Wednesday, 5 June 2013

!NEW! Opel Astra GTC - Now with Highly Efficient 170 hp 1.6 SIDI Turbo gasoline unit

  • Perfect fit: Powerful engine underlines sporty coupé character
  • Unrivalled class: Up to 280 Nm torque with overboost function
  • Frugal strength: 15 percent lower consumption and CO2 than predecessor
  • Attractive choice: New direct-injection Turbo modernizes gasoline portfolio


  • Opel Astra GTC 1.6 SIDI Turbo 

    Now the Opel Astra GTC is also taking off with the all-new 1.6 SIDI Turbo (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) engine. The new generation Turbo direct injection unit rounds off the compact coupé’s gasoline portfolio while it replaces the previous 1.6 Turbo. The 125 kW/170 hp engine recently made its premiere in the Opel models Cascada, Astra five-door hatchback and Sports Tourer as well as in the Zafira Tourer, and now takes the Astra GTC right into the top field of its direct competitors. With 260 Nm maximum torque (up to 280 Nm due to an overboost function), top speed of 219 km/h, extremely low fuel consumption of just 6.1 liters per 100 km with NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) and 143 g/km CO2 emissions, the Astra GTC 1.6 SIDI Turbo leaves its toughest competitors scrambling to catch up.

    New Opel ECOTEC 1.6 SIDI Turbo engine with 125 kW/170 hp
    “Through 2016 we are introducing three all-new engine families, 13 new engines and a host of new transmissions. The new-generation 1.6 SIDI Turbo is the start of our large powertrain offensive. So of course this engine has to be offered in our sporty compact coupé,” says Opel Management Board Member for Engineering Mike Ableson. “With its superb performance the Turbo direct injection gasoline engine perfectly complements the Opel Astra GTC’s character – a muscular look that combines attention-getting design with strong performance and exemplary economy.”


    The Opel Astra GTC 1.6 SIDI Turbo is available with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission and can be ordered for an entry-level price of 23,850 euros (RRP incl. VAT in Germany).

    Top values: Higher torque, better performance, lower consumption
    The new 1.6 liter Turbo gasoline engine with direct injection boasts exemplary values in the Opel Astra GTC. It stands out with its impressive torque of 260 Nm available between 1,650 and 3,200 rpm and offers up to 280 Nm due to an overboost function, which temporarily gives the vehicle an extra burst which is very useful when overtaking for example – up to 22 percent more than the predecessor engine. With this the Astra GTC distinguishes itself from competitors in the 1.4 to 1.8-liter displacement class, as most models here offer maximum torque of just 240 to 250 Nm. But its excellent power development is not only apparent in its low-speed torque. With 219 km/h top speed, the Astra GTC SIDI makes a clear statement to its direct competitors. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds and sprints from 80 to 120 km/h in 9.3 seconds in fifth gear.


    The all-new direct injection engine offers excellent refinement and smooth power delivery with lower fuel consumption. The Opel Astra GTC 1.6 SIDI Turbo consumes just 6.1 liters fuel per 100 km with six-speed manual transmission and Start/Stop technology (combined cycle) and emits 143 g/km CO2. With these values, the new-generation direct injection gasoline engine undercuts most of its direct competitors. 

    Compared to the 1.6 liter Turbo predecessor, it boasts a 15 percent reduction in fuel consumption.

    Within just a few months, Opel completely renewed the top-of-the-line engines for the Astra GTC. The wide portfolio is completed by the 206 kW/280 hp top OPC version, the high-performance diesel 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI with 400 Nm maximum torque and now also the powerful and quiet 1.6 SIDI Turbo.

    Pleasant sound: Smooth Turbo engine increases passenger comfort
    To provide excellent performance and refinement for optimum driving comfort, the key engine development objectives for engineers were low overall levels of radiated noise and vibration, with no unusual sounds. Optimization of the induction and exhaust systems included decoupling the cam cover from the cylinder head via specific fasteners and a sealing system. In spite of direct injection and pulsed combustion, engineers were able to substantially reduce noise levels compared to the previous engine. As a result of these ‘sound-engineering’ measures, the driver and passengers in the new Opel Astra GTC 1.6 SIDI Turbo will appreciate quiet and smooth idling, with a pleasant sound quality even at high road speeds, engine speeds and loads.


    The enhanced transmissions also contribute to higher economy, more comfort and better performance. The next generation of six-speed manual transmissions in the Opel Astra GTC 1.6 SIDI Turbo is distinguished by high shifting comfort and reduced friction. The updated, low-friction six-speed automatic transmission features an Active Select function to allow manual shifting for a more sporty driving experience.

    Tuesday, 4 June 2013

    !NEW! Opel ADAM Wins Prize for Best Interior Design of the Year

    1st place in “Automotive Interiors EXPO 2013 AWARD” in production vehicle category

    Opel ADAM JAM with 'Starry Sky' roof, illuminated by 60 LEDs
    A big honor for a small car – today the Opel ADAM was awarded the design prize for the best interior in a production car at the “Automotive Interiors EXPO 2013” trade show in Stuttgart. The iconic urban car came out ahead of strong competitors like Alfa 4C, Jaguar F-Type, Renault Clio and the new Range Rover. The EXPO AWARD is part of the trade show for concepts, materials, surfaces, fabrics and components in vehicle interior equipment. A jury consisting of respected motor journalists from around the world selects the winners in seven categories.

    Opel ADAM JAM interior with 'Starry Sky' roof
    Elizabeth Wetzel, Interior Design Director for the newcomer, is especially pleased with the Opel ADAM’s victory: “The individualization of the interior is one of the ADAM’s many outstanding traits. Our small lifestyle car offers almost 82.000 combinations for interior-styling. The EXPO AWARD is a wonderful tribute to the whole Opel design team.”

    It is a team that is built around the GM designer at its core. The expert jury was of the same opinion and also nominated Elizabeth Wetzel in the Interior Designer of the Year category for an accolade that is very highly regarded in the industry.

    The design prize makes another clear – and attention-getting – statement for the Opel ADAM. Introduced in April 2013, the newcomer has already won five titles in the noted innovation competition “Plus X Award” as well as the renowned red dot design award.

    Monday, 3 June 2013

    !NEW! From Ampera to Zafira – Real Eco Angels are Called Opel

    • Opel Ampera is Europe’s first electric vehicle suitable for everyday use
    • ecoFLEX technology reduces fuel consumption in Opel Corsa by 27 percent
    • Insignia 1.4 Turbo is one of the most fuel-efficient gasoline models in mid-size segment
    • New Euro 6 diesel in Opel Zafira Tourer consumes just 4.1 liters fuel
    • Already 21 Opel cars – three times more than in 2012 – with best eco rating A+ 

    Opel cuts a fine figure on World Environment Day (June 5, 2013). Since introducing ecoFLEX technology in 2008, the brand has presented a wide spectrum of ultra-efficient models and continuously reduced fuel consumption and emissions. The automaker offers real fuel-saving champions in all model ranges from the electric Ampera to the Zafira Tourer family van. In the process, Opel successfully achieves the perfect balance between economy and performance with its engines. This is impressively documented with the development of the Opel Corsa. The small car was the first Opel model in the consumption-optimized ecoFLEX version with combined consumption of 4.5 liters per 100 km and output of 55 kW/75 hp. Thanks to continuous enhancements, the current Opel Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX with 70 kW/95 hp covers 100 km with exemplary consumption of just 3.3 liters (88 g/km CO2) – while fulfilling the stringent Euro 5 emissions standard.

    Opel Corsa 1.3 CDTI  ecoFLEX 
    Since 2008 Opel has been able to reduce the popular small car’s fuel consumption by no less than 27 percent while increasing engine performance by just as much! This is a stunningly clear example of engine development as expressed in efficiency.

    The white fleet: Clean diesel, efficient gasoline, good alternatives

    Opel Ampera EV
    Today the Opel economy champs are headed up by an uncompromising electric vehicle. The Opel Ampera is a fully-fledged four-seat sedan that can cover up to 80 km on pure electric power. And if the 16 kWh lithium battery was charged with electricity from renewable energy sources, its eco audit is immaculate. With the help of the on-board range extender – a 1.4-liter gasoline engine – the Ampera can cover up to 500 km before needing to recharge or refuel.

    Opel Astra 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX 
    But as it does not do the climate a lot of good if only a few innovative models skimp on fuel, Opel has substantially improved the efficiency of its entire portfolio in recent years. The main Astra model range boasts a number of eco angels. The Astra 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX consumes just 3.7 liters of diesel per 100 km (99 g/km CO2) with excellent performance figures: 96 kW/130 hp and 300 Nm maximum torque. Its sister model with a gasoline engine, the Astra 1.4 Turbo ecoFLEX, spoils its owner with 103 kW/140 hp output and consumption of just 5.5 liters fuel (combined per 100 km).

    Opel Zafira Tourer 1.6 CDTI ecoFLEX 
    Even more impressive are the extremely low consumption figures of Opel’s large model. The Zafira Tourer van carries seven occupants and consumes just 4.1 liters diesel per 100 km (109 g/km CO2) in its 1.6 CDTI ecoFLEX variant. The four-cylinder from an all-new engine generation has output of 100 kW/136 hp (320 Nm torque) and already fulfills Euro 6 emission standards. So the new diesel not only boasts very low CO2 emissions, it also drastically reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. But it’s not over by a long shot with the convincingly economical version of the seven-seater. Depending on driving distance profile and use, the Opel Zafira Tourer can also be ordered as an environmentally-friendly natural gas (1.6 Turbo CNG ecoFLEX) or liquid petroleum gas (1.4 LPG ecoFLEX) version.

    The flagship: Turbo gasoline model with diesel-level consumption figures 
    Opel Insignia 1.4 Turbo ecoFLEX 
    The elegant, 4.83 meter-long Opel Insignia leads the way with the best example: the 1.4 Turbo ecoFLEX is the most economical gasoline engine in the mid-size segment. The sedan consumes just 5.5 liters fuel per 100 km (126 g/km CO2) with this thrifty engine that delivers 103 kW/140 hp and maximum torque of 220 Nm thanks to overboost technology.

    Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTI  ecoFLEX  
    The diesel counterpart 2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX with Start/Stop technology is even more frugal and brings the 100 km figure down to a sensational 4.3 liters (112 g/km CO2). The driver needn’t make any compromises here either. The Insignia delivers 118 kW/160 hp and a whopping 380 Nm when needed. With these top figures, the Opel Insignia gets an A+ CO2 label – it doesn’t get any better than that.

    On the right track: Opel already has over 200 award-winning models
    The German Energy Agency awards this CO2 label. It rates all vehicles in categories from A+ (dark green) to G (dark red), thus providing important consumer information. The good, green area includes the categories A+ to C. Today Opel can offer over 200 different model variants in this economical cars league.
    Last year seven Opel models were awarded the best CO2 label A+, and in mid-2013 it’s already 21 – tripling the total in not even 12 months! In addition, 37 cars are classified as A and another 65 as B. These are impressive figures and proof of the exemplary dedication to vehicle and especially engine development at Opel.

    From Ampera to Zafira – real eco angels are called Opel.