!NEW! Opel Corsa: Fresh look and outstanding connectivity

• Impressive performance, small price: IntelliLink with smartphone integration from €350
• Great overview: IntelliLink touchscreen with iPhone or Android-like menu
• Choice of navigation application: Apple Maps, Google Maps or TomTom 
• Fast and stable: OnStar turns Corsa into powerful Wi-Fi Hotspot

Fresh look and outstanding connectivity: Opel Corsa is now available in Mandarin Orange and with the latest IntelliLink infotainment systems

Outstanding connectivity and entertainment with ultra-modern IntelliLink systems – Opel is now introducing the systems known from the Insignia and the new Astra in the small car segment. As of now, the Corsa bestseller is available with the latest generation IntelliLink infotainment systems, which only made their debut in the new Astra a few weeks ago, and in new colors. R4.0 IntelliLink seamlessly and easily integrates smartphone functionalities via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for an additional cost of only €350 (RRP including VAT in Germany). It is compatible with devices from Android 5.0 Lollipop and Apple iOS 7.1 (from iPhone 5). Elsewhere, Opel OnStar is responsible for providing a stable and powerful internet connection. The personal connectivity and service assistant and its special antenna turn the Corsa into a 4G/LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot. Furthermore, numerous additional services make driving more relaxed. Opel will also offer a further navigation solution alongside Apple Maps and Google Maps shortly in the portable and integrable TomTom GO 40 navigation device.

“We do not just offer drivers of middle class or compact class cars the opportunity of enjoying ultra-modern connectivity and infotainment technology. We will make it available across our entire product portfolio at very attractive prices,” said Peter Christian Küspert, Vice President Sales & Aftersales Opel Group. “The new R4.0 IntelliLink system with smartphone integration available for the Corsa is the perfect example. This system along with Opel OnStar enables fast, stable and extensive internet access for every Corsa occupant.”

Individual, fast, easy to use: R4.0 IntelliLink with smartphone integration

The R4.0 IntelliLink system not only comes with the customary clear 7 inch color touchscreen, USB and Bluetooth® interface for audio streaming and viewing photographs, videos and films or making a telephone call via the hands-free module – the latest generation infotainment system now available in the Corsa is also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It brings the personal smartphone applications of each Corsa occupant into the car. The Opel infotainment technology immediately recognizes the systems when the iPhone or Android smartphone is connected to the R4.0 IntelliLink via USB. As soon as the connection is made, the smartphone interface is adapted to the 7 inch touchscreen and displayed clearly. Simultaneously, the smartphone is charged.

Clever: The radio R4.0 IntelliLink is compatible with Apple CarPlay and brings the personal smartphone world into the car.

Each system builds off of the features smartphone users rely on most. Apple CarPlay takes the iPhone features you would want to access while driving and puts them on the vehicle’s display in a smart, simple manner. That allows drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. A full list of those apps can be found at apple.com/ios/carplay. Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem. A full list of supported apps is available at android.com/auto.

Clever: The radio R4.0 IntelliLink is compatible with Android Auto and brings the personal smartphone world into the car.

The big advantage of using the navigation apps Google Map or Apple Maps is that the driver always has the latest map data at his/her disposal as updates are made available by the respective provider and downloaded onto the phone. Furthermore, smartphone-based systems display traffic conditions in real time along with possible points of interest – including the complete address, opening hours, distance and connections. Increasing the size of the map section on Android Auto is just as simple as on a smartphone – a touch of screen along with the according finger movement is enough. Another advantage of the system is that when a text message from services such as WhatsApp or Skype is received it pops up on the IntelliLink screen (without the text) and is read aloud.

Always up to date: WhatsApp messages appear on the IntelliLink screen and are read aloud.

Opel also offers an additional navigation option in the portable TomTom GO 40 system available at dealers. The 4.3 inch color touchscreen can be safely attached to the dashboard via the FlexDock® holding device. The device is charged while it is being used because it is integrated into the vehicle. The TomTom system comes with maps of 45 European countries, 3D display and selected points of interest. Furthermore, the traffic situation is displayed in real time if a smartphone is connected. It thus proposes an attractive alternative for company and fleet cars.

From the Opel dealer: Corsa drivers can also choose the portable Tom Tom GO 40 navigation system with 4.3-inch touchscreen. 

Stable, free internet connection: Everything under control with Opel OnStar

Opel OnStar is responsible for delivering a stable mobile internet connection in and in the direct vicinity of the car. The integrated 4G/LTE architecture turns the Corsa into a powerful Wi-Fi Hotspot. A special exterior antenna ensure best possible connectivity for up to seven mobile devices – even abroad. No additional roaming fees are levied. Use of the Wi-Fi Hotspot is free of charge for the first 12 months after registration. The hardware is available for €490 (standard for INNOVATION and OPC).

Furthermore, the connectivity and service assistant makes driving more relaxing at the touch of a button. The extensive services includes Automatic Crash Response, 24H Roadside and Stolen Vehicle Assistance and Vehicle Diagnostics to name but a few. The MyOpel smartphone-app is another advantage. It allows Opel OnStar users to request help when away from the car, to open or close the car remotely or to access important vehicle data.

!NEW! All-New Opel Astra in the Acoustic Lab

• Dynamic, smooth, comfortable: New engines for pleasant sound
• No din: “Dummy heads” as sensitive as the human hearing

In the acoustic lab: New Opel Astra is positioned in the center of the room and is surrounded by numerous microphones.

Silence. It is so quiet in the unusual looking room that you could literally hear a pin drop. The new Opel Astra is positioned in the center of the room and is surrounded by numerous microphones. Is the engine sound of the new compact class star being recorded for the next advertising campaign? Not quite. When the Opel Astra arrives in the acoustic lab, it is still in the final phase of being made ready for series production. The engineers around Bernd Justen are partly responsible for making sure that the new Astra really is a quantum leap. They ensure that the compact class car meets the demanding noise requirements and test the Astra thoroughly in the Opel acoustic lab in Rüsselsheim. Apart from being tested on the comfort and noise evaluation track at the Opel Test Center in Rodgau-Dudenhofen, all new models developed by the carmaker have to come here for final testing.

Meets all noise requirements: All-New Opel Astra in the acoustic lab in Rüsselsheim. 

Noise & vibration: All good under the Opel Astra hood

The dynamic sound of the vehicle while simultaneously delivering excellent running smoothness was always high on the list of specifications of the new Opel Astra. Primarily, the turbo-charged gasoline and diesel engines of the latest generation that power the Opel Astra and make its athletic appearance audible ensure this. “That is only one aspect we check in the acoustic lab,” explains Bernd Justen, Vehicle Performance Manager for compact class cars. Moreover, the Astra is put through an extensive and precisely defined requirements list. “Apart from the appropriate sound of the engine or rolling noise, this includes the sound made by closing a door or the clicking of the indicator. We initially check the simulation-based basic settings. Based on this we keep on working until the Astra meets our noise requirements.”

On the roller test bench: The engines offer a pleasant and dynamic sound experience – and reduces noise levels in the cabin.

The walls and the ceiling of the lab are completely soundproof thanks to noise absorbing materials. During testing, the Opel Astra is driven on large floor rollers, which produce the same resistance the car would experience on the road from wind and rolling friction. “This enables driving with road-like loads. It does not depend on the weather and we can test various scenarios under consistent conditions,” said Justen. These tests include idle behavior, the Start/Stop function and driving under part or full engine load for example. The highly sensitive microphones record all noises so they can be analyzed afterwards.

Meets all noise requirements: All-New Opel Astra in the acoustic lab in Rüsselsheim.

A typical procedure on the roller test bench is ‘full-load, rev-up’ in third gear – a demanding test that the all-new 1.4 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo, a four-cylinder Opel unit from the same engine family as the innovative one-liter, three-cylinder engine, passes with flying colors while always remaining within the pre-defined tolerance curve for cabin noise. Just like the three-cylinder engine, the 92 kW/125 hp or 110 kW/150 hp unit was developed with setting new standards in noise and vibration characteristics in mind (fuel consumption combined: 5.5-4.9 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 128-114 g/km). The outstanding refinement was achieved through the noise-optimized engine block design. The implemented measures to reduce the noise level included splitting the oil pan, noise protecting the integration of the cylinder head into the exhaust manifold, designing a sound-absorbing cam cover, decoupling the high-pressure injection valves and trimming the timing chain for quiet concentricity. The test bench quickly reveals that the engineers did an outstanding job: The engines offer a pleasant and dynamic sound experience – and reduces noise levels in the cabin.

“Dummy head” tested: Pleasant sound in the Opel Astra cabin

“Our dummy heads confirm the exemplary noise level,” explains Justen, referring to the weird looking figures in the Opel Astra cabin that are reminiscent of mannequins. Plastic effigies of the human head and shoulder area that possess a perfect replica of all acoustically relevant elements of the human outer ear adorn the seats. “There are highly sensitive microphones fitted in the ears of dummy heads too. They allow us to record and replay noises in the same way that a ‘real’ human would perceive them.” This enables stereo recording and replaying, as well as differentiation between the upward and downward direction of noise, making the dummy’s hearing virtually three-dimensional.

Dummy head: Plastic effigies of the human head and shoulder area that possess a perfect replica of all acoustically relevant elements of the human outer ear are used in the acoustic la

To achieve the desired vehicle sound that is pleasant for occupants, a binaural transfer path analysis and synthesis is conducted using so-called binaural measurements. This enables a distinction between airborne and structure-borne noise source paths. “This allows us to identify and analyze the different sound sources,” explains Justen. Using a noise transfer path model, engineers can identify, for example, which screw needs to be turned to achieve the agreed target value – first virtually and then in reality. If both cases produce satisfactory results, the Astra has taken its next hurdle on the way to production readiness.

!NEW! Buick Launches Verano Hatchback and Verano GS in China

Priced from RMB 145,900 to RMB 205,900

Buick launched the new Verano Hatchback and Verano GS this evening in Guangzhou, China. The five variants of the two newest members of the Verano family are priced from RMB 145,900 to RMB 205,900. Buick’s 740 dealerships across China have begun accepting pre-orders.

Buick launched the new Verano Hatchback and Verano GS in Guangzhou, China

The new Verano models have trendy, sporty styling along with European car-like handling, premium interiors and advanced technology. They are targeted at younger trend-setting consumers who are looking for a driving experience that is “born with sportiness.”

The five variants of the two newest members of the Verano family are priced from RMB 145,900 to RMB 205,900.

Stylish and sporty exterior

The Verano Hatchback and Verano GS have adopted Buick's latest design language for sport sedans. The brand’s signature waterfall grille has taken on a creative frameless design, with a newly added piano black finish. The bold, concise and contoured hood lowers the car's stance.

The two models’ wedge-shaped silhouette and double-sweep beltline form a dashing profile, with B- and C-pillars in German-crafted gloss black creating a floating roofline.

The Verano Hatchback and Verano GS have adopted Buick's latest design language for sport sedans.

The models also feature Buick's wing-shaped LED daytime running lamps, which echo their wing-shaped tinted tail lamps. Together with an integrated rear wing that accentuates the sculptured rear end, they provide a stylish, vibrant and captivating feel.

Contemporary and exquisite interior

The cabins of the two new Veranos combine sportiness, premium materials and exquisite craftsmanship. They utilize Buick's iconic 360 degree wraparound layout that exemplifies its driver-oriented design philosophy.

 Buick Verano GS has a stylish basic black interior that accentuates its dynamism. It is complemented by red accents.

The brand's focus on a high-quality driving and riding experience is also demonstrated by a segment-leading 2,662 mm wheelbase, the generous use of eco-friendly supple materials throughout the interior, a standard three-spoke sporty multi-function steering wheel, considerately designed ambient lighting, rear-row USB charging ports and patented Quiet-Tuning® noise control technology.

The Verano GS is fitted with an exclusive sporty black and red kit inside and out. Aerodynamic exterior accessories, bright red strips on the front and rear bumpers, bright red brake calipers and 17-inch dark-painted five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels look bold and impressive.

Inside, a bright red carbon fiber-pattern strip across the center console and red stitching make a strong impression. Adding to the sportiness are a carbon fiber-pattern finish on the center console, a three-spoke sporty multi-function steering wheel with a paddle shifter, Alcantara® racing car-like seats and Flame Red ambient lighting.

Trend-setting intelligent and safety technologies

The Verano Hatchback and Verano GS come with a wide variety of trend-setting intelligent technologies. They are the first Buick models in China available with the Apple CarPlay system. Users can seamlessly connect their iPhones with iOS 7.1 and above through the new-generation Buick IntelliLink infotainment system. All iPhone features and built-in apps – including phone, messages, maps, music, podcasts and Siri – are easily accessible via the high-resolution 8-inch diagonal display in the center console.

Buick Verano Hatchback and Verano GS are equipped with the Apple CarPlay system.

The Verano GS is offered with segment-exclusive and Buick-first Matrix full-LED headlamps. Behind the headlamps' Big Dipper-like panels are 29 Matrix LED clusters connected to front cameras to intelligently perform a range of functions, including automatically turning on the high-beam headlights, activating the anti-glare high-beam headlights and automatically adjusting the height of the headlamps. They automatically switch between six lighting modes – City, Urban, Expressway, Curve, Parking and Fuel Economy – based on driving conditions.

In addition, the Verano GS comes with Buick's new intelligent safety system, which incorporates features that include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking and Automatic Parking Assist.

While 75 percent of the two Veranos’ body structure is composed of high-strength steel, the models incorporate extensive lightweight design features, such as lighter and more rigid structures, all-aluminum engines, all-aluminum sub-frames, all-aluminum front and rear bumpers, and aluminum steering knuckles, as well as imported lightweight damping mats. The result is a 100 kilogram reduction in curb weight.

The Verano Hatchback and Verano GS are built on the same architecture as the new Opel Astra K. Their firm chassis has an optimized MacPherson front suspension and enhanced composite torsion bar, along with a new-generation Opel-patented Watt's link rear suspension and all-aluminum six-point full-length sub-frame. The result is a perfect balance between body dimensions, weight and overall efficiency.

Handling and driving pleasure were assured through the adoption of the all-new belt-drive electric power-assisted steering system as well as more than a year's worth of testing and tuning at Germany's famed Nürburgring circuit.

Exciting and fuel-efficient powertrains

Both models incorporate GM's new Ecotec small gasoline engines, which combine powerful performance with exceptional fuel economy. The Verano Hatchback pairs a 1.5L SIDI engine with a six-speed DCG transmission. It delivers maximum output of 87 kW/6,600 rpm and peak torque of 146 Nm/4,000 rpm.

New Buick Verano GS is powered by a 1.5T SIDI engine that was named one of the “China Heart” 2015 Ten Best Engines. It is paired with a new-generation seven-speed DCG transmission. The powertrain combination produces maximum output of 124 kW/5,600 rpm and peak torque of 250 Nm/1,700-4,400 rpm. This gives the model the ability to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds while enabling combined fuel consumption of 5.9 L/100 km – which sets a new benchmark for its class.

1.5T SIDI engine with  maximum output of 124 kW/5,600 rpm and peak torque of 250 Nm/1,700-4,400

The engine start/stop feature, which further helps improve fuel efficiency, comes standard across the full Verano lineup. All variants are eligible for China's new incentive plan that cuts the purchase tax in half for cars with engines smaller than 1.6 liters.

The Buick Verano Hatchback and Verano GS, together with the new-generation Buick Verano sport sedan launched earlier this year and the all-new Buick Excelle GT, will strengthen Buick’s presence in China’s premium mid-range passenger car segment.