Along with the technology, safety, and styling enhancements offered on the redesigned Buick Regal and Regal GS, is the newly available advanced all-wheel-drive.
2014 Buick Regal GS AWD in Quebec, Canada.
While those in the Snowbelt, and perhaps many further south this winter, associate all-wheel-drive vehicles with wintery weather, the Regal’s on-demand automatic AWD system is designed to help provide better control in all weather and road conditions, including dry surfaces.
Using a system that can distribute power both front to rear and side to side, the Regal is able to shift torque to the wheels based on vehicle data and driver input. When trekking through snow and icy conditions better control is achieved through improved traction and stability with drive to all four wheels.
The same ideas are applied during spirited driving and even emergency maneuvers on dry or wet pavement. With the ability to transfer power to the rear, the Regal AWD is not depending on the front wheels to do it all. This, combined with HiPerStrut front suspension, results in enhanced control from less torque steer and understeer when the driver needs traction the most, such as exiting a corner.
“With power going to all four wheels and the ability to transfer power to the wheel with the most grip, we’ve helped enable the driver to have maximum control on all surfaces,” said James Walter, Regal AWD engineer. “This system is constantly monitoring several inputs and anticipating action. It can be very beneficial in keeping the rear of the car balanced during an emergency maneuver.”
At launch in a straight line, the core of the AWD system splits the torque approximately 50/50 between the front and rear wheels. The system is constantly calculating and redistributing the torque. In the Regal GS, selecting the Sport or GS Interactive Drive Control modes heightens the AWD system sensitivity and shift up to 15 percent more torque to the rear wheels for improve traction and stability during performance driving.
An active Haldex module directs drive to the rear wheels. This system uses an electronic limited slip differential, or eLSD, which can rapidly shift torque between the two rear wheels to make the most of vehicle stability and cornering capability. A more neutral balance, less torque steer and understeer for maximum grip results in optimal acceleration, cornering and handling during performance driving in the Regal GS AWD.
AWD is available on all 2014 Regal models equipped with the new 2.0L Turbo engine that produces a refined 259 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Regal is the fourth Buick in the current lineup to offer AWD, alongside Enclave, Encore, and LaCrosse.
New generation three-cylinder unit with state-of-the-art technology now in Opel ADAM
1.0 liter ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo raises bar for three-cylinder engine refinement
Greater low-end torque and pulling power than 1.6 liter naturally aspirated engines
Greener footprint with remarkable 99 g/km CO2 emissions with a gasoline engine
Teamed with all-new six-speed gearbox, 30 percent lighter than predecessor
New ADAM colors and trims give even more individualization possibilities
Opel ADAMwith new 1.0 12V ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo
One year after its launch, ADAM just keeps getting better. Opel’s chic urban trend-setter and individualization champion is already established as the most customizable and best connected small car on the market. At the next Geneva Motor Show (March 6 - 16, 2014), it will also pack an all-new, three-cylinder turbo gasoline engine endowed with benchmark setting running refinement, low end torque and efficiency. And that’s not all: this new generation powerhouse will be mated with a 6-speed manual transmission that is also from a new generation. In addition, more new color and trim options will further extend ADAM’s near limitless scope for personalization possibilities.
Opel ADAM - New 1.0 12V ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo engine
ADAM is the first car in the Opel range to receive this new, all-aluminum 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo gasoline engine that has been developed at the manufacturer’s International Technical Development Center in Rüsselsheim, Germany. This pocket powerhouse will come in two configurations, respectively giving 66 kW/90 hp and 85 kW/115 hp. Both deliver strong, low-end torque of 166 Nm from just 1,800 rpm. Like the two new generation 1.6liter mid-size units Opel just launched in the last months (the 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo gasoline and the 1.6 CDTI diesel), the new 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo offers benchmark refinement with outstandingly low noise and vibrations for a three-cylinder motor that are even superior to many four-cylinder units. Mated to an all-new, six-speed gearbox, the new generation three-cylinder engine comes with Start/Stop functionality as standard. The 66 kW/90 hp version gives ADAM combined cycle fuel consumption as low as 4.3 liters per 100 kilometers, with CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km (according to NEDC test procedure; preliminary data). These are outstanding results for a gasoline-powered model, especially with such generous output and high torque values. Efficiency enablers include direct fuel injection, variable valve timing, weight-saving all-aluminum construction and a switchable water pump.
Opel ADAMwith new 1.0 12V ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo
1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo-powered Opel ADAM models will go on sale in late spring 2014 and their production will start in the summer. Not only new powertrains will be available, but also new colors for ADAM’s apparel. At the Frankfurt Motor Show last September, Opel had given a preview of ADAM’s further individualization possibilities that are now being launched. In Geneva, more colors, interior décors and trim options will be revealed. Customization, ADAM-style, gets even more individual.
Smooth: Pocket powerhouse sets new benchmark for three-cylinder refinement
Smooth, strong and clean: Opel ADAM’s new mini motor is small in size but big on driving appeal. It melds jewel-like precision engineering with state-of-the-art technologies to deliver performance levels that belie its diminutive size. Just as important for the pockets of Opel ADAM drivers, it delivers remarkable fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, as low as 4.3 liters per 100 kilometers and 99 g/km CO2 in the combined cycle – putting the ADAM in favorable categories in those countries where the taxation system is based on CO2 emissions.
New Opel 1.0 12V ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo engine
The first in a completely new family of small displacement gasoline engines that will grow further over the next years, the 12 Valve 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo is the next step in Opel’s powertrain offensive following the recent introduction of new 1.6 liter mid-size gasoline and diesel engine families. These three new powertrain families share a common DNA and development target: to be the most refined in their respective categories. Starting with a clean sheet of paper, Opel engineers in Rüsselsheim focused on eliminating ‘off-beat’ running characteristics which traditionally detract from the economical driving appeal of three-cylinder engines. “We not only set out to minimize fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, we also wanted to demonstrate that three cylinders can be just as refined as four or more,” says Dr. Matthias Alt, Opel’s Chief Engineer, Small Gasoline Engines. “We tackled at source the balance, noise and vibration issues typical of conventional three-cylinder engines, and we’re confident ADAM customers will be enthusiastic about the results.”
The cylinder block, in high pressure die-cast aluminum, is designed to reduce radiated and structure-borne engine noise, as well as reduce weight. The high-pressure fuel rail and injectors are also structurally isolated from the cylinder head to minimize the transmission of pulsing, while both the fuel pump and fuel line are acoustically treated.
A further contributor to running refinement is the installation of a balance shaft in the oil sump. Driven by a chain with inverted teeth for quiet running, it counter-rotates at crankshaft speed and is carefully mass-optimized to offset the inherent vibrations of a three cylinder operation.
Other noise attenuation measures include: acoustically-optimized covers for the top and front of the engine, the intake manifold and camshaft housings; crankshaft isolation with iron main bearing inserts; inverted teeth for camshaft drive chains; a low-hiss turbo charger, and a lower oil pan in steel.
With all these ‘sound engineering’ features, the new 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo is not only more refined than other three-cylinder engines, it’s also quieter than many four-cylinder units. For example, in bench testing at full throttle, it emits lower noise levels across all engine speeds than similarly powerful gasoline naturally-aspirated engines of 1.6 liters displacement.
Strong: Small engine with big appeal
The new 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo also packs a punch. It has all the power characteristics to make down-sizing feel like right-sizing, generating more torque, for example, than most 1.6 liter, naturally aspirated engines.
In the Opel ADAM, the 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo produces 166 Nm from just 1,800 rpm. That’s almost 30 percent more pulling power than the naturally-aspirated 1.6 liter generates at the same rpm. The 85 kW/115 hp version extends the torque plateau to up to 4,700 rpm. Jewel-like precision is used for the integration of the exhaust manifold within the aluminum cylinder head, to which the tiny, low-inertia, water-cooled turbocharger is directly bolted. This compact installation contributes to the delivery of a fast boost charge which gives the 1.0 turbo such strong, low-end power.
The six-vent fuel injectors in the direct injection system are centrally located above each piston to provide efficient combustion, and dual cam-phasing enables variable valve timing for optimum engine breathing. A twin displacement oil pump and a switchable water pump, which is disengaged when the engine coolant is cold in order to accelerate warm-up, also contribute to low fuel consumption.
The new generation 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo with a new six-speed manual transmission is added to ADAM’s current powertrain line-up of naturally-aspirated, four-cylinder units combined with 5-speed manual gearboxes: the 1.2-liter with 51 kW/70 hp and 115 Nm, and the two 1.4 liter units offering 64 kW/87 hp and 74 kW/100 hp, both with 130 Nm of torque.
Precise: New, lightweight gearbox with smooth shifting
An all-new, six-speed manual gearbox is mated to ADAM’s new three-cylinder engine. With a compact design and a dry weight of only 37 kilograms, it is about 30 percent lighter than units it replaces.
Absolute precision: An all-new, six-speed manual gearbox
Featuring superior shift quality and excellent precision, with a short lever travel and low shifting effort, the new transmission incorporates many of the smooth shifting refinements recently introduced by Opel. These include the use of gears with wide, asymmetrically-cut dog teeth and triple-cone synchronizers for first/second gear, with double cones for third/fourth. Reverse gear is also synchronized. In addition to ADAM, this slick-shifting new gearbox will be progressively introduced in other Opel models.
Individual: More customization opportunities for the best connected small car
Already crowned as Opel’s individualization champion, ADAM just keeps getting better and better. The two-tone color palette is being extended in the next weeks and will be further enriched in the coming months. With the addition of seven more body and four new roof colors, it gives ADAM an exceptional total of 18 body colors plus six roof colors for two-tone color combinations. The five new body colors that will be introduced through the spring are: an elegant silver (“Silverwalker”), a rich dark brown (“Mr. Darkside”), a vibrant blue (“Let it Blue”), an audacious lime green (“Dancing Green”) and a subtle warm grey (“Pink-Kong”). The list of further individualization possibilities for the ADAM continues to grow and now includes five new seat fabrics, seven new cabin décors, four new interior colors, one new headliner and two new interior mirror colors, as well as four new logo bar colors and two new sets of exterior decals. At Geneva Motor Show, further new body colors and interior trims will be revealed. With all these new choices, the customization potential of the latest ADAM range is now nearly limitless, ensuring that buyers can put together the car of their dreams.
After designing their car exactly the way they want it, customers can look forward to enjoying the best in-car connectivity available in the small car class. ADAM features Opel’s sophisticated IntelliLink system that offers state-of-the-art connectivity and apps. This infotainment system is fully compatible with latest smartphones using both ANDROID and Apple iOS. It provides USB and Bluetooth connectivity, audio streaming, a 7-inch high-definition color touch-screen and seven speakers. Opel’s IntelliLink system in ADAM provides navigation with the BringGo app as well as the Stitcher and TuneIn apps. The integration of Apple iOS devices into the system enables SIRI EYES FREE voice control. This makes it possible, for instance, for drivers to have incoming SMS read aloud and to dictate SMS while they keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the steering wheel. IntelliLink is award-winning, safe and easy-to-use technology that is also amazingly affordable and makes ADAM the best connected small car on the
New version 'Black OPC Line' is highlight of the sporty Astra GTC model
1.6 Turbo Opel's new generation engine with Direct Injection delivers 200 hp
Specific output of 125 hp / liter becomes the absolute reference in this class
Price from 30,800 euros
New Opel Astra 1.6 Turbo Black OPC Line (200 hp): Now available in the Portuguese market
The Opel Astra GTC 1.6 Turbo is now available in the Portuguese market. The new Direct Injection engine 1.6 Turbo 200 hp is the most powerful of the new generation of engines with the Opel will renew most of its range by the end of year 2014. With a price of 30,800 euros, this true sporting constitutes an alternative more affordable compared to OPC 280 hp. Besides the new engine with the latest technology and front suspension high 'performance' HiPerStrut contributing decisively to a remarkable dynamic behavior, the Astra GTC 1.6 Turbo has a unique visual OPC Black Line.
New Opel Astra 1.6 Turbo Black OPC Line (200 hp) with two tail pipes
The main differences of the new GTC 1.6 Turbo are the two tailpipes and a number of elements from the most sporty versions of the Astra OPC and lines, forming a combination that is unique to this version for Portugal. The massive front bumper, which brings large air intakes, and the 'spoiler' back on top of the tailgate improve aerodynamics. At the same time, the side skirts and rear bumper Extended contribute to the special identity of this powerful GTC, which is accented by painting the roof of alloy wheels and exterior mirror covers in black. Cabin in stand-up type sports seats 'bucket seat', wheel and lever handle of the OPC box, and the pillars and roof lining in black fabric.
New Opel Astra 1.6 Turbo Black OPC Line (200 hp)
Unlike many three-door versions of models of the compact segment, the GTC occupies a prominent position in the range of models of Opel Astra variant being the most refined aesthetic and dynamic behavior.Despite the similarities with the other Astra GTC owns a design only: not sharing any exterior element with other members of the Astra family, except houses for the exterior mirrors and antenna.
Performance with Economy
The new Opel Astra GTC 1.6 Turbo can reach a speed of 230 km / h and accelerates from zero to 100 km / h in just 7.9 seconds. Recovery 80-120 km / h in 5th gear is also accomplished in 7.9 seconds in a show of great elasticity thanks to the high output of 300 Nm (with 'overboost') of torque. It is noted that the torque remains at the maximum level in a wider rpm range, from as early as 1750 rpm up to 4700 rpm. This, together with the peculiarity that the power of 200 hp remain in peak between 4700 rpm and 5500 rpm, gives the 1.6 Turbo new generation of Opel unusual resilience and acceleration at any engine speed.
The specific output of 125 hp / liter becomes the reference in this level of displacement engines. With careful construction for best results in a variety of parameters, including the 'performance' and consumption - where they play key role the system of direct injection and variable valve timing - this new engine, the GTC, consumes only average of 6.6 l/100 km in the combined cycle, the corresponding emissions of 154 g / km.
Opel Astra GTC 1.6 Turbo extends the range of options ranging from high 'performance' of the GTC range, joining the 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI 195 hp and 400 Nm The only engine that exceeds performance in these two is the 2.0 Turbo OPC, which delivers 280 horsepower.
New IntelliLink and complete standard equipment
Opel Astra GTC - Navi 950 with IntelliLink
The new Opel infotainment system is now available across the GTC range. The IntelliLink simplifies all commands, showing them a large seven-inch color screen, high definition, which also display the images captured by the rear camera parking aid. The IntelliLink system can be controlled by voice, while enabling Bluetooth connections to smartphones and streaming audio. The flagship model Navi 950 IntelliLink features detailed throughout Europe, the updates can be downloaded via the Internet maps. The system can verbalize text messages since, in addition to voice recognition itself, IntelliLink can also integrate voice functions of smartphones connected to it.
Opel Astra GTC - Steel Cage and Airbag Protection System
The complete standard equipment is one of the highlights of the new Opel Astra GTC 1.6 Turbo. In addition to all the safety devices - seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters, dual front airbags , side and curtain airbags, notice allotment of seat belts, ABS with brake force distribution and ESP Plus evolved - the new Opel offers series: 18-inch wheels, fog lamps, automatic switching between low and high beams, hill start assistance, light sensor, rain sensor, trip computer, cruise control, air conditioning with control electronic dual-zone system, Bluetooth hands-free phone and rear parking sensors.
The Astra GTC offers a wide range of dynamical systems driving assistance from the front chamber of the second generation Opel Eye with improved and extended functionalities to the suspension with electronic control FlexRide, through the new system of fourth generation system AFL + of adaptive Bi-Xenon headlights (Adaptive Forward Lighting).
Focus on dynamic
The debut of the new engine 1.6 Turbo 200 hp is in increased model that was designed to offer the best performance on the road at all dynamic levels.
Much of the development work on the chassis of the Astra GTC focused on the integration of HiPerStrut suspension. This unique front suspension, similar to the Insignia OPC, and until now only available in sports cars, top notch improves the dynamic behavior and offers greater steering precision.
The HiPerStrut architecture incorporates a fork which supports the shaft sleeve assembly, disengaging the directional movement of the wheels of all the suspension tower. The advantages in terms of sensitivity and accuracy of direction are evident. The HiPerStrut suspension reduces the variations of camber on the wheels when cornering front of the GTC, with considerable gains in grip. Another benefit of this configuration is that it permits the mounting of wheels up to 20 inches in diameter.
Compared with the Astra 5-door, the GTC’s ride-height has been lowered
by 10 to 15 mm, while the wheelbase has grown by 10 mm, from 2685 mm to
2695 mm. Both tracks are wider, too, at 1584 mm (+40 mm) front and 1585
mm (+30 mm) rear.
