European Junior champion Emil Bergkvist wins Barum Czech Rally in Opel ADAM R2
Opel takes first and third place at FIA ERC Junior 2015 finale
Tire defect costs Opel works driver Marijan Griebel second place
This is what winners look like: Emil Bergkvist and Joakim Sjöberg at ceremony in Zlín.
The ADAC Opel Rallye Junior team finished the 2015 FIA ERC Junior season with another outstanding performance. Swedish Opel works driver Emil Bergkvist (21, from Torsåker) and co-driver Joakim Sjöberg (29, from Ösmo), who had already captured the ERC Junior title before the end of the seaon, won the Barum Czech Rally Zlín in the Czech Republic in grand style. Their brand colleagues Aleks Zawada from Poland and his French co-driver Cathy Derousseaux took third place in a privately run Opel ADAM R2.
Masterful: ERC Junior champion Emil Bergkvist on his way to third season victory.
“I am overjoyed,“ beamed Bergkvist after his third season victory in the FIA ERC Junior 2015’s six races. “This rallye was the perfect end to a perfect season. Everything went according to plan, we were able to control the race from our leading position. We all worked so hard for this success, and it is great to see that our hard work paid off. Many thanks to my fantastic team from Opel Motorsport. Without them none of this would have been possible.”
High-flyer: Marijan Griebel again showed the Opel ADAM R2’s huge potential at the ERC finale.
In a second works Opel ADAM R2, Marijan Griebel (26, from Hahnweiler) and co-drive Stefan Clemens (28, from Thailen) had a stroke of bad luck when they suffered a puncture on their right front tire in the eleventh special stage after a top performance that had them on their way to becoming vice champion. As there were still more than ten kilometers to go to the finish line, the duo was forced to stop for a tire change. A good three minutes were lost and so they were only able to take fourth place in the rallye. In the fight for second place, Griebel came in hard on the heels of the young Latvian Ralfs Sirmacis, finishing a very strong third.
Subdued joy: A tire puncture cost Marijan Griebel and Stefan Clemens the vice championship
But Griebel was disappointed: “We deserved second place. It is really bitter that a tire defect ruined everything. But with a little time and distance, I‘ll be able to look back at this year with the ADAC Opel Rallye Junior team with great satisfaction. We were really competitive in this extremely tough championship and drove a strong season.”
The three customer Opel ADAM R2s were also very fast. Aleks Zawada celebrated his second podium finish in the FIA ERC Junior, where Julius Tannert also could have joined him. But he and his co-driver Jennifer Thielen from Luxembourg lost valuable time on the first day and were stopped by a technical problem on Sunday on the way to the first special stage. The Bavarian duo Dominik Dinkel/Pirmin Winklhofer drove so well in their first European championship race in their Opel ADAM R2 that they would have come in sixth in the ERC Junior (for which they weren’t registered).
Proud boss: Opel Motorsport-Director Jörg Schrott with the winners Bergkvist (l.) and Sjöberg.
Opel Motorsport Director Jörg Schrott was very pleased with the Opel teams‘ performance in the Czech Republic: “This result again shows that the ADAM R2 is currently the benchmark in the R2 class. Our European champion Emil once again gave us a taste of his exceptional talent. I feel very badly for Marijan, who yet again suffered a tire puncture that cost him a better result. My compliment go to Aleks, Julius and Dominik, who were very fast in our customer cars.”
Strong comeback: Opel celebrated first European championship title in 33 years with Emil Bergkvist and the Opel ADAM R2.
Consistent lightweight design: Five-door model up to 200 kilograms lighter
Engineered from white sheet of paper: Every component trimmed to highest efficiency
Compact: All-aluminum engines and interior concept save more weight
Intelligent architecture: More space in slimmer shell
Consistent lightweight design: New Opel Astra is up to 200 kilograms lighter than its predecessor
Lighter, more frugal and compact while offering more generous interior space – everything about the new Opel Astra follows the maxim of highest efficiency. All components and design features are aligned to this touchstone, resulting in intelligent packaging à la Astra. The next generation of the compact bestseller that makes its premiere at the IAA in Frankfurt (September 17 – 27) is based on an all-new lightweight architecture, its body is noticeably slimmer and it is driven by powerful, weight- and CO2-optimized all-aluminum engines. All told, the new Astra is up to 200 kilograms lighter than its predecessor.
Consistent lightweight design: The new vehicle architecture
The visionary Monza Concept presented at the 2013 IAA was the role model for Opel’s eleventh compact class generation. Every component of the study reflects the efficiency maxim. The new Opel Astra already consistently realizes this vision: depending on the model and trim level, it is up to 200 – but in any case at least 120 – kilograms lighter than its predecessor. The new, thoroughly slimmed down vehicle architecture plays a decisive role in this weight loss: the bodyshell (body-in-white) and structure alone are over 20 percent lighter, down from 357 to 280 kilograms. Another 50 kilograms were saved in the design of chassis components: high-strength and ultra-high-strength lightweight steels, more compact subframes as well as modification to the front and rear suspensions all contributed to this end result. In addition, engineers decided against full underbody paneling to further optimize the aerodynamics of chassis and drivetrain elements, resulting in a double advantage: lower weight and reduced production costs that enable more attractive price structures for customers.
Bodyshell weight alone was reduced by 20% from 357 to 280 kilograms
Further size- and mass-optimization measures include shorter front and rear overhangs, as well as the up to 25 percent lighter exhaust system which saves around 4.5 kilograms on this part alone. The smaller wheels and tires weigh up to 11.5 kilograms less. The same is true for the brakes: as the system has less mass to decelerate, a more compact design weighing 10 kilograms less was possible – while delivering even better braking performance.
Lose the weight: Engines make their contribution
Another plus on the efficiency side is the new-generation engines. They distinguish themselves with their compact and ultra-efficient design: for instance the new 1.4 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo engine making its premiere in the Astra weighs much less than current comparable units. Its aluminum engine block alone is ten kilograms lighter than the cast-iron block of its predecessor. Thanks to their compact design, the newest-generation, ultra-modern transmissions save just as much weight.
All-aluminum: New 1.4 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo with central direct fuel injection will be available in the new Opel Astra in two outputs, 92 kW/125 hp and 110 kW/150 hp.
Reduced weight also leads to noticeably higher agility. The new Astra is more fun to drive than ever before – while saving fuel and CO2 emissions. The newcomer with the 1.0 Turbo and Easytronic 3.0 combination is one of the most economical and cleanest gasoline models in its segment. The 77 kW/105 hp three-cylinder unit reduces consumption in the combined cycle to 4.2 liters per 100 kilometers and CO2 emissions to an exemplary 96 g/km.
Lose the weight: Light all-aluminum engines like the highly efficient 1.0 Turbo make their important contribution to it.
The interior was also put through a fitness program. Take, for instance, the seats: after five years of detailed work, the development team presented compact class seats that are more functional and comfortable, while featuring more of a space- and weight-saving design than ever before. State-of-the-art packaging calculation methods enable this, as do lighter polyurethane foams and ultra-high-strength steels that are built in under the robust seat upholstery. So the new Opel Astra seats in front and rear are a total of around ten kilograms lighter than in the previous model.
Intelligent packaging: Lighter, more compact yet more spacious
Intelligent packaging: New Opel Astra is lighter, more compact yet more spacious than its predecessor.
The new Astra generation not only looks more sophisticated and athletic, it is also more compact. With a total length of 4.37 meters, the five-door hatchback is almost five centimeters shorter than its predecessor, its height of 1.48 meters is 2.5 centimeters smaller and its width has been reduced by 0.5 centimeters to 1.81 meters. These dimensions also have a positive effect on the vehicle’s weight. At the same time, interior space is more generous. Together with the newly designed, lighter and more compact seats, rear-seat passengers now benefit from 35 millimeters more legroom than before. This puts the five-door model in first place ahead of all the competition. Distance between the first and second rows has been increased by 1.5 centimeters, greatly enhancing traveling comfort and sense of space. The same is true for upper-body freedom of movement for passengers in both front and rear seats. Especially in terms of headroom, the new Opel Astra sets standards in its class: the driver has 2.2 centimeters more headroom than in the predecessor. So the new Opel Astra successfully squares the circle: it is lighter and more compact while offering more space and comfort than before.
Extensive: Full Opel OnStar portfolio including powerful Wi-Fi hotspot
Innovative: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration available
Entertaining: Next generation IntelliLink systems cover all bases
Wi-Fi Hotspot makes online smartphone navigation more practicable
Phone integration: The Navi 900 IntelliLink system of the new Opel Astra is compatible with Apple CarPlay.
When the new Opel Astra hits the roads, it will do so with an unrivalled connectivity offer. The Astra is the first new model to be introduced with the new personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar. In addition, two next generation devices of Opel’s award-winning IntelliLink infotainment systems also make their premiere in the new Astra. More than ever, they bring the connected world of smartphones and apps into the cabin. They are compatible with the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop and Apple iOS-8 (or higher) smartphones. With the integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, users can for instance access audio streaming and message reading, and additional, third party apps such as Stitcher, Podcast, Spotify, Umano, etc. (depending on the integration system) via the car controls and up to eight-inch large touchscreens.
“Connectivity is one of Opel’s outstanding features as seen with our award-winning IntelliLink infotainment system. Opel OnStar is further proof that we want to deliver trendsetting innovations in connectivity to a wider audience,” said Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “Opel OnStar is a ground-breaking technology and service: It will make driving more comfortable – but most of all it will add a new, extraordinary level of safety to Opel vehicles. In addition, it enables a direct dialogue with our customers that will create stronger ties with the brand. All this will convince even more new buyers that Opel is the right choice.”
Powerful 4G/LTE mobile hotspot
The new Astra is the first Opel to be available with Opel OnStar from its launch – making it, by far, the most advanced and the most caring car in the compact segment. Created 17 years ago in the U.S.A, OnStar already is the leading provider of connected safety and security solutions, value-added mobility services and advanced information technology in North America, China and Mexico with over 7 million subscribers. Opel OnStar is making its debut in the Opel passenger car range in 13 European markets (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK) with additional European countries following later.
Connected to people: Opel OnStar advisors are multilingual in order to be able to answer in the subscribers’ own languages and are available 24/7 and 365 days a year
When equipped with Opel OnStar, the new Astra doubles as a 4G/LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling up to seven devices to be connected to the car network. The built-in 4G LTE structure is specifically designed for in-vehicle use: it is integrated into the vehicle’s electrical system and includes an external antenna to maximize connectivity and deliver a stable internet connection. As the OnStar system comprises an independent SIM card encapsulated in its module, customers are not required to have a smartphone to use connected services. 4G LTE will initially be introduced in three markets, Germany, the UK and the Netherlands with the remaining countries following suit at a later stage.
Extensive service portfolio
Apart from bringing the latest in mobile Wi-Fi technology to the automotive world, Opel OnStar also gives access to a broad portfolio of services such as emergency services, roadside recovery and smartphone remote control. Opel OnStar’s key principle is that subscribers are connected to real people, not to machines nor multiple-choice mailboxes. These OnStar Advisors are located at the high-tech Opel OnStar Contact Center in Luton, England. They are multilingual in order to be able to answer in the subscribers’ own languages and are available 24/7 and 365 days a year.
Fully connected. With Opel OnStar.
Opel OnStar’s only visible feature in the car is a module comprising three buttons that is located close to the interior rear view mirror above the windscreen. The blue Service Button gives access to comfort services such as Vehicle Diagnostics and Destination Download: for instance, OnStar subscribers looking for a certain destination such as a restaurant or the closest gasoline station press it to contact an Opel OnStar advisor who will send the desired destination directly to the navigation system embedded in the vehicle.
Push the button: The new Astra is available with Opel OnStar from its launch – making it, by far, the most advanced and the most caring car in the compact segment
At a push of the red SOS Button, Opel OnStar users can request assistance whenever they deem it necessary, for example if they witness an accident. But OnStar is also there in case one cannot ask for help personally. For example, if an airbag deploys, Opel OnStar’s guardian angel is alerted automatically. An advisor will then contact the subscriber and call him in the vehicle via the OnStar module to determine whether help is required. If there is no response, the advisor will immediately send emergency responders to the exact location of the vehicle.
The Privacy button allows the subscriber to mask the position of the car and become invisible to the system. However, to ensure maximum safety for subscribers, Opel OnStar will automatically overrule the privacy command in case an airbag is deployed.
In addition, the Opel OnStar subscriber can also download OnStar’s MyOpel Smartphone App. It allows him to contact OnStar from anywhere via his smartphone, for instance if his car has been stolen, needs to be located and remotely immobilized at some point. The app also enables the subscriber to remotely access important vehicle data such as oil life and tire pressure, or to remotely lock or unlock his car.
The entire Opel OnStar service portfolio is available in the new Astra and in all equipped Opel vehicles free of charge for the first 12 months after registration.
Phone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Two new IntelliLink systems premiere in the new Opel Astra, R 4.0 IntelliLink and Navi 900 IntelliLink – which features an integrated navigation system. They seamlessly and easily integrate smartphone functionalities. R 4.0 IntelliLink is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration from the beginning and enables, for instance, navigation via Apple and Android apps such as Apple Maps and Google Maps. The Navi 900 IntelliLink system is already compatible with Apple CarPlay, while Android Auto compatibility is scheduled to arrive in the course of 2016.
New Opel Astra: Navi 900 IntelliLink
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. Apple CarPlay supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third party apps. 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 that includes WhatsApp, Skype, Google Play Music, Spotify, and podcast players. A full list of supported apps is available at Android.com/auto.
The functions can be controlled via the large, up to eight-inch touchscreen located on the center stack, via remote control on the steering wheel (selected functions only) or via voice control. In order to minimize the risk of distraction, the most important information can be repeatedly displayed directly under the drivers’ eyes in the color instrument cluster located between the speedometer and the rev counter. In combination with Opel OnStar, smartphones can easily be connected to the car’s Wi-Fi hotspot. This brings additional benefits such as real-time traffic information or the latest maps, and thanks to the map data being stored on a server instead of the phone, it saves memory on the device. In addition, online navigation via smartphone requires a permanent internet connection as well as a data plan, which can be an expensive experience, especially while roaming. But thanks to the personal connectivity and service assistant, drivers of the new Astra can not only use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for navigation, they can do so without impacting their smartphone’s data plan.
With Opel OnStar, the latest generation of IntelliLink infotainment systems and state-of-the-art smartphone integration, the new Astra is perfectly equipped to deal with the most sophisticated connectivity demands of the modern-day car owner.
