Germany: Opel announces Corsa Hybrid concept and other premieres for Frankfurt motor show
Thursday, August 23, 2007, AutomotiveWorld.com
Opel will introduce a range of low emissions vehicles at the IAA Frankfurt motor show on 11 September.
The German OEM will unveil the Corsa hybrid concept car which combines a new starter/generator and stop/start automatic transmission system with a 1,248cc I4 turbodiesel engine. Opel claims the concept delivers average fuel consumption of about 3.75 litres per 100km (62.7mpg US) and 99g/km of carbon dioxide emissions.
Based on the 75hp (55kW) Corsa 1.3 CDTI, the hybrid concept car features what General Motors Europe calls "next-generation belt-alternator starter technology".
The Corsa Hybrid concept uses a lithium-ion battery to provide electrical power for the belt-alternator starter. The battery is recharged by regenerative braking.
Opel will also introduce a Vectra Flexpower sedan with a 2.0-litre turbo engine, designed to run on E85 ethanol fuel, conventional gasoline or a mixture of the two fuels, at the Frankfurt show.
The Vectra Flexpower's engine management system adjusts throttle position, air volume, injection and ignition point depending on the fuel mixture. The unit, which is to be badged '2.0t', produces a claimed 175hp (129kW) and 265 Nm of torque.
Opel will also offer new ecoFLEX variants, claimed to boast the lowest carbon dioxide emissions in their respective ranges, with the Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX making its European debut at the Frankfurt show. The five-door version, equipped with a diesel particulate filter, emits 119g/km of carbon dioxide emissions and has average fuel consumption of 4.5 litres per 100km. Opel will begin taking orders for the Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX from December. The vehicle delivers 75hp (55kW) of power and 170 Nm of torque.
The ecoFLEX variants of other high-volume vehicles to be available at the end of 2007 also includes the Meriva 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX, the Astra 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX and the compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered Zafira and Combo CNG ecoFLEX versions. All ecoFLEX variants will feature the ecoFLEX signet on the rear.
The Corsa ecoFLEX with an additionally longer axle-drive ratio has a top speed of 163km/h and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 14.5 seconds.
Opel has also introduced electric power steering (EPS), familiar from the Corsa, across all ecoFLEX variants as it draws only the required energy from the generator. The variable oil pump also works similarly as it moves only the required lubricant around the engine, the OEM says. Other fuel reduction measures include low resistance tyres and detail improvements to vehicle aerodynamics.
Published on Thursday, August 23, 2007
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