Opel Astra Cabrio turns 30: Fun in the Air

• Made in Italy by Carrozzeria Bertone
• Presented 30 years ago at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show
• Convertible version of the first generation of the Opel Astra

The arrival on the market of the first generation of Opel Astra could not fail to build on the great success of the Opel Kadett Cabrio by Bertone, produced in about 55,000 units from 1987 to 1992 at the Grugliasco plant, near Turin, by the famous coachbuilder Italian. Even the new Opel Astra F was to be available in a cabriolet version obviously designed by Bertone himself. And so it happened.

One could almost touch the sky with the Opel Astra F Cabrio presented thirty years ago as a world premiere at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show and on sale from the end of September of the same year in Italy. All you had to do was press the button located between the front seats on the central tunnel to raise the top and... discover the third dimension. If it then cooled off or threatened rain, the electric mechanism similarly repositioned the soft top exactly in its place in the short span of just 15-20 seconds. Maneuvering was just as quick and simple in the Opel Astra Cabrio without electric control: one hand was enough to operate the soft top.

The times when raising and lowering the soft top was an operation that required a certain effort were thus truly long gone. In the Opel Astra F Cabrio you could really touch the sky with a finger. Only one caution was required: pull the handbrake before pressing the electric control button. In order to force users, for their greater personal safety, to carry out the maneuver only with the car completely stopped.

On the other hand, when traveling with the top down, the three layers of which it was made ensured a high degree of rigidity and compactness of the whole and, consequently, that insulation from noise and heat which made it possible to use the Opel Astra F Cabrio in every month of the year. In this regard, unlike other convertibles at the time, the Opel Astra F Convertible was equipped with a glass rear window instead of plastic: a scratch-proof material that allowed the installation of a heated rear window.

Visionary contribution of Carrozzeria Bertone

These were just some of the consequences of technical progress and the long collaboration established in the open car sector between the German manufacturer and Carrozzeria Bertone of Grugliasco (Turin). “The designer knows how to imagine in his work the product that doesn't exist yet.” Nuccio Bertone explained thirty years ago “He responds in advance to trends in market taste which perhaps have not yet officially emerged, but which must be guessed. It glimpses before others what no research institute can ever guarantee.” Thus was born a convertible with a classic look, comfortable for four people which, although it lacked the roll-bar typical of the previous Opel Kadett Cabrio, ensured maximum safety for its occupants.

Safety first

The standard equipment of the Cabrio version included the same integrated safety system that was the heritage of all Opel Astra F and which included double steel bars inserted in the doors to protect against side impacts, front seat belt pretensioners and anti-slip seats. ABS and full-size driver's airbag were available as options.

The road holding and handling of the Opel Astra F Cabrio contributed to active safety, whose front McPherson strut suspension and compound torsion bar at the rear, although deriving from those of the corresponding 4-door sedan version, had special springs and calibrations. The arms, anti-roll bar and rear engine mount were attached to a separate subframe to better absorb noise, improve handling and ride comfort. The rear suspension had third generation wheel bearing assemblies with a double row of ball bearings. Bearings, hub, spindle and radial oil seal were combined in a single maintenance-free assembly.

The version initially on sale in Italy was equipped with a lively 82 bhp (60 kW) 1.4-litre single-cam 4-cylinder with multi-point electronic injection. The retail price of Lire 29,370,000 included power steering, front and rear electric windows, internally adjustable exterior mirrors, sport front seats, height-adjustable driver's seat, split-fold rear seat, rear-view mirrors painted in the same color as the bodywork, two-tone horn and 185/60 R14 tyres.

!NEW! GM Powertrain Europe creating additional jobs and bringing more high-tech equipment to Turin

Dan Ammann, General Motors President visits GMPT-E site, celebrating 10th anniversary

To mark the 10th anniversary of the foundation of GM Powertrain Europe Turin, GM President Dan Ammann (right) visited the engineering site and announced plans to strengthen the collaboration with the Politecnico di Torino. He was welcomed by Pierpaolo Antonioli, GMPT-E Managing Director.

To mark the 10th anniversary of the foundation of GM Powertrain Europe Turin, GM President Dan Ammann visited the engineering site and announced plans to strengthen the collaboration with the Politecnico di Torino, further expanding the engineering development center.

The letter of intent signed today with the Politecnico and the Regione Piemonte reinforces the research collaboration with the university through the growth of projects carried out by Politecnico and GMPT-E Turin as well as a project for the expansion of the area of GMPT-E in the campus of Politecnico named “Cittadella Politecnica”. The new area will measure approximately 2,500 square meters and construction is expected to start at the beginning of 2016. This new building will be fully dedicated to highly specialized labs, offices and powerful computational machines.

GM Powertrain Europe Turin announced plans to strengthen the collaboration with the Politechnico di Torino. From left: GMPT-E Managing Director Pierpaolo Antonioli, GM President Dan Ammann, Vice President Global Powertrain Dan Nicholson and Vice President Powertrain Europe Christian Müller.

Founded in 2005, GM Powertrain Europe is the center of innovation and development for diesel engines and related electronic control of GM globally and designs propulsion systems for Opel/Vauxhall, Chevrolet, and other GM brands. From design to the study of virtual components or tests on the engine benches – everything takes place in the laboratories and test cells of GM Powertrain Europe in Turin.

The site has grown rapidly since its foundation a decade ago: from a temporary office in 2005 to a state-of-the-art facility in the Politecnico campus. The workforce has also grown from the initial 60 people to approximately 650, expressing a highly qualified and international employment with more than 15 nationalities represented, mostly engineers. In 2015, GM plans to create an additional 60 jobs.  

With its state-of-the-art equipment, GM Powertrain Europe Turin represents a strategic asset for GM globally. In Europe, the engineering center provides Opel vehicles with premium diesel technology, like the 1.6 CDTI engine, the quietest diesel in its class that has earned the nickname ‘Whisper Diesel’.

In North America, GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado will be equipped with the new 2.8 liter diesel engine starting from the second half of 2015. These will be the only diesel in the midsize segment, promising excellent fuel economy and torque for maximum towing capability. Diesel engines of the future which are designed in Turin all share common characteristics: high-tech solutions offering moderate fuel consumption and CO2 emissions also thanks to the control system that is completely developed in-house.

“The Turin engineering center and our entire team here plays an important role in our efforts to lead the industry in product and technology” said Ammann. “The team has developed world-class modern diesel engines providing our customers with outstanding performance and efficiency in a fun-to-drive experience.”

“The growth of GMPT-E has demonstrated the importance of the relationship between the industry and the academia. A full generation of young and brilliant engineers took the opportunity to build their future and their career in one of the largest automotive companies. Their energy and strength helped GM to develop a solid diesel line up,” added Pierpaolo Antonioli, GMPT-E Managing Director.

!NEW! Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi visits GM Powertrain Europe

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi today visited the GM Powertrain Europe engineering center in Turin to get an in-depth insight into the latest diesel powertrain innovations. Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Opel Group CEO and General Motors Executive Vice President & President Europe, and Pierpaolo Antonioli, CEO of GMPT-E, informed the Italian Prime Minister about the company’s strategies for further reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Part of the agenda was a visit of a climatic test-cell as well as the Hardware-in-the-Loop Laboratory, and participation in an All-Employee-Meeting.

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi participated in an all-employee-meeting during his visit to the GM Powertrain Europe engineering center in Turin.

GM Powertrain Europe is the only center of innovation and development for diesel engines and related electronic control of GM globally and designs propulsion systems for Opel, Chevrolet, GMC and Buick. From design to the study of virtual components or tests on the engine benches – everything takes place in the laboratories and test cells of GM Powertrain Europe in Turin.

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi additionally visited one highly dynamic test bench for testing emissions achieved through an investment of 60 million euro. He also met some young engineers for discussions.

With its state-of-the-art equipment, GM Powertrain Europe Turin represents a strategic asset for GM globally. In Europe, the engineering center provides Opel vehicles with premium diesel technology, like the 1.6 CDTI engine, the quietest diesel in its class that has earned the nickname ‘Whisper Diesel’. Diesel engines of the future which are designed in Turin all share common characteristics: high-tech solutions offering moderate fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

“The Turin engineering center and the people working here play an important role in our product offensive. We will bring 27 new models and 17 new engines to the market by 2018. Diesel-powered cars account for more than half the market in Europe, and the engines we develop in Turin meet the highest customer expectations for durability, efficiency and performance”, said Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann.

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, Opel Group President Dr. Karl- Thomas Neumann and CEO of E-GMPT Pierpaolo Antonioli visit Center GMPT-E of Turin

In ten years, GM Powertrain Europe has seen its workforce grow annually by 25 percent, making the center one of the most important employers in the region. To date, the company has approximately 650, highly qualified employees, with an average age of 35 years.

“GM Powertrain Europe has helped to create a generation of technicians and highly qualified managers with international potential. It also generates supply contracts to local companies and engineering services with a volume of more than 170 million euro every year. We are becoming a magnet for other companies that see in us a real opportunity for growth in the area”, Pierpaolo Antonioli said.

!NEW! Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann visits GM Powertrain Europe in Turin

From left to right: Dr. Thomas Johnen, Vice President Powertrain Engineering, Dr. Pierpaolo Antonioli, Managing Director and Global Diesel Sector Executive Director, Dr. Neumann and Professor Marco Gilli, Rector of Politecnico di Torino.

Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, GM Executive Vice President, President Europe and Opel CEO, today visited the General Motors Powertrain Europe Turin campus to meet with the local employees and get in-depth insight into ongoing powertrain developments. He also used the opportunity to meet with the rector of the “Politecnico” university.

Dr. Neumann was hosted by Pierpaolo Antonioli, Managing Director and Global Diesel Sector Executive Director. While he spent considerable time with GM’s local leadership, Dr. Neumann met also with the employees in a dedicated meeting. He toured the facility as well, showing great interest in the test benches, labs and chassis dynamometers. With its state-of-the-art equipment, GM Powertrain Europe Turin represents a strategic asset for GM globally, and in Europe it provides Opel vehicles with premium diesel technology.

Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann and Dr. Thomas Johnen, Vice President Powertrain Engineering, touring the Turin facility together with Dr. Pierpaolo Antonioli, Managing Director and Global Diesel Sector Executive, showing great interest in the test benches, labs and chassis dynamometers.

Dr. Neumann stated: “The GM Powertrain Europe Center in Turin plays a vital role in GM’s global diesel strategy. Diesel-powered cars account for more than half the market in Europe, and our engines developed in Turin must meet the highest customer expectations for durability, efficiency and performance. Our new state-of-the-art 1.6 liter diesel CDTI has already become a benchmark for refinement among mid-size diesels, including those from premium manufacturers.”

In the course of the day, Dr. Neumann met with Professor Marco Gilli, Rector of Politecnico di Torino. Since 2008, GM’s Turin campus has been part of the newly created Cittadella Politecnica (Politecnico Campus), becoming the first private company to be closely integrated on the university premises. Professor Gilli presented the joint activities of Politecnico and GM Powertrain Europe Turin and the collaboration developed in the field of research and education.

Professor Gilli said: “More and more national and multinational companies are turning to selected university centers of excellence to carry out research of common interest. I really appreciate the time and attention Dr. Neumann gave to the University Campus during his visit to the General Motors Development Center. I truly believe that this is a positive example of collaboration between the academic world and the industry that is bearing fruit in terms of research, and it benefits our students and researchers in terms of opportunities and incentives."

At the end of the visit, Pierpaolo Antonioli confirmed: “Dr. Neumann’s visit reinforces the importance of our work within the GM organization in Europe. We are completely committed to continue enhancing our technology to give customers a unique experience when driving Opel and other GM vehicles. I strongly believe that the GM Engineering and Development Center of Turin will keep playing a leading role in research related to stringent regulations on CO2 emissions, without compromising our “fun to drive” proviso.”

Opel/Vauxhall is benefitting from work that has been done by the engineers at the Center. The new 1.6 CDTI engine, the quietest diesel in its class that has earned the nickname “Whisper Diesel”, was developed in Turin. The new engine is already part of the Zafira Tourer and Mervia line-up and will have its premiere in Geneva in the Opel Astra high-volume model range, with stunning fuel consumption figures: 3.7l/100 km combined in the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle).

!NEW! 1.6 liter Turbo Diesel engine continues powertrain renewal at Opel

• New family of four cylinder,  1.6 liter ECOTEC Turbo Diesel engines
• Class leading refinement, high power / torque density
• Fuel consumption reduced by up to 10 percent
• Compliant with future Euro 6 emissions requirements

Opel continues the fundamental renewal of its powertrain portfolio with an all-new four cylinder, turbo diesel engine. The second family of new downsized power units to be introduced after the gasoline 1.6 liter SIDI ECOTEC, the 1.6 liter CDTI ECOTEC diesels will replace existing 1.7 liter engines and certain lower powered versions of the 2.0 liter range.

Featuring closed loop combustion control and an aluminum block, the new 1.6 CDTI ECOTEC is the first diesel from Opel to comply with future Euro 6 emissions requirements. The engine will be available in a variety of power outputs across several carlines.

Class leading attenuation of noise, vibration and harshness, high power/torque density and low fuel consumption were the main development objectives. Initially maximum power and torque have been increased versus the 1.7 liter engine to 100 kW/136 hp and 320 Nm respectively, while fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 10 % compared with similarly powerful 2.0 liter diesels.

“The comprehensive renewal of our powertrain portfolio continues at wide-open throttle,” said Dr. Thomas Sedran, Deputy Chairman of the Opel Management Board. “Our new 1.6 liter diesel will set benchmarks for refinement, performance and environmental compatibility. By the end of this year we will have launched three all-new generations of gasoline and diesel engines, as part of our roll-out of 23 new models and 13 new powertrains by 2016.”

The new 1.6 liter diesel and its innovative engine control unit have been entirely developed in-house by a global team of engineers in Turin, Ruesselsheim and the USA. This approach has enabled a comprehensive system optimization from the very beginning of the design process. Beginning in spring, the 1.6 CDTI ECOTEC will be manufactured at the same “flex plant” as the new 1.6 liter gasoline engine, in Szentgotthard in Hungary.