The first prototype of Opel/Vauxhall’s production Ampera has successfully completed its long-distance drive debut from Rüsselsheim to the Geneva Motor Show. On the last leg of the over 500-kilometre journey, Opel/Vauxhall CEO Nick Reilly took over the wheel to personally experience the quality and reliability of Opel/Vauxhall’s extended-range electric vehicle.
Before starting off, the 16 kWh lithium-ion battery was charged at the newly installed recharging station at Opel/Vauxhall’s European headquarters. Gherardo Corsini, Director Electric Vehicle Implementation, headed to Switzerland initially using pure battery-electric power. After around 60 kilometres, near Heidelberg, the gasoline-powered generator started up to seamlessly supply the Ampera’s electric motor with electricity. In Geneva, the battery was plugged into a conventional socket and re-charged.
Continue reading »
The first prototype of the production Ampera today received its initial charge of electricity from the newly installed recharging station at Opel/Vauxhall’s European headquarters.
The new Corsa range has been rejuvenated to provide more power and more driving fun with less fuel consumption. Opel engineers have given the Corsa a complete make-over, introducing an enhanced powertrain line-up that reduces fuel consumption by up to 13 percent, significant chassis improvements and a new steering calibration. In addition to its agile handling and greater ride comfort, drivers will appreciate engines that give more pulling power.
Remember the glory days of racy-looking, muscular car outfits affordable for young drivers? Opel hasn’t forgotten them and spices up the new Corsa with an exclusive Color Race edition that features a winning checkered motif, along with a traditional, vibrant motor sport Sunny Melon Yellow color – as well as with Casablanca White and Magma Red. Corsa Color Race is available immediately in Germany starting at 15,560 euros.
As Opel moves quickly on its way towards a viable future, the company announced today the intent to wind down its manufacturing plant in Antwerp, Belgium in the course of 2010.
The Opel Insignia is breathing new life into the mid-size segment with its breathtaking design and leading technology. The Car of the Year 2009 features innovations such as Opel’s new Adaptive 4×4 system which have previously only been available in much more expensive sports cars or luxury sedans. Together with the FlexRide premium chassis and the electronic-hydraulic multi-disk clutch, the Adaptive 4×4 system sets new standards for reaction time of the controls in the Insignia. When the sensors detect a critical situation, it only takes around 80 milliseconds – or the blink of an eye – for the system to send the required power distribution to the wheels. The power can be distributed seamlessly from zero to 100 percent between the front and rear axle or between the rear wheels. In contrast to conventional mechanical all-wheel drives, the hydraulic controls enable lightning-quick intervention.
