Thriftiest Opel diesel ever with only 88 g/km CO2

• New milestone from Opel: Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFlex consumes just 3.3 l/100 km
• Enhancements to engine and transmission further reduce consumption
• Improved chassis layout ensures more driving comfort

The thriftiest Opel Corsa is now even more economical and environmentally friendly. The 70 kW/95 hp three door Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX with Start/Stop technology needs just 3.3 liters diesel per 100 kilometers which corresponds to an exemplary CO₂ value of only 88 g/km (five-door: 3.4 l/100 km and 89 g/km CO₂). This makes the Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFlex the most economical and fuel efficient diesel model Opel has ever built.

1.3 CDTI Opel EcoTec diesel engine

“The 88-gram Corsa once again highlights Opel’s pioneering role in the development of sustainable mobility solutions. In just five years, from the first Corsa ecoFLEX to today, we have been able to reduce consumption and CO₂ emissions by 26 percent – while at the same time increasing performance by over 26 percent. Our customers appreciate this, as does the environment,” says Mike Ableson, Opel Vice President Engineering, summarizing the benefits of the fuel saving star.

Art of engineering according to Opel: Seven percent lower consumption

While the last generation Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX from 2011 was already extremely frugal with consumption of 3.5 liters diesel per 100 km and emissions of 94 g/km CO₂, the latest reductions of 0.2 liters and six grams CO₂ make it the absolute fuel saving champion in the Opel diesel portfolio. A number of enhancements were made to reduce consumption and emissions by almost another seven percent. The turbodiesel was equipped with a variable displacement oil pump that delivers only the necessary oil pressure. It varies oil volume depending on the load in order to reduce the energy needed for oil circulation to a minimum. The use of a special low viscosity transmission oil also contributes to efficient fuel consumption. These measures are rounded off by adjustment of engine mappings in the engine control module.

From November 2012 the Corsa will also feature the new generation of Opel engineered manual transmissions that ensure even more precise and smooth gear shifting. Engineers achieved a reduction of friction and shift forces as well as gearshift travel. The base transmission was comprehensively reworked: new gears and modified parts including shift rods and the fork shaft were used. The end result is high shift comfort and optimized operation in cold and warm conditions. New 185/65 R15 low rolling resistance tires also add to the Corsa’s eco friendliness.

Even with all this economy, performance is not compromised. 190 Nm of torque is available between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm. The 70 kW/95 hp turbodiesel accelerates the Corsa from zero to 100 km/h in 12.3 seconds and takes it to a maximum speed of 177 km/h.

Optimized chassis: More driving comfort with agile handling

Opel engineers also optimized the chassis for all Corsa variants (except the OPC Nürburgring Edition). The suspension and damper system now compensates for uneven road surfaces even more gently and smoothly, thus improving driving comfort. This is of particular advantage when driving on rough roads or during low-speed driving in urban areas. It now allows environmentally conscious ecoFLEX drivers to enjoy a chassis that makes no compromises in terms of agility and handling in spite of its comfortable layout.

The Opel Corsa has been an integral part of individual mobility in Europe for 30 years now. Currently it accounts for over 28 percent of Opel/Vauxhall’s total sales volume. Around 12 million units of four model generations have been sold to date. The Corsa is available with diesel, gasoline and LPG propulsion with outputs ranging from 51 kW/70 hp to 155 kW/210 hp.

ecoFLEX models and electric Ampera: Sustainability in best Opel fashion

ecoFLEX are the variants in Opel model lines that are especially economical without compromising driving fun, performance or safety. Currently the automaker offers nearly 70 ecoFLEX variants. In addition to the new 88 gram Corsa, highlights include the Opel Astra 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX with 81 kW/110 hp and 96 kW/130 hp that needs only 3.7 liters diesel per 100 km and emits 99 g/km CO₂, the 70 kW/95 hp Meriva 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX (4.1 l/100 km and 109 g/km CO₂), the Insignia 2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX with 81 kW/110 hp and 96 kW/130 hp (4.3 l/100 km and 114 g/km CO₂) and the Zafira Tourer 2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX with 96 kW/130 hp (4.5 l/100 km and 119 g/km CO₂).

The eco friendly model portfolio is completed by the Opel Ampera. Opel combines everyday suitability with revolutionary, sustainable propulsion technology in the “Car of the Year 2012”, as the Ampera is the first electric car that seamlessly fits into consumers’ lives without requiring any changes to daily habits.

Opel presents new midsize gasoline engines at Aachen Colloquium

• All-new family of downsized turbocharged engines
• CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption reduced by 13 percent
• 33 percent higher power and torque
• Class leading refinement

Opel revealed details of its new midsize gasoline engine family at the Aachen Colloquium in Germany. The all-new 1.6 liter, four cylinder, SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) ECOTEC Turbo engines, which begin Opel’s renewal of its powertrain portfolio, bring significant benefits to the customer in terms of fuel consumption, performance and refinement, while affecting the environment as little as possible. CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption have been cut by 13 percent compared to the predecessor engine, while peak torque and peak power have been increased by up to 33 percent.

The new engine family comprises a 1.6 liter Eco Turbo with 125 KW/170 hp and 280 Nm peak torque, as well as a Performance Turbo variant offering 147 kW/200 hp and 300 Nm peak torque. The 170 hp engine has been developed with fuel economy, high low end torque and elasticity in mind, while the performance of the 200 hp unit makes it the benchmark in its class. The roll out of the new engine family – which has been developed in Ruesselsheim, Germany – will begin in early 2013.

Opel ECOTEC 1.6 SIDI Turbo EURO 6 Engine

“The new midsize gasoline engine family is the first milestone in the fundamental renewal of our powertrain portfolio. Not only do these downsized engines deliver smooth acceleration and strong pulling power, they are also highly refined and environmentally compatible,” says Global Assistant Chief Engineer MGE, Marcel Frensch.

At the heart of the new SIDI ECOTEC Turbo family is an all-new cylinder block able to withstand peak cylinder pressure of 130 bar. Cast iron was selected as the preferred material for the cylinder block in combination with an aluminum bedplate.

Class leading refinement and performance

Opel has designed the new midsize gasoline engine family to be a leader not only in emissions and fuel consumption, but also in terms of refinement and performance.

Key development objectives for refinement were low overall radiated noise and vibration levels, and no unusual sounds. Achieving these goals enabled vehicle integration that can tune primary engine orders in the induction and exhaust systems to meet specific vehicle objectives. The excellent acoustic and vibration performance of the engine is crowned by the cam cover, which is decoupled from the cylinder head via specific fasteners and a sealing system designed for high temperatures, due to the nearby turbocharger.

As a result of these “sound engineering” measures, the customer perceives quiet and smooth idling, no unusual noises throughout the operating range, and a pleasant sound quality even at high speeds and loads.

Balance shafts are industry first for 1.6 liter four cylinder engines

Opel’s SIDI ECOTEC is the only engine in its class to offer balance shafts. The two balance shafts are inserted in tunnels from the rear end of the cylinder block and are driven by an inverted tooth chain. The exhaust side shaft features cast iron gears to reverse rotational direction of the exhaust shaft. The optional system offsets the vibrations inherent in the design of four cylinder engines and thus helps to maximize comfort and reduce noise to a minimum.

Turbocharging for high low end torque

The design and sizing of the turbocharging system plays a key role in enabling downsized engines to deliver excellent performance and drivability, while meeting CO₂ targets.

Smaller displacement engines with high specific torque and boost levels require fast transient response, especially at low engine speeds, in order to be a valid replacement for larger displacement engines. Thanks to its specially designed turbines, the midsize gas engine’s turbocharger provides response that is usually generated by twin scroll turbines on larger engines.

The engine retains the proven concept of a turbine integrated exhaust manifold. This design was chosen instead of a twin scroll concept because of its packaging and manufacturing advantages. Although the turbocharger has identical interfaces, each variant of the new SIDI ECOTEC engine features a dedicated turbo aerodynamic.

The compressors are designed to deliver high low end torque without generating noticeable aerodynamic sounds. Combined with low and high pressure resonators, airborne noises effects like hiss, pulsation and blade pass noise are almost completely suppressed. With additional aspects like air handling, duct design and control strategies for let off noise, the new engine benefits from an aggressive boost strategy without the typically associated turbo related acoustic degradation.

Compared to the predecessor engine the new SIDI ECOTEC turbo delivers a remarkable improvement in elasticity, for example, reducing the time for 80 km/h to 120 km/h fifth gear acceleration by about 20 percent.

Direct Injection for High fuel Efficiency and Performance

In addition to refinement and performance, high fuel economy and low emissions were the main development objectives of the new 1.6 liter engines. Opel’s engineers therefore selected a central direct-injection fuel system, for optimum fuel efficiency and minimal emissions.

The central location of spark plug and injector over the combustion chamber, and their orientation parallel to the crankshaft, forms a compact package with the capability to support homogeneous and stratified engine operation.

The valve train is operated by low friction hydraulic roller finger followers and driven by a timing chain with a maintenance free hydraulic tensioner. Acoustics are further improved by the inverted teeth of the cam drive chain. For mass reduction the midsize gasoline engine features a two piece crankcase design, supported at the lower end by a die cast aluminum bedplate.

The cylinder block is manufactured using an innovative thin wall casting method. This allows the integration of different functional features directly into the raw block and offers potential to reduce production time.

The engine uses a broached press fit between the cylinder block and the bedplate instead of dowels, in order to optimize the main bearing shape as well as its positional accuracy. The structural design considers the engine’s use in a variety of vehicle applications, allowing minimum integration effort and consistent part interchangeability.

The structural benefit derived from the combination of a forged steel crankshaft, optimized main bearing journal diameters, and iron main bearing cap inserts results in minimized noise and vibration at mid and high rpm.

Two different pistons have been designed for the Eco and Performance Turbo engines. Each has a dedicated top land including a small bowl. A cast iron ring carrier adapted to the high cylinder pressures is common to each piston. The PVD coated first piston ring is an additional friction reduction measure.

“Flex Plant” in Hungary is home to the engine renewal

Production of the new 1.6 liter SIDI ECOTEC Turbo engine alongside the other new engine families will be at the Szentgotthárd plant in Hungary and will begin in late 2012. The factory uses the “Flex Plant” concept which enables gasoline and diesel engines to be built on a shared assembly line.

Decision in the Opel Corsa OPC Rallye Cup at the Autumn Rallye

Decision in the Opel Corsa OPC Rallye Cup at the Autumn Rallye: slips Christoph Leitgeb, Daniel Wollinger brings victory and title !

• Daniel Wollinger / Bernhard Holzer triumph with the fourth victory also in the Cup
• Koni and Christoph Friesenegger drive with repaired Corsa in second place
• Wolfram Doberer even during the autumn rallye Leiben be "subscribed" in third place

Daniel Wollinger brings victory and title in Opel Corsa OPC Rallye Cup !

The final round of the Austrian Rally Challenge, short ARC formed the stage for the penultimate round of the Opel Corsa OPC Rally Cup - and what was that for a stage: Bright sunshine, temperatures around 25 degrees - in short, a glorious autumn Saturday between Wachau Valley and the southern forest district, where eight demanding special stages were to be done before a wonderful backdrop. 

Focus of course were the two major opponents for the overall victory in the Cup, Daniel Wollinger and Christoph Leitgeb, you could feel the tension already in the service park literally feel. The situation was not easy for both, Daniel Wollinger but had a distinct advantage: Thanks to its projection point he did not necessarily have to be first, Christoph Leitgeb contrast was in a tight spot. He had to win in order to postpone the decision on the Cup overall title still up to the end of October can Waldviertel Rally. 

Accordingly, the Eisner Car Rally Team pilot "attack from the first meter of" promised - which he implemented then: On the first special stage he was only 1.1 seconds behind Daniel Wollinger, this time, incidentally, was traveling with Walter Pfaff Huemer co. The "hundredth battle" which had marked the two runs in Weiz and Admont, seemed to go on so. 

The drumbeat was then already on special stage two: Leitgeb caught in a braking zone a few bumps and slid with locked wheels into the undergrowth. 

 

The Opel Corsa OPC was almost completely undamaged, but at the point no spectators, who would liberate the unfortunate Leitgeb and his co-driver Sabrina Hartenberger from the awkward position were you. Thus, the preliminary decision was: Should Daniel Wollinger the goal of autumn rally - no matter in which position - reach, he would cup winner. And that's what the young man succeeded in Styria sovereign. He finished fourth out of five Cup victories, went on overall rank 11 and chose to prematurely Opel Corsa OPC Rally Cup Champion. Second place was more than deserved to Koni and Christoph Friesenegger who, thanks to the tireless efforts of their "Opel Hojas Rally Team NOE" to the ARBÖ rally badly battered Corsa get fit in time - a great success for the duo of Lower Austria, the so best local heroes were.

Opel Corsa OPC Rallye Cup in Fall Rallye (Team Wolfram Doberer and Julia Baier)

Took third place - once again - Wolfram Doberer, this time again with the announcement of Julia Baier. The fast man from "Bezirksblätter Racing Team" seems downright a "subscription" to third place to have - in the forest area rally but it should still go forward. Finally back to the finish, and Christopher Daniel Zieser Woegerer came from the "Styrian Opel Rally Team", even if their Opel Corsa OPC in the end had a few scratches. Gerhard and Romana Dworak ("Remus Racing") rounded out the Cup standings from the fifth-placed and showed in their home rally a good performance. The last round of the Opel Corsa OPC Rally Cup 2012 will take place at the Waldviertel rally on 26 and 27 October around Horn in Lower Austria.

Opel Corsa OPC Rallye Cup in Fall Rallye (Team Koni and Christoph Friesenegger)

The pilots' voices:

Daniel Wollinger: "I'm overjoyed. We did not make the slightest mistake, drove in 91 teams that started in eleventh place overall, it was a perfect performance. Too bad that the Cup was decided by a slip-up, but that's rallying. For now Waldviertel I'm very relaxed. "

Christoph Friesenegger: "Just perfect! We wanted a good rally to thank our mechanics who repaired the car after the crash at the ARBÖ rally in record time. And we succeeded, we could even drive tactically afternoon. Only the starting position was a problem because we were in the dark. But Koni has put away the great accident and rode well. "

Wolfram Doberer: "As I predicted. Third place suits me really well apparently. Most importantly of all, we now ex-aequo with Christoph Leitgeb are second place overall in the Cup - the Rallye Waldviertel is interesting ... Many thanks to Karl Öllinger Opel Öllinger, who was now on the ground "!

Daniel Zieser: "At last we are back at the finish. However, we have re-installed a scary moment for the slip-up at the start of the rally was not without. Now I hope that the failure devil stays away. Celebrate unfortunately I can not, I have a fever and a sore throat and I just go to sleep ... "

Gerhard Dworak: "We were up to the afternoon tests only five seconds behind Daniel, but then I is only the talent and then the street assumed. Was but the bumper, but the time was gone. Overall, we are happy that the car is now! "

Christoph Leitgeb: "Obviously I'm very disappointed. But I had to attack from the first meter full. On the first special we have seen that we are fully here, on the second floor we have the waves dropped. Now we want to win at least still in the forest area - and it's full concentration is on 2013 "!

Final standings after 8 of 8 special stages:

1. Daniel Wollinger / Walter Pfaff Huemer 1:06:15,3 hours
2. Koni Friesenegger / Christoph Friesenegger + 3:14,5 minutes
3. Wolfram Doberer / Julia Baier + 3:31,6
4. Daniel Zieser / Christoph Woegerer + 4:56,5
5. Gerhard Dworak / Romana Dworak + 6:18,7

Standings after five of six rallies:
1. Daniel Wollinger 104 points
2. Christoph Leitgeb 62
2. Wolfram Doberer 62
4. Koni Friesenegger 50
5. Gerhard Dworak 41
6. Daniel Zieser 20