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.

“As 80 percent of drivers normally travel less than 60 kilometres per day, it is the exception rather than the rule that they experience the combustion engine in operation. Of course we want to be certain that the Opel/Vauxhall Ampera also runs smoothly during long-distance operation,” said Reilly upon his arrival at the Geneva Palexpo grounds. “The positive results of our first long-distance drive with the Ampera demonstrate that we are on schedule for the start of series production at the end of next year. One year ago we presented the production design, and today we can already show the first prototype of the series production Ampera.”

The drive to Geneva was fun and exhilarating. The extremely quiet 111 kW/150 hp electric motor delivers 370 Newton metres torque from a standstill. It accelerates the Ampera from zero to 100 km/h in around nine seconds and enables a maximum speed of 161 km/h.

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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 Ampera extended-range electric vehicle will use the energy stored in its 16kWh lithium-ion battery to drive the first stage of the 370-mile journey from Rüsselsheim, Germany, to the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland, without emitting CO2.

At the wheel will be Opel/Vauxhall Director of Electric Vehicle Implementation, Gherardo Corsini. “I am really looking forward to putting a lot of miles on our first Ampera prototype during this maiden test on public roads,” said Corsini. “With 370 Nm of instantaneous, electric torque under my right foot, it promises to be an interesting and almost silent drive to Geneva.”

When the battery’s charge is low after around 40 miles, the Ampera’s on-board internal combustion engine will start to generate electricity to drive the wheels for the remainder of the journey.

A battery electric vehicle would need to find a recharging station and stop for up to several hours to recharge its depleted battery before continuing the journey. The Ampera, however, brings emission-free electric mobility without the limitations of conventional electric cars. It can drive on seamlessly and without interruption for more than 300 miles before plugging into a household socket or filling up with fuel.

The prototype’s long-distance drive from Rüsselsheim to Geneva demonstrates that the five-door, four-seat Ampera can be the primary vehicle in the household, ready to drive anywhere, any time. Series-production of the Opel/Vauxhall Ampera is scheduled to begin at the end of 2011.

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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.

These enhancements are accompanied by the introduction in Germany of several new special editions like the sporty Color Line series. The Color Race, Color Edition and Color Wave variants feature distinctive bodywork finishes and attractive 17-inch alloy wheels. Also, in celebration of 111 years of automotive tradition, Opel will release a captivating 111 Limited Edition in Europe.

The Corsa comes in two distinct body styles, the coupé-like three-door and the family friendly five-door. Inside the cabin, the Corsa continues to offer one of the roomiest and most attractive interiors in its class. True to Opel’s philosophy, it also features innovative technologies at an affordable price, including halogen Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL), a heated steering wheel, active front head restraints, Hill Start Assist, a Panorama sunroof or the integrated FlexFix bicycle carrier which is unique to Opel.

The Corsa is a highly popular choice throughout Europe, accounting for some 30 percent of all Opel/Vauxhall sales. In addition to its athletic dynamic styling and great driving fun, it also offers customers top class quality. Germany’s DEKRA Defect Report 2010 named the Corsa the overall winner, with the lowest defect rate (2.4 percent) 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.

Reinvigorated to deliver more driving satisfaction and lower fuel costs, the Corsa range ticks all the right boxes for customers seeking a peppy package at an affordable price.

More power with improved fuel economy

The powertrain line-up consists of a wide offer of gasoline engine from the 1-liter 3 cylinder (48 kW/65 hp ) entry level version to the turbo charged 1.6-liter on the Corsa OPC (141 kW/192 hp). On the diesel side, different versions of the 1.3 and 1.7 CDTI motors offer outputs ranging from 55 kW/75 hp to 96 kW/130 hp all with fuel consumption under 5 liters per 100 kilometers. The Corsa ecoFLEX 1.3 l CDTI offers exceptionally low CO2 emissions of just 98 g/km for the 3-door variant, 99 g/km for the 5-door.

Opel engineers have developed the engines to give greater torque, while at the same time reducing their appetite for fuel and lowering CO2 emissions. All gasoline engines, and the new 1.7 CDTI diesel, comply with Euro 5 emissions standards.

The most popular gasoline powertrains – 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4-liter with manual and automated Easytronic transmissions – offer combined cycle fuel consumption between just 5.0 and 5.5 l/100 km, and CO2 ratings from 117 to 129 g/km with manual transmission. With an average fuel consumption of just 5.0 l/100 km and 117 g/km CO2, the Corsa 1.0 is the cleanest of all gasoline-powered entries in its segment. The 1.4 engine comes in two variants, with 64 kW/87 hp and 74 kW/100 hp and is available with full automatic transmission in its most powerful execution. The 1.2 and 1.4-liter Twinport engines are now fitted with double cam phasing to allow variable valve timing on both inlet and exhaust sides for more efficient breathing.

Other measures that improve fuel consumption for all gasoline engines include a low friction oil pump, remapping of the engine thermostat and a ”shift up” indicator to help the driver change gear for optimum fuel economy.

The 1.3 CDTI engine is also improved, giving the Corsa ecoFLEX model exceptionally low CO2 emissions of just 98 g/km for the 3-door variant, 99 g/km for the 5-door. The Corsa ecoFLEX is Opel’s lowest emitting car, yet it is packed with 27 percent more power and 10 percent greater fuel efficiency. A diesel particulate filter and the “shift up” indicator in the cluster are standard.

The top-of-the-line 1.7 CDTI diesel engine now offers more power and torque – increased to 96 kW/130 hp and 300 Nm – as well as a nine percent cut in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, to 118 g/km and 4.5 l/100km.

Uprated chassis and steering

Opel chassis engineers have upgraded all major suspension components and the steering system. The result is improved ride comfort, more precise steering feel and greater directional stability – without compromising Corsa’s acclaimed agility.

Dampers, springs, anti-roll bars, the rear axle, the electric steering gear and its calibration software all have been optimized. All the changes apply to Essentia, Enjoy and Cosmo variants, while versions equipped with the Sport chassis, GSi and ecoFLEX models benefit from additional improvements to the rear axle and steering. The Corsa OPC took over the changes applied to the steering gear.

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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.

To keep its performance as exhilarating as its exterior, the Corsa Color Race boast significant chassis and steering improvements that start in the full Corsa range with the Model Year 10.5 and that improve comfort, handling and steering and keep the Corsa fun to drive.

The Corsa Color Race can be powered by a range of new engines that are at the same time powerful and fuel efficient – like the new 1.4 gasoline engine with 64 kW87 hp (only 5.3 l/100 km for the wide range version; 5.5 l/100 km when equipped with the close range gearbox) or 74kW100 hp (which only requires 5.5 l/100 km). The powerful 96 kW/130 hp 1.7 CDTI combines 300 Nm torque with a fuel consumption of 4.5 liter/100 km. All in all, the re-worked powertrains – the latest example of Opel’s pledge to focus on environmentally compatible solutions – offer higher torque while boasting up to 13 percent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The Color Race line fits the 3-door models particularly well, with its sporty contour and exciting, coupéish design. It comes with a standard black hood as well as side and tailgate appliqués with a checkered flag motif, black painted roof and black 17-inch alloy wheels. These racing accents coupled with the yellow, white, or red exterior lacquer turn every model into a winning combination. Especially in yellow, this bi-color look is reminiscent of such legendary sporty Opel models as the Rallye Kadett B Sprint from the early 70s.

The Color Race interior features special matching color highlights, like special seat stitching and vent bezels, a Panorama sunroof and a leather-clad steering wheel.

The Opel Corsa Color Race is also available with innovative technologies like halogen AFL curve and cornering lights and heated steering wheel.

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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.

Opel will continue to engage in the official information and consultation process with employee representatives regarding the envisaged restructuring.

“We fully understand the effect this announcement has on the Antwerp employees and their families and we sympathise with them,” said Opel CEO Nick Reilly. “Many have been dedicated to the plant over generations and have done an excellent job producing great quality cars. The decision to announce this today was not taken lightly; instead, it is the unfortunate result of the current business reality. We must make this announcement now so that we can secure a viable future for the entire Opel and Vauxhall operations.”

The global economic crisis has led to a major downturn in the automotive industry. The Western European car market in 2010 is expected to be 1.5 million vehicles below 2009 levels and almost 4 million below its peak in 2007. It is not expected to return anytime soon – if ever – to these peak levels, resulting in significant overcapacity in general and at Opel in particular. To ensure long-term sustainability for the company, Opel needs to reduce capacity by approximately 20 percent.

In view of current capacity utilisation at all European Opel and Vauxhall plants, planned future product portfolio, timing requirements and financial impact, winding down the Antwerp plant would be the most logical approach for the company. If confirmed, production would conclude in the next few months.

It is expected that the full restructuring plan, when completed, will affect all Opel/Vauxhall production sites and entities through measures such as capacity reductions, job redundancies and/or labour cost reductions. More details will be announced in due course.

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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.

Already about five percent of the 177,000 Insignia’s ordered in Europe are equipped with all-wheel drive. The new Adaptive 4×4 system is available with the 2-liter gasoline turbo and is standard in the 2.8 V6 Turbo and OPC models. In Germany, prices begin at 35,685 euros for the 162 kW/220 hp Opel Insignia 2.0 turbo Edition.

All-wheel drive electronics designed as early-warning system

The adaptive all-wheel drive system receives information from three modules: BCM (Body Control Module), ECU (Engine Control Unit) and the ESP module. This information is sent to the control module, analyzed and then torque is distributed individually to the wheels. The Insignia 4×4’s power distribution travels from the front axle differential over the cardan shaft to a hydraulic Haldex multi-disk clutch, which electronically distributes the torque from zero to 100 percent between the front and rear axle. At rear axle, power distribution is also controlled by a hydraulic multi-disk clutch, where nearly 100 percent to power can be transferred to one of the rear wheels if required. This gives drivers the confidence that their Insignia 4×4 can still maintain safe traction even if three wheels are on ice and only one of the rear wheels can find grip.

The modules receive their signals from sensors that capture yaw rate, acceleration, steering angle, wheel speed, gas pedal position, engine speed and torque, and adapt power distribution to the driving situation based on this information. Even before take-off, the control module receives information on gas pedal position and engine speed and is able to transfer torque between the front and rear axle to prevent the car losing traction. This means before a racing start, a proportionate amount of propulsion power is already sent to the rear wheels. Andreas Holl, head of Insignia chassis development, says, ‘A big advantage of the new Opel all-wheel drive system is that a critical situation such as spinning front wheels doesn’t have to occur before the proper corrective measures are introduced.’

Bad roads, rain and snow call for stability and control

Particularly in hazardous weather conditions like heavy rain, snow and sleet, poor quality roads with potholes put extreme demands on chassis technology. Advanced chassis systems are designed to recognize and avoid dangers as early as possible, as well as support the driver in critical driving situations. As a consequence, driving the Opel Insignia 4×4 is delightful, even more so when the wintery driving conditions are appalling.

An example of this is driving in snow. Many drivers have experienced the feeling of picking up a too much downhill speed, taking their foot off the gas pedal and realizing that their vehicle is struggling to follow the steering direction. The Insignia’s adaptive 4×4 system also comes to drivers’ aid in these types of dangerous situations. With its complex sensor system, the all-wheel drive technology can not only distribute torque but also redirect it to individual wheels in the case of braking on the engine (drag torque) as a result of releasing the accelerator thereby increasing the steer ability and their control of the vehicle.

Thanks to the many control options available such as torque and braking torque distribution as well as FlexRide damper control, the adaptive all-wheel drive system handles many critical driving situations without the need for ESP to intervene. ESP stays in the background as a guardian angel.

Automatic fuel-saving mode and sport mode at the push of a button

The Opel Insignia Adaptive 4×4 system is not only useful in critical safety situations – it also detects when there are no external conditions that require special intervention, such as travelling on a highway. In this situation the system switches off the rear-wheel drive system and reverts to front wheel drive to reduce friction losses and save fuel.

The driver can also steer power distribution at the push of a button. By choosing the sport mode, more power is sent to the rear axle to increase traction and achieve a more agile driving performance. This makes it easier for sporty drivers to maintain complete and active control even as the driving safety limits are pushed out a bit further. The Adaptive 4×4 system stabilizes up to the tires’ grip limit, at which point ESP intervenes if necessary.

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DETROIT – Given an improving business environment for GM over the past few months, and the importance of Opel//Vauxhall to GM’s global strategy, the GM Board of Directors has decided to retain Opel and will initiate a restructuring of its European operations in earnest.

‘GM will soon present its restructuring plan to Germany and other governments and hopes for its favourable consideration,’ said Fritz Henderson, president and CEO.  ‘We understand the complexity and length of this issue has been draining for all involved.  However, from the outset, our goal has been to secure the best long term solution for our customers, employee, suppliers and dealers, which is reflected in the decision reached today.  This was deemed to be the most stable and least costly approach for securing Opel/Vauxhall’s long-term future.’

On a preliminary basis, the GM plan entails total restructuring expenses of about €3 billion, significantly lower than all bids submitted as part of the investor solicitation.  GM will work with all European labour unions to develop a plan for meaningful contributions to Opel’s restructuring.  While Opel continues to outperform against its viability plan assumptions and immediate liquidity is stable, time is of the essence. 

‘While strained, the business environment in Europe has improved.’ Henderson said.  ‘At the same time, GM’s overall financial health and stability have improved significantly over the past few months, giving us confidence that the European business can be successfully restructured.  We are grateful for the hard work of the German and other EU governments in navigating this difficult economic period.  We’re also appreciative of the effort put forward by Magna and its partners in Russia in trying to reach an equitable agreement.’

Henderson added that GM also hopes to build on its already significant business in Russia and to resume work directly with GAZ to contribute to both the modernisation of its operations and the joint development of the Russian vehicle market on a mutually attractive basis.  More details on the next steps in the restructuring will be provided as the plans and developments warrant.

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Opel introduces a new, 95 kW/130 hp ecoFLEX engine to its Insignia ecoFLEX line-up at an attractive price, making it particularly alluring for fleet clients and private customers in several European countries with specific eco taxes.

This new entry level offering makes ecological mobility even more accessible with prices starting at 26,400 euros in Germany. It joins a 160 hp ecoFLEX version already in the Insignia line-up. Both are currently available on the Insignia ecoFLEX notchback and hatchback variants. Later this year these engines will also be available on the Sports Tourer body style.

Insignia ecoFLEX models combine the best of both worlds: They offer low emissions and fuel consumption without compromising on performance or driving dynamics. Both consume only 5.2 liters of diesel per 100 km – equivalent to 136 g/km of CO2 emissions – yet they deliver generous torque values ranging from 320 up to 380 Nm. That is thanks to a powerful, new-generation turbo diesel 2-liter common rail engine refined specifically for the ecoFLEX range. Like the engines across the entire Insignia range, the ecoFLEX models meet tough Euro 5 standards.

Due to an exceptionally low level of CO2 emissions in its category, well below 140 g/km, the new 130 hp version an benefit from substantial tax advantages in several European countries.

When equipped with the 160 hp engine, the Insignia ecoFLEX sedan accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 221 km/h. The 130 hp Insignia ecoFLEX reaches the 100 km/h mark in 11.1 second and is capable of 207 km/h.

Both Insignia ecoFLEX engine variants are available as a Sports Tourer. The station wagon variant of the ‘2009 Car of the Year’ only needs 5,3 l/100 km in the combined cycle which corresponds to 139 g/km in CO2 emissions.

‘When defining the Insignia ecoFLEX, we decided to offer more than just a green car: It needed to deliver a high level of performance and as many innovative technologies as the rest of the Insignia range. At this price, it simply has no true competitor,’ says Hans Demant, Managing Director Adam Opel GmbH.

CD value places ecoFLEX among the top streamlined sedans in the world

The Insignia ecoFLEX reaches a remarkable CD value of 0.26, placing it among the top streamlined sedans in the world – in the same company of more expensive cars from premium brands.

Compared to a standard 2.0 CDTI Insignia, the air drag value of the ecoFLEX models has been reduced by no less than 20 points. Five major modifications contribute to this result: Tank covers were added in front of the rear axle; the upper cooling grille was closed; the center cut-out of the front spoiler was closed; the standing height was lowered and the lower side of the radiator was sealed.

In addition, the Insignia ecoFLEX are equipped with specifically designed, low resistance 225/55 R 17 tires developed by Michelin.

CleanTech technology optimizes efficiency

The heart of the ecoFLEX model is the 118 kW/160 hp or 96 kW/130 hp versions of the new generation 4-cylinder 2.0 CDTI launched on the Insignia last winter. It comes exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox, whose final gear ratio has been lengthened to reduce engine speed and fuel consumption. In addition, a gear shift indicator signals to the driver when the powertrain management system considers shifting up a gear would be optimal to saving fuel. Moreover, shorter gear ratios have been selected for the first and second gears to avoid any deterioration of the Insignia ecoFLEX acceleration capabilities.

A specific, innovative technology premieres in the engine of the Insignia ecoFLEX: the CleanTech Combustion Process. It ensures the lowest possible fuel consumption and level of emissions via an electronic closed-loop system. The key enablers of that fuel economy technology are the new piezo-resistive sensors which measure the pressure in each of the four combustion chambers.

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