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! Opel at Paris Motor Show 2016

• Really far: Opel Ampera-e with best electric range according to NEDC in segment
• First-class connectivity: New Opel Zafira and MOKKA X with IntelliLink and Opel OnStar
• Real off-road character: Small Opel KARL ROCKS with great SUV look
• Exclusive special model: Opel Cascada Supreme captivates with sharp design

This world premiere is simply electrifying: Opel will revolutionize electric mobility at this year’s Paris Motor Show with the Ampera-e. From October 1-16, the new electric car makes its first major appearance in hall 5-2, booth 501. The superstar of the show offers a range of over 500 kilometers (electric range, measured based on the NEDC in kilometers: >500, preliminary figures), 100 kilometers more than its rivals in the segment, and it also impressively shows how well sustainability and driving fun can create a harmonious unit. Other highlights from the Rüsselsheim-based automaker at the “Mondial de l'Automobile 2016” include the adventurous MOKKA X and the new Zafira – the fully connected lounge on wheels. Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann will also reveal two further stars of the show in the Opel KARL ROCKS and the sporty, elegant special model Opel Cascada Supreme.

“With the new Ampera-e, we continue the largest model offensive in the history of our company,” says Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “Our show exhibit clearly shows the direction of development: the Ampera-e with its outstanding range proves that electric mobility is fully feasible for everyday use and is also lots of fun. The models Opel MOKKA X, Opel Zafira and Opel KARL ROCKS expand our portfolio with the ideal touch of adventure and individuality.”

E like extreme acceleration: Ampera-e with power of a sports car

The maximum torque of 360 Nm is responsible for the electrifying temperament of the new Opel. The performance of the electric engine is equivalent to 150 kW/204 hp. Effortless starts from a standing position (such as at traffic lights) or highway access are two of the Opel Ampera-e’s main strengths. The compact electric car covers the sprint from zero to 50 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, a value on par with sportscars. In addition, it completes mid-range acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h, which is especially important for overtaking, in just 4.5 seconds (provisional figures). The Ampera-e thus performs at the same level as OPC models, Opel’s sporty spearheads.

New Opel Ampera-e offers space for up to five people and a trunk volume of 381 liters.

In addition, the efficient packaging of the large capacity batteries also enables a roomy interior providing comfortable seating for up to five passengers and trunk space comparable with that of a five-door car in the compact class. In typical Opel fashion, its generous spaciousness comes with the best in digital connectivity. The Ampera-e has the newest generation of IntelliLink infotainment, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Opel OnStar onboard (where available).

A real adventure with X Factor: Opel MOKKA X

Another shining star in Paris is the new Opel MOKKA X. The compact SUV is wider and has a more solid and masculine stance than its successful predecessor – it has everything it takes to become an absolute customer favorite. The sporty, robust SUV turns heads with its newly designed front while its interior impresses with its functional and neatly arranged instrument panel. It looks both simpler and purer, as well as sharper and more precise in its execution. MOKKA X drivers can choose between various state-of-the-art versions of the new generation of the IntelliLink infotainment system; in addition, there is top connectivity with Opel OnStar. Another one of the MOKKA X’s highlights is its superb optional adaptive 4x4 drive system with electronic, multi-disk clutch. It can seamlessly distribute power between the front and rear axle from 100:0 to 50:50. This increases safety, optimizes fuel economy and significantly boosts driving pleasure.

Lounge on wheels with top connectivity: Opel Zafira in new look

Visitors to the Opel booth can also get an up-close look at all the new Zafira’s stand-out qualities. The lounge on wheels doesn’t just rely on the tried and true qualities of its predecessor such as the Flex7 seating system, the AGR-certified ergonomic front seats (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. – Campaign for Healthier Backs), the FlexFix^® bicycle carrier and the adaptive FlexRide chassis. The new Zafira also features a new, bold exterior design and a re-designed interior with an especially spacious ambience and superb connectivity. Depending on the end device, Opel’s newest-generation IntelliLink infotainment system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And for the first time in this vehicle class, Opel offers the latest-generation Adaptive Forward Lighting AFL with Full LED technology as an option. This all makes the new Zafira a comfortable travelling lounge for driver and passengers.

Ready for the urban jungle: Opel KARL ROCKS

Opel unveils the KARL ROCKS in Paris as a special attraction for all urbanites. Opel’s new wild child features many characteristics of a true SUV and shares many virtues connected with this vehicle class such as an elevated seating position that enables better visibility, easier access to the cabin and an outstanding connectivity offer. Its rugged exterior features silver roof rails, robust front and rear bumpers with integrated skid plates, black front and rear wheelhouse moldings and unique 15-inch bi-color look alloy wheels. Furthermore, the new Opel KARL ROCKS maintains the unquestionable practicality of the Opel KARL with five doors, five seats, compact dimensions and a maximum trunk space over 1,000 liters up to the roof making it the ideal vehicle for a broad audience of city dwellers.

Black beauty: Opel Cascada Supreme

The new Cascada Supreme – an all-season convertible with extra flair – will also be in the spotlight at the Opel booth. Every detail and every shade of color of the special model is finely matched. Soon the four-seat convertible can be ordered either in “Pull Me Over Red”, “Summit White” or “Black Meet Kettle”. The black grille, black mirrors and the two-tone glossy-black 20-inch alloy wheels uniquely accent these three exterior colors. Inspired by the glowing red signature line of Opel‘s futuristic design study, the Opel GT Concept, the seams of the seat fabrics and the door and cockpit trims are accented in sporty red.

!NEW! Opel Cascada Supreme: Convertible for All Seasons with Extra Flair

• Black beauty: 20-inch two-tone wheels, grille and exterior mirrors all in black
• Haute couture: Sporty seams highlight the cockpit, steering wheel and seats
• World premiere: Debut at Paris Motor Show

Haute couture: New Opel Cascada Supreme is the convertible with that certain something.

New special edition of the Opel Cascada is for customers who want extra flair from their all-season convertible. Every detail and every shade of color of the Opel Cascada Supreme is finely matched. As of November, the four-seat convertible can be ordered either in Pull Me Over Red, Summit White or Black Meet Kettle. These three exterior colors are uniquely accented by the black grille, the black mirrors and the two-tone glossy-black 20-inch alloy wheels. In order to underline these unique features, the fog-lamp housings and the crossbar of the Opel logo are body colored. The black Acoustic roof opens in only 17 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h and does its name every justice, creating a quiet, refined interior atmosphere even at higher speeds. Convertible fans can soon admire the Opel Cascada Supreme in Paris, where it will celebrate its world premiere at the Mondial de l’Automobile (October 1-16).

Good looking from every angle: Exclusive special edition Opel Cascada Supreme.

The attention to detail continues inside the new Cascada Supreme. Inspired by the glowing red signature line of Opel‘s futuristic design study, the Opel GT Concept, the seams of the seat fabrics and the door and cockpit trims are accented in sporty red. The well-tailored seams on the steering wheel, the center console and the shift lever are in matching black, while the inserts in the instrument panel are premium finished in piano black laquer. Heated AGR ergonomic seats in Siena -leather and a three-spoke steering wheel are optionally available. Prices for the Opel Cascada Supreme will be published later.

!NEW! 2016 Buick Cascada Convertible Priced at $33,990

Well-equipped convertible offers high levels of standard content, technology

2016 Buick Cascada convertible

The top-down driving experience of the 2016 Cascada – Buick’s first convertible offered in the United States in 25 years – is priced at $33,990. 

When it goes on sale early next year, the Buick Cascada will offer more standard content, a more powerful standard engine and a lower starting price than the Audi A3 Cabriolet.

“Cascada expands Buick’s lineup with a uniquely fun and personal driving experience,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick. “With a lower price than key competitors, it also promises to shake up the segment – and look good doing it.”  

The 2016 Cascada – designed from the ground up as a convertible – comes well-equipped in a 2+2 configuration, with room for four adults. Performance is rooted in a 200-horsepower (149 kW) turbo engine, backed by a six-speed automatic transmission, with Buick’s sophisticated HiPer Strut front suspension and a Watts Z-link rear suspension standard.

Additional standard features:

• Acoustically and thermally insulated electro-hydraulic power roof that lowers in only 17 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph
• High-intensity discharge, articulating headlamps and front LED daytime running lamps; and LED taillamps
• Automated, spring-loaded and pyrotechnically activated rollover bars behind the rear seat that are linked to the air bag system
• IntelliLink system with 7-inch-diagonal color touchscreen
• Navigation radio and seven-speaker premium audio system
• Rear Vision camera
• Remote start
• Dual-zone climate control
• Front and rear 12-volt power outlets
• Heat-reflective leather-appointed seating
• Heated front seats with eight-way power adjustments
• Heated, leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel
• Twenty-inch aluminum wheels with bi-color finish
• Electric power steering
• Rear Park Assist

A Cascada Premium model, priced at $36,990, adds:

• Forward Collision Alert
• Lane Departure Warning
• Automatic headlamp control with tunnel detection
• Front and Rear Park Assist
• Rainsense automatic windshield wipers
• Twenty-inch wheels with “diamond graphic” bi-color finish
• Front and rear air deflectors.

The Cascada also offers plenty of storage space, including 13.4 cubic feet of cargo room with the top up and 9.8 cubic feet with the top down, as well as a 22.4-inch x 12.6-inch (320 mm x 570 mm) pass-through from the trunk to the passenger compartment. When the 50/50-split rear seat is folded, longer items such as skis and wakeboards can be stowed inside.  

Convertibles compared

	2016 Buick Cascada	2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet
Starting price	$33,990 (incl. DFC)	$37,525 (incl. DFC)
Standard engine	1.6L Turbo – 200 HP	1.8L Turbo – 170 HP
Standard transmission	six-speed automatic	six-speed automatic (dual-clutch)
Standard wheels	20-inch aluminum	17-inch aluminum
Front suspension	HiPer Strut	MacPherson strut
Rear suspension	compound crank with Z-link	four-link
Convertible top	lowers up to 31 mph	lowers up to 31 mph
Leather seating	standard	standard
Heated front seats	standard	available
Seat adjusters	eight-way power	eight-way manual with four-way power lumbar
Heated steering wheel	standard	not available
Dual-zone climate control	standard	standard
Rear-view camera system	standard	standard
IntelliLink infotainment	standard	not available
Navigation radio system	standard	available
Forward Collision Alert	available	not available
Lane Departure Warning	available	not available
Front and Rear Park Assist	available	standard

!NEW! Buick Cascada Convertible Blends Safety and Style

Reinforced structure contributes to sleek design

The 2016 Buick Cascada convertible rolls into the sun early next year with a reinforced structure designed to complement its refined appearance and enhance its versatility, while bolstering the car’s strength, rigidity and chassis precession.

Special features include spring-loaded, pyrotechnically activated roll bars behind the front seats that are linked to the airbag system.

Buick Cascada Convertible, showcasing rollover protection bars.

“Intelligent design is a hallmark of Buick’s renaissance and the all-new Cascada advances that legacy with seamless integration of great convertible design and safety,” said Holt Ware, Buick exterior design director. “It’s a design that fosters the Cascada’s clean, uninterrupted lines while helping enable confident, top-down driving enjoyment.”

The body structure allows the top, its folding mechanism and the roll bar apparatus to be stowed below the car’s “belt line” and under a hard tonneau cover, for a smooth, uninterrupted profile. It also enhances cargo space, with a 22.4-inch by 12.6-inch (320 mm by 570 mm) pass-through from the trunk to the passenger compartment. When the 50/50-split rear seat is folded, longer items such as skis and wakeboards can be stowed inside.

“There are no design compromises with the Cascada,” said Ware. “The structural elements enhance the driving experience, not intrude on it.”

The roll bar system, for example, enables the rear-seat cargo pass-through, because it is less obtrusive than some vehicles’ hoop-style pop-up protection systems. When deployed, the roll bars extend approximately 14 inches (358 mm) to match the height of the windshield.

It is also a lighter system than others, which enhances performance and agility.

The Cascada’s strategically reinforced body structure supports the roll bar system and is the foundation for the car’s strength and responsive driving experience. Elements include:

• A-pillars featuring press-hardened steel in the inner structures and reinforced with high-strength, hot-rolled and cold-bent tubes within the pillars
• Reinforced rocker panels with increased cross section
• Underbody reinforcements including X-braces, V-braces and additional brackets
• A reinforced “torsion box” bulkhead behind the rear seats that incorporates the pop-up roll bars

As a result of the structure’s rigidity, engineers were able to tune the suspension and steering systems with a high degree of precision, because they didn’t have to compensate for chassis flex.

“That stiffness is at the core of the Cascada’s precise, refined driving experience,” said Bernd Pohl, Cascada structural engineer. “It is exceptionally responsive, with great driver feedback.”

About the Buick Cascada

The Cascada goes on sale in early 2016. It will be the first Buick convertible offered in the United States in 25 years and the latest globally developed vehicle to join the brand’s growing portfolio.

The Cascada’s 2+2 configuration offers comfortable room for four adults. Its expressive driving experience is rooted in a rigid body structure, Buick’s sophisticated HiPer Strut front suspension and responsive Watts Z-link suspension in the rear – along with a 200-horsepower (149 kW) turbocharged engine.

When it comes to dropping the top on a whim, the electro-hydraulic power roof system lowers in only 17 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. Multilayer construction offers superior thermal and acoustic insulation for driving comfort in all seasons. 

Inside, a thoughtfully trimmed and comprehensively equipped cabin reflects Buick’s renaissance. The instrument panel is wrapped with soft-touch material featuring authentic stitching, while heated front seats and steering wheel offer comfort in colder weather conditions.

Advanced safety features include Lane Departure Warning, Rear Park Assist and a standard rearview camera.

The Cascada also offers plenty of storage space, including 13.4 cubic feet of cargo room with the top up and 9.8 cubic feet with the top down.

!NEW! Top Down, New Engine On: Opel Cascada Drives into Summer

• Stylish: Attractive convertible with premium roof and room for four adults
• Clean: New 2.0 CDTI Turbo Diesel with 125 kW/170 hp and just 4.9 liters consumption
• Purrs: Whisper diesel perfect for open-air driving

Seductive whirlwind: Opel gives the Cascada a brand-new 125 kW/170 hp two-liter Turbo diesel engine.

An elongated, elegant silhouette, state-of-the-art technology and extensive standard equipment – in one word: Cascada. With the large convertible, Opel offers a spacious four-seater with a high-quality soft-top otherwise only seen in selected premium brand vehicles. It features superior acoustic and thermal insulation for first-class, all-season driving comfort. The Opel Cascada is a seductive whirlwind with its top down and a quiet Gran Turismo when the top is up. It is a year-round cabriolet thanks to its sophisticated soft-top that opens in just 17 seconds while driving at speeds of up to 50 km/h. And now Opel gives the Cascada the brand-new two-liter turbo diesel engine recently introduced in the Insignia and Zafira Tourer, as well as the three new colors True Blue, Rocky Coast and Coconut. The new 125 kW/170 hp four-cylinder unit with 400 Nm torque meets all the important demands on modern diesel engines and replaces the 121 kW/165 hp engine.

Purrs: Whisper diesel 2.0 CDTI perfect for open-air driving.

Compared to its predecessor, the new powerhouse boasts three percent more power and 14 percent more torque, yet has even more economical consumption. With the new two-liter turbo diesel under the hood and six-speed manual transmission, the open-air cruiser consumes just 4.9 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle and emits 129 g/km CO2. Thus, the Euro 6 - 2.0 CDTI boasts improvements of six percent. The powerful engine is a perfect fit to the comfortable and lively Cascada: the Opel convertible accelerates to 100 km/h in 10.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 218 km/h. It makes the sprint from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear in just 9.3 seconds – seven-tenths faster than with the predecessor engine. The elegant convertible with the new 2.0 CDTI engine is available from 30,500 euros (RRP incl. VAT in Germany).

Stylish Opel Cascada: Attractive convertible with premium roof and room for four adults.

“The Opel Cascada is a mid-size cabriolet with premium features and quality for an extremely attractive price. With the new engine that is part of our extensive powertrain offensive, cabriolet fans now get an engine that sets standards in this class in terms of refinement, power development and consumption,” says Peter Christian Küspert, Vice President Sales and Aftersales at Opel Group.

Highest efficiency for low consumption

Clean: New 2.0 CDTI Turbo diesel with 125 kW/170 hp and just 4.9 liters consumption.

The engineers managed to achieve the efficiency improvements by redesigning the combustion chamber, optimizing the re-profiled intake ports and looking to a new fuel injection system with 2,000 bar and up to 10 injections per cylinder cycle. These measures not only improve the efficiency of the engine, the improved fuel atomization also benefits refinement. Impressive maximum torque of 400 Nm is available from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. For the first time the VGT (variable geometry turbine) turbocharger features an electrical actuator instead of a vacuum actuator resulting in 20 percent faster boost response and even more driving fun. The exceptionally compact packaging of the turbocharger and the intercooler also minimizes the air volume between the turbocharger and the engine, further contributing to an especially fast boost pressure build up. For durability, the turbocharger is water-cooled and has an oil filter fitted at the oil inlet point to help further reduce wear in the bearing system.

Impressive: Maximum torque of 400 Nm is available from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm.

Smooth running for pure cabriolet feeling

A consistent improvement in NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) characteristics under all operating conditions was a key requirement for the new engine right from the outset of its design. Architectural improvements focused on two high noise emitting areas: the top and bottom of the engine. A new aluminum cylinder head design, including the addition of a decoupled, plastic cam cover with isolated fixings and a sealing gasket, improves noise attenuation. At the bottom of the engine, a new balancer shaft module is fitted, made of high pressure die-cast aluminum. It houses two counter-rotating shafts which offset up to 83 percent of secondary order engine vibrations. As a result of all these and numerous other design features, the new 2.0 CDTI unit emits less noise than its predecessor throughout its operating range, and with 74 decibels at idle it is even three decibels quieter than before. This takes the open-air driving fun in the Opel Cascada to new heights.

Clean running with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)

The new 2.0 CDTI runs almost as clean as a gasoline engine with Opel’s BlueInjection selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. BlueInjection is an after-treatment which removes nitrogen oxide (NOx) from the engine’s exhaust gases. Tiny quantities of AdBlue®, a harmless fluid consisting of urea and water, are injected into the exhaust gas flow ahead of the SCR catalyst and downstream of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The solution is immediately converted into ammonia (NH3), which is absorbed by the SCR catalyst. Nitrogen oxide (NOx) in the passing exhaust gas is then selectively reduced to harmless nitrogen and water vapor in a chemical reaction with the ammonia. The AdBlue solution, available at filling stations and Opel dealerships, is stored in a tank, which can be topped up as required via a nozzle adjacent to the vehicle’s fuel filler cap.

OnStar: The all-round carefree package for the Opel Cascada

Ultra-modern technology is not only under the Opel Cascada’s hood: from late summer, the mid-size convertible will also be available with the personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar. The built-in 4G LTE connection enables mobile data speeds up to 10 times faster than with 3G technologies. The system offers increased responsiveness and can support simultaneous voice and data connections. Opel OnStar raises in-vehicle communications and on-board entertainment capabilities to a new level. Thanks to the powerful Wi-Fi hotspot, up to seven mobile devices can be connected to the system simultaneously.

!NEW! Opel is Exclusive Mobility Partner of Munich Film Festival 2014

• “Umparken im Kopf“ approach creatively promoted at Munich Film Festival
• Exclusive gala premiere of movie “Der Koch“

At the Munich Film Festival: Opel Super 6 Cabriolet “Gläser”.

For the first time ever, Opel is the exclusive mobility partner of the 32nd Munich Film Festival taking place from June 27 – July 5. Opel continues the idea behind the “Umparken im Kopf“ campaign in an attention-getting manner with this cooperation. As with the campaign’s TV spots, out-of-home ads and the accompanying social media activities, the automaker’s engagement at the Munich Film Festival again underlines its positive image change and continues dispelling existing prejudices, encourages re-thinking and looking more closely at the brand and its cars.

In Munich Opel will be present with a host of communication measures and two exhibition vehicles – the Opel ADAM in camouflage look designed by musician and photographer Bryan Adams and the new ADAM ROCKS. In the festival center, the “Umparkzone” is the meeting place for accredited trade visitors and media representatives to watch the film. Mobile attention-getters will be the “Umpark Shuttle” with an Opel Insignia fleet to shuttle prominent national and international guests to the red carpet as well as a small fleet of Opel classic cars. In addition, on Wednesday, July 2, Opel will present the gala premiere of the movie “Der Koch”, the film adaptation of the book of the same name written by Swiss author Martin Suter, starring famous German actress Jessica Schwarz.

“Good movies have a surprise in store. Good car brands do too.” This is on Opel’s posters for the film festival. “It’s not just since the beginning of our ‘Umparken im Kopf’ campaign that everyone is talking about Opel. But it has noticeably increased the interest in our innovative models – even the most steadfast optimists would not have dreamed of this one year ago,” says Opel Chief Marketing Officer Tina Müller. “The new partnership with the Munich Film Festival is another step along the successful path that we have started down with our campaign.”

!NEW! Opel to Build Vehicles for Holden in Australia and New Zealand

Astra, Cascada and Insignia variants will be sold by the GM sister brand from 2015

Opel will export vehicles to Australia and New Zealand as of next year. The cars will be offered under the name of the Australian GM brand Holden.

Coming to Australia and New Zealand: Holden Astra VXR, Insignia and Cascada convertible

The models will be the Astra GTC and the ultra-sporty Astra VXR, known as Opel Astra OPC. In addition, the elegant Cascada convertible and the top performance OPC version of the Insignia sedan will also be offered there.  

Holden Cascada Convertible and Holden Astra VXR 

Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann: “We at Opel/Vauxhall are pleased to manufacture these high-quality automobiles at our European plants for Holden. With their performance, design and quality, these vehicles will meet highest expectations. This is the second piece of good news regarding exports within just a few weeks. Around one month ago, we were able to announce that we will be manufacturing Buick vehicles for the American market in our Rüsselsheim plant."

Thrilling: Astra VXR is a strong addition to Holden's portfolio

Holden CEO Gerasimos Dorizas: "Thanks to the strong and long-established cooperation between the GM brands in Europe and Australia, we can offer our customers outstanding products with top technology. These cars will be niche models that are a perfect complement to our brand portfolio."

Holden Astra VXR

In August last year, Opel announced it would cease activities as an independent brand after the Australian market conditions deteriorated dramatically and it no longer made economic sense to continue its own operations. At the time Opel indicated it would consider selling Opel models under the local GM brand Holden in the future. Opel/Vauxhall and Holden enjoy a long history of sharing and exchanging technology and vehicles.

Cascada convertible for Australia: It offers Holden a compelling entrant into a new segment for the company

!NEW! Always Enjoy the Bright Side of Life with the Opel Cascada

• Perfect wedding car: Four-seater with generous room for bridal couple and witnesses
• Classic beautiful convertible: Now with new body and roof colors
• Irresistible sports car: Top version with new 1.6 Turbo engine and 200 hp

The stylish convertible carries on the long tradition of open cars from Rüsselsheim – all of which have also cut a fine figure as a wedding car.

14.4.14 at 14:14 hours – simply the perfect date and time for a wedding! And one of the most wonderful days in anyone’s life calls for a beautiful car – preferably the Opel Cascada. The stylish convertible carries on the long tradition of open cars from Rüsselsheim – all of which have also cut a fine figure as a wedding car. The roll of honor includes the Laubfrosch introduced exactly 90 years ago, the Opel Olympia of the 1930s and the more recent, roll bar-free Astra TwinTop. Now Opel again offers a spacious four-seater with a high quality soft-top previously only offered by premium brands until the Cascada was launched last year. The premium soft-top’s sophisticated thermal and acoustic insulation ensures superb driving comfort all year round. With the top down, the Opel Cascada is a seductive whirlwind of a car, which then transforms into a whisper-quiet Gran Turismo when the top is closed. The chic soft-top can be opened in just 17 seconds at driving speeds up to 50 km/h, making the Cascada an all-season, all-year-round convertible – qualities all available from just 25,945 euros.

Strong engine portfolio: Economical, sporty, ultra-quiet

The Cascada’s elegant looks are complemented by the two new 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo engines, featuring silky-smooth running refinement and a harmonious power delivery. The four-cylinder units, with 125 kw/170 hp or 147 kW/200 hp, provide turbo pulling power of up to 300 Nm from a low engine speed. Despite such strong performance, the 200 hp Cascada consumes just 6.7 l/100 km with 158 g/km CO2 emissions over the combined cycle. The open-air Cascada also offers something special for diesel fans: a 2-liter turbo diesel with 121 kW/165 hp and a 143 kW/195 hp 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI. Both require just 5.2 l/100 km and emit 138 g/km CO2 – outstanding frugality which easily earns them the German A energy efficiency label.

Fresh spring colors: Of emeralds and diamonds

New body colors showcase the Cascada’s powerful, elegant appearance. Cascada customers can now choose a sophisticated pearlescent Emerald Green lacquer or the double-layer, metallic Magnetic Silver / Diamond Blue paint finishes. Opel is also expanding the color choice for the premium soft-top, which can now be ordered in light Khaki Grey / Sahara Beige, increasing the palette to four colors.

Best connected: With new IntelliLink infotainment

Opel’s new-generation IntelliLink system, with state-of-the-art infotainment technology including fast, user-friendly navigation and voice control, now arrives in the Cascada’s cockpit. Easy operation is guaranteed via a seven-inch, high-resolution color monitor which can also display images from an optional rear-view camera. The system features Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming, while the top-of-the-line Navi 950 IntelliLink provides maps covering the whole of Europe, with updates downloadable via USB. The driver can also, for example, configure the system to read out incoming text messages. In addition to voice control, IntelliLink also supports and integrates the voice recognition functions of smartphones.

Opel Cascada convertible - cockpit with Navi 950 IntelliLink

So, as the newlyweds head off for their honeymoon, relaxing in the open Cascada and bathed in sunlight, they can receive congratulations from around the world thanks to their convertible’s top-notch connectivity.

!NEW! GM Invests 250 Million Euros in Modern Engine Production in Tychy

• Start of production of new midsize diesel engines is scheduled for 2017
• Plant is upgraded to highest technological standards

GM Poland plant in Tychy

General Motors today announced the allocation of the new generation midsize diesel engine family to the GM Manufacturing Poland plant in Tychy.

GM Poland plant Tychy - 1.7 CDTI Engine assembly

Start of production of the all-aluminum 1.6 liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel (CDTI) Euro 6 engines  that combine high performance with top refinement and high fuel efficiency is scheduled for 2017.

Total investment in the plant, which is located in the Katowice Special Economic Zone, will amount to 250 million euros. This is the biggest investment in the history of the Tychy plant and includes additional buildings and new manufacturing technology.  The maximum annual production capacity will be 200,000 units.

GM Poland plant Tychy - 1.7 CDTI Engine assembly

The investment will enable the extension and modernization of the plant’s infrastructure. The building’s surface area will increase by 30 percent with the addition of the storage area as well as high tech production and testing lines. This expansion takes the plant’s technological competence to the next level and transforms the assembly facility into a full production plant.  Construction and installation of the new production equipment will continue until 2016.

Opel’s new 1.6 CDTI is the quietest diesel in its class

“The new midsize diesel engine family is an important part of our engine offensive. We appreciate the good quality and high efficiency of our Polish location and look forward to implementing this exciting project,” says Peter Thom, Member of the Management Board, Adam Opel AG and Vice President Manufacturing Europe.

“The automotive industry is a very important branch of our market, therefore this new investment in the GMMP Tychy plant is very good news not only for the region, but also for the whole economy,” says Janusz Piechociński, Poland Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy.

“The new investment moves the GM Manufacturing Poland plant to the next development level and secures its future. With this comprehensive portfolio of modern engines and vehicles, we are committed to contributing to the Opel/Vauxhall product offensive. We would like to thank the Polish Ministry of Economy that supported the investment,” said Andrzej Korpak, Managing Director of the GM Manufacturing Poland plant.

The new engine family will meet Euro 6 emission standards while securing high power and torque density, low fuel consumption and reducing CO2 emissions. Engines will be installed in a wide range of Opel/Vauxhall models, setting the benchmark for noise, vibration and harshness.

The GM Manufacturing Poland plants in Gliwice and Tychy employ 3,500 people.  The current portfolio includes the Opel Astra, the Cascada convertible and the 1.7 liter turbo-diesel (CDTI) engine .  With today’s announcement, total GM investments in Poland will amount to over 1 billion euros.