Next-generation Holden Commodore to debut in 2018 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship
Details to ensure ease of transition to next-gen Commodore for all Holden teams revealed
2018 Holden Commodore Supercar concept
Holden has revealed the first official concept image of the next
generation Commodore race car, which will be introduced into the Virgin
Australia Supercars Championship in 2018.
The stunning computer-generated image is the work of talented GM Design Australia Exterior Design Manager Peter Hughes.
2018 Holden Commodore Supercar concept
“What an incredible-looking race car, it carries on the tradition of
Commodores looking awesome on and off the track and ushers in a new era
for our brand,” Holden’s Executive Director – Marketing, Mark Harland
said.
“I can’t wait to see it out on the track claiming race wins next year.”
The Supercars version of the cutting-edge next-gen Commodore is
currently undergoing an intensive and rigorous design and development
process being undertaken in partnership between Holden and its official
factory racing team, Triple Eight Race Engineering.
The design work to compliment the sleek and sophisticated design of
the road-going Holden Commodore includes advanced simulation and aerodynamic
evaluation using sophisticated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
modelling.
In releasing the Supercars concept, Holden has also confirmed the
next-gen Commodore will be homologated with the current, successful V8
engine for the 2018 season only.
A new, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, suitable for Supercars’ Gen 2
regulations, is currently undergoing development in partnership with the
General Motors Performance and Racing Center, in Pontiac, Michigan.
Triple Eight Race Engineering will seek approval from Supercars to
run a V6 powered Commodore as a wild card entry at selected rounds next
season before a full rollout for the 2019 season.
The V6 engine will then be accessible to all Holden teams via a favourable leasing program.
The staggered introduction ensures a greater ease in transition to the new model Commodore bodywork for all Holden teams.
It also allows Holden and Triple Eight Race Engineering to assist
Supercars’ technical department with development of its programs
ensuring the turbocharged V6 can achieve parity with the existing,
naturally aspirated V8s.
This will maintain the competition’s integrity with the introduction of Supercars’ new Gen 2 regulations.
“Our sport prides itself on Supercars being the closest competition
in the world, and the phased introduction of the next-generation
Commodore will ensure that is maintained,” Triple Eight Race Engineering
team principal, Roland Dane said.
Supercars Australia Chief Executive Officer James Warburton applauded
Holden on the stunning new 2018 Commodore and the manufacturer’s V6
engine development program for Gen 2.
“It is a pragmatic and sensible approach by Holden and Triple Eight
Race Engineering in introducing the new Commodore and a
twin-turbocharged V6 powered engine to the sport,” Warburton said.
“Importantly it is a win for all the current Teams in terms of the
simplicity and market relevance for an easy transition to the new
Commodore in 2018.
“This phased introduction sets a clear path forward for not only Holden but existing and new manufacturers in the sport.”
Development of the new Commodore Supercar continues, with
construction of the first car well underway and ready to undertake
Supercars Aero Validation in the fourth quarter of 2017.
Flagships at the Opel stand: From 1937 Admiral to the new Insignia
Center of classic car world: Techno Classica in Essen from April 5 to 11
Joint effort: Opel Classic and Alt Opel IG share exhibition stand
Opel flagships at Techno Classica: From Opel Admiral to All-New Opel Insignia Grand Sport
.
Opel’s big boys have got their sights firmly set on the 29th Techno Classica in Essen, where Opel Classic and the enthusiasts from Alt Opel IG
(vintage Opel owners club) will exhibit big cars from Rüsselsheim from
both past and present. “The Opel Flagships” is this year’s motto and the
cars will be on show at the stand with a total surface area of 400
square meters in Hall 2. The legendary pre-WWII Admiral that celebrated
its premiere in 1937 is the spearhead of the Opel fleet. It is hard to
imagine that the wonderful art déco style chassis is already 80 years
old when you see it up close. The journey through time continues with
the two millionth Opel produced, a 1956 Kapitän. Typical representatives
of the KAD models such as a 1968 Diplomat A and a 1970 Opel Admiral –
two true street cruisers – are also present. The 1978 Senator A is a
typical design from the somewhat more matter-of-fact 1970s, whereas the
new Opel flagship, the Insignia Grand Sport, demonstrates Opel’s current
design philosophy of “Sculptural artistry meets German precision”.
Eight decades of “Big Opels”: Legendary 1937 Opel Admiral and All-New Opel Insignia Grand Sport.
From 1937 to 2017: From the Opel Admiral to the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport
The large Opel cars can look forward to enjoying the limelight at the
Techno Classica in Essen – just like they did in Rüsselsheim 80 years
ago. To mark the 75th anniversary of the Adam Opel AG on
February 17, 1937 the company presented two visionary newcomers: The
Admiral and the Super 6. Both cars were equipped with modern engine
technology. Inline sixes with displacements of 3.6 and 2.5 liters and 75
hp and 55 hp respectively. The Admiral was the first member in a line
of luxurious models that continued for 40 years. The Super 6 paved the
way for the popular 1938 Kapitän.
Ten years later the first post-WWII Kapitän left the plant and the
economic miracle saw it rise meteorically. The Opel Kapitän was one of the
bestselling six cylinders in Germany and became an international
bestseller with 60 percent of all Kapitäns being exported. The Kapitän
built on November 9, 1956, and on display in Essen plays a special part
in the success story. As the two millionth Opel ever built, its roof was
painted in gold and it also sports 24-carat gold plated decorative
elements. Opel was the first German and European carmaker to surpass the
two-million mark.
The Opel upper class was completely overhauled in 1964. The “Big
Three” were called Kapitän, Admiral and Diplomat and for the first time
in its history Opel offered V8 engines. The ranking order in the premium
class was determined by equipment and engine size. The Kapitän and
Admiral initially came with Opel’s proven 100 hp, 2.6 liter six-cylinder
engine, whereas the Diplomat’s engine was sourced from the United
States. The flagship of the KAD series featured a 4.6 liter V8 with 190
hp. As of the spring of 1965 both the Kapitän and the Admiral could
optionally be ordered with the 4.6 liter V8 engine and automatic
transmission used in the Diplomat. To this very day the Kapitän and
Admiral V8s are models with a special status: Only 113 units of the
Kapitän and 622 units of the Admiral were built.
The members of the second KAD range were completely overhauled from
1969 – and grew in all areas. The Kapitän once again represented the
entry-level KAD model. Its 2.8 liter inline six delivered 132 hp. Above
it, sat the comfortable Admiral that delivered 145 hp at the 2800 S
variant and 165 hp as the Admiral 2800 E. The top-of-the-line engine was
the 5.4 liter V8 with 230 hp that came as standard in the Diplomat.
40 years after the Admiral made its debut, the company brought
another new big Opel to market. From 1977, the Senator was the spearhead
of the model portfolio. The Senator and its coupé sibling the Monza
were the first Opel cars with independentl rear suspension and
space-saving mini-block coil springs.
Another four decades down the line, eighty years after the Admiral,
the time has come for another major debut: The new Opel Insignia Grand
Sport will make its first home appearance at the Techno Classica.
The all-new Opel Insignia is in extremely good shape. It has the
sporty elegance of a large coupé, its completely new architecture makes
it uncompromisingly spacious and truly fun to drive, and it offers
exemplary safety and comfort features just as a true flagship should.
Not only does the second-generation Insignia impress with its
breathtaking lines on the outside and great wellness atmosphere on the
inside, it also provides the widest range of intelligent technologies
reaching from the trendsetting Opel IntelliLux LED Matrix
headlights and the very sophisticated all-wheel drive system with torque
vectoring to ultra-modern driver assistance systems and a refined head
up display. In addition, the Insignia comes with Opel-typical
first-class connectivity with smartphone integration which now offers a
new Opel OnStar feature – the Personal Assistant which allows Opel Insignia
occupants to book hotel rooms[1] and search for parking[2]
via an OnStar Advisor. Overall, the new Opel Insignia wows with high agility
and driving precision, more space and a superb price-performance ratio
that now more than ever make it a contender to be reckoned with, even
for premium brand models.
[1] Via booking.com. E-mail address and credit card required. [2] Via Parkopedia
Room to move with 1640L of boot space, kicking motion opens powered tailgate
Class-leading driving dynamics, advanced all-wheel drive with torque vectoring
Sleek European design, superb refinement
Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking and more
Latest generation IntelliLux LED Matrix lights turn night into day
World premiere in Geneva this March in Opel guise, on-sale in Australia 2018
All-New Holden Commodore Sportwagon
All-new Holden Commodore Sportwagon has emerged from the gym;
trim, toned and beautifully presented. Following closely on the heels of
the reveal of the NG Commodore, the Sportwagon is spacious, refined and
offers exemplary safety, just as a flagship Holden should.
Offering space and sophistication in equal measures, the all-new
Sportwagon offers 1640 litres of boot space and high-tech solutions
ranging from the world-beating IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights and
ultra-modern driver assistance systems to the cool head-up display. In
addition, the Commodore Sportwagon comes with Holden’s first nine-speed
automatic transmission and intelligent all-wheel drive.
Next-generation Holden Sportwagon reinforces Commodore’s position
as the most advanced Holden ever, includes tech such as autonomous
emergency braking, adaptive suspension, adaptive cruise control and
matrix lighting
Drivetrain line-up mirrors NG Commodore’s with four-cylinder petrol
and diesel options, alongside the flagship V6 model with 230 kW and
370 Nm, world-first Twinster all-wheel drive system and 9-speed
transmission for the first time ever in a Holden.
The new Sportwagon comes with significant mass reductions than the
current Commodore – depending on powertrain and trim, driven by the use
of lightweight materials and efficient packaging. The new Opel Insignia
Sports Tourer is up to 200 kilograms lighter than the current Commodore –
depending on powertrain and trim, driven by the use of lightweight
materials and efficient packaging.
Bringing sexy back:
Who said wagons need to be boring? Holden continues the tradition of
high-style wagons with the all-new Commodore. Inspired by the Opel Monza
concept, the prominent grille and the sculpted headlight design add to
the feeling of sophistication. The car’s stance is also emphasized by a
long wheelbase. The signature ‘blade’ styling hallmark starts in the
front door and sweeps towards the rear helps carry the eye from front to
back. The chrome window blade dynamically flows into the LED tail lamps
and gives the Commodore Sportwagon an even more athletic appearance.
The silver roof rails help stretch the car, make it look lower and
emphasize the high-quality design.
2018 Holden Commodore Sportwagon
Easy loader: Tailgate with an extra kick
Not just sleek and sexy, the next-gen Sportwagon is also practical with 1,640 litres of boot volume.
In order to make loading as easy as possible, the tailgate can be
opened with a ‘kick’ – without touching the car. In combination with
‘keyless open’ tech, a simple small kicking motion under the rear bumper
is enough to open the tailgate (a vehicle silhouette projected onto the
ground shows the correct area). A further kicking motion under the
bumper will close the tailgate. The clever system can detect any
obstruction and stops the mechanism in case of emergency. In addition,
for practicability, the height of the opening can be programmed, in case
the car is in a garage. Furthermore, the tailgate can still be opened
by a switch on the driver’s side of the car, a button at the rear or via
the key’s remote control.
In order to increase loading space the new Sportwagon comes with
optional 40/20/40 foldable rear seats enabling even more flexible
loading space configurations. The rear-seat bank can be folded down by
simply pushing a button located in the luggage compartment.
The upcoming Holden Sportwagon will celebrate its world premiere in Opel
guise at the Geneva Motor Show on March 7, and will go on sale in
Australia in 2018.
NEXT-GENERATION HOLDEN COMMODORE KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
Cutting-edge driver assistance systems and technology:
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Adaptive Cruise Control
Speed Limit Cruise Control
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Keep Assist
Forward Collision Alert
Side Blind-Zone Alert
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Next-generation comfort and convenience technologies:
Massage Seats
Rear one-touch folding seats
Heated Front and Rear seats
Ventilated Front seats
Express up/down all windows
Wagon power lift-gate
Active Noise Cancellation
Program overview:
Next-generation Commodore built in Germany on all-new, global E2 architecture shared with Opel Insignia
Lightweight construction methods result in approximately 200kg weight savings compared to current Commodore
Flagship model offers V6 AWD drivetrain with Holden-first 9-speed transmission
V6 engine delivers 230 kW / 370 Nm while being incredibly efficient thanks to Stop-Start technology and Active Fuel Management
2.0T petrol and 2.0T diesel front-wheel drive models also coming to Australia
Liftback and Sportwagon body-styles
Cutting-edge, adaptive all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring and twin-clutch (‘Twinster’) rear differential system
Adaptive ‘Flexride’ suspension system offers three settings: ‘Tour’, ‘Standard’ and ‘Sport’
Next-generation matrix lighting system
Infotainment includes:
Apple Car Play and Android Auto
8-inch configurable LCD instrument display,
Next-gen head-up display
Additional details and information to be confirmed closer to launch.
First images of Holden’s cutting-edge Next Generation Commodore released
Commodore takes technology usually seen only in high-end premium vehicles and brings it to the people
Most advanced Commodore ever includes: autonomous emergency braking,
adaptive suspension, 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control and Matrix lighting
V6 flagship boasts 230 kW and 370 Nm, world-first Twinster All-Wheel Drive system and 9-speed transmission for the first time ever on a
Holden
Next-generation Holden Commodore on sale in 2018
Next-generation Holden Commodore on sale in 2018
Holden revealed first images and more details of the all-new Commodore ahead of its Australian launch early in 2018. The next-gen Commodore takes cutting-edge safety, driving and infotainment technology and makes it available for today’s Australians, everywhere. The next-generation Holden Commodore is democratizing technology.
Now with images of the next Commodore breaking cover, Australia gets its first look at the sleek and sophisticated design that will be hitting Australian roads in 2018. Designed in Germany by the Opel team with input from GM Holden’s team, the new Commodore takes the best of Europe and makes it great for Australia.
Building on information released last month regarding the next-generation Commodore, Holden has today confirmed a raft of premium technologies will make Commodore the most technologically-advanced Holden ever. From potentially life-saving safety technology features, to active driving technology and seamless infotainment, the all-new Commodore will make driving safer, easier, more involving and more connected than ever before for Australian customers.
“Customers are expecting more of their vehicles than ever before,” said Holden’s Executive Director of Sales, Peter Keley. “The all-new 2018 Commodore redefines the level of technology people can expect, and how tech can help our customers be safer, more involved and more connected than ever before. The Commodore combines technology across a number of areas in a way that you would usually only find in high-end prestige vehicles and makes it available for everyday Australians. Combined with the howling V6, world-first all-wheel-drive system and all the on-road performance you expect from the Commodore, this is a car that ticks all the boxes and more,” said Mr Keley.
Going on sale in Australia early in 2018, the new Commodore range will be headlined by the V6 flagship model, the first ever imported Commodore will honour the iconic nameplate by being the most technologically-advanced Holden ever. With a cutting-edge all-wheel-drive system channeling 230 kilowatts and 370 Newton metres to the road, combined with adaptive suspension technology, a company-first nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, the next-generation Commodore will continue to cement Holden’s reputation for class-leading driving dynamics and on-road refinement.
Jeremy Tassone, Holden’s Engineering Group Manager for Vehicle Development, said the technical underpinnings of the next Commodore also represents Holden’s commitment to bringing the best vehicles from around the word to Australian customers.
“From its cutting-edge all-wheel-drive system, to nine-speed transmission and adaptive suspension, this is a true driver’s car in the way Commodore has always been. We’re taking the best of Europe and making it even better for our Australian customers. I can’t wait for our customers to get behind the wheel”
In addition to the Commodore’s unique all-wheel-drive system, further details surrounding the ‘FlexRide’ suspension system have also been confirmed. The continuously adaptable FlexRide chassis electro-hydraulically adapts the dampers to the road and the driving conditions 500 times per second or 30,000 times per minutes.
Additionally, the driver can save personal preferences for the steering characteristics, throttle response and dampers via the ‘Sport’ button.
Standard: The automatic control selects the best set-up based on the information collected by the vehicle sensors.
Tour: Comfortable chassis configuration, and throttle
response for best fuel consumption and most relaxed touring. The right
mode for relaxing long-distance drives.
Sport: Brake dive is reduced, flat and responsive chassis
control at high speeds and the throttle and steering provide more direct
feedback.
The new central ‘Drive Mode Control’ software is the heart and soul of the adaptive chassis. It continuously analyses the information provided by the sensors and setting and recognizes the individual driving style. The individual systems are then optimized for the best traction and road position.
Exterior Design:
The design of the next Commodore is based on the ‘Monza’ Concept car, created by the Opel Design team in Germany. The prominent front grille and the slim-line headlamps are directly inspired by the Monza Concept enhance the wide horizontal gesture of the front end and provide it with a bold appearance. The grille sits lower than on the outgoing model and further emphasises the solid stance.
The side window graphics feature with an upper chrome strip, rather than a full-chrome treatment, and the coupé-like roofline graphically pull the car down and emphasize its stretched appearance. The ‘blade’ light catcher in the lower doors pulls attention rearwards. The new Commodore is as sleek as it looks: it has an exemplary drag factor of 0.26 making it one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in its class.
At the rear, clear and simple lines combined with the slim, precise double-wing LED signature also give the car a wider appearance. The newly designed center high-mounted LED stop lamp has been integrated into the roofline. It helps to give the rear end a more high-tech look typical of premium brands’ vehicles.
Interior Design:
The attention to the smallest detail is also evident inside the Commodore. The cockpit is organized along horizontal lines, enhancing the feeling of elegant lightness and of space. The cockpit is orientated to the driver for a sportier feeling. The generous center console that further embraces the driver provides the feeling of sitting in a much larger class of vehicle. Clean lines, modern surfaces and first-class craftsmanship with soft-feel materials at all touch points contribute to a feeling of elegance and grace.
Infotainment system design:
Equal attention has been paid to the controls and the infotainment interface. The frameless touchscreen of the infotainment system exudes a sophisticated and technical charm. Many functions are controlled via the touchscreen in order to simplify the interface, while three clusters of buttons have been designed to allow quick and intuitive operations: the upper ones for the major functions of the infotainment system, the central ones for climate and heating controls, the lower ones for driver assistant controls. This very clear set-up avoids drivers and passengers having to dive into sub-menus on the touchscreen to find the most essential functions.
NEXT-GENERATION HOLDEN COMMODORE KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
Cutting-edge driver assistance systems and technology:
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Adaptive Cruise Control
Speed Limit Cruise Control
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Keep Assist
Forward Collision Alert
Side Blind-Zone Alert
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
360-degree Camera
Next-generation comfort and convenience technologies:
Massage Seats
Rear one-touch folding seats
Heated Front and Rear seats
Ventilated Front seats
Express up/down all windows
Wagon power lift-gate
Active Noise Cancellation
Program overview:
Next-generation Commodore built in Germany on all-new, global E2 architecture shared with Opel Insignia
Lightweight construction methods result in approximately 200kg weight savings compared to current Commodore
Flagship model offers V6 AWD drivetrain with Holden-first 9-speed transmission
V6 engine delivers 230 kW / 370 Nm while being incredibly efficient thanks to Stop-Start technology and Active Fuel Management
2.0T petrol and 2.0T diesel front-wheel drive models also coming to Australia
Liftback and Sportwagon body-styles
Cutting-edge, adaptive all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring and twin-clutch (Twinster) rear differential system
Adaptive ‘Flexride’ suspension system offers three settings: Tour, Standard and Sport
Next-generation matrix lighting system
Infotainment includes:
Apple Car Play and Android Auto
8-inch configurable LCD instrument display
Next-gen head-up display
Additional details and information to be confirmed closer to launch.
International Touring Car Championship 1996: Opel wins with Calibra V6
Nürburgring 24 Hours 2003: Opel wins with Astra V8 Coupé
Oldtimer GP 2016: Opel touring cars from Manta A to Astra TCR take to the track
On display in the paddock: Opel rally cars driven by Walter Röhrl
International Touring Car Championship 1996: Opel wins with Calibra V6.
The AVD Oldtimer Grand Prixat
the legendary Nürburgring (August 12 to 14) is the highlight of the
season for classic fans. This year Opel celebrates its successful
motorsports tradition with famous touring cars. On pole-position is the Opel Calibra V6
which won the 1996 International Touring Car Championship. The black
“Cliff” Calibra driven by Manuel Reuter claimed the last ITC-title
despite strong competition from Alfa Romeo and Mercedes. At the
Nürburgring the all-wheel drive Calibra will be driven by former DTM
driver and Opel brand ambassador, Jockel Winkelhock.
World Champion 1996: The black “Cliff” Calibra claimed the last
ITC-title despite strong competition from Alfa Romeo and Mercedes.
Opel Calibra V6 will not be alone on the starting grid. The ITC-champion will be joined by the Irmscher Manta A (which rally-legends Walter Röhrl and Rauno Aaltonen drove to victory in the 1975 Spa 24 Hours), the group 4 Gerent Opel GT and a 300 hp Steinmetz Commodore from 1971. Additional crowd-favorites include the group 5 Opel Rekord C also known as the “Black Widow” and a group H Opel Manta which since its debut has never missed a 24-hour race at the Ring. Equally at home in the Eifel is the 500 hp Astra V8 Coupe
which won the 24 hour race at the “Green Hell” in 2003, driven by
Manuel Reuter, Timo Scheider, Marcel Tiemann and Volker Strycek.
Nürburgring 24 Hours 2003: Opel wins with Astra V8 Coupé.
The
Astra-racer almost went into production as the OPC X-Treme, and
the car displayed at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show will be on stage again
at the Oldtimer Grand Prix. Specially for rally fans, the OPC X-Treme
will be accompanied on the Opel Classic stand in the paddock by three
rally cars driven by former World and European Rally Champion, Walter
Röhrl – the Ascona A and Kadett C GT/E from the legendary Röhrl/Berger era and the Opel Ascona 400, with which Röhrl and co-driver Christian Geistdörfer drifted to the 1982 World Rally Championship crown.
Apart from the historic oldtimers, the current generation will be
represented by a touring car from the TCR series. The brand new Opel
Astra TCR will make its first appearance at an Oldtimer GP and join the
Calibra V6 and co. on the track. The Opel Astra TCR combines a
production car with state-of-the-art race technology, enabling customer
teams to take part in sprint and long-distance races under strictly
limited regulations. The five-door Astra is powered by a highly
efficient 2.0 liter turbocharged engine which the rulebook restricts to a
maximum 330 hp and 410 Nm of torque. With a dry weight of only 1200 kg,
more than enough performance for highly spectacular – affordable –
motorsport.
New design proportion, device integration, rejuvenating interior push brand forward
The Avenir is distinguished by its premium sports proportions and all-new interpretations of traditional Buick cues.
The Avenir – French for future – is distinguished by its premium sports proportions and all-new interpretations of traditional Buick cues. It is the creation of a global team of Buick designers and sculptors who were inspired by historic Buick concepts, which pushed traditional boundaries, shaped future Buick models and influenced the entire auto industry.
2015 Buick Avenir Concept
“Avenir embodies Buick design, which centers on effortless beauty and presence without pretense,” said Ed Welburn, vice president of General Motors Global Design. “It demonstrates the growing international reach of Buick and offers an exciting vision of where it can go.”
The Avenir’s sculptural surfacing, expressive proportion and Buick’s signature sweep-spear bodyside visually cue an exceptional driving experience that awaits inside.
“The interior is designed with the driver and passengers’ comfort and well-being in mind,” said Welburn. “Technology is seamlessly integrated and builds on the features that have become hallmarks for today’s production models – helping drive a new generation of customers to Buick.”
Additional vehicle highlights:
Personal seating for four
Full light-emitting diode (LED) exterior lighting
Twenty-one-inch wheels
Next-generation direct-injected V-6 engine with fuel-saving Active
Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and stop/start technology
Nine-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission
Driver-selectable suspension damping
Twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system
Next-generation Buick IntelliLink infotainment with large, 12-inch-diagonal color touch screen
Driver-recognition features that automatically sync infotainment preferences
Ionic cabin air filtration
Mobile device wireless charging
OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot
A new design direction with a nod to the past
A long hood, wheels-at-the-corners stance and a sloping, rear deck that pays homage to historical models, such as the Riviera, distinguish the Avenir’s proportion.
“Simply put, Avenir is a beautiful piece of sculpture, delivered on a premium proportion that acknowledges the Buick design heritage in a very progressive way,” said Michael Simcoe, vice president of design, GM International Operations. “The vehicle remains unmistakably Buick with a modern take on the traditional Buick cues such as the sweep spear and boattail. The result is a piece of artistry that is precise in its character, beautifully proportioned. It really takes your breath away.”
The most striking departure from contemporary Buick models is a new grille design that puts a new face on the brand. It features a large opening accented by a return to the three-color – red, silver and blue – Buick tri-shield insignia, accented by wing-shaped elements. The grille is flanked by bold headlamps featuring full LED lighting.
“The new grille is a modern interpretation of a design introduced on the landmark 1954 Wildcat II concept, which shattered expectations of what a Buick was supposed to be,” said Simcoe. “On the Avenir, it represents a break from convention and progressiveness in technology.”
Sculptural surfaces, taught lines, short overhangs and a broad-shouldered stance stretches 204.5 inches (5,195 mm) in length and 76 inches (1,931 mm) in width. Its reimagined sweep-spear element complements the long body lines and conveys a sense of motion, as does tapered rear-end styling.
Avenir’s sophisticated color palette, including a Crystalline exterior color and strained use of bright work accent the Avenir’s body lines and sets up the interior for a combination that takes Buick’s contemporary style to a higher level.
“It’s a sculpted design with a lot of snap in the character lines – with a classic long, low proportion,” said Simcoe. “Its length enables exceptional spaciousness inside, but just as importantly, a presence that speaks to luxury and the importance of style. In short, it’s the befitting proportion for a Buick flagship.”
A soothing environment with unprecedented integration
The Avenir’s four-place interior rewards the senses, makes managing technologies easier and enhances the feelings of personal space and well-being.
“A flowing, sculptural quality in the interior forms, deco trim, premium leather and ambient lighting, create an environment that is inviting and comfortable,” said Liz Wetzel, Buick interior design director.
The Avenir’s four-place interior rewards the senses, makes managing technologies easier and enhances the feelings of personal space and well-being.
Interior surfaces - inspired by nature and sea waves receding on a beach - flow seamlessly through the cabin. It is a motif featured on the seats and carried through in other trim components – even the carpet. In fact, a patterned insert for the carpet carries the motif in silk and bamboo.
“There’s an almost-three-dimensional or bas-relief effect to the design motif that adds depth and heightens the sense of place,” said Wetzel. “Layered and floating elements such as the center console enhance the perception of lightness, efficiency and dynamism.”
A color palette of light and natural tones blended with oiled and buffed wood trim, and Galvano satin-chrome accents, enhance the Avenir’s ambience.
“They’re rich, premium materials and warm colors innovatively executed to enhance the soothing effect of the interior environment,” said Wetzel.
Functionality is manifested in the Avenir’s device-integration technologies, which are designed to lift the user’s mood and make the details associated with daily life a little easier. It starts the moment the vehicle is started, synchronizing information and devices within seconds. The Avenir instantly configures gauge cluster and infotainment screen displays based on prior customization while also recognizing the user’s music preferences, calendar schedule and recently visited locations from a cellphone’s GPS. It can even pick up a podcast the user was listening to at the moment it was interrupted.
Buick’s user experience designers are also pushing the Avenir’s technologies for home integration, which would allow accessing home security cameras or the capability of turning on outside lights and closing a garage door that was inadvertently left open.
“The Avenir’s integration features build on the technologies already available or coming soon in smartphones and streamline them in a system that makes accessing and interacting with them easier,” said Wetzel.
Personal connectivity extends to rear-seat passengers, where USB ports and video screens allow occupants to plug in to their favorite media and slip into complete relaxation, arriving at their destination refreshed and rejuvenated.
“The use of color, material, form and amenities can affect a person’s mood and feeling,” said Wetzel. “The Avenir is a showcase of thoughtful and modern design with the capacity to anticipate and facilitate the personal needs of its occupants. It’s absolutely its own getaway destination.”
First four-valve engine: In 1913, Opel developed a new generation of racing cars for the Grand Prix de France, a forerunner of today’s formula one races.
1913 Grand Prix car: First Opel with four-valve engine
Opel Kadett GSi 16V: First Opel volume model with four-valves per cylinder
Opel Calibra Turbo 4x4: First Opel with gasoline turbo engine
Opel ECOTEC DTI 16V: First direct injection turbo diesel with four-valve technology
Opel 1.0 ECOTEC Turbo
Opel 1.6 ECOTEC Turbo
Opel 1.6 CDTI ECOTEC
The all-new turbocharged 1.6 liter gasoline and diesel engines which began the current renewal of Opel’s powertrain portfolio, and the compact 1.0 three-cylinder turbo that made its world premiere at the 2013 Frankfurt International Motor Show, are the latest in a long line of Opel engines with four valves per cylinder that stretches back 100 years.
In 1913, Opel developed a new generation of racing cars for the Grand Prix de France, a forerunner of today’s formula one races.
1913 Grand Prix car - First Opel with four-valve engine
Opel produced three of these cars, each one built down to a rigorous weight limit of only 1000 kg. The real highlight, however, was under the hood, where an innovative new four-cylinder power unit provided the motive force.
First four-valve engine: In 1913, Opel developed a new generation of racing cars for the Grand Prix de France, a forerunner of today’s formula one races.
In addition to an aluminum crankcase and a single camshaft in the cylinder head, the 4.5 liter, 110 hp engine also featured two intake valves and two exhaust valves per cylinder – Opel’s first internal combustion engine with four valves per cylinder.
From “Green Monster” to Ascona 400
Opel Green Monster
Opel further developed the concept the following year, resulting in the most gigantic automobile the company has ever made – the 12.3 liter “Opel Rennwagen”, also known as “Das grüne Monster”, the “Green Monster”.
Opel Green Monster - 12.3 liter 4-valve engine developed a huge 260 hp
The revised 12.3 liter 4-valve engine developed a huge 260 hp, capable of propelling the 2000 kg “Monster” to a maximum speed of 228 km/h!
Opel works racing driver, Carl Joerns, scored most of his victories in this magnificent car, especially in beach races on the Danish island of Fanø.
Four valves per cylinder went out of fashion throughout the automotive industry in the 1920s. They did not reappear until the late 1950s, in motor racing, and it was via rallying that Opel introduced the technology to its road cars in 1979.
In order to compete in group 4, the top class of rallying at the time, with the Ascona 400, Opel had to produce a “road-going” model. While the rally-thoroughbred featured a newly developed, 177 kW (240 hp), 4-valve power unit, the homologation-special was equipped with a 140-hp version of the 2.4-liter engine.
1979 Opel Ascona 400 - Rally version
Despite this detuning, the “street-legal” Ascona 400 was still good enough for a maximum speed of 200 km/h and zero to 100 km/h-acceleration in 7.6 seconds.
1979 Opel Ascona 400 - Road version
In the 1980s, four-valve engines became increasingly attractive, not only because of their inherent horsepower-advantage, but also because of their lower fuel consumption and reduced exhaust emissions.
1988 Opel Kadett GSi - 2.0 16V engine produced 110 kW (150 hp)
When Opel introduced the legendary Kadett GSi 16V in 1988, the brand’s first volume-model with four valves per cylinder, it immediately became an industry-icon.
1988 Opel Kadett GSi 2.0 16V
Opel 2.0 16V DOHC – The engine to beat
The technological highlight of the new high performance engine designed by Dr. Fritz Indra was its aluminum cylinder head developed in cooperation with Cosworth, the famous English racing engine builder.
Opel 2.0 16V DOHC Engine
The sporty engine 2.0 16V produced 110 kW (150 hp) and maximum torque of 196 Nm at 4800 rpm. Ninety-percent of this torque was already available in a wide rev-band between 3100 and 6000 rpm.
With its specific fuel consumption of 232 g/kWh, equivalent to an efficiency rating of 37 percent, the engine was a long-standing benchmark for specific fuel consumption in four-cylinder power units.
The Opel 2.0 16V became the engine to beat in many other disciplines, too – in Formula 3 motor racing, for example, which produced so many future F1-stars like Michael Schumacher, Jarno Trulli, Nick Heidfeld and Alexander Wurz. During the classic era from the late 1990s through the mid-2000s, Opel F3 engines established themselves as the most successful in the world.
Opel Formula 3
Despite factory-supported competition from Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and VW, Opel scored 164 F3 victories in Germany alone, plus another 30 national championship titles around the world.
Opel Formula 3
Opel rapidly spread four-valves per cylinder to the rest of its powertrain portfolio.
The company applied four-valve technology to the smooth-running, inline six-cylinder engine in its top-of-the-line models, Omega and Senator, in 1989.
Four valves per cylinder + “Dual Ram” = Omega 3000 24V
Think big: Opel applied four-valve technology to the smooth-running, inline six-cylinder engine in its top-of-the-line models, Omega and Senator, in 1989.
1989 Opel Omega 3.0 24V
Thanks to the so-called “Dual Ram” induction system the engine was famous for its impressive power delivery at low revs. With 90 percent of the 270 Nm maximum torque available between 3000 and 5800 rpm, the Omega 3000 24V, for example, could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds.
1989 Opel Omega 3000 24V
By the way, the 3000 24V also provided the basis for the strongest Omega ever, the Lotus Omega, which was powered by a 3.6 liter, twin-turbocharged version of the engine developing 277 kW (377 hp). At the time, the Lotus Omega ranked just behind an extremely powerful Alpina limo as the fastest production-sedan in the world.
Lotus Omega 3.6 24V BiTurbo: The six-cylinder provided the basis for the strongest Omega ever, the Lotus Omega, which was powered by a 3.6 liter, twin-turbocharged version of the engine developing 277 kW (377 hp).
The 2.0 16V from the Kadett GSi provided the basis for the first Opel turbocharged gasoline engine, which made its world premiere at the 1991 Frankfurt motor show in the Calibra Turbo 4x4.
1991 Opel Calibra Turbo 4x4
The 150 kW (204 hp) 2.0 16V turbo was notable not only for its high torque of 280 Nm at only 2400 rpm, but also the turbocharger and the exhaust manifold, which were integrated in a single component. The extremely low thermal losses of this integrated system significantly increased the efficiency of the turbocharger.
With all wheel drive: The 2.0 16V from the Kadett GSi provided the basis for the first Opel turbocharged gasoline engine, which made its world premiere at the 1991 Frankfurt motor show in the Calibra Turbo 4x4.
Despite the 42-percent higher torque and 36-percent higher power-output of the 2.0 16V Turbo compared with the naturally aspirated version, the average fuel consumption of both engines in the Calibra was almost the same – 8.9 versus 8.7 l/100 km.
This tradition of high performance and high efficiency begun by the 2.0 16V in 1988 continues today with the new 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo gasoline engines.
Opel 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo: New powerful and highly efficient gasoline engine with 170 and 200 hp
Opel’s reputation for innovative four-valve engines reached another peak in 1996 when the company became the first automobile manufacturer to combine the advantages of four-valve technology with diesel direct-injection and turbocharging.
Direct - Injection Turbo diesels with patented valve train
Opel ECOTEC DTI 16V: Opel’s reputation for innovative four-valve engines reached another peak in 1996 when the company became the first automobile manufacturer to combine the advantages of four-valve technology with diesel direct-injection and turbocharging.
The ECOTEC DTI 16V diesels delivered high low-end torque, as well as low fuel consumption and emissions. The performance spectrum of the 2.0 and 2.2 liter engines stretched from 60 kW (82 hp) and 74 kW (100 hp) up to 92 kW (125 hp). They featured a patented valve-train operated by a single overhead camshaft.
The introduction of the all-new, four-cylinder, 1.6 liter CDTI turbo family earlier this year demonstrates how Opel continues to play a leading role in diesel engine development.
New Opel 1.6 CDTI ECOTEC - Euro 6 diesel engine
Featuring closed-loop combustion control and an aluminum block, the new 1.6 CDTI is the first diesel from Opel to comply with future Euro 6 emissions requirements, delivering climate friendliness, low fuel consumption, class-leading refinement, and high power/torque density.
Drivers can look forward to more such benefits in the immediate future, as Opel continues its current product-offensive and long-standing tradition of technological innovation. By 2016, the Rüsselsheim manufacturer will have renewed 80 percent of its powertrain portfolio.
