World Premiere Geneva Motor Show 2010 The shape of things to come: Vauxhall Flextreme GT/E Concept

Opel/Vauxhaul Flextreme GT/E Concept

• Dramatic design meets environmental technology
• Alternative propulsion; shows versatility of Vauxhall’s E-REV technology

GENEVA/LUTON : February 18, 2010 – Vauxhall will unveil a dramatic concept car at this year’s Geneva Show that is set to boost its credentials as a leader in environmental vehicles. The Flextreme GT/E illustrates how extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology can be plugged into large or mid-sized vehicles, as well as compact cars, like the upcoming Ampera.


Vauxhall calls the strategy underpinning Flextreme GT/E, ‘e-mobility unlimited’, which will effectively adapt the highly efficient E-REV drive system to vehicles across all market segments. In other words, the Flextreme GT/E concept shows that size really doesn’t matter when it comes to driving a car with zero C02 emissions.

Sleek and aerodynamic, the Flextreme GT/E achieves a projected drag co-efficient of just 0.22, allowing it to reach an estimated top speed of 125mph-plus while conserving energy and extending the driving range. Stand-out visual features include a low, wide stance, wing-shaped lights front and rear, a distinctive nose and grille, ‘floating’ C-pillars and muscular, sculptured bodywork.

Exterior design

The clean frontal styling features a low bonnet line and an extended nose section, which is clasped by wing-shaped, signature LED headlamps, which are in turn carved into the front wings and across the bonnet line. The new trapezoidal grille is slim but bold, with the prominent wing-shaped chrome bar carrying a large Vauxhall emblem, which doubles as a socket for charging the Flextreme GT/E’s battery pack.

The upper section of the grille is used to admit cooling air, the lower portion being covered by a translucent panel. The absence of additional air intakes allows a low frontal area for aerodynamic efficiency and also enables the Flextreme GT/E to meet future pedestrian protection requirements.

The sculpted bonnet, with a Vauxhall-signature central crease line, features narrow longitudinal vents on either side to draw air out of the engine compartment. The muscular wings and wheel-arches sweep back into the side-body.

In profile, the Flextreme GT/E is distinguished by innovative, stubbed C-pillars. This floating design allows the glasshouse to be extended rearwards under the arching roofline, emphasising the flowing lines of the side-body. Vauxhall’s signature blade motif is reinterpreted in a swooping swage line from the base of the C-pillar into the lower front wing.

Access to the cabin is enhanced by the adoption of rear-hinged rear doors, an evolution of the FlexDoors concept from the new generation Meriva. To preserve the clean exterior looks, all door handles are replaced by light sensors. These trigger the doors to open when covered by the driver’s or passenger’s hand. To reduce air turbulence, exterior front door mirrors are also absent, replaced by small camera pods in the base of the A-pillars.

At the rear, a strong shoulder line embraces sculpted wheel-arches that further emphasise the Flextreme GT/E’s wide, ground-hugging stance. The coupé look is completed by a steeply raked tailgate, carrying wing-shaped LED light units which echo the form of the front headlamps. And taking a leaf from the Insignia Sports Tourer’s book, the tailgate has a wraparound design for improved boot access, enhanced by a convex deep glass screen to improve airflow.

The transparency of the fixed glass panel in the centre of the roof is adaptive, allowing sunlight to warm the interior in the cold of winter, but darkening for coolness in summer. A duct at the rear edge of the roof is for additional cooling of the battery and electronic components.

Managing airflow and saving weight

Integral to the Flextreme GT/E’s dramatic looks is the efficiency of the design execution. The small frontal area, low roof height (1308 mm) and a flat, enclosed underbody all enable the car to cleave the air with a minimum of disturbance.

A series of measures optimise airflow management. The 21-inch alloy wheels are relatively narrow, to reduce wind resistance, and are fitted with 195/45, low rolling resistance tyres. Clear, flush-mounted trim inserts also minimise air turbulence.

The small front intake improves airflow around the nose of the car and the underbody sweeps up, venturi-like, at the rear to further reduce drag.

The Flextreme GT/E also explores the potential for active shape shifting. At speeds above 30mph, a vertical panel extends along the body from the air extraction slot behind each rear wheel-arch. These 350 mm-long side spoilers guide high-speed airflow around the rear corners of the car, further reducing the amount of turbulence.

Mass reduction measures for the body include the use of lightweight, carbon composite outer panels, polycarbonate window glazing and aluminum alloy structural components. Compared with conventional materials, these offer a 40 per cent weight saving which further contributes to reduced energy consumption and an increased driving range.

Powertrain

The Flextreme GT/E concept also includes the groundbreaking E-REV drive system, already developed for the Vauxhall Ampera. Despite its greater size and a maximum speed of more than 125mph, the Flextreme GT/E is estimated to offer performance similar to that of the Ampera: a battery-powered driving range of up to 40 miles – with zero CO2 tailpipe emissions – and a total range of over 300 miles. Average fuel consumption is estimated at 175mpg, with CO2 emissions of less than 40g/km.

Unlike a hybrid vehicle, the wheels of the Flextreme GT/E are powered at all times by electricity. For typical journeys up to 40 miles, energy is supplied by a T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack located under the floor and rear seat.

However, unlike a battery-only electric vehicle, the Flextreme GT/E eliminates any possibility of range anxiety through fear of being stranded without power. The small petrol engine/generator is seamlessly engaged to provide electricity whenever the battery’s supply becomes depleted. In this mode, the driving range is extended to more than 300 miles, until the plug-in battery pack can be recharged or the car is refueled.

The motor in the electric drive unit delivers a substantial 370Nm of instant torque, giving lively performance and projected zero to 62mph acceleration in less than nine seconds.

The Flextreme GT/E concept is a logical next step towards Vauxhall’s emerging strategy for the electrification of the car, which will in time include products using battery, extended-range, hybrid and fuel cell technologies.

Vauxhall Flextreme GT/E concept Technical Data

Body style
Type	5-door coupé, 4-seat upper mid-size concept vehicle
Co-efficient of drag	0.22

Exterior dimensions
Overall length (mm)	4762
Height (mm)	1308
Width (mm)	1871
Wheelbase (mm)	2900
Front track (mm)	1600
Rear track (mm)	1600

Wheels/Tyres
Wheel size	21 inch
Tyres	195/45 R 21; extra low-rolling resistance

Powertrain
Type	Electric drive, front-wheel drive
Battery system:
Type	Advanced lithium-ion (manganese spinel)
Energy	16 kWh
Nominal voltage	350 volts
On-board charger	3.3 kW
100% recharge time (230V outlet)	< 3.0 hours
Electric drive unit:
Max. power	120 kW
Torque	370 Nm
Generator:
Power	53 kW peak output
Engine type	4-cyl. 1.4l gasoline-fueled combustion engine

Performance
Pure electric mode range	60 km
Full range, range extender engaged	> 500 km
CO2 emissions, combined cycle (est.)	< 40 g/km
0 – 100 km/h acceleration	< 9.0 seconds
Maximum speed	> 200 km/h

Images : Vauxhaul Flextreme GT/E Concept

[Source : GM via NEWSPRESS]

Vauxhall to launch new Corsa ecoFLEX with sub-99g/km emissions

2010 Vauxhall Corsa ecoFLEX 1.3 CDTi

• New 3-door Corsa ecoFLEX will be available with 98g/km
  
• Power increased by 20PS over existing 105g/km Corsa ecoFLEX
  
• Even 5-door version achieves sub-100g/km emissions

LUTON : October 30, 2009 – The most economical Vauxhall model ever will be available to order from January 2010 when the new Corsa ecoFLEX hits the UK market, boasting CO₂ emissions of just 98g/km and a miserly combined fuel consumption of 76.3mpg.


Even in five-door trim, the Corsa ecoFLEX achieves 99g/km and, like the three-door, is equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) as standard, which dramatically reduces the most harmful emissions. As a result, Corsa ecoFLEX drivers will benefit from not only the lowest 13 per cent BIK diesel band, but full exemption from VED (Vehicle Excise Duty).

Yet incredibly, this parsimony has not dented this Corsa’s driveability. Despite the improvement in fuel consumption and emissions, the ecoFLEX packs 21 per cent more power from its 1.3 CDTi turbodiesel engine, its output rising from 75 to 95PS. Torque is also up by 20Nm to 190Nm available at just 1750rpm, allowing drivers the kind of flexibility normally vacant in eco-class cars.

To achieve this rare combination of performance and frugality, the Corsa ecoFLEX’s 1.3 CDTi now employs a variable geometry turbocharger which significantly improves both performance and efficiency. To support the higher turbo pressure, the compression ratio has also been reduced from 18.0 to 16.8:1, while the injection system’s calibration has been revised to boost low-end torque and peak power.

Vauxhall ecoFLEX 1.3 CDTi engine

As a result, the Corsa ecoFLEX’s performance is enhanced further, despite using taller gearing. It will now accelerate from 0-62mph in 12.3 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 110mph.

Using the chassis and aerodynamic modifications from the current Corsa 105g/km model, the new ecoFLEX also benefits from a 20mm lower ride height than standard and in Life trim gets 175/70 low-rolling resistance tyres on 14-inch steel rims (Club models get 15-inch steel rims with alloys as an option) and aero-optimised wheel trims.

The Corsa ecoFLEX is available in Life and Club trim only. Full pricing will be announced soon.

[Source : VAUXHALL]

Insignia Ecoflex Sports Tourer breaks cover with sub-140g/Km CO2

Vauxhall Insignia ecoFLEX Sports Tourer

• Third body-style joins Insignia ecoFLEX line-up
  
• Combined mpg reduced by nearly 13 per cent
  
• Regular Insignia’s performance and refinement retained

LUTON : August 24, 2009 – Following the success of the Insignia ecoFLEX hatch and saloon, the Insignia Sports Tourer now takes the green-hued limelight with an ecoFLEX version providing company and private buyers with significant reductions in running costs, without sacrificing performance or practicality.


With a combined C02 figure of just 139g/km, the ecoFLEX Sports Tourer drops four BIK tax bands to 18 per cent for company car drivers, compared with the regular CDTi Sports Tourer. And with a 12.3 per cent improvement in combined fuel consumption (53.7mpg vs 47.1 for the regular model) drivers can enjoy a filling station-free range of up to 826 miles.

But as with all Insignia ecoFLEX models, parsimony has not affected its performance and driveability. Retaining the 160hp, 2.0-litre CDTi diesel seen elsewhere in the range, the ecoFLEX Sports Tourer still achieves a top speed of 134mph and will sprint from 0-60mph in just 9.3 seconds. A healthy slug of torque (up to 380Nm with overboost, to be precise) also allows it to pull slightly higher gearing, thanks to a revised final drive ratio.

A raft of aerodynamic changes is responsible for the ecoFLEX Sports Tourer’s enhanced efficiency. Modified front air inlets feature, as do two under-body spoilers which direct air over the rear axle, reducing drag and lift. The upper front grille has also been closed, while the ride height has been reduced by 3mm at the front and 14mm at the rear. Specially developed low-resistance tyres and aero fins fitted to the rear screen complete the package.

None of this has dented the ecoFLEX Sports Tourer’s practicality, of course. A capacious, 540-litre luggage area (rear seats up) matches the best in class, and is complemented by 40:60 split rear seats incorporating a ski-hatch, which fold to liberate a maximum capacity of 1530-litres.

ecoFLEX Sports Tourer prices start at £21,515 for the generously equipped Exclusiv model, and extend through S and SE trims to the Elite Nav at £27,750.

Sorts Tourer		Price (£)	VAT (£)	Total (£)	On-the-road RRP (£)
Exclusiv	2.0CDTi 16v (160PS) ecoFLEX	17,995.65	2,699.35	20,695.00	21,515.00
Exclusiv Nav	2.0CDTi 16v (160PS) ecoFLEX	18,704.35	2,805.65	21,510.00	22,330.00
S	2.0CDTi 16v (160PS) ecoFLEX	19,104.35	2,865.65	21,970.00	22,790.00
SE	2.0CDTi 16v (160PS) ecoFLEX	20,856.52	3,128.48	23,985.00	24,805.00
SE Nav	2.0CDTi 16v (160PS) ecoFLEX	21,565.22	3,234.78	24,800.00	25,620.00
Elite	2.0CDTi 16v (160PS) ecoFLEX	22,708.70	3,406.30	26,115.00	26,935.00
Elite Nav	2.0CDTi 16v (160PS) ecoFLEX	23,417.39	3,512.61	26,930.00	27,750.00

Performance / environmental information

0-60mph	9.3 seconds
Top speed	134mph
CO2 emissions	139g/km
Urban	40.9mpg
Extra-Urban	65.7mpg
Combined	53.7mpg
VED band	E
BIK band	18%

Engine

Capacity	1956cc
Max power	160PS @ 4000rpm
Max torque	350Nm from 1750-2500rpm (with overboost to 380Nm)
Configuration	4 cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts
Fuel/induction	Variable geometry turbocharger with intercooler. Common rail fuel injection
Service intervals	20,000 miles or 1 year (whichever occurs sooner)

[Source : GM-VAUXHALL]

Green & Lean engine line-up announced for New British-built Astra

2010 Vauxhall Astra

• First news of new Astra’s engine line-up ahead of Frankfurt debut
  
• Downsized petrol engines and ultra-efficient diesels with power range from 85-180hp
  
• ecoFLEX model will join range at later stage with 109g/km combined emissions*

LUTON : August 24, 2009 – Vauxhall’s all new Astra will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15 with a highly competitive line-up of petrol and diesel engines boasting reductions in CO₂ over almost all equivalent models in the current Astra range.


The new model, which will be produced at the UK’s Ellesmere Port plant for all markets across Europe, will have an eight-engine range that promises to reduce combined CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption by around 10 per cent overall.

Highlighting Vauxhall’s continued strategy of reducing C02 emissions through engine capacity downsizing, an all-new 1.4-litre Turbo engine will join the range from launch, producing 140hp and 200Nm of torque between 1,850 and 4,900rpm. This engine replaces the naturally aspirated 1.8-litre from the current range, yet features lower emissions, equal power and 15 per cent more torque.

Completing the petrol line-up for the new Astra is a normally aspirated 1.4-litre unit emitting just 129g/km of C02, and two 1.6-litre engines – one turbocharged, producing 180hp and the other an un-blown unit with 115hp.

The Astra’s diesel range comprises 1.3-, 1.7- and 2.0-litre units, all of which feature common rail fuel injection and produce combined C02 emissions of no more than 129g/km* (with manual transmission). Despite this, their power will range from 95hp to 160hp, allowing generous performance with optimum frugality.

As with the Insignia, all Astra powerplants meet stringent Euro 5 emissions standards, and at a later stage an ecoFLEX model will be added to the range, achieving 109g/km of C02 on the combined cycle*.

All Astras will be equipped with six-speed gearboxes, with the exception of normally aspirated 1.4- and 1.6-litre models and the 1.3-litre CDTi which employ a five-speed manual gearbox. A new, compact automatic transmission will be available for all petrol models.

Supporting the new Astra at Frankfurt will be the efficient, but powerful Insignia ecoFLEX and Vauxhall/Opel’s groundbreaking Ampera.

*Final figures subject to confirmation.

[Source : GM-VAUXHALL]

Vauxhall launches most economical car in company's history

2009 Vauxhall Corsa ecoFlex

LUTON, UK : May 18, 2009 - With a combined CO₂ rating of just 105g/km, the latest Vauxhall Corsa ecoFLEX shaves a remarkable 14g/km off the outgoing model’s emissions figure, and now achieves 85.6mpg on the Government’s extra urban fuel cycle – an improvement of over 13 per cent.

Now officially Vauxhall’s most economical production vehicle in its 106-year history, the 3-door only Corsa ecoFLEX will pave the way for even more efficient vehicles, such as the groundbreaking Ampera, as the company reinforces its commitment to reducing CO₂ emissions.

On sale now, the new Corsa ecoFLEX has a raft of improvements to optimise its already efficient aerodynamics and 1.3-litre CDTi powertrain, which still produces 75PS and achieves similar performance to that of the outgoing model.

A shorter second-gear ratio improves the Corsa ecoFLEX’s driveability around town, while the engine’s generous 170Nm of torque from just 1750rpm allows it to pull a taller fourth and fifth-gear ratio, offering drivers a more relaxed cruising gait and better economy on longer journeys.

Aerodynamics have been enhanced by lowering the Corsa’s ride height by 20 millimetres and optimising airflow through its front air intakes. Complementing these changes are narrower (175/70 instead of 185/70) low-rolling resistance tyres, fitted to lighter 14-inch steel wheels with new wheel trims – part of a weight-saving package that cuts the Corsa ecoFLEX’s kerbweight by 45 kilogrammes.

Available in Life and Club trims, the Corsa ecoFLEX starts at just £11,295, though buyers with qualifying vehicles can use the joint Vauxhall/Government ‘scrappage’ incentive to obtain a £2,000 discount, reducing this price to £9,295. And since the Corsa ecoFLEX attracts only 13 per cent Benefit in Kind tax for company drivers, and a mere £35 VED annually, it’s set to be one of the cheapest cars to run on the market.

[Source : VAUXHALL]

Vauxhall Insignia takes power fight to premium rivals

2009 Vauxhall Insignia VRX

• Nurburgring-proven chassis with Adaptive 4X4
  
• Turbocharged V6 engine with race-bred design features
  
• Unique-to-range front suspension for optimized grip and traction

LUTON, UK : April 15, 2009 – Packing 325 horsepower, a sophisticated four-wheel-drive chassis and a sub-six second 0-60 time, Vauxhall’s new Insignia VXR is set to take the mid-size performance saloon market by storm when it goes on sale early this summer, with a level of dynamic prowess which aims to raise the bar in its class.


Based on the successful 2009 European Car of the Year, and available in hatch, saloon and Sports Tourer body styles, the high-performance Insignia will be Vauxhall’s first VXR model to adopt 4X4 technology, using a bespoke chassis developed through an extensive test programme at the gruelling Nurburgring circuit in Germany.

Highlights are a ‘HiPerStrut’ (High Performance Strut) front suspension system, Adaptive 4X4 with electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) and a 10 millimetre reduction in ride height over the Insignia SRi.

The HiPerStrut system is unique to the VXR and serves two primary functions: firstly, to reduce torque-steer, but also to maintain negative camber during cornering, thereby improving ultimate grip levels in wet or dry conditions.

Complementing these features are standard 19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch lightweight forged alloys are a cost option) with bespoke tyres, revised bushing and damper settings on both axles, and Brembo brakes with colour-keyed callipers and vented/cross-drilled discs.

‘The Insignia VXR is not just about absolute power, but a combination of usable performance and chassis sophistication which is the match of premium rivals, such as Audi’s new S4,’ said Andy Gilson, Vauxhall’s Marketing Director. ‘ In essence, it’s an ultra-fast performance saloon that will appeal to buyers who appreciate subtle yet distinctive styling, but who need to know that there’s real substance below the car’s metal.’

And substance the VXR has a-plenty. At the heart of the Insignia VXR is Vauxhall’s advanced 2.8-litre V6 Turbo ECOTEC engine, with its micro-alloy forged steel crank, classic 60-degree cylinder angle and die-cast alloy oil sump – all features found in many a race engine. Producing 325PS (65PS up on the Elite V6), the engine uses a single, twin-scroll turbocharger and variable valve control for quick throttle response, and accelerates from 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds, achieving an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

With a design inspired by the Vauxhall/Opel GTC, many of the Insignia VXR’s styling cues will be familiar to those who saw this groundbreaking concept at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. A deeper bumper, incorporating bold, twin mesh grilles either side of the main grille, dominates the front of the car, and at the rear, hatch and saloon models gain a rear spoiler, while all VXRs have a bespoke bumper moulding incorporating dual matt chrome exhausts.

This sporting theme continues in the Insignia VXR’s cabin. Recaro front seats, a new VXR steering wheel, VXR gearknob and unique mouldings are standard on all cars, along with different instrument graphics, VXR sill plates and a black headlining.

All VXRs are available with a colour palette comprising Arden Blue, Power Red, Carbon Flash Black, Silver Lake, Olympic White and Technical Grey.

Sitting at the top of the Insignia range, the new model will be an important addition to Vauxhall’s performance-bred VXR family, which already includes the Corsa VXR, Astra VXR and 431 horsepower VXR8.

Since its launch in 2004, the VXR brand has been underpinned by the immensely successful VX Racing team, which currently holds all three British Touring Car Championship titles – Drivers’, Manufacturers’ and Team – for the 2008 season.

Prices for the Vauxhall Insignia VXR will be announced soon.

Images : 2009 Vauxhall Insignia VRX

[Source : GM-VAUXHALL]

Vauxhall insignia sport tourer : New estate of the nation - Video Included!

Vauxhall Insignia Sport Tourer

• Third body style to be added to Insignia range
  
• Powerful design and innovative engineering coupled with increased practicality
  
• New turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine now available with all body styles

LUTON : March 19, 2009 – Despite the current economic malaise, Vauxhall’s 2009 European Car of the Year has been a resounding success, bucking a downward sales trend with more than 15,000 orders taken in the first month of the car reaching dealer showrooms in the UK.


Enhancing the range still further on April 10 is the Sports Tourer model, the third significant body style in the Insignia’s line-up and the first new model to be added since the car’s launch.

Retaining the hatch and saloon’s rakish, but graceful silhouette, the Sports Tourer is available with all the class-leading innovation found in the current range, such as FlexRide, Intelligent AFL and Adaptive 4x4, but with enhanced practicality, thanks to a 540-litre load area with the rear seats up. Dropping the 60:40 split rear seats converts the Sports Tourer into an even more capacious load-lugger, with a volume of up to 1530-litres.

Wrapping this practicality in a sporty, premium body was a challenge set down to the Sports Tourer’s designers. One of their many solutions was to create a distinctive tailgate with large, fully integrated tail lights that curve around the sides of the car giving a cohesive and unique appearance in this class, while keeping the same wheelbase as hatch and saloon models.

Coinciding with the Sports Tourer’s launch is the introduction of the sixth engine to the Insignia range, the 180PS 1.6 Turbo. Available on all front-wheel drive models, (apart from ‘S’ trim) the new turbocharged petrol engine emphasises Vauxhall’s increasing commitment to smaller capacity, forced-induction units, which provide exceptional performance combined with reduced fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

The 1.6 Turbo joins the 1.8, 2.0T and 2.8T V6 in the Insignia’s petrol engine range, with the 2.0 CDTi 130PS and 160PS diesels also carrying across to the Sports Tourer. All engines meet the latest Euro 5 emissions standards.

The Sports Tourer’s newly developed chassis, designed to offer a high level of safety and comfort, can be enhanced with the innovative FlexRide system which provides drivers with a choice of three dynamic settings – Standard, Tour and Sport – depending upon their driving style and the prevailing conditions. In addition, the Sports Tourer is available with a choice of two base chassis: Sport, which is standard on all SRi models; and Comfort, which is standard on S, Exclusiv, SE and Elite models.

“Buyers in the mid-size estate market are craving more practicality than ever before to cater for families and lifestyle activities,” said Andy Gilson, Vauxhall’s Marketing Director. “But they’re not content to compromise on style and running costs, which is why the Insignia Sports Tourer is such an ideal choice in this growing sector.”

The UK has traditionally been a strong market for estate cars, which is why Vauxhall is predicting that more than 15 per cent of all Insignia sales will be attributed to this model. Like the hatch and saloon, most buyers will opt for the SRi model, with SE and Elite also accounting for a major proportion of Sports Tourer sales.

Inevitably, with their highly competitive CO₂ rating of 159g/km and low fuel consumption, the 2.0 CDTi 130PS and 160PS engines will continue to prove popular with private buyers and fleets alike, accounting for around 69 per cent of all sales. However, the new 1.6 Turbo engine will be a significant addition, appealing to those buyers who still prefer the outright performance of a petrol-fuelled car, but who are conscious of the emissions and fuel penalties this often brings.

VIDEO : Vauxhall Insignia Sport Tourer

Images : Vauxhall Insignia Sport Tourer

[Source : VAUXHALL]