2007 Opel GT

Auto Car | 2007 Opel GT | The modern definition of an athletic two-seater finds its form in the new Opel GT. As a classic roadster, it has a powerful front-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive, a cockpit with sporty instruments and a tailor-made fabric roof. With a wide stance, sleek silhouette, long, front-hinged hood and short overhangs, the proportions are typical of this class. The Opel GT also brings new charm to this genre with its own unmistakable personality thanks to its exciting shape, which contrasts sharp edges with curved surfaces to create a dynamic look, and its configuration, which enables a refined driving experience, even on long journeys. The new two-seater carries its legendary name because it continues the tradition of the first Opel GT (1968 - 1973) and, like the original, competes in one of the most exciting vehicle classes.

Crisp, Dynamic "GT" Look with Strong Face

Sharp lines coupled with taut surfaces give the new Opel GT a crisp, dynamic look. Its strong face is dominated by the fender's accentuated sweep, the bold chrome crossbar with integrated Opel logo, the elongated hood with brand-typical center crease, chrome-bordered vents and bold 3-D headlamps in clear glass look drawn deep into the side panels. The GT's especially sporty characteristics include the long air vents in the hood, the grooving in the front fenders with their dynamic, Opel-typical horizontal contours - like on the Antara -, the double-pipe exhaust system and the twin air scoops behind the head restraints, which are reminiscent of designs from roadster and motor sport history. 18-inch aluminum wheels in new five-spoke design fill out the wheelarches, and emphasize the roadster character, as does the fabric roof, which completely disappears beneath a cover for open-top driving fun.

Chrome-ringed instruments in the cockpit clearly display all important information, while black piano lacquer and chrome finishes accentuate the high-tech nuance of the surface structures. These all combine with optional leather seats with visible stitching to highlight the sporty ambience. The short gear stick adds significantly to the driving fun: directly connected straight to the roadster's five-speed transmission, its short gear travel enables quick gear shifts from the roadster-typical seating position.

High-tech Turbo Engine

The new Opel GT does not just look quick, it is quick! Its longitudinally front-installed 264 bhp engine with turbocharging and gasoline direct injection accelerates the roadster to 60 mph from a standing start in just 5.5 seconds, and up to a top speed of around 140 mph. "When it comes to high-performance roadsters, there is no better balance between price, driving enjoyment and fun," says Alain Visser, Executive Director Sales and Marketing, Opel. There's no question about it: no other Opel has ever produced 132 bhp output per liter. The new Opel GT's engine not only complements the car's dynamic look perfectly, it also far outperforms today's other roadsters and most two-seat sports cars.

Chassis with Classic Sporty Configuration

For the Opel GT, engineers designed a classic, sporty configuration based on a rigid chassis, wide track and long wheelbase: all four wheels are suspended from twin A-arms made from forged aluminum, the center of gravity is low, and the weight distribution of 51:49 percent (front/rear) is well balanced.

A manual five-speed transmission with sporty, short gear travel and limited slip differential provide propulsion power. A torque beam between the transmission and rear axle suppresses reactions to acceleration/deceleration effects.

While disk brakes on all wheels, ABS, Traction Control (TC) and the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) monitor safety, the driver can control the level of ESP and use of TC himself. Both systems are fully active after ignition, with the setup providing driving fun but also keeping the vehicle stable within the physical limitations. At the touch of the ESP button in the instrument panel, the Traction Control (TC) is switched off, but ESP remains active and intervenes as soon as the yaw angle exceeds certain thresholds. Two short presses change the ESP's calibration to a sportier mode and keep the Traction Control (TC) deactivated. Pushing and holding the ESP again for around ten seconds until the "ESP Off" symbol illuminates, completely deactivates ESP and TC. A short press of the button in any mode returns the two systems to their normal states, which also occurs automatically with each new engine start.

The first Opel GTs will be on the road in March 2007 and dealerships have been accepting orders since summer 2006. Opel cars aren't available in North America

Source : www.rsportscars.com

2007 Opel Flextreme Concept

Auto Car | 2007 Opel Flextreme Concept | Opel Flextreme Concept Expected to Achieve Less Than 40 gm/km CO2 Emissions Plug-in Electric Vehicle Features 55 Km of Emissions-Free Range. General Motors Corp. today unveiled the Opel Flextreme concept electric vehicle, which based on the current European test cycle for plug-in vehicles is expected to emit only 40 g of C02 per kilometer (km), at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt.

The Flextreme uses a diesel version of GM's E-Flex electric-drive system. In contrast to conventional vehicles and hybrids, E-Flex uses an electric motor, powered by a large lithium-ion battery, to propel the Flextreme for up to 55 km (34 miles) of electric-drive-only range. A 1.3 L turbo-biodiesel onboard engine creates additional electricity to replenish the battery and extend the vehicle's driving range to a total of 715 km (444 miles). Fully charged, the Flextreme's 55-km all-electric driving range is enough for most daily commuters in Europe to travel without using any diesel fuel or emitting any CO2.

"The Opel Flextreme diesel concept, the third variant of our E-Flex system, is a natural for the Opel/Vauxhall brand in Europe, where it has long been known for technological innovation and strong design," said Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman Global Product Development. "Commutes to major city-centers in Europe will do nothing but grow more challenging in the future, and we see E-Flex vehicles as an elegant solution for commuters."

With the E-Flex system, the generator, battery technology, plug and electric motor are the same in each variant – the source of additional electricity is what varies. The Opel Flextreme's 1.3 L common-rail diesel engine, which is not connected to the wheels, features a cylinder pressure-based closed loop process to control the combustion process and further reduce the vehicle's exhaust emissions.

The Flextreme's electric propulsion architecture also supports two Segway electric scooters with docking stations that are integrated into the vehicle's cargo area. The electric scooters are capable of up to 38 km (23 miles) of range, offering European customers greater access to places where cars are not allowed.

The E-Flex system was first shown in the Chevrolet Volt concept, which had its debut in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Volt is powered by a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery to power the vehicle for 64 km (40 miles) of all-electric range. A small biofuel engine with a generator is used to extend its range to more than 1000 km (640 miles).

A second E-Flex variant was shown in Shanghai with GM's new fifth-generation fuel cell propulsion technology and an 8 kwh lithium-ion battery to provide up to 483 km (300 miles) of petroleum- and emissions-free electric driving.

GM has initiated production engineering for the E-Flex System. Production timing is dependent on continued advances of key enabling technologies – specifically the development of lithium-ion batteries for hybrid and electric vehicle applications.

"We fully intend to bring this technology to market," said Frank Weber, Vehicle Line Executive and Vehicle Chief Engineer for the E-Flex system. "Although the battery required for the E-Flex system is still being developed, we're increasingly confident that our strategic battery partners – Compact Power, Inc.; and LG Chem, Continental Automotive Systems and A123Systems – will be able to deliver a production-ready battery in the near future.". The presentation of the E-Flex biodiesel variant is the latest step in GM's global efforts to diversify transportation away from petroleum and reduce CO2 emissions with a range of alternatives. These include:

The 2008 launch of the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTI, the premiere model in the ecoFLEX range of vehicles, which emits just 119 g/km of CO2. Globally, GM is the leading producer of E85-capable biofuel vehicles, with more than 2 million on the road. This year, Saab will expand the availability of BioPower engines across its 9-3 and 9-5 portfolios, and E85 will be available on Cadillacs this autumn in Europe.The introduction of eco-Turbo engines that offer lower consumption and CO2 emissions, with no trade-off in acceleration or top speed compared to the large-displacement engines they replace.

The introduction of the HydroGen 4 fuel cell vehicle and its inclusion in a global demonstration project to better understand the steps required to move hydrogen fuel cell vehicles toward commercialization.

Source : www.carpictures.com

2001 Steinmetz Opel Funster Concept

Auto Car | 2001 Steinmetz Opel Funster Concept | The STEINMETZ Funster is based on the STEINMETZ Speedster for which an individual range of STEINMETZ accessories has been developed. See for yourself – coming soon to your friendly Opel Dealer.

Engine

2.0 16 V Ecotec Turbo engine developing 225 HP (165 kW) and 365 Nm performance match such as clutch, gearbox and drive shafts corresponding cooling system special steel exhaust system

Suspension

height adjustable racing suspension wheel and tyre combination 17″ at the front with tyres 215/45 and 18″ rear with 255/35

Aerodynamics

new front end which includes the characteristic Steinmetz front grille, plus flippers to improve downforce and brake cooling vents larger air inlets air scoop Air outlets on the wheelarches rear wing rear skirt with integral diffusor

Interior

complete interior trim in black leather aluminium interior components

Performance Facts

Max. Torque: 165 kW/225 PS
365 Nm

Driving Performance/Car Weight
0 – 100 km/h: 5,1 sek.

Max. speed: 245 km/h

Weight : 870 kg

Output-to-weight ratio:4,3 kg/PS

Source : carperformancetuning.com

2001 Opel Frogster Concept

Auto Car | 2001 Opel Frogster Concept | It's as green and fresh as the Opel 'Laubfrosch' (Tree Frog) of the 1920s, as confident and provocative as today's youngsters. With their 'Frogster' concept Opel's designers and engineers have reinvented today's small car concept, presenting a host of fresh ideas for the next generation of car buyers. Instead of a conventional convertible top, the study has an electrically powered roller cover to provide weather protection. It offers a choice of configurations: With four individually foldable seats, the driver can turn the Frogster into a one or two-seat roadster, three or four-seat convertible or a pick-up – all at the push of a button. When it's time to park, the cover slides forward – like a shutter – to close at the base of the windshield.

In addition, this bright green quick-change artist features a mini-computer installed in the center of the dashboard. The Frogster is thus always in its driver's pocket because this 'PDA' is not just a Personal Digital Assistant but also a radio-controlled 'car key' and roller-cover operator. When integrated in the Frogster's center console, the PDA also becomes a display for the radio, navigation and climate control systems.

The design study, with dimensions of 3715 x 1680 x 1530 millimeters, also has typical Opel features like the large trapezoid-shaped front-end, clearly accentuated wheel arches with 175/55 R 15 tires and three-dimensional headlamps and taillights. The concept car also features a number of practical details including step-like running boards and large hand-grips on the rear. Two small loading hatches behind the doors provide access to the load area even when the roller cover is closed.

The Frogster is powered by the lively ECOTEC 1.0 12V gasoline unit (43kW/58 hp) and equipped with the innovative Easytronic automated manual gearbox. The most surprising feature is undoubtedly the roller cover, which serves as both a convertible top and load-area cover. It is made out of sturdy aluminum sections connected with rubber inserts, which make the cover waterproof and prevent rattling.

When the roller cover is fully retracted and the rear seats are folded down, the little green car is configured like a pick-up truck with a load length of 1250 millimeters. When all four seats are up, the load area is 650 millimeters long. In addition, the front passenger seat can be folded down so that even surfboards can fit inside the car. In this configuration, one passenger can sit on the rear seat behind the driver.

When the roller cover is moved up over the load area, the Frogster becomes a four-seat convertible with a 500 millimeter-high trunk which can still hold 280 liters. The next configuration makes the Frogster a two-seat roadster with 750-liter trunk, and the rear seat backrests folded forward. The final configuration, where the roller cover is unrolled to its full length of three meters (within 25 seconds) the vehicle is completely covered for protection from the elements while the vehicle is parked. In this guise, the front seat backs fold out of the way as well, the steering wheel is tilted a few degrees downwards, and the cover locks at the lower edge of the windshield.

The name "Frogster" comes from a chapter of Opel's eventful history. In 1924, the company enjoyed a huge amount of success with a 4/12 hp small, open road car, that people called the "Tree Frog" because of its green color. Designer Stefan Arndt recalls: "Everyone knows how excited we all are about the Speedster. When we were working on this concept car, someone suddenly called out: 'Let's paint it green and call it the Frogster.' We all agreed it was perfect."

For now, there are no specific plans to put the Frogster into production. The aim of the concept car is to test the acceptance of new ideas among the primarily young target market.

Source : www.seriouswheels.com

2007 Opel GT with KW Coilover Suspension

Auto Car | 2007 Opel GT with KW Coilover Suspension | On the other side of the Atlantic, the Saturn Sky goes by the name Opel GT. Same car, different badges. So now that we’ve got that clear, let’s see what the tuning firm Konigseder has readied for the GT starting of with the engine. The Austrian tuner announces that the 2.0-liter turbocharged unit has been enhanced to deliver 300 PS (standard car: 264 PS), and no they didn’t say how they did it in the press release. A KW coilover suspension along with custom made Brembo brake system, complete the mechanical upgrades.

Coilover suspension V1 with preset damper setting permits customised lowering of the suspension and creates an optimised balance of sportiness, comfort and safety. Damping variant V2 is the ideal system for sporty drivers, who also wish to make modifications in the set-up to achieve a more customised lowering of the suspension. Thanks to the adjustable rebound damping, it is possible to adapt the driving comfort to suit the driver's personal taste.

With its separately adjustable pressure and rebound damping functions, coilover suspension V3 permits an even higher degree of customisation to the suspension and provides the perfect solution for those truly technically demanding drivers.

All KW coilover suspensions are produced in the unique stainless steel "inox line" technology. This assures the extremely high quality and durability of the suspensions plus a long-lasting perfect finish to match.

KW coilover suspensions - 3 damping variants for every type of driver

    * Racing-technology for the road
    * Customised lowering of suspension up to 45 mm
    * Coilover suspensions produced in stainless steel "inox-line" technology

"Only flying is more beautiful" was the old commercial slogan in the late 1960s, when the first Opel GT was presented to the public. In terms of driving dynamics there are worlds between the new generation of the Opel GT and its predecessor. And there are even more between them, if you use a KW coilover suspension V3. With it one can lower the car in a range from 20 to 40 mm at the front axle and from 20 to 45 mm at the rear. The KW coilover suspension V3 for the Opel GT is available with immediate effect.

Source : www.seriouswheels.com

2007 Opel GTC Concept

Auto Car | 2007 Opel GTC Concept | The world premiere of the GTC Concept (Gran Turismo Coupe) at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show gives an insight into how dynamic and refreshing Opel's new design language will look in the future. "This concept car demonstrates the new interpretation of the Opel brand," explains Alain Visser, Executive Director, European Opel Marketing. "The GTC Concept embodies the confident, emotional direction we're taking with Opel. Its exciting lines combined with its high driving dynamics and interior flexibility reflect what the Opel brand trademark characteristics will be in the future." Even a new, more refined brand emblem, with the Opel name proudly embossed into the Blitz ring, is suggested.

Key elements of the silk grey-lacquered Coupe concept car begin with an aggressive front end performance face emphasized by large aluminum vertical intakes that intersect the headlamps. These vertical elements are mimicked in the rear exhaust elements, proposing an unmistakable down-the-road signature performance graphic, coming or going.

Another significant design cue of the two-door sport-coupe with its sleek silhouette is the sophisticated bodyside shapes and surfacing. The sheetmetal surfaces suggest athleticism coupled with elegance to provide tasteful distinction in a visually loud marketplace. The car features sculpted side lines that further progress the Opel profile shown on the Antara and Opel GT production vehicles.

In addition, large flares hug the aggressive wheel and tire package, visually suggesting road confidence to the customer. Thanks to the wide track, the Opel GTC Concept provides a commanding stance, planted by 20-inch rims with 245/40 R20 "red line" styled rubber. The wheels reference the motor sport aesthetic of black rims - however, elegantly finished with high- gloss black spokes contrasted with machine polished edges, alluding a signature performance wheel look.

The Opel GTC concept car is powered by a turbocharged, 300 bhp, 2.8-liter V6 gasoline engine with two variable camshafts, which is combined with a six-speed manual transmission. Maximum torque of 295 lb-ft is available from 1850 up to 4500 rpm, and accelerating from zero to 62 mph is calculated to take around six seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph.

The power from the high-tech turbo engine is channeled via an advanced, electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system, which is fully integrated into the car's adaptive IDSPlus chassis management system. An electronically-regulated torque transfer device seamlessly distributes power between the front and rear axles for optimum traction and driving performance. The high-speed control allows more power to be provided to the rear axle before any traction loss can occur, for example during quick acceleration. This creates a driving feel similar to a sporty rear-wheel drive car. An electronically-controlled limited slip differential at the rear axle provides additional stability and traction thanks to torque distribution between the rear wheels.

Major benefits of the Opel GTC Concept's intelligent four-wheel drive system are: optimum traction and stability in all driving conditions as well as excellent agility and an active driving feel.

Source : www.rsportscars.com

2009 Opel Ampera Concept

Auto Car | 2009 Opel Ampera Concept | The 2009 Opel Ampera Concept is the newest addition to the extended range of electric vehicles. It boasts of the formerly known E-Flex now known as Voltec feature. This auto will have the 16-k Wh battery pack which will power a 161-horsepower electric motor.

The Ampera is however unique as it can run solely using lithium-ion batteries for about 40 miles and the move on for another 300 miles powered by electricity alone which would be generated by a four-cylinder gasoline engine. With a charging time of only three hours using a standard 220-bolt outlet this would be great running time.

Just like the Volt, the 2009 Opel Ampera Concept will be a four-seater auto with five doors. It will however be more aggressive with bigger wheels and large D-shaped grooves. The appearance of the Ampera is understandable considering that GM has to recoup its Voltec technology investment. Europe will get first bite of the auto in 20111 while the United Kingdom will get the car by 2012.

Source : www.instylecars.com

First pre-production 2012 Opel Ampera rolled off the line

Auto Car | First pre-production 2012 Opel Ampera rolled off the line | The Opel Ampera passed an important milestone Friday, April 23, when the first pre-production Model Year 2012 Ampera rolled off the line at GM’s Pre-Production Operations assembly line in Warren, Michigan.

Assembly workers will build more pre-production Amperas in the coming months. These pre-production vehicles will not be sold at dealerships, but used instead for testing and validating the production intent design as well as developing the final vehicle software and controls. Engineers in Europe and the United States also use them to tune the vehicle’s overall driving experience. Some of these Amperas will have very short lives as they will be used in safety and structural integrity testing.

“We’re right on target for producing the Ampera for European markets later next year,” said Andrew Farah, Vehicle Chief Engineer for the Ampera “There’s still work to be done, but being able to drive an Opel Ampera off our pre-production line is a great accomplishment for the teams here and in Europe.”

The Opel Ampera extended-range electric vehicle delivers up to 60 kilometers of pure electric driving before an engine-generator kicks in to sustain the battery charge and seamlessly extend the range to more than 500 kilometers. The battery can be charged by plugging the vehicle’s on-board charge system into a standard household outlet. It is scheduled to go on sale end 2011.

(emotorauto.com)

Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept in Geneva

Auto Car | Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept in Geneva | The new Flextreme GT/E Concept car from Opel apparently embodies what the new Opel's vision of efficient design and environment-conscious motoring is all about. Measuring 4.7 metres in length this family car is meant to demonstrate how extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology can be used for large or mid-sized vehicles. The all-electric, zero-emissions solution will be developed further and made available for all sorts of Opel vehicles.

Its low-slung, wide-sculptured look and that muscular bodywork will help it achieve a projected 0.22 drag co-efficient. It will also facilitate a top speed of over 200km/h.

Opel is using the Flextreme GT/E to showcase a new trapezoidal grille with a wing-shaped chrome bar that carries a large Opel emblem. That emblem is not just a cosmetic item but also doubles as a cover for the battery pack charging socket. Finally the wing-shaped LED headlights help to accentuate the front end even more.

Visitors to the 2010 Geneva Motor Show can take a close look at what could be Opel's future design language and its answer to the electric powertrain.

(www.worldcarfans.com)