Opel Press Conference at the 67th IAA in Frankfurt

Opel Press Conference at the 67th IAA in Frankfurt

Opel Press Conference at the 67th IAA in Frankfurt

Opel will broadcast live from the International Motor Show in Frankfurt tomorrow (September 12). The press conference at the “X-ville” (pronounced Crossville) Opel stand with Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller will start at 9:10 CET. All those who cannot make it to stand D09 in Hall 8.0 in person can witness the unveiling of the Opel world premieres as it happens via the livestream. Michael Lohscheller’s presentation will focus on Opel’s newcomers, the Grandland X, the Insignia GSi and Country Tourer along with the Vivaro Life and Tourer space shuttles. The new models demonstrate how Opel makes innovative technologies available to a broad audience in sporty, elegant and practical cars – true to the brand credo “The future is everyone’s”.

Live updates and videos sequences with the key messages from the press conference will also be made available on Twitter under @OpelNewsroom. Furthermore, the press conference will also be made available on line on the Opel media websites along with the company’s social media channels Facebook and YouTube. The latest “Best of” montages from “X-ville” will also be available there. Opel will thus keep provide journalists and the general public with the latest updates both on site at the IAA and online.

courtesy: media.opel.com

Sharp, powerful, Opel Insignia GSi Sports Tourer: The sporty, uncompromising station wagon

Sharp, powerful, Opel Insignia GSi Sports Tourer: The sporty, uncompromising station wagon

Sharp, powerful, Opel Insignia GSi Sports Tourer: The sporty, uncompromising station wagon

Extra sharp, extra precise and extra powerful with a new top-of-the-line engine: the new sporty Opel Insignia GSi Sports Tourer station wagon wins over not only the driver, but also the entire family. Because it sparks an unrivalled scope of driving fun without compromising on space and practicality. It is simply uncompromising.

The new Insignia GSi Sports Tourer offers everything that sporty drivers wish for: the sharp station wagon can now also be powered by the engine tailored for the Opel flagship, the 154 kW/210 hp two-liter BiTurbo diesel with powerful torque of 480 Nm (official fuel consumption 2.0 BiTurbo according to the New European Driving Cycle: urban 8.9 l/100 km, extra-urban 6.1 l/100 km, combined 7.3 l/100 km, official specific CO2 emissions combined 192 g/km). Standard features include an especially dynamically tuned FlexRide chassis, innovative all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, high-grip tires and a new eight-speed automatic transmission that can also be operated via shift-paddles at the steering wheel – almost like a racing car.

All these features ensure an extremely active driving experience. Opel designers have given the Insignia GSi Sports Tourer a sporty look to match its driving performance. Large chrome air-intakes at the front and a neat rear spoiler unmistakably show that this is the flagship station wagon with sporty ambitions. In the interior, the driver settles in behind the sport leather steering wheel in an optional integrated sport seat specially developed by Opel for the GSi. The rest of the occupants enjoy the familiar high level of comfort in the Sports Tourer – with generous space also in the second row, up to 1,665 liters load volume as well as all-round infotainment and connectivity with Opel IntelliLink and Opel OnStar. This makes the new Insignia GSi Sports Tourer the efficient Opel flagship station wagon that brings more excitement and fun into every day.

Sharp, powerful, Opel Insignia GSi Sports Tourer: The sporty, uncompromising station wagon

Top powertrain, chassis, brakes: GSi is a solid athlete through and through

Just like with the Insignia GSi Grand Sport, the engineers fine-tuned the Insignia GSi Sports Tourer on the legendary Nordschleife of the Nürburgring. Here in the Eifel mountains Opel runs a test center for setting up its performance cars. Opel has equipped the Insignia GSi Sports Tourer with a top engine for powerful performance with a punch: the new two-liter BiTurbo diesel features sequential two-stage turbocharging, delivering 154 kW/210 hp at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 480 Nm from only 1,500 rpm. The GSi Sports Tourer BiTurbo accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 231 km/h.

Those who prefer a lively turbo gasoline engine for the GSi are right on target with the 191 kW/260 hp two-liter turbo gasoline unit that delivers maximum torque of 400 Nm from 2,500 to 4,000 rpm (official fuel consumption in New European Driving Cycle: urban 11.5 l/100 km, extra-urban 7.1 l/100 km, combined 8.7 l/100 km, official specific CO2 emissions combined 199 g/km). This takes the Insignia GSi Sports Tourer from zero to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and to a top speed of 245 km/h.

The foundation for maximum driving fun and effective performance output is the all-new GSi chassis: shorter springs lower the sporty station wagon by 10 millimeters compared to the normal Sports Tourer; special sports shock absorbers reduce body movements to a minimum. The standard FlexRide chassis adapts shock absorbers and steering in fractions of a second. The system also optimally adapts the calibration of the accelerator pedal and the shift points of the eight-speed automatic gearbox to driving performance. Subject to the chosen mode – Standard, Tour or Sport – steering and throttle-response are softer (Tour) or even more direct and further sharpen the driving experience (Sport). Exclusive to the GSi is the Competition mode, which is activated via the ESP button. A double-press allows skillful drivers more yaw and switches off traction control. And if the Insignia GSi driver really wants to have direct control of everything, he can shift gears via paddles at the steering wheel on the standard eight-speed automatic transmission.

Sharp, powerful, Opel Insignia GSi Sports Tourer: The sporty, uncompromising station wagon

The Twinster all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, unique in this class, is a perfect match to the sporty chassis. A twin clutch system replaces the conventional differential on the rear axle and ensures more precise, individual power transmission to each tire. This means the Insignia GSi Sports Tourer drives exactly the line the driver wants (and understeer, when the front wheels push towards the outside of the corner and can cause the car to drift out of its lane, is practically banished).

To bring the performance onto the road with optimal traction, engineers have fitted the Insignia GSi Sports Tourer with extra high-grip Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires – on large 20‑inch wheels. And for superb deceleration at high speeds, powerful Brembo four-cylinder brakes (diameter 345 millimeter) take over. All of this together with the familiar light-weight design of the Insignia Sports Tourer ensures an incomparably direct, sporty driving experience that one does not normally expect from a station wagon.

Sharp design and lots of comfort: Everyday hero in racing car look

The same is true of the interior: here the GSi station wagon model combines generous space and high Sports Tourer comfort with distinct racing car flair. This makes the Insignia GSi Sports Tourer as much fun for passengers as for the driver, who takes it all in in the comfort of a bucket seat specially designed for the GSi by Opel. The AGR (Campaign for Healthier Backs) certified optional premium performance seat with a tall seatback and integrated head restraint – with the GSi logo proudly embroidered – offers superb lateral support during fast cornering as well as excellent long-distance comfort for extended journeys. This is ensured by the combination familiar from the Sports Tourer: ventilation, heating, massage function and adjustable side bolsters. The flat-bottom leather sports steering wheel and aluminum pedals enhance the sporty feeling in the cockpit even more.

The Insignia GSi Sports Tourer’s wheelbase of 2,829 millimeters ensures a superb sense of space. This is particularly noticeable in the second row, where three passengers travel in comfort and the two outer rear seats are also heated. All occupants enjoy best entertainment and top connectivity with the latest generation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible IntelliLink systems. Also on board is the groundbreaking personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar, which now also offers additional new services such as booking hotel rooms1 and searching for parking2.

Thanks to the 4G LTE WLAN-Hotspot3 all Insignia Sports Tourer occupants have fast and easy internet access with their mobile devices.

The Insignia GSi Sport Tourer’s eye-catching sporty looks featuring chrome-edged front air-intakes and exhaust pipes as well as a distinctive rear spoiler for the necessary downforce on the rear axle envelop an extremely practical car. Just like its series counterpart, its luggage compartment offers an exemplary 560 to 1,665 liters load volume and the optional 40/20/40 foldable rear seats enable flexible loading space configurations. In order to make loading as easy as possible, the sensor-controlled tailgate is opened and closed without having to touch the car by a simple kicking motion under the rear bumper. Insignia GSi Sports Tourer drivers also benefit from more top technologies ranging from groundbreaking IntelliLux LED® matrix light to Forward Collision Alert with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking. This all makes the new Insignia GSi Sports Tourer as sharp as it is practical, and above all makes it a safe and comfortable station wagon for the whole family.

33-year tradition: the GSi models from Opel

The Insignia GSi continues a long tradition of sporty Opel cars named GSi. The first to stir up excitement were the Manta GSi and the Kadett GSi (115 hp from 1.8-liters) in 1984. Only four years later the 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve engine in the Kadett 2.0 GSi 16V delivered 150 hp. The first Astra also featured this engine and in 1993 there was a 1.8-liter 125 hp alternative in the Astra GSi. There was also a GSi with various generations of the Corsa, beginning with the 100 hp Corsa A (1988) that has become a much sought-after classic. At the (provisional!) end of the line was the Corsa D in August 2012.

courtesy: media.opel.com

Euro NCAP Five-Star Rating for New Opel Grandland X

Euro NCAP Five-Star Rating for New Opel Grandland X

Euro NCAP Five-Star Rating for New Opel Grandland X

In its latest safety ratings published today, Euro NCAP awarded the all-new Opel Grandland X compact SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) the maximum five stars, based on good assessments in the four safety areas adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, pedestrian protection and safety assist.

Euro NCAP also tested the optional Automatic Emergency Braking system, which Grandland X customers can order on top of the standard safety equipment. According to Euro NCAP, the system performed well in the tests.

As well as Automatic Emergency Braking, the Opel Grandland X offers additional first-class assistance and safety systems. Driver Drowsiness Alert, for example, can detect typical signs of fatigue and remind drivers to take regular breaks during long journeys. Opel’s new challenger in the hotly contested SUV market also delivers optimum nighttime visibility without dazzling others. The optional AFL LED headlamps produce a bright white light that effectively turns night into day and automatically adapt to the driving situation.

Peace of mind for Grandland X drivers is available from Opel OnStar. In addition to offering services such as Stolen Vehicle Assistance or a Wi-Fi Hotspot for outstanding connectivity, the personal connectivity and service assistant can help tired drivers find a carpark[2] or book a hotel room[3] . If an emergency should occur, the “guardian angel” automatically responds to crashes, connecting vehicle occupants to a helpful advisor, not a machine.

courtesy: media.opel.com

Dream Team: New Top Diesel Engine for Opel Insignia Flagship

Dream Team: New Top Diesel Engine for Opel Insignia Flagship

Dream Team: New Top Diesel Engine for Opel Insignia Flagship

Production-start for the new top-of-the-line engine and the Insignia Country Tourer from Opel: With the summer slowly drawing to an end, the first 2.0-liter BiTurbo diesel engines will roll off the production line. They are tailored for the Country Tourer along with all other variants of Opel’s flagship. With the Grand Sport, Sports Tourer and Country Tourer the second generation Insignia can be ordered with the new top-of-the-range diesel this year. The Country Tourer appeals to all Insignia fans looking for stylish and practical station wagon with off-road looks. The newcomer will celebrate its world premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (September 14-24).

The newly designed 2.0-liter diesel engine produces 154 kW/210 hp at 4,000 rpm and develops strong torque of 480 Nm from only 1,500 rpm thanks to sequential two-stage turbocharging (Official fuel consumption Grand Sport 2.0 BiTurbo in accordance with New European Driving Cycle: urban 8.7 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.7 l/100 km, combined 6.9 l/100 km, official specific combined CO2 emissions 183 g/km). The new Insignia BiTurbo accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds with a maximum speed of 233 km/h.

Such strength must be transferred to the road intelligently, which is why the top-of-the-line engine always comes in combination with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission and high-tech all-wheel drive with torque vectoring. In addition to the power output, the drivability (turbo power in every situation) and the refinement of the new common rail engine are also further improved compared with the existing extremely popular 2.0-liter unit with single turbocharger (125 kW/170 PS; official fuel consumption Grand Sport with front-wheel drive in accordance with NEDC urban 6.7 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.3 l/100 km, combined 5.2 l/100 km, official specific combined CO2 emissions 136 g/km).

In addition to the legally required NEDC Data, Opel also determined values in accordance with the Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) which are officially required as of this autumn for the newly developed four-cylinder BiTurbo. The WLTP values (Insignia Grand Sport 2.0 BiTurbo WLTP fuel consumption range 12.2-6.2[1] l/100 km, combined 8.0-7.5 l/100 km, 209-196 g/km CO2) are much more realistic than the hitherto officially applicable NEDC figures (Official fuel consumption Grand Sport 2.0 BiTurbo in accordance with NEDC urban 8.7 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.7 l/100 km, combined 6.9 l/100 km, official specific combined CO2 emissions 183 g/km). The WLTP figures also take different driving styles into consideration, which enables customers to get a better estimate of their own fuel consumption[2]. An overview of the more realistic consumption figures in accordance with the WLTP cycle can be found on opel.de.

Like the existing 125 kW/170 hp 2.0-liter engine with single turbocharger, the new top-of-the-line diesel also features highly effective Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) exhaust after-treatment technology with AdBlue injection, which removes nitrogen oxide (NOx) from the engine’s exhaust gases. The watery urea solution which contains ammonia (NH3) reacts with the nitrogen oxides in the SCR catalytic converter and creates harmless nitrogen and water vapor.

New top-of-the-line diesel with sequential two-stage turbocharging

Opel has pulled out all the stops for maximum fuel efficiency and maximum fun-to-drive. The new diesel features two turbochargers functioning sequentially. The intake air enters the first turbocharger where it is compressed and passed to the second turbo. This is driven by Variable Geometry Turbine vanes in the exhaust gas, which increase torque at low engine speeds and raise power at higher engine speeds. VGT then adjusts the vanes to parallel with the gas flow, thus reducing back pressure and lowering fuel consumption. The now highly compressed and very hot intake air then passes through an intercooler on the way to the combustion chambers. Diesel fuel is then injected through seven-hole jets in up to ten sequences at 2000 bar. The boost-pressure is controlled, according to engine-speed and load, by three bypass valves and an electrically actuated variable turbine geometry.

Apart from increased efficiency, higher power output and torque, refinement and noise attenuation were priorities in the design of the new engine. The Opel engineers therefore gave the engine a cast-iron crankshaft, balance shafts, a stiffened flywheel and a two-piece oil sump, in order to reduce diesel-typical vibrations and acoustics to a minimum. In order to further lower fuel consumption, the water pump is only switched on when temperatures require it. Just like the well-known 2.0-liter diesel, the new BiTurbo diesel is built in Opel’s Kaiserslautern plant.

Power of two turbos: BiTurbo diesels now with Astra, Insignia, Vivaro and Movano

A 2.0 liter BiTurbo diesel with 143 kW/195 hp and maximum torque of 400 Nm already made its debut in the first-generation Insignia in 2012, and was then offered in the Astra, Cascada, GTC and Zafira Tourer. The new 154 kW/210 hp and 480 Nm engine for the Insignia fits perfectly into the range of current Opel power units with two-stage turbocharging.

The Astra, European Car of the Year 2016, is available as hatchback and Sports Tourer with a 118 kW/160 hp 1.6 BiTurbo. The four-cylinder engine develops maximum torque of 350 Nm at only 1,500 rpm (Official fuel consumption Astra hatchback in accordance with NEDC, urban 5.0 l/100 km, extra-urban 3.4 l/100 km, combined 4.0 l/100 km, official specific combined CO2 emissions 106 g/km CO2). The fastest Astra diesel thus accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 220 km/h.

Two-stage turbocharging also brings good performance and low fuel consumption on Opel’s Combi vans and light commercial vehicles. The Vivaro range offers a choice of two especially efficient 1.6-liter-BiTurbo variants: the 92 kW/125 hp engine with 320 Nm of torque (Official fuel consumption Combi L1 in accordance with NEDC, urban 6.4 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.1 l/100 km, combined 5.6 l/100 km, official specific combined CO2 emissions 145 g/km) and the 107 kW/145 hp unit with 340 Nm of torque (Official fuel consumption Combi L1 in accordance with NEDC, urban 6.6 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.4 l/100 km, combined 5.9 l/100 km, official specific combined CO2 emissions 152 g/km).

The performance of the Vivaro engines is slightly surpassed by that of the higher displacement 2.3-liter four-cylinder diesels of the larger Opel Movano. There are also two offers here with 107 kW/145 hp and 350 Nm (Official fuel consumption Combi1 in accordance with NEDC, urban 7.4 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.8 l/100 km, combined 6.3 l/100 km, official specific combined CO2 emissions 165 g/km) plus 125 kW/170 PS and also 350 Nm (Official fuel consumption panel van L1 in accordance with NEDC, urban 7.4 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.8 l/100 km, combined 6.3 l/100 km, official specific combined CO2 emissions 165 g/km).

courtesy: media.opel.com

Safety First: Additional Driver Assistance Systems for Opel Crossland X

Something Old, Something New: Opel Commodore and Opel Ampera-e Shine in Austrian Alps

Opel once again delighted the spectators on the Silvretta Classic with its vintage cars. The Rüsselsheim-based carmaker honored the 20th anniversary of the rally through Montafon by entering three cars from the Opel Commodore A, B and C generations, thus also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Opel Commodore, which made its debut in 1967 with a 115 hp 2.5- liter straight-six engine. A GS version with twin carburetors and 130 hp followed one year later. Brand ambassador and Le Mans 24 Hours winner, Joachim Winkelhock led the way for the Opel Classic team in a 1972 Commodore B GS/E (Grand Sport/Einspritzung) with 190 hp. Elsewhere, the revolutionary Opel Ampera-e electric car also proved its everyday suitability by successfully mastering the Silvretta E-Auto Rallye.

All three legs of the Silvretta Classic started in Partenen and the teams had to cover more than 600 kilometers on winding roads through the Austrian Alps. The highlights for spectators and participants alike, apart from the vintage cars, included the Silvretta Hochalpenstrasse with the 2,037-meter high Bieler Höhe; the ascent to Piller Höhe on day two and the “Grosser Preis von Vandans” as the spectacular finale on Saturday.

Something Old, Something New: Opel Commodore and Opel Ampera-e Shine in Austrian Alps

New Opel Insignia with strong safety concept

In addition to showcasing its long tradition, Opel also created a link to its current model line-up by displaying the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport. Elegantly sporty like a coupé, generously spacious thanks to an all-new architecture and with the safety befitting a flagship, the second generation Insignia not only offers dynamic looks and wellness; the wide range of intelligent technologies is also unrivalled in this market segment. The portfolio includes pioneering Opel IntelliLux LED® matrix lights and all-wheel drive with advanced torque vectoring, state-of-the-art driver assistance systems and a head-up display. Euro NCAP has just confirmed the integrity of the new Opel Insignia’s total concept. In its latest safety ratings, Euro NCAP awarded the Insignia Grand Sport and Insignia Sports Tourer the maximum five stars. High-end connectivity with Opel OnStar and smartphone projection adds the icing to the cake. In summary, the new Insignia offers such high agility, such a spacious interior and such excellent value for money that it even rivals cars from premium brands.

Something Old, Something New: Opel Commodore and Opel Ampera-e Shine in Austrian Alps

“Classic meets future“: The Silvretta E-Auto Rallye with the Opel Ampera-e

Prior to the start of the vintage car rally, the vehicles of the future displayed their credentials in the Silvretta E-Auto Rallye. Opel participated with a new Opel Ampera-e, which mastered the more than 260 kilometers with many time and skill tests over two days with ease. From Schruns over the Silvretta Hochalpenstraße, Bludenz and Lech, the route crossed various Alpine passes in Vorarlberg and Tirol. From around 600 meters above sea level, it repeatedly reached altitudes of over 2,000 meters.

With 520 kilometers according to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), the Opel electric car offers an unchallenged higher range than the closest competitor in the segment. Also approximated to the speed profile (shorter test procedure) defined by the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure) driving cycle, the Ampera-e is convincing. Based on this development test, engineers estimate combined WLTP range at 380 kilometers – dependent on personal driving style and external factors. And if higher speed and power is called for during mountainous ascents and descents, the Ampera-e’s 150 kW/204 hp electric motor ensures impressive acceleration and elasticity with its maximum instant torque of 360 Nm. This takes the electrically-powered five-seater from zero to 50 km/h in a sportscar-like 3.2 seconds; mid-range acceleration during overtaking from 80 to 120 km/h is covered in just 4.5 seconds.

courtesy: media.opel.com