Opel Astra Caravan CNG hybrid with GPS-enabled smart powertrain
After two years of research, Opel and the Institute for Combustion Engines and Motor Vehicles at the University of Stuttgart have developed a CNG-hybrid version of the Opel Astra Caravan. The car uses an all-new 1-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged engine that manages to produce 97hp and 160 Nm of torque (118 lb-ft). The electric motor was supplied by Bosch and offers 35 kW (48hp), available even in all-electric mode. The coupling of the two motors is similar to Honda's IMA technology, where the electric motor is used to boost the gas-powered one. With all these eco-credentials, the car manages to produce only 90 g/km of CO2, compared to the 144 g/km of the (larger) Zafira Turbo EcoFlex. The model also uses special software developed at the University of Stuttgart that works with a GPS chip. It analyzes the road two kilometers ahead on the route and prepares the hybrid powertrain accordingly, to plan for an uphill section, for example. This optimizes energy management and reduces fuel consumption.
[Source: Auto News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jharlan 5:32PM (3/25/2009)
This looks good, but the devil is in the details. What is this technology going to cost? CNG should be the least polluting of the hydrocarbon fuels. I can live with the performance.
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tark 9:59PM (3/25/2009)
Would buy it tomorrow, but of course it won't see the US. Seems like a perfect fit for the 2 mode Vue but again just dreaming.
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L.Weber 7:23AM (4/16/2009)
This is the way to go in the transition phase from fossil fuel to battery electric vehicles. Start fueling these up with biogas and you have a tiny carbon footprint.
I'd buy this immediately in Europe - it would be the perfect company car for me.
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