineers give their final ok: “Our guinea pig – in this case the new Astra – is now EMC tested and ready for the customers in every electronic sense.”
Opel Mokka and Opel Insignia Country Tourer offer superior drive concept
Adaptive all-wheel drive systems for increased safety all year round, not just in winter
Opel Insignia OPC with best driving dynamics from 4x4 with electronic limited-slip differential
4x4 power: Opel Insignia Country Tourer, Opel Insignia OPC and Opel Mokka on tour in the snow-covered mountains
It’s time to head for the ski slopes again – and in the ice and snow of winter all-wheel drive systems come into their own. However, this is only part of the story, because an intelligent all-wheel drive system can also ensure increased safety and improved driving dynamics all year round without having to make compromises in terms of everyday suitability. The best examples of this are the intelligent all-wheel drive systems fitted to the Opel Insignia Country Tourer, Opel Insignia OPC and Opel Mokka SUV. They represent the technical pinnacle of over 100 years of all-wheel drive development within the automotive industry. Opel’s all-wheel drive systems are now so sophisticated, they can sense and adapt to changing conditions even before a critical driving situation occurs.
4x4: Opel Insignia Country Tourer and Opel Insignia OPC on downhill stretch
The development of the complex, networked drive systems in today’s Opel models has matched the pace of change seen in the digital information age. For example, at its market launch 22 years ago, the Opel Frontera, a trendsetter in the SUV segment and one of the best-selling off-road vehicles in Europe, still relied on the classic, mechanical on-demand all-wheel drive system. Now its grandchild, the Opel Mokka SUV, controls power distribution on demand with electronic bits and bytes. This, of course, also applies to Opel Insignia 4x4 models led by the Country Tourer. Electronics have become established as a means of ensuring the best-possible distribution of power. In this way, intelligent Opel all-wheel drive technology seamlessly joins safety systems such as ABS and ESP.
Taking driving to another level: Opel Insignia Country Tourer and Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer racing on an off-piste track
The advantages of having an on-demand control of power distribution are immense in comparison with purely mechanical systems still sometimes used today. The inherent drawbacks of such simple all-wheel drive systems – for example, twisting in the drivetrain, substantially higher fuel consumption and a reduction in driving comfort due to stronger vibrations – are almost completely eliminated by the intelligent all-wheel drive systems in today’s 4x4 Opel models. Opel systems score with a precise, on-demand power distribution which reacts in milliseconds to changing driving situations. This makes them clearly superior to other on-demand all-wheel drive systems which rely on the purely mechanical control of power distribution when wheel slip occurs. This usually happens after a noticeable time delay, which has a corresponding negative impact on driving dynamics and comfort levels.
New Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer on downhill stretch
Opel’s all-wheel drive system has an electronic, multi-disk clutch which is flange-mounted on the rear axle differential. The disks run in an oil bath and their locking effect is seamlessly adjusted in milliseconds by an integrated control module. This solution gives Opel engineers the freedom to tailor specific control strategies which optimally adjust the all-wheel drive system to meet the different requirements of various model lines, even though they share similar hardware.
New Opel Insignia Country Tourer also convinces off-piste in snowy conditions
In addition to technical similarities in the electronic multi-disk clutch, the all-wheel drive systems in the Opel Mokka, Opel Insignia Country Tourer and Opel Insignia OPC also share similarities in complex networking across the vehicles’ CAN bus. Data from numerous sensors is constantly exchanged between the control modules and the Opel all-wheel drive system utilizes the same driving dynamics sensors which feed information to the ABS and ESP systems. Data about yaw rate, steering angle and wheel speeds is evaluated and included in the all-wheel drive control strategy. The system also captures other driving conditions. Comprehensive networking and seamless power distribution, which is virtually delay-free, enable the Opel all-wheel drive system to function with foresight. For example, it reacts immediately to driver steering inputs and engine power measured by the throttle valve sensor, preventing wheel slip or vehicle instability before they occur. Basically, the intelligent Opel all-wheel drive system can be viewed as a form of reverse ESP: while the electronic stability program intervenes through the braking system in critical driving situations to keep the car on course, the electronically-controlled all-wheel drive system ensures ‘preventive’ vehicle stabilization before a critical situation occurs.
Stretching the limits with the Opel Mokka SUV – impressive 4x4 performance on snowy pistes
The differences between the all-wheel drive systems in the Opel Mokka, Opel Insignia Country Tourer and Opel Insignia OPC models are the result of different objectives in line with the specific requirements of each vehicle concept.
All-wheel drive in the Opel Mokka SUV
Opel Mokka SUV with adaptive an all-wheel drive system: Safely on its way even in off-road conditions
Environmental responsibility was a top priority during development of the all-wheel drive system for the Opel Mokka. Hardly surprising, since Opel’s sub-compact SUV has set class standards for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. This development goal was successfully achieved with targeted parameterization of the all-wheel drive system. The Mokka’s system can seamlessly distribute power between the front and rear axle from 100:0 to 50:50, while in normal everyday use it runs as an economical front-wheel drive car. This design enabled engineers to construct very lightweight components necessary for the all-wheel drive system during the Mokka’s development. As a result, the complete all-wheel drive system, including all the necessary axle, drive and transmission components, weighs less than 65 kilograms.
Opel Mokka SUV with efficient all-wheel drive system that automatically adjusts to driving conditions
The all-wheel drive system is activated when the Opel Mokka is stationary to prevent wheel slip at take-off. It also engages unobtrusively in a split second as soon as the driver depresses the clutch pedal. Once up and running, all power is transferred to the front wheels and the all-wheel drive system is only engaged when driving situations require it. As with most SUVs, the Mokka’s all-wheel drive system is supported by Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC). Electronic traction control also replaces the function of the axle-differential lock with automatic braking intervention.
All-wheel drive in New Opel Insignia Country Tourer and Opel Insignia OPC
New Opel Insignia Country Tourer: Adaptive 4x4 all-wheel drive with rear, electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD), seamlessly distributes power from zero to 100 percent between the front and rear axle and between the rear wheels.
When developing the 4x4 variant of the Insignia, Opel engineers focused on optimizing driving dynamics. While the all-wheel drive architecture and its integration with CAN bus data is similar to that of the Opel Mokka, an electronic Limited-Slip Differential (eLSD) has been introduced alongside the multi-disk clutch on the rear axle. This enables power to be distributed transversely, between the rear wheels, as well as longitudinally between the axles. Optimal adaptive driving dynamics are ensured by sporty control logics and the system’s ability to transfer all drive torque to the rear axle. Together with the intelligent limited-slip differential, which also seamlessly distributes power according to the prevailing driving situation, the Opel Insignia 4x4 offers a unique experience which gives the driver best-possible vehicle control. The ESP’s control strategy has also been optimally adapted to suit the all-wheel drive system. As a result, drivers can fully exploit the enhanced driving dynamics of the 4x4 Opel Insignia, especially when 325 hp is available from the powerful OPC version. With Opel’s fast-acting all-wheel drive system, driving safety and driving fun both reach new levels.
New Opel Insignia: Adaptive 4x4 all-wheel drive with rear, electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD).
Opel is first car manufacturer to make preselected vehicle data available
Unique OPC Power App has debut in new Astra OPC (206 kW/280 hp)
Numerous applications: from engine boost pressure to lap time for tech savvy OPC fan
Opel
shares its passion for technology with its customers by becoming the first ever
car manufacturer to make preselected data from the CAN bus (Controller Area
Network) directly available on an iPhone where it can be displayed or analyzed
further. The CAN bus is the central system that unifies and connects all the
electronic control units in the vehicle.
Apple
smartphone users can now download the OPC PowerApp an application or App from
the AppStore for just 0.79 euro, enabling them to access to CAN bus data. This
innovative application has its world debut in the Astra OPC with its 206 kW / 280
hp output - the sporty spearhead of Opel’s compact car portfolio.
The
CAN bus bundles the signals from the different vehicle areas. So far, only
highly specialized work shops were able to access this information using
specialist software. Now however, Opel is now giving car enthusiasts the chance
to receive selected, performance-related data by offering the OPC PowerApp. This
opens up a whole new world to drive enthusiasts who want the latest technology.
The
fun offered by the OPC PowerApp does not just end when the engine is switched
off. Not only are up to sixty different data, including engine boost pressure,
throttle position, lateral acceleration or engine torque, readily available in
real time on the iPhone but they can also be stored and later compared with
friends. A lap time recorder connected to GPS data appeals to racing fans, for example those who use
the legendary Nürburgring track and want to analyze and improve their performances
on the Nordschleife stretch.
In this way, braking
points and section speeds can be analyzed. However, in addition the G-forces
can be measured inside specific bends.
In order to get the most out of the wealth of
functions offered by the OPC PowerApp a black box or smart phone controller that
can be ordered by customers and is installed behind the interior panels. It can
be installed ex works or easily retrofitted on request by Opel dealerships. The
module is directly connected to the CAN bus of the vehicle and transmits its
data with a frequency of 30 Hertz to the iPhone which is equivalent to real
time. An optionally available FlexDock iPhone cradle can also be installed to
offer even better access and visibility of the PowerApp data. In that sense,
the mobile phone acts as an additional instrument inside the cabin, recording
all the data.
Seven different display modes complete with the OPC
logo and colors are available to the user including an analog instrument, a
G-force meter, a digital display and over / under steer indicator, a bar chart, a
line graph and a map. The OPC PowerApp works on iPhones (starting at the third
generation), iPad 2 and iPod Touch and will also be available for Android
systems by early 2013.
