Opel adds new engines and premium features to Insignia model year 2012

2012 Opel Insignia

• Best-in-class: New 1.4 turbo ecoFLEX thriftiest gasoline engine in mid-size class
• Powerful: New 2.0 turbo with 185 kW/250 hp delivers 400 Nm of torque
• Clever: Start/Stop system available for many engine variants
• Added value: Navigation system, front camera, high-class leather interior

RÜSSELSHEIM : August 10, 2011 - Since making its debut, the Opel Insignia has won more than 50 national and international awards, including the especially prestigious title “Car of the Year”. Customers have affirmed this critical success with great demand – over 400,000 units of the brand flagship have been sold to date. With new gasoline engines and state-of-the-art technologies, the Insignia is set to continue its successful run in model year 2012. Prices start at 23,330 euro (RRP incl. VAT).

New 1.4 turbo ecoFLEX thriftiest gasoline engine

New gasoline engine with 103 kW/140 hp sets standards in fuel economy

The newly developed 1.4 turbo ecoFLEX gasoline engine is the product of uncompromising “downsizing”. In combination with six-speed manual transmission, Start/Stop technology, power steering, aerodynamic underbody paneling and size 225/50 R 17 low-rolling-resistance tires, it is the most economical gasoline engine in the entire mid-size class segment.

All together, these measures reduce the 1.4 turbo fuel consumption – compared with the previous 1.8-liter version, also with 103 kW/140 hp – by two liters in the sedan to 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers. CO₂ emissions are reduced by 45 grams to 134 grams per kilometer – in both cases a reduction of more than 25 percent. At the same time, the torque delivered by the most economical gasoline engine in its class was increased by almost 15 percent to 200 Nm.

With this performance potential the Insignia 1.4 turbo ecoFLEX can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 10.9 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 205 km/h. Opel’s top model is available with this propulsion variant as a sedan or as a Sports Tourer and – with 5.9 liters per 100 km and 139 g/km CO₂ – it also sets standards in the station wagon segment.

Refinements to the new powertrain also include the optimization of the transmission ratio, resulting in reduced consumption and improved agility. The electric power steering REPS (Rack Assist Electric Power Steering) featured for the first time in the Insignia provides additional comfort. Its steering characteristics can now be even more flexibly adapted to every driving situation. A significant advantage of the REPS system is the potential for fuel saving and thus a reduction in CO₂ emissions. As it does not permanently rely on a running hydraulic servo pump, the electric power steering is only active when it is required.

New 2.0 turbo with 185 kW/250 hp delivers 400 Nm of torque

2.0 turbo 4x4: More power and torque with reduced consumption

The two-liter turbo with direct injection in combination with the state-of-the-art 4x4 all-wheel drive goes into the new model year with 30 hp higher output. It is available with six-speed manual transmission or automatic transmission. The engine delivers 185 kW/250 hp and maximum torque of 400 Nm (previously 350 Nm). This powerful drivetrain with manual transmission can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

The 2-liter turbo unit is impressive proof that increased output and reduced fuel consumption can go hand in hand. Thanks to extensive measures like the Start/Stop system and low-rolling-resistance tires, Opel engineers were able to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions to 8.4 l/100 km and 197 g/km respectively (previously: 8.9 l/100 km, 209 g/km CO₂). With this increase in power and torque and the even more dynamic characteristics – with simultaneous reduction in fuel consumption – the Insignia 2.0 turbo 4x4 convinces with a top performance in the premium mid-size class segment.

Opel Start/Stop system with many engine variants

Not just the two units already mentioned benefit from the Opel Start/Stop system. The 162 kW/220 hp 2.0 turbo with front-wheel drive and six-speed manual transmission will soon be available with the intelligent fuel-saving technology – including aerodynamic underbody paneling and rolling-resistance-optimized tires.

This reduces fuel consumption by 0.5 to 7.6 liters per 100 kilometers. The Start/Stop system is in its element in city traffic, where up to one liter per 100 kilometers can be saved. The CO₂ emissions in the combined cycle were reduced accordingly to 179 instead of the former 189 grams per kilometer.

New infotainment systems Navi 600 and Navi 900 "Europa”

New infotainment systems

The new infotainment systems Navi 600 and Navi 900 Europa are far superior to the CD or DVD-based predecessor versions in terms of the scope of features offered. All of the map material is stored on SD cards, and the maps can be adapted to suit individual customer needs. In addition to the default points of interest (POIs), further POIs can be downloaded and stored on the device. The driver can select single points and store these in the address book as individual POIs. Another practical feature: as well as the fastest and shortest routes, the navigation system also allows the selection of the most economical, i.e. lowest fuel consumption routes.

The Navi 900 Europa system also offers a voice recognition and log book function – the latter with the option of separating private and business trips. An additional POI announcement informs the driver of points of interest in the direct proximity by audible signal, text or popup. As of the equipment variant “Edition”, an especially high-quality Infinity sound system is also available.

Opel front camera with additional functions

The Opel Insignia also offers further optimizations in the model year 2012 in terms of safety. The new Opel front camera, used for traffic sign recognition and lane departure warning to date, now also has the Following Distance Indication which constantly measures the distance to the car ahead in seconds. It is activated automatically from a speed of 40 km/h and helps the driver to avoid rear-end collisions and possible fines for tailgating. The Forward Collision Alert provides a visual signal on the instrument cluster and an audible alarm to warn the driver of an imminent collision with the car ahead. Additionally, the optionally available front camera in conjunction with AFL+ serves as a High Beam Assist.

Premium equipment: Nappa leather “Indian Night”

Premium equipment: Nappa leather “Indian Night”

The model year 2012 Insignia also offers enhanced comfort and additional elegance. It is available on request with premium Nappa leather finish “Indian Night” which is distinguished by a combination of high-quality black leather with contrasting stitching in an elegant Cognac tone. The exterior look is refined by the new dark metallic lacquer “Luxor”, which, depending on the light, has blue-violet color reflections. The sporty, elegant silhouette of the Opel Insignia will be rounded off in the coming months by a selection of new alloy wheels with striking rim designs.

Alain Visser, Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales at Opel, on the market potential of the optimized Opel Insignia: “With its new product characteristics, particularly regarding fuel consumption and CO₂ reductions, the Insignia will strengthen its outstanding position in its class – to the benefit of our customers.”

[Source : GM-OPEL]

Vauxhall Astra GTC: Far more than just a 3-door Astra

2012 Vauxhall/Opel Astra GTC

MILLBROOK/LUTON : July 23, 2011 – Vauxhall’s mid-size coupe challenger caused a stir when it became available to order in June. With a starting price of just £18,495 and dramatic styling from a design team led by Brit, Mark Adams, the GTC is set to wow UK customers and rock the established front runners in its class – the Volkswagen Scirocco and the Renault Megane Coupe.

But the GTC’s appeal runs far deeper than its rakish lines. Unlike many three-door versions of existing compact hatches, the GTC – like the Astra Sports Hatch before it – will be a standalone model in Vauxhall’s range, conceived to resonate with a more driver- oriented customer base who value the way a car handles and performs as much as the way it looks.

To do this, engineers from both Vauxhall Engineering Centre at Millbrook and Opel in Rüsselsheim have developed a bespoke platform for the GTC. Key components – such as the HiPerStruts used on the front axle – have been derived from the 325PS Insignia VXR, while significant upgrades have been made to the GTC’s unique Watt’s link/compound crank rear end. So while the GTC line-up currently includes a broad range of engines producing from 120 to 180PS, drivers can always be assured of class-leading levels of dynamic control.

But the best chassis can only be honed through intense testing on the most demanding surfaces. Britain will be by far the biggest market for the GTC, which is why Vauxhall and Opel engineers have conducted much of their evaluation on UK roads, with their unique (and some may say diabolical) blend of undulations, cambers, rough surfaces, blind apexes and crests. The theory is this: if the GTC can work well in the UK, it will work much more effectively on other markets’ roads, too.

High tech front suspension boosts GTC’s appeal

From the start of the GTC’s development programme the target was to deliver a driver-oriented feel to the car, and one that worked well on UK roads. “Our aim was to exceed the best in class with the GTC’s dynamics,” said Gerry Baker, Vauxhall Engineering Centre’s chief dynamicist. “We also wanted to change the emphasis in steering and damper feel from the regular Astra Hatch to a set-up that was more focused, yet still comfortable enough for British roads and drivers.”

Much of the development centred around the introduction of Vauxhall’s HiPerStrut to the GTC, a first for an Astra model. Based on the system currently seen on the 325PS Insignia VXR, the HiPerStrut uses the Astra’s existing pick-up points, but reduces the kingpin inclination angle by 44 per cent and shortens the spindle length (kingpin offset) by 46 per cent versus the MacPherson strut-equipped models. This helps prevent torquesteer – a trait of many powerful front-wheel-drive cars – allowing drivers to make more use of the GTC’s performance without the steering being corrupted.

Adding the HiPerStrut has also reduced the amount of camber change on the GTC’s front wheels during cornering, improving grip. Steering feel is enhanced, too, helped by a reduction the steering system’s friction levels. The geometry changes brought by the HiPerStruts also mean that the GTC can be fitted with wheels of up to 20-inches in diameter.

“The current Astra Hatch has always handled exceptionally well,” said Michael Harder, Vehicle Dynamics Supervisor at Opel. “But with the GTC, we’ve raised the bar still further. Drivers will instantly appreciate the extra level of involvement – and grip – allowing them to exploit the potential of the basic Astra platform still further.”

Rear suspension revisions complement GTC’s ride-height & track changes

Compared with the Astra Hatch, the GTC’s ride height has been lowered by 15mm, while the wheelbase has grown by 10mm, from 2685mm to 2695mm. Both tracks are wider, too, at 1584mm (+40mm) front and 1585mm (+30mm) rear.

The Astra’s GTC compound crank/Watt’s link rear suspension system has also been revised, with bespoke roll-stiffness and roll-centre height settings for this application. The system has many advantages over a modern multi-link design, including improved packaging, greater wheel camber stiffness and reduced suspension friction. The Watt’s link also ensures that lateral stability is maintained at all times.

The Watt’s link is carried on a small cross-member attached to the underside of the car, just behind the rear wheel centre line. It comprises a short, pivoting centre link with a ball joint at each end, to which the lateral links from the wheels are bolted.

In a straight line, the set up ensures excellent stability, but during cornering it minimises lateral deflection in the same way a modern multi-link system would do. Vauxhall’s engineers estimate that the linkage absorbs around 80 per cent of all lateral loadings on the rear suspension. In addition, the Watt’s link allows for softer bushings, which no longer have to compensate for toe changes at the rear of the car, and thus provide greater compliance and ride comfort from the rear axle.

Unique steering programme for UK drivers

Precision, Feedback & Confidence. These were the three target elements for the GTC’s UK-specific steering programme. The challenge was to maintain the system’s ease of use at lower speeds, but dial in a greater degree of involvement and slightly more effort at higher speeds.

The Astra GTC uses a rack and pinion steering system with speed sensitive assistance. But in order to provide drivers with more steering feedback, the system’s electric motor is mounted directly on the steering rack, as opposed to the base of the steering column.

The key benefits of using an electric power steering (EPS) are well known. At low speeds, the level of power assistance is increased to minimise steering effort. At higher speeds, assistance is automatically reduced to ensure a high degree of steering feel for the driver. The second important benefit is that, because it does not require an energy consuming hydraulic pump and responds directly to the amount of power needed at any speed, fuel consumption is also reduced.

FlexRide enhances GTC’s driver appeal still further

FlexRide, Vauxhall’s adaptive damping system, will be available as an option across the GTC range, complementing the significant revisions to the new model’s chassis. FlexRide automatically adapts to prevailing road surfaces and driving styles, providing drivers with fully optimised handling, even in the event of an emergency situation.

At the heart of FlexRide is the Driving Mode Control (DMC) which oversees and executes the system’s settings, allowing the car to react to sudden changes in driving style or emergency situations. For example, if the driver needs to avoid an obstacle while in ‘Tour’ mode – the softest of the three settings – chassis sensors convey this to the DMC and the dampers are adjusted in a split second.

Standard mode (the default setting) reacts in the same way as Tour, but when drivers select Sport they not only get stiffer dampers, but more steering effort, sharper throttle response and an instrument panel that’s back-lit in red, rather than white. Each of these settings can be dialled in or out of Sport mode via the GTC’s configurator.

British roads: the ultimate challenge for dynamicists!

Vauxhall and Opel engineers are making increasing use of British roads as a key part of their overall chassis development programmes. In the last three years, the Insignia, Astra, Astra Sports Tourer, Meriva, and now the Astra GTC, have all benefited from the UK’s unique mix of road surfaces.

So what makes our roads so bad, but so good for chassis engineers?

“Our road system is like no other in Europe,” said Gerry Baker. “We obviously test cars in many different countries, but the UK’s severely undulating and heavily cambered roads often reveal handling traits that would otherwise be hidden on smoother surfaced and more predictable continental roads.

“It’s not just the surfaces, either. Corners with changing radii are commonplace in the UK, as are blind apexes and crests, which mean that extra demands are put upon our cars and drivers. A good example is a driver who has to make a mid-corner adjustment on an unfamiliar road where the bend tightens unexpectedly and he throttles-off or brakes suddenly. The car needs to work with him, and respond intuitively to steering inputs, but it still needs to be rewarding to drive under normal conditions.”

Recognising that British drivers don’t always have access to winding, smooth-surfaced roads, the GTC has also been tuned to deal with the worst rutted and broken surfaces, even when equipped with its optional 19- and 20-inch wheels (18-inch wheels are standard).

Images : 2012 Vauxhall / Opel Astra GTC

 
 
 
 

[Source : GM]

2011 Opel Astra Sports Tourer For Family

2011 Opel Astra Sports Tourer Turing

New Opel Astra four-door hatchback that is almost a year ago and now the Astra Sports Tourer, the second type of construction in the new Astra line-up.

2011 Opel Astra Sports Tourer Side

In contrast to the four-door hatchback, the style over substance places, the Sports Tourer is more of a clean car. The roof line goes in the rear seats just so rear passengers more headroom and radicals from the direction of the hatch, so that luggage. As the new Astra hatchback, still sports a stylish European wrapper.

2011 Opel Astra Sports Tourer Rear Side 1

2011 Opel Astra Sports Tourer Rear Side 2

If the Sports Tourer was developed to load as much as possible as efficiently as possible, the engineers took a lot of effort to provide optimum storage space. On the back of the boat is carefully designed to each odd that use difficult angle. In addition, a new “FlexFold” Back seat system has just flipped to the back seat. The system uses a spring mechanism that fires in one-touch automatic folding of the seat.

The biggest difference between the four-door saloon and Sports Tourer is the body style, like most of the pieces transferred from the hatch. The suspension of the convertible with largely unchanged good drivability and handling guarantee, but the rear suspension is calibrated to handle higher loads. An optional flex ride system functions such as Audi drive select allows the driver to select and a series from the Touring mode, standard and sport. Sport mode stiffens the suspension for better response and improved throttle and steering response. The Sports Tourer Opel Astra are also electronic trailer stability program to assist owners to pull the trailer.

The powertrain line-up captured the four-door hatchback, with a total of eight petrol and diesel engines. Power range of 95 hp in the Astra ecoFLEX with a fuel-efficient 1.3-liter turbo diesel 180 hp in the 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. A six-speed manual transmission is standard with an upshift indicator for each engine and a six-speed automatic transmission is most available.

Fresh new look for 2011 Corsa

2011 Opel Corsa

• Efficient: 70 kW/95 hp Corsa ecoFLEX with Start/Stop at 94 g/km CO₂
• Sporty Family Genes: New exterior puts Corsa in line with latest Opel models
• Vibrant: Fashionable color and decor choices inside and out
• Individual: Extended Color Line Series gives wider personalization choice

RÜSSELSHEIM. There’s always something happening in the Corsa: Everything changed under its skin in 2010 – its chassis, its steering system and engine line-up. As of January 2011, Opel’s successful small car now gets a new wardrobe. A redesigned face lends it a sportier, expressive look, making it firmly recognizable as a member of the latest Opel design family.


A new Corsa ecoFLEX, 1.3 CDTI developing 70 kW/ 95 hp also enters the range, with Start/Stop technology as standard. The three-door version requires only 3.5 liters diesel per 100 km and so emits just 94 g/km CO₂.

To stay connected with the world, a new multimedia infotainment system with seven, 4x20 watt loudspeakers debuts in the Corsa. Called “Touch & Connect,” this versatile system features a five-inch color touch screen, full navigation coverage for 28 countries, Bluetooth, iPod and USB connections. It is universally connectible, simple to use and has every convenience for the 21st century built in, at a very competitive price.

Inside and out, new, contemporary colors and decors are offered. In addition to a modern charcoal hue, the interior can also be dressed with more expressive Tabasco Orange or Steel Blue decors. The new exterior color palette integrates a delicate off-white Guacamole, eye-catching Grasshopper green and daring Henna. In addition, the successful Color Line featuring special, sporty looking versions are enriched with a new optional “Linea” pack, featuring two large stripes stretching across the length of the body with matching colored 17-inch wheels and exterior mirror caps.

A major player in the European market since 1982, the Corsa offers one of the widest product ranges in the small car segment. It has many features – like a heated steering wheel or FlexFix integrated bicycle carrier – not offered by its peers.

The major technological changes made in early 2010 in the chassis and powertrain also make it one of the most desirable small cars around: Its share in the small segment this year has increased in many European markets such as Italy, the UK, Spain and Germany. The small car is a highly popular choice throughout Europe, accounting for some 27 percent of all Opel/Vauxhall sales and placing itself among the leaders in its segment. On average, more than 400,000 units were sold annually the last three years.

New face gives the Corsa expressive, up-market tone

The Corsa’s latest facelift builds on the strong foundation of its existing, successful design. It still retains its approachable, friendly character, but now introduces a bold, dynamic face seen in Opel’s new design language.

The sporty execution is achieved by re-proportioning the upper and lower grilles. The lower grille has become wider and taller, thus visually widening the car. In addition, closer examination reveals that a high degree of attention has been paid to the grille mesh, which replaces the current horizontal grille bars. The result is a car with a more dynamic stance on the street. The proud Opel logo is integrated into a newly designed larger and sculptured chromed bar, adding to the expressive appearance of the front.

Chiseled Opel eagle eyes have been added to the new headlamps along with the wing-shaped daylight signature lamp that made its debut in the Insignia and is now featured in all new Opel products. The internals of the lamp have also been refined to create a very jewel like execution that enhances the sporty look. The new fog lamp units with integrated chrome blade complete the more expressive presence of the Corsa’s new face. The new look is further enhanced with six new alloy wheel designs and a large, redesigned Opel Blitz on the tailgate.

Color Line Series allows drivers to find their own style

The Corsa family continues to develop its special, bold sporty models, called the Color Line Series. The successful Color Edition with its black painted roof and high gloss black 17-inch wheels, bright exterior colors and lots of extras already accounts for about 20 percent of all Corsa sales in Germany. As a result of the overwhelming response, Opel is introducing the Color Edition across all of Europe.

A new “Linea” pack has been created to attract younger customers looking to personalize their Corsa. It features two large white or black stripes along the Corsa body. The color of its 17-inch wheels and side mirror caps is coordinated with the stripes.

The 141 kW/192 hp OPC version continues to top the Corsa family and was also redesigned to match the rest of the new Corsa line-up – especially with new headlamps and a new grille.

The Corsa comes in two distinct body styles: the coupé-like three-door and the family friendly five-door. It also continues to offer one of the roomiest and most attractive interiors in its class.

Interior sports contemporary colors, sensuous textures and 21st century technology

All interior trim levels have been updated with new fabrics and/or decors. In addition, they have new dashboard molding sporting textured skin, expressive colors and great attention to detail and quality of execution. In addition to the classical charcoal interior, the Enjoy trim level adds a young fresh look with Steel Blue or is available in Tabasco Orange, which comes with TopTec treatment that protects the fabric. The lively, colored interiors are offset with contrasts in material applications such as pearl white on the console. The colors and instrument panel patterns created through a two-tone effect add harmony to the overall appearance of the interior.

The Cosmo has a new grey high gloss center stack bezel with a contrasting wing insert in the instrument panel, plus beautiful embossed seat fabric to give it a very elegant and upscale feel. The new Touch & Connect navigation system is easy and intuitive. Its five-inch touch screen display features both 2-D and 3-D (bird view) maps and SD navigation card. Another new feature is an option to choose the most ecological route, helping to save fuel and the environment. Points of interest can be downloaded by the user.

It also has an intelligent commuter function that uses TMC information to propose alternative routes in case of traffic problems, even when navigation is not active. This function is of special interest to commuters who know their routes but want to be informed automatically of traffic jams on their way.

Bluetooth connectivity allows for safe, hands-free telephoning – even displaying address books on the screen – and is iPhone compatible. It also allows audio streaming and displays music titles on screen. iPODs have full control and browsing capability with no special cables needed. USB sticks can also be used on the new system.

Saving money and the environment: Corsa 1.3 CDTI at 94 g/km

The line-up of the new Opel Corsa ranges from 65 hp to 192 hp. This powertrain family has been revitalized in 2010 with many new engines that reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by up to 13 percent while increasing engine power in most applications.

Starting now, eco-friendly Start/Stop technology becomes a standard feature on the Corsa ecoFLEX powered by the 1.3 CDTI 70 kW/95 hp engine. Thanks to this new feature, the fuel consumption in the combined cycle is reduced from 3.7 to 3.5 liters/100 km and the emissions from 98 to only 94 g/km CO₂ on the three-door version. The five-door variant achieves 3.6 l/100 km and emits just 95 g/km CO₂. It’s mainly in the urban cycle that Start/Stop technology brings its major benefits, with a fuel consumption of now 4.2 liter per 100 kilometers instead of 4.6 l/100 km previously.

Start/Stop’s principle is simple: An engine which is not running cannot consume fuel. Instead of idling at a traffic light, the engine stops when the driver engages the neutral gear and releases the clutch pedal. When the traffic light turns green, drivers simply press the clutch pedal to restart the engine, shift into first gear and take off. By eliminating idling time, engines consume less fuel, emit less greenhouse gases and, also, create less noise.

Importantly, climate comfort, steering and braking capabilities are maintained to keep occupants safe and comfortable even while the engine is temporarily off.

The 1.3 CDTI engine in the new Corsa ecoFLEX 70 kW/95 hp uses a turbocharger with variable geometry and delivers up to a plentiful 190 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm. A particulate filter is standard. The 1.3 CDTI features closed loop combustion control; it is rare that this sophisticated technology is used in such a small diesel engine. The closed loop system uses pressure sensors in each glow plug to continuously measure combustion quality inside the cylinder. The engine management system then makes minute adjustments to optimize performance and fuel consumption throughout the engine’s life cycle.

New look matches the rejuvenated power for added driving fun

The Corsa range was rejuvenated earlier this year to provide more power, more driving fun and more comfort with less fuel consumption. Opel engineers gave the Corsa a complete technical make-over, introducing an enhanced powertrain line-up that reduced fuel consumption by up to 13 percent while enhancing performance. Significant chassis improvements aimed for greater ride comfort with no compromises on agility, while new calibrations improved steering feel and response.

True to Opel’s philosophy, the Corsa also features innovative technologies at an affordable price, including halogen Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL), a heated steering wheel, Hill Start Assist, a Panorama sunroof or the integrated FlexFix bicycle carrier which is unique to Opel.

In addition to its athletic, dynamic styling and great driving fun, the Corsa also offers customers top class quality. Germany’s DEKRA Quality Report 2010 named the Corsa the overall winner, with the lowest defect rate of all the vehicles tested. DEKRA (Deutscher Kraftfahrzeug-Überwachungs-Verein) is a full-service provider for safe and efficient mobility and Europe’s leading technical expert organization.

Images : 2011 Opel Corsa

[Source : GM-OPEL]

New Car >> 2010 Opel GTC Paris Concept

At 4,46 m, GTC Paris, an ideal size for a compact, sporty car, but it still offers room for five passengers. Most of the iconic vehicles were taken from the parties. Many people may be the outline, two or three distinct lines. Same with the new concept car Opel in: In Profile, designers maximum voltage, limiting the number of rows in the GTC Paris. As with tendons, a sprinter, these lines create tension and provide sculptural forms. They serve as a basis for highlighting and surfacing to respond and then the wheels in a very sporting fashion.

The Opel signature blade is introduced in the same direction as first seen in the Insignia – a fine, tense crease along the rocker panel. A second line shoots from the door handle to the rear, emphasizing the vehicle’s dramatic stance by spreading the surfaces to a fine undercut and a broad shoulder. The third line following the silhouette of the roof is finished in finely brushed aluminum that accentuates the window graphic, guiding the eye to the sharply distinct integrated spoiler.

The front is clean yet full of character and features Opel’s typical centerline crease. It is further accented by intense, very slim eagle-eye shaped headlamps acting as parenthesis between the refined chrome emblem bar and the dramatic low trapezoidal grill which hints at its sporty character. Signature LED daytime running lights are outlined with finely crafted chrome inserts that can stand as a piece of sculpture by themselves.

The best of Opel’s compact car technology is brought to its sportiest level on the GTC Paris. The chassis has a special design with an extra-wide stance. It features a compound crank with an Opel-exclusive Watt’s link in the rear, a new, updated execution of the adaptive mechatronic FlexRide suspension and a front electronic limited slip differential. The GTC Paris is planted to the ground with dynamic 21-inch wheels.The powertrain in the GTC Paris is a four-cylinder, 2.0 liter Turbo with direct injection, packing maximum horsepower and torque. It is fitted with Start/Stop technology, proving that drivers can combine high performance with maximum fuel efficiency in urban driving conditions. The transmission is a six-speed manual gearbox.

World Premiere Geneva Motor Show 2010 The shape of things to come: Vauxhall Flextreme GT/E Concept

Opel/Vauxhaul Flextreme GT/E Concept

• Dramatic design meets environmental technology
• Alternative propulsion; shows versatility of Vauxhall’s E-REV technology

GENEVA/LUTON : February 18, 2010 – Vauxhall will unveil a dramatic concept car at this year’s Geneva Show that is set to boost its credentials as a leader in environmental vehicles. The Flextreme GT/E illustrates how extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology can be plugged into large or mid-sized vehicles, as well as compact cars, like the upcoming Ampera.


Vauxhall calls the strategy underpinning Flextreme GT/E, ‘e-mobility unlimited’, which will effectively adapt the highly efficient E-REV drive system to vehicles across all market segments. In other words, the Flextreme GT/E concept shows that size really doesn’t matter when it comes to driving a car with zero C02 emissions.

Sleek and aerodynamic, the Flextreme GT/E achieves a projected drag co-efficient of just 0.22, allowing it to reach an estimated top speed of 125mph-plus while conserving energy and extending the driving range. Stand-out visual features include a low, wide stance, wing-shaped lights front and rear, a distinctive nose and grille, ‘floating’ C-pillars and muscular, sculptured bodywork.

Exterior design

The clean frontal styling features a low bonnet line and an extended nose section, which is clasped by wing-shaped, signature LED headlamps, which are in turn carved into the front wings and across the bonnet line. The new trapezoidal grille is slim but bold, with the prominent wing-shaped chrome bar carrying a large Vauxhall emblem, which doubles as a socket for charging the Flextreme GT/E’s battery pack.

The upper section of the grille is used to admit cooling air, the lower portion being covered by a translucent panel. The absence of additional air intakes allows a low frontal area for aerodynamic efficiency and also enables the Flextreme GT/E to meet future pedestrian protection requirements.

The sculpted bonnet, with a Vauxhall-signature central crease line, features narrow longitudinal vents on either side to draw air out of the engine compartment. The muscular wings and wheel-arches sweep back into the side-body.

In profile, the Flextreme GT/E is distinguished by innovative, stubbed C-pillars. This floating design allows the glasshouse to be extended rearwards under the arching roofline, emphasising the flowing lines of the side-body. Vauxhall’s signature blade motif is reinterpreted in a swooping swage line from the base of the C-pillar into the lower front wing.

Access to the cabin is enhanced by the adoption of rear-hinged rear doors, an evolution of the FlexDoors concept from the new generation Meriva. To preserve the clean exterior looks, all door handles are replaced by light sensors. These trigger the doors to open when covered by the driver’s or passenger’s hand. To reduce air turbulence, exterior front door mirrors are also absent, replaced by small camera pods in the base of the A-pillars.

At the rear, a strong shoulder line embraces sculpted wheel-arches that further emphasise the Flextreme GT/E’s wide, ground-hugging stance. The coupé look is completed by a steeply raked tailgate, carrying wing-shaped LED light units which echo the form of the front headlamps. And taking a leaf from the Insignia Sports Tourer’s book, the tailgate has a wraparound design for improved boot access, enhanced by a convex deep glass screen to improve airflow.

The transparency of the fixed glass panel in the centre of the roof is adaptive, allowing sunlight to warm the interior in the cold of winter, but darkening for coolness in summer. A duct at the rear edge of the roof is for additional cooling of the battery and electronic components.

Managing airflow and saving weight

Integral to the Flextreme GT/E’s dramatic looks is the efficiency of the design execution. The small frontal area, low roof height (1308 mm) and a flat, enclosed underbody all enable the car to cleave the air with a minimum of disturbance.

A series of measures optimise airflow management. The 21-inch alloy wheels are relatively narrow, to reduce wind resistance, and are fitted with 195/45, low rolling resistance tyres. Clear, flush-mounted trim inserts also minimise air turbulence.

The small front intake improves airflow around the nose of the car and the underbody sweeps up, venturi-like, at the rear to further reduce drag.

The Flextreme GT/E also explores the potential for active shape shifting. At speeds above 30mph, a vertical panel extends along the body from the air extraction slot behind each rear wheel-arch. These 350 mm-long side spoilers guide high-speed airflow around the rear corners of the car, further reducing the amount of turbulence.

Mass reduction measures for the body include the use of lightweight, carbon composite outer panels, polycarbonate window glazing and aluminum alloy structural components. Compared with conventional materials, these offer a 40 per cent weight saving which further contributes to reduced energy consumption and an increased driving range.

Powertrain

The Flextreme GT/E concept also includes the groundbreaking E-REV drive system, already developed for the Vauxhall Ampera. Despite its greater size and a maximum speed of more than 125mph, the Flextreme GT/E is estimated to offer performance similar to that of the Ampera: a battery-powered driving range of up to 40 miles – with zero CO2 tailpipe emissions – and a total range of over 300 miles. Average fuel consumption is estimated at 175mpg, with CO2 emissions of less than 40g/km.

Unlike a hybrid vehicle, the wheels of the Flextreme GT/E are powered at all times by electricity. For typical journeys up to 40 miles, energy is supplied by a T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack located under the floor and rear seat.

However, unlike a battery-only electric vehicle, the Flextreme GT/E eliminates any possibility of range anxiety through fear of being stranded without power. The small petrol engine/generator is seamlessly engaged to provide electricity whenever the battery’s supply becomes depleted. In this mode, the driving range is extended to more than 300 miles, until the plug-in battery pack can be recharged or the car is refueled.

The motor in the electric drive unit delivers a substantial 370Nm of instant torque, giving lively performance and projected zero to 62mph acceleration in less than nine seconds.

The Flextreme GT/E concept is a logical next step towards Vauxhall’s emerging strategy for the electrification of the car, which will in time include products using battery, extended-range, hybrid and fuel cell technologies.

Vauxhall Flextreme GT/E concept Technical Data

Body style
Type	5-door coupé, 4-seat upper mid-size concept vehicle
Co-efficient of drag	0.22

Exterior dimensions
Overall length (mm)	4762
Height (mm)	1308
Width (mm)	1871
Wheelbase (mm)	2900
Front track (mm)	1600
Rear track (mm)	1600

Wheels/Tyres
Wheel size	21 inch
Tyres	195/45 R 21; extra low-rolling resistance

Powertrain
Type	Electric drive, front-wheel drive
Battery system:
Type	Advanced lithium-ion (manganese spinel)
Energy	16 kWh
Nominal voltage	350 volts
On-board charger	3.3 kW
100% recharge time (230V outlet)	< 3.0 hours
Electric drive unit:
Max. power	120 kW
Torque	370 Nm
Generator:
Power	53 kW peak output
Engine type	4-cyl. 1.4l gasoline-fueled combustion engine

Performance
Pure electric mode range	60 km
Full range, range extender engaged	> 500 km
CO2 emissions, combined cycle (est.)	< 40 g/km
0 – 100 km/h acceleration	< 9.0 seconds
Maximum speed	> 200 km/h

Images : Vauxhaul Flextreme GT/E Concept

[Source : GM via NEWSPRESS]