Opel and TU Darmstadt Start Close Cooperation in Light Technology

• OpenLabs: Stellantis operates global research network with universities
• Strategic partnership: TU Darmstadt is first OpenLab in Germany
• Five main areas of development: Communication and assistance systems, adaptive headlamps, rear lights, interior lighting, light sources

Objective: Scientific insights for use in future generations of automotive lighting

Opel and the Technical University of Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt) have begun joint research into new lighting technologies. Cooperation is part of the global Stellantis research network with respected universities. In currently 15 so-called “OpenLabs”, scientific knowledge is gained for use in technology systems of future vehicle generations. Strategic partnership with TU Darmstadt, the first Stellantis OpenLab in Germany, will enable a new era of lighting technologies. In addition, Stellantis is funding three doctoral students at the university’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, initially for the next four years.

“Advanced adaptive light systems do so much more than just illuminate the road according to the prevailing conditions,” said Opel CEO Uwe Hochgeschurtz. “They are linked to numerous assistance systems and make driving safer and more comfortable. Together with TU Darmstadt, we want to develop all-new lighting systems and bring them to the market. We are pleased to be working with the science and research experts from TU Darmstadt.”

Out of the lab and into the car

Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD: Pixel-Vizor

Pixel-Vizor front end of the Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD already demonstrates how safety in road traffic can be increased via innovative lighting systems. “We take a holistic view of the subject of light. Light has a great relevance in many areas of the automobile, which goes far beyond the headlamps," explained Philipp Röckl, Lead Innovation Engineer Exterior Lighting. Research in the OpenLab at TU Darmstadt therefore focusses on the further development of communication and driver assistance systems, adaptive headlamps systems, rear lights, interior lighting and light sources in general.

Funded research will include an intelligent, self-adapting headlamp and tail-lamp system that optimally adapts to the environment and traffic situation as well as other influencing factors. Initial tests with a prototype are already planned for the end of the year. “We want to revolutionise automotive lighting with this technology, and accompany the development through all stages, from research to prototypes and testing to the finished product,” said Professor Tran Quoc Khanh, Head of the Department of Adaptive Lighting Systems and Visual Processing at the TU Darmstadt.

Cooperation accelerates safety gains on the road

For both cooperation partners, the new Open Lab means a win-win situation on the way to future light generations: Stellantis can draw on the expertise of the renowned TU Darmstadt to transfer research findings into vehicle systems and the TU's doctoral students can use the automotive company's technical infrastructure to test their developments in the field.

"We have been working with the experts in Professor Khanh's field for many years. This cooperation in the field of lighting technology will be intensified and strengthened in the long term by the OpenLab," adds Philipp Röckl. Current research project is initially scheduled for four years. However, the aim is to establish a strategic cooperation for the next ten years and beyond.

“If everything goes as planned, the first vehicles with the lighting technologies developed with Stellantis will be seen on the roads by 2028”, said Professor Khanh. “They will have one of the most intelligent lighting technologies in the world.”

IntelliLux LED Pixel Light already in today’s Opel Insignia, Grandland and Astra

Making innovative lighting technologies affordable for a broad range of buyers is a tradition at Opel, as the all-new Astra is currently demonstrating. In 2015, previous generation (“European Car of the Year 2016”) brought ground-breaking IntelliLux LED Matrix light to the compact class. 

2015: First in class - Opel Astra with IntelliLux LED Matrix light

Now the next stage of development has begun: IntelliLux LED Pixel light familiar from the Opel flagships Insignia and new SUV Grandland is celebrating its Astra premiere. 

2021: High-resolution premium lighting - All-New Opel Astra with IntelliLux LED Pixel light 

With a total of 168 LED elements – 84 per headlamp – compact class newcomer ensures a precise and seamless light pattern at all times, adapted to the situation and without dazzling other road users. LEDs are integrated in ultra-slim headlights. Main headlamp “cuts out” oncoming vehicles within milliseconds. Remaining areas continue to be illuminated with full high beam, for optimum visibility and safety at all times.

All-New Opel Astra with IntelliLux LED Pixel light: Glare-free high beams

All-New Opel Astra Sports Tourer: Now Available from €23,565

• From launch: Choice of highly efficient plug-in hybrid and internal combustion engines
• Always standard: Assistance systems such as front collision warning with emergency braking, lane departure warning and drowsiness detection
• Truly electrifying: Opel Astra Sports Tourer Hybrid with Environmental Bonus from €29,722.50
• Segment leading: IntelliLux LED Pixel Light with 168 LED elements
• Classy estate: Bold and pure with Opel Vizor and two-tone paintwork, fully digital Pure Panel, AGR ergonomic seats and up to 1,634 litres boot volume
• Electrification offensive: Pure battery-electric Opel Astra Sports Tourer to follow in 2023

All-New Opel Astra Sports Tourer: Now Available from €23,565

Production of the new Opel Astra generation in Rüsselsheim has just started with the five-door model – and all-new Opel Astra Sports Tourer is also already available to order. With pure and bold styling, the new compact class estate features innovative technologies and the fully digital, intuitively operated Pure Panel cockpit. All this comes at attractive prices: customers can order the completely redesigned Opel Astra Sports Tourer starting at €23,565 (all prices RRP including VAT in Germany). Numerous state-of-the-art assistance systems such as front collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, drowsiness detection as well as cruise control with intelligent speed limiter are standard equipment in every version. A head-up display can be ordered as an option, so that the driver's focus can always remain on the road. In addition, there is plenty of space for luggage and equipment in the load compartment, which can hold up to 1,634 litres (with the seats folded down). Lively performance at the entry level is provided by the 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo, direct injection petrol engine (81 kW/110 hp) with six-speed manual gearbox (WLTP1 combined fuel consumption: 5.7-5.5 l/100 km, 129-125 g/km CO2).

Opel is consistently continuing its electric offensive with all-new Astra Sports Tourer. Newcomer is also the brand's first electrified estate – and can be ordered now as a powerful and highly efficient plug-in hybrid. Electric version of Opel Sports Tourer fun starts at just €36,900; after deducting the Environmental Bonus, the purchase price is only €29,722.50. With a system output of 133 kW/180 hp and a powerful 360 Newton metres of maximum torque, sporty and responsible driving fun are perfectly combined (WLTP 1 combined fuel consumption: 1.2-1.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 26-25 g/km). As a plug-in hybrid, new Opel Astra Sports Tourer can cover up to 60 kilometres (according to WLTP 2) purely electrically emissions-free.

“With the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer, we make a real statement in compact class estates. It features innovative, digital technologies such as the Pure Panel cockpit, which is otherwise only available in higher vehicle segments. In addition, we offer a typical Opel package with plenty of space for passengers and luggage. Sports Tourer comes as a plug-in hybrid right at the start of sales, to be followed by a purely battery-electric version in the not-too-distant future. And the Astra Sports Tourer also looks fantastic,” says Opel CEO Uwe Hochgeschurtz.

Like the Opel Astra-e five-door model, battery-electric version of the all-new Opel Astra Sports Tourer will complete the drive portfolio of the compact class bestseller in the course of 2023. Details will follow at a later date.

So beautiful, so practical: Emotional design meets everyday practicality

All-new Opel Astra Sports Tourer, like the five-door model, is a true design statement: bold and pure, it is the first Opel estate to feature the new Opel Vizor brand face. Under the Vizor are class-leading technologies such as the latest version of the adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux LED Pixel Light. Light system with a total of 168 LED elements comes directly from Opel's flagships Insignia and Grandland. All-new Opel Astra is also the first estate to be available with a stylish two-tone paint finish. Under the sleek silhouette stretching from the front to the characteristic rear with a vertical third brake light, there is plenty of space for all everyday needs.

With vital statistics of 4,642 x 1,860 x 1,480 millimetres (L x W x H) and a loading height of around 600 mm, the practical new Astra Sports Tourer further strengthens Opel’s leading reputation in the estate market sector and also displays the brand’s typical talent for efficient packaging. However, the overall length is 60 mm shorter than that of the previous model, thanks to the particularly short front overhang, and despite the considerably longer wheelbase of 2,732 mm (+70 mm) that is even 57 mm longer than that of the new Opel Astra hatchback.

Load volume for the combustion engine variants with the seats folded down is up to 1,634 litres. In addition, there are practical details such as the “Intelli-Space” loading floor, which can be adjusted to two heights and parked at a 45-degree angle. For even higher convenience, the retractable boot storage cover can be stowed when the moveable floor is in both the upper as well as the lower position. All- new Opel Astra Sports Tourer with IntelliSpace can also make life easier in the event of a flat tyre. The kits for tyre repair and first aid are stored in clever underfloor compartments that can be accessed from the boot or rear passenger seating area. This means that the kits can be reached without needing to fully unpack the boot. So not only luggage and equipment but also items such as a dog box can be comfortably accommodated. And even Opel Astra plug-in hybrid with lithium-ion batteries installed in underbody can still hold up to 1,553 litres.

Leap in time in interior: Fully digital Pure Panel cockpit

Interior of the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer has taken a big step forward too. Fully digital Pure Panel human-machine-interface (HMI) offers customers a pure, intuitive experience. Operation is via an extra-wide touchscreen, just like a smartphone. Important settings such as climate control can still be selected directly via just a few switches. There is no need for cables in the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer either, since the new generation of multimedia infotainment and connectivity systems can be connected to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via compatible smartphones, already available on the entry-level variant.

Outstanding seating comfort is typical of Opel. Developed in-house, the front seats of the new Astra Sports Tourer are certified by Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. / Campaign for Healthier Backs (AGR). Ultra-ergonomic seats are best compact class has to offer, featuring a wide range of optional adjustments depending on trim level, from electro-pneumatic lumbar support to adjustable side bolsters. In Nappa leather, they even offer ventilation and massage for the driver and front passenger, and heating for the front and outer rear seats.

[1] Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures mentioned comply with the WLTP homologation (regulation EU 2017/948). From 1 September 2018, new vehicles are type-approved using the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), which is a new, more realistic test procedure for measuring fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The WLTP fully replaces the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC), which was the test procedure used previously. Due to more realistic test conditions, the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions measured under the WLTP are in many cases higher compared to those measured under the NEDC. The fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures may vary depending on specific equipment, options and format of tires.

[2] Pure electric range according to WLTP: 59-60 km; electric range (EAER City) according to WLTP: 68-73 km. Range determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). Actual range can vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular on personal driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and thermal preconditioning.

Feel-good Comfort as Standard: Opel Mokka-e in Winter Weather

• Heat pump included: Set cosy temperature in compact e-car via myOpel app
• More heat sources: Optional heated seats and heated steering wheel
• Perfect for the mountains: Dynamic, powerful and with energy recuperation

Opel Mokka-e

Head into snow-covered mountains with an electric car? Is that a good idea? Absolutely: compact Opel Mokka-e is dynamic, powerful and offers plenty of cosy comfort, even in frosty weather. It’s the right electric car for a trip into the snow of the Allgäu or the Alps. With the excitingly styled Opel Mokka-e, driver and passengers not only turn heads wherever they go, they are also always on the road emissions-free. While the snowstorm rages outside, it is always pleasantly warm inside for everyone. Because Opel Mokka-e has numerous heating systems on board.

(Pre)heating made easy: Via app and heat pump

It starts even before the journey: if you want to climb straight into a comfortably preheated car and drive off in winter, the battery-electric Opel Mokka-e is the right choice. Owners of the e‑car can use the myOpel app to programme pre-heating of interior from comfort of their couch before setting off. Within a few minutes, car cabin not only reaches a comfortable temperature, but the windows are also ice-free in frosty conditions.

Opel Mokka-e: myOpel app

At the same time, efficient energy management is necessary, especially in winter, to keep Opel Mokka-e’s energy consumption low and the range high. To do this, simply switch on the pre-temperature control while Opel e-car is connected to the external power supply via a household socket, a wallbox or a fast charger. This way, the energy required for heating comes from the external power supply and the full electric range of up to 338 kilometres (according to WLTP 1) is available at the start. Thanks to the heat pump fitted as standard, waste and lost heat generated can be used to heat the interior without having to switch on a conventional heating, which would compromise range.

On-the-road comfort and safety: Heating technologies in Opel Mokka-e

Opel Mokka-e: Heated comfort seats 

You can simply sit back and enjoy drive. Multi-adjustable, optionally heated comfort seats are a feel-good, health and safety feature all in one. Thanks to the optional seat heating for driver and front passenger, the winter jacket can be taken off even before the journey begins. This means that no thick clothing restricts freedom of movement and the seat belt can be fitted snugly to the body without any slack – this is the only way it can develop its full protective effect in the event of a collision. Safety is also enhanced by heated steering wheel, which warms the fingers in just a few seconds. This means the driver no longer needs to wear annoying gloves and always has everything firmly under control. And standard footwell heating in the rear ensures that passengers’ feet stay warm during the journey.

Opel Mokka-e: Heated steering wheel

Use the descent: Generate energy with braking recuperation system

In addition to the feel-good arguments offered by the Opel Mokka-e, there is also responsible driving pleasure with the compact electric model – especially in the mountains. Agility and road holding of the Opel Mokka-e are additional benefits in hilly terrain. Battery is installed in the underbody for a particularly low centre of gravity. So the car seems to corner as if on rails. The “Golden Steering Wheel 2021” 2 winner is powered by a 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor. While internal combustion engine models first have to get back up to speed out of tight hairpin bends, electric SUV has 260 Nm of torque at its disposal even from a standstill – guaranteeing driving fun on serpentine roads.

Opel Mokka-e is powered by 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor

Opel Mokka-e also distinguished by its talents for energy recuperation and deceleration. Electric motor becomes a generator and converts the kinetic energy of descent into electricity. If the driver shifts into drive mode B, recuperation and deceleration is increased. 50 kWh battery is recharged at zero cost – and energy saved for the next ascent.

With all these technologies, Opel Mokka-e drivers and passengers can set off into the snow-covered mountains in comfort, efficiently and emissions-free, with lots of driving fun before they hit the slopes.

[1] Range determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). The actual range can vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular on personal driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and thermal preconditioning.

[2] “Golden Steering Wheel 2021” Opel Mokka-e (power consumption according to WLTP 16.2-15.8 kWh/100 km, CO2 emissions 0 g/km, range up to 338 km, efficiency class A+++): AUTO BILD edition 45/2021 and BILD AM SONNTAG edition 46/2021, category for “Best Car under €25,000” incl. environmental bonus.