- Mokka sub-compact SUV and Astra OPC to debut in Geneva
- Opel unveils “RAD e” – first e-bike built around automotive construction principles
- Ampera among finalists of “Car of the Year 2012” award
- Opel press conference on March 6, 11:30 hrs in Hall 2
Rüsselsheim. Opel is looking forward to two world premieres at this year’s Geneva Motor Show (March 6-18, 2012): the all-new Mokka sub-compact SUV and the new Astra OPC. Entirely in line with this year’s show motto “Driving into the future”, with the new Mokka, Opel is the first German manufacturer to enter the fast growing SUV-B segment.
Visitors to the Opel press conference on March 6, Geneva Palexpo, Hall 2 at 11:30 hrs will be able to see that not only is Opel expanding its vehicle range with the new Mokka and the new Astra OPC but it is delivering even more emotion to the brand and the customer.
The new 206 kW/280 hp Astra OPC compact sports coupé is the most powerful Astra ever and offers customers a sporty driving experience as well as a lot of emotion. And there are even more reasons to celebrate for Opel which is currently marking its 150th anniversary year: the revolutionary electric Ampera with range extender is among the finalists for the “Car of the Year” award, and the brand will unveil its futuristic e-bike “RAD e”. Opel is also underscoring its leading role in technology with the new exclusive sequential double turbo system in the 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI diesel engine of the Insignia.
World premiere: compact in size, big in attitude – the new Mokka
Despite its 4.28 meter measurement, the Mokka generously accommodates five people in a higher seating position. It delivers on Opel’s promise to combine attractive design with innovative technologies and upmarket functionalities, making them accessible to a wider segment of customers. A dynamic driving experience is provided by three efficient engines, including the gasoline 1.6 liter 85 kW/115 hp and the 103 kW/140 hp 1.4 l Turbo versions and the 1.7 CDTI with 96 kW/130 hp. Safety is enhanced with new technologies brought to its segment, for example the Driver Assistance Systems that are based on the Opel Eye front camera system, as well as a rear view camera.
Front-wheel and all-wheel-drive are both available in the new Opel Mokka. The all-wheel drive system (AWD) ensures a high level of stability and safety, while also extending the Mokka’s capabilities to more rugged environments. When handling and traction are put to the test, the system automatically and seamlessly transfers power to the rear wheels. Standard features that enhance the driving experience across all Mokka versions include the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the Traction Control (TC) as well as the Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) systems – which improve driving comfort and safety in uphill or downhill terrain.
World Premiere: new Astra OPC – most powerful Astra ever
With the new Astra OPC, the high-performance version of the Astra GTC has its world premiere in Geneva. The OPC´s 206 kW/280 hp 2.0 liter direct injection turbocharged gasoline engine is capable of maximum torque of 400 Nm and a top speed of 250 km/h. Never before has an Astra reached such a speed. The High Performance Struts (HiPerStruts) on the Astra OPC are one of its big highlights, allowing the car to deliver power without compromise. In combination with the FlexRide chassis system, featuring a dedicated Sport- and OPC-drive mode, the Astra OPC delivers refined handling abilities.
The Astra OPC also features a new high-performance bucket seat with state-of-the art technology. Both front seats increase the sporty and dynamic driving experience by introducing cutting-edge weight-saving material, a lower seating position and enhanced side support. The weight saving on the new seat shell compared to a conventional one is 45 percent. No other car manufacturer in the world has used an organic injection sheet with composite material in a production car. The new seat boasts up to 18 different settings. All of the new OPC technology unique to Opel had to pass a 10,000 kilometer endurance test on the famous Nürburgring race track in Germany. 10,000 kilometers under the tough conditions of the northern loop of the track are equivalent to 180,000 kilometers in normal circumstances.
This year Opel has even more reasons to be excited about the Geneva Motor Show. Not only is it Opel’s 150th anniversary this year but the Ampera which is just one of the latest in Opel’s innovations, is among the finalists for the prestigious “Car of the Year 2012” Award. On March 5, the winner will be announced from a shortlist of seven vehicles at the start of the Geneva show, making it the first official news at the event.
Opel e-bike “RAD e” offers vision of the future
Opel will present the “RAD e” design study in Geneva – a futuristic e-bike that complements the brand’s existing e-mobility strategy and offers a concept of truly integrated individual and urban mobility. The RAD e – the first e-bike to be built around automotive construction and production principles – carries much of Opel’s typical design language such as the boomerang shaped features associated with the Ampera and the RAK e concept car. Its pedelec technology with a 250 watt motor gives the rider motorized support when pedaling and achieves an electrically supported range of between 60 and 145 kilometers. In that sense, the RAD e responds to customer needs to be mobile when car use is restricted or not possible. The RAD e is unveiled at a time when e-bikes are widely expected to play a key role in future integrated urban transport concepts linking e-bikes, cars and buses. The RAD e is also a stylishly designed reminder of Opel’s early industrial period of manufacturing bicycles. In the context of Opel’s 150th anniversary year, the designers developed a study that is both historically relevant and offers a vision of the future.
New 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI crowns Insignia diesel offer
Visitors to the Geneva show will have the opportunity to learn more about Opel’s new dynamic and highly efficient 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI diesel engine which makes its debut in the Insignia flagship. The Insignia 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI delivers 143 kW/195 hp and 400 Nm of torque; fuel consumption starts as low as 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers (129 g/km CO2). It is thus one of the most fuel efficient mid-size cars. At the heart of the engine is a sequential double turbo system – technology that has so far been limited to a few higher priced brands. This is also the first time a passenger vehicle has been equipped with a twin intercooler system with two completely separate cooling circuits. These are the key components for making the new two liter engine very responsive and agile.
Beyond this, even more innovations are included in the popular car line: every AWD variant will shortly be available with a SuperSport chassis that includes the front suspension from the Insignia OPC (Opel Performance Center) with high performance struts (HiPerStruts). This gives their driving dynamics an even sharper edge. In addition, new radar-based driver assistance systems further enhance active safety in the Insignia.
New enhancements for Astra, Corsa, Insignia and Meriva
As a car maker that constantly evolves its vehicle range, Opel will display its latest model enhancements in Geneva. Among them is the new Corsa Kaleidoscope which further expands the successful, sporty Corsa Color line family. Another novelty within the Color line offer is the economical 1.2 liter, 51 kW/70 hp ecoFLEX gasoline engine (5.1 l/100 km with Start/Stop and 119g/km CO2).
The Meriva, Opel’s flexibility champion, is now available with enhanced powertrains that are even more economical. The highly efficient 1.4 LPG Turbo ecoFLEX (88 kW/120 hp) which makes its debut in the Meriva is both low in fuel costs and emissions (124 g/km CO2). All output levels of the 1.4 liter gasoline engine are now available with the fuel saving Start/Stop technology in the Meriva. With this technology, fuel consumption in the 88kW/120 hp, 1.4 Turbo engine version has been cut by 12%.
The 1.4 LPG Turbo ecoFLEX powerplant is now also available in the 5-door Astra and the Astra Sports Tourer with the even more powerful output of 103 kW/140 hp.
Ready for Opel’s anniversary year, customers can order Astra, Corsa, Insignia and Meriva vehicles with the special “150 years Opel” trim. Opel has further enhanced its unique technologies such as the FlexFix integrated bicycles carrier which can now carry even more weight and can be extended to carry up to four bicycles in total (Astra Sports Tourer, Zafira Tourer). A new park assist that automatically activates when the reverse gear is selected also makes its debut.
