Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Opel introduces updated Corsa ecoFLEX, now at 98 g/km CO<sub>2</sub>]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/31/opel-introduces-updated-corsa-ecoflex-now-at-98-g-km-co2/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/31/opel-introduces-updated-corsa-ecoflex-now-at-98-g-km-co2/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/31/opel-introduces-updated-corsa-ecoflex-now-at-98-g-km-co2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Opel Corsa ecoFlex - click above for high-res image gallery

Opel has just introduced an updated version of its high-mileage, low-CO2 sub-compact Corsa. The refreshed Corsa ecoFLEX now gets 20 hp more from its 1.3-liter CDTi diesel engine than before, bringing its total to 95 hp along with 140 pound-feet of torque. Despite that boosted output, CO2 emissions drop by 10 percent making the Corsa GM's first sub-100 g/km car at just 98 g/km. The Corsa is rated at 63.6 mpg (U.S.) on the EU combined driving cycle. The ecoFLEX diesels all come equipped with particulate filters to eliminate the smoke.

The performance improvements come through the use of a new variable geometry turbocharger that allows for quicker low speed response and higher flow at maximum speed. The enhanced torque facilitated the use of longer gearing in the transaxle and lower engine speeds. The body has also been lowered by 20 mm, reducing the frontal area and drag. The new Corsa ecoFLEX goes on sale in January 2010.

Gallery: 2010 Opel Corsa ecoFlex


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Opel introduces updated Corsa ecoFLEX, now at 98 g/km CO2

Opel introduces updated Corsa ecoFLEX, now at 98 g/km CO2 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>opelopel corsaopel corsa ecoflexOpelCorsaOpelCorsaEcoflexSat, 31 Oct 2009 15:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Volt leader Frank Weber leaving for Opel, reaffirms Volt remains on track]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/chevy-volt-leader-frank-weber-leaving-for-opel-reaffirms-volt-r/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/chevy-volt-leader-frank-weber-leaving-for-opel-reaffirms-volt-r/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/chevy-volt-leader-frank-weber-leaving-for-opel-reaffirms-volt-r/#commentsFiled under: ,

Frank Weber and the Chevy Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

One of the main men working to get the Chevy Volt out the door on time, Frank Weber, has announced he will leave General Motors on December 1 for a senior leadership post at Opel. This is the first high-ranking member of the Volt team to leave and told Bloomberg that GM remains strongly committed to the program. He also gave this quote, which we can see getting repeated in the future: "The entire organization [GM] has inhaled what we [the Volt team] do here."

GM is trying to sell the European brand. Weber is currently the global vehicle line executive and chief vehicle engineer for GM's electric vehicle development program and also worked on the Opel Insignia and the Buick Regal. Replacing Weber will be Doug Parks, currently GM's chief engineer of compact-car architecture in Europe.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt


[Source: Bloomberg]

Chevy Volt leader Frank Weber leaving for Opel, reaffirms Volt remains on track originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy voltChevyVoltfrank weberFrankWebergmopelvoltweber voltWeberVoltFri, 30 Oct 2009 17:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Opel planning a new minicar for Europe, looking for development partner]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/opel-planning-a-new-minicar-for-europe-looking-for-development/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/opel-planning-a-new-minicar-for-europe-looking-for-development/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/opel-planning-a-new-minicar-for-europe-looking-for-development/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



According to Alain Visser, Opel's head of sales and marketing, Opel needs a minicar to compete. However, developing a new minicar is a huge expense, and even though Opel has set aside €250 million for this car, the company would like a partner. It's not unusual: Ford and Fiat share the Fiat Panda/Fiat 500/Ford Ka platform; Toyota and PSA share the Toyota Aygo/Citroën C1/Peugeot 107 structure. Opel has already a similar model, the Agila (shown above), which is jointly made with the Suzuki Splash but it's a little big for the minicar segment. As for possible powertrain hints, Magna/Opel has confirmed that it would have an electric powertrain available as soon as in 2012.

[Source: Automotive news (subs. req'd)]

Opel planning a new minicar for Europe, looking for development partner originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city carCityCarmagna opelMagnaOpelminicaropelopel mini caropel minicarOpelMiniCarsuperminiFri, 16 Oct 2009 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Vauxhall unsure whether Ampera will be built in UK]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/report-vauxhall-unsure-whether-ampera-will-be-built-in-uk/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/report-vauxhall-unsure-whether-ampera-will-be-built-in-uk/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/report-vauxhall-unsure-whether-ampera-will-be-built-in-uk/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Vauxhall Ampera - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just the other day, reports from the British motoring press indicated that the Vauxhall Ampera wouldn't be built in the UK as initially planned. Instead, the extended-range electric vehicle would reportedly be shipped over from America where the Ampera would presumably be built alongside the Chevy Volt at the Detroit-Hamtramck plant in Michigan.

Further, those same reports suggested that GM's European arm would wait until 2015 or so to begin UK production when the second-gen model was ready. Not so fast, reports Autocar. According to an unnamed source (aren't they all?) at Vauxhall:
There has categorically been no decision on where European production of the Ampera will take place... But in order to justify production at any European plant there will need to be sufficient demand and this, rather than the launch of the second-gen model, will drive the decision on timing.
Apparently, no decision has yet been made on where or when the Ampera will be built overseas and there's still plenty of time before the car is scheduled to go on sale in the UK in early 2011.


Gallery: Vauxhall Ampera


[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Vauxhall unsure whether Ampera will be built in UK originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amperaampera productionAmperaProductionopelopel amperaopel ampera productionOpelAmperaOpelAmperaProductionVauxhallvauxhall amperavauxhall ampera productionVauxhallAmperaVauxhallAmperaProductionThu, 15 Oct 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Opel will offer two factory-installed LPG models, Meriva and Corsa, in France]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/04/opel-will-offer-two-factory-installed-lpg-models-meriva-and-cor/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/04/opel-will-offer-two-factory-installed-lpg-models-meriva-and-cor/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/04/opel-will-offer-two-factory-installed-lpg-models-meriva-and-cor/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The least alternative of the alternative fuels - LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) - has received some good news in the expanding market in France: Opel has decided to sell two factory-converted models there. The chosen models are the Corsa and the Meriva, even though the latter will be replaced soon. The Corsa version uses a 1.2-liter gasoline engine with a 34-liter tank. The model loses some power compared to the gasoline version: horsepower drops 6.25 percent (down to 75hp) but CO2 emissions are lowered by 19 g/km: 127 g/km vs. 146 g/km with the gasoline version. The Meriva uses a converted 1.4-liter gasoline engine with a 38.4-liter tank. In this case, CO2 emissions are also lowered by 19 g/km: 129 g/km vs. 148 g/km from the standard version. Thanks to tax breaks and other green incentives, either car can be bought for €10,990.

[Source: Opel via Le Blog Auto]

Opel will offer two factory-installed LPG models, Meriva and Corsa, in France originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 15:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co2franceliquified petroleum gasLiquifiedPetroleumGaslpglpg corsalpg merivaLpgCorsaLpgMerivaopel corsaopel merivaOpelCorsaOpelMerivaSun, 04 Oct 2009 15:11:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Opel Ampera pricing hint suggests Chevy Volt <i>might</i> cost $35,000]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/report-opel-ampera-pricing-hints-that-chevy-volt-i-might-i-c/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/report-opel-ampera-pricing-hints-that-chevy-volt-i-might-i-c/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/07/report-opel-ampera-pricing-hints-that-chevy-volt-i-might-i-c/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Opel Ampera concept and one of the Cruze mules - click above for high-res image gallery

As we mentioned the other day, Opel is testing Ampera ER-EV mules in Germany on the way to the plug-in car's 2011 debut. Swiss news outlet the Tages-Anzeiger caught up with Open engineer Gherardo Corsini and learned a few new details about the European Chevy Volt that may help us learn more about the U.S. version that's coming at the end of 2010. Specifically, that the car's electric motor offers 370 Nm and 150 PS, the lithium-ion battery is made up of 220 individual cells. As in the U.S. test drives, the car is currently running solely off the battery pack. The range extender is not yet fully integrated. The full powertrain should be available for testing later this fall.

Opel boss Hans Demant refused to give an exact price for the Ampera, but the Tages-Anzeiger writes that he said in order for the Ampera to be a success, it shouldn't cost more than a fully-outfitted diesel Opel Zafira with automatic transmission. The Zafira 1.9 CDTI Cosmo Auto costs 44,300 Francs. As of today, this would mean a price in U.S. dollars of $41,800, in line with other numbers we've heard. Note, though, that this price is without the $7,500 rebate that will be available to Volt buyers in the U.S., which might (repeat, might) mean the Volt becomes a $35,000 car here. Maybe.

Gallery: Opel Ampera-Cruze test mules


[Source: Tages-Anzeiger]

REPORT: Opel Ampera pricing hint suggests Chevy Volt might cost $35,000 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amperaampera priceAmperaPricefalseopel amperaopel ampera priceopel re-evOpelAmperaOpelAmperaPriceOpelRe-evMon, 07 Sep 2009 18:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Opel now testing Ampera ER-EV mules in Germany]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/04/opel-now-testing-ampera-er-ev-mules-in-germany/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/04/opel-now-testing-ampera-er-ev-mules-in-germany/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/04/opel-now-testing-ampera-er-ev-mules-in-germany/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The Opel Ampera concept and one of the Cruze mules - click above for high-res image gallery

Now that the GM's Chevy Volt engineering team here in the U.S. is starting to get their hands on the 80 IVER prototypes, some of the Cruze based mules they have been using since last fall are being freed up for other uses. That means the engineers at Opel can now get some for local testing in Germany. The first two freshly re-stickered Ampera mules are now doing duty at the Dudenhofen proving near near Opel's Russelsheim headquarters.

Opel engineers have been involved in the Volt program since the start of the program, and have done a lot of battery pack testing at the lab in Mainz-Kastel. Presumably, at least a few of the IVER cars will eventually make their way over to Europe as well. The Ampera is scheduled to be launched in Europe sometime in 2011 after the Volt launches in the U.S. in November 2010. Initial supplies of the Ampera will come from the same Detroit factory as the Volt, with European production unlikely to start until the second-generation car arrives.

Gallery: Opel Ampera-Cruze test mules


[Source: Opel]

Continue reading Opel now testing Ampera ER-EV mules in Germany

Opel now testing Ampera ER-EV mules in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltchevy-voltChevyVolter-evextended range electric vehicleextended range vehicleExtendedRangeElectricVehicleExtendedRangeVehicleopelopel amperaOpelAmperaFri, 04 Sep 2009 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Opel adds 130 hp Insignia EcoFlex, 136 g/km of CO<sub>2</sub>]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/opel-adds-130-hp-insignia-ecoflex-136-g-km-of-co-sub-2-sub/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/opel-adds-130-hp-insignia-ecoflex-136-g-km-of-co-sub-2-sub/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/opel-adds-130-hp-insignia-ecoflex-136-g-km-of-co-sub-2-sub/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Opel is expanding the Insignia ecoFlex lineup with a new 130 hp variant of the 2.0-liter diesel engine. GM's European branch has already been offering an ecoFlex variant of the mid-sized Insignia for some time, utilizing the more powerful 160 hp version of the same engine. Apparently, the reduced power level provides some tax benefits in some areas of Europe. The less powerful engine also comes at a price that is €1,100 less than the 160 hp version, which means it probably has less equipment.

The reduced output hurts acceleration, increasing the 0-62 mph time from 9.5 to 11.1 seconds, but doesn't provide any assistance at the pump. The mileage on the EU combined cycle for the sedan and hatchback versions remains unchanged at 45.2 mpg (U.S.).

We will be getting the Insignia here in North America next year as a Buick, possibly called Regal. Unfortunately, it appears unlikely that we will get any of the ecoFlex versions. Instead we'll get a hybrid version.

[Source: Opel]

Opel adds 130 hp Insignia EcoFlex, 136 g/km of CO2 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>opelopel insigniaopel insignia ecoflexOpelInsigniaOpelInsigniaEcoflexWed, 02 Sep 2009 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Vauxhall releases new Insignia ecoFLEX Sports Tourer with under 140 g/km CO<sub>2</sub>]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/vauxhall-releases-new-insignia-ecoflex-sports-tourer-with-under/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/vauxhall-releases-new-insignia-ecoflex-sports-tourer-with-under/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/vauxhall-releases-new-insignia-ecoflex-sports-tourer-with-under/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Vauxhall Insignia ecoFLEX Sports Tourer - Click above to enlarge

Vauxhall, GM's UK-based division, has just announced that the latest addition to its fuel-saving and emissions reducing ecoFLEX line will take the form of the Insignia Sports Tourer. Included in the car's transformation are a raft of aerodynamic tweaks that include modified front air inlets and twin underbody spoilers along with revised gearing with a higher final drive ratio. Ride height has been reduced by three millimeters and low-resistance tires have been fitted.

The new wagon joins the previous hatchback and sedan bodystyles and uses the same 160-horsepower 2.0-litre CDTi diesel engine, which can propel the wagon to 60 miles per hour in 9.3 seconds and up to a top speed of 134 mph. More importantly, the Insigna ecoFLEX Sports Tourer manages 44.7 miles per gallon (U.S.; a 12.3-percent increase over the standard model) and emits just 139g/km of carbon dioxide.


Gallery: Opel Insignia ecoFlex


[Source: Vauxhall]

Continue reading Vauxhall releases new Insignia ecoFLEX Sports Tourer with under 140 g/km CO2

Vauxhall releases new Insignia ecoFLEX Sports Tourer with under 140 g/km CO2 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>insigniainsignia ecoflexinsignia ecoflex sports tourerInsigniaEcoflexInsigniaEcoflexSportsToureropelvauxhal insignia ecoflexVauxhalInsigniaEcoflexvauxhallvauxhall insigniavauxhall insignia ecoflexvauxhall insignia ecoflex sports tourerVauxhallInsigniaVauxhallInsigniaEcoflexVauxhallInsigniaEcoflexSportsTourerTue, 25 Aug 2009 09:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Irmscher offers sporty after-market LPG conversion for the Opel Antara]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/irmscher-offers-sporty-after-market-lpg-conversion-for-the-opel/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/irmscher-offers-sporty-after-market-lpg-conversion-for-the-opel/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/irmscher-offers-sporty-after-market-lpg-conversion-for-the-opel/#commentsFiled under: , ,



LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is the fuel of choice for lots of European drivers who want to save money at the pump. It's much cheaper than gasoline or diesel and it's also promoted through tax incentives, since it burns cleaner than either of the two most common liquid fuels (gasoline and diesel). Nevertheless, LPG conversions tend to happen to the least powerful powertrains available for a given model, so LPG vehicles don't usually have excellent performance figures.

German retrofitter Irmscher decided that a LPG conversion shouldn't make a car boring. Style and cleaner emissions can work together. So, besides the standard LPG conversion that Irmscher offers for the 2.4-liter gasoline version of the Opel Antara CUV - priced at €2,695 - purchasers can now get new wheel rims, a roof spoiler and side skirts to make the LPG Antara more attractive. To certain eyes.

[Source: Auto News]

Irmscher offers sporty after-market LPG conversion for the Opel Antara originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antaraantara lpgAntaraLpgcuvliquiefied petroleum gasLiquiefiedPetroleumGaslpglpg antaralpg conversionLpgAntaraLpgConversionopel antaraOpelAntarapropaneTue, 28 Jul 2009 16:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Opel adds Sports Tourer Wagon to Insignia ecoFlex line]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/opel-adds-sports-tourer-wagon-to-insignia-ecoflex-line/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/opel-adds-sports-tourer-wagon-to-insignia-ecoflex-line/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/opel-adds-sports-tourer-wagon-to-insignia-ecoflex-line/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Opel Insignia Sports Tourer ecoFlex - click above for high res image

Over in Europe, Opel has expanded it's Insignia ecoFlex line with a Sports Tourer model. That would be a station wagon in American English. Whatever you call it, this handsome machine gets the same range of optimizations as other ecoFlex models, including some aerodynamic tweaks, taller final drive ratio and low rolling resistance 17" Michelin tires. All of that helps to extract the most from the 2.0-liter CDTi turbodiesel four cylinder engine. In this application, the engine is rated at 160 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, which should be more than sufficient to motivate this mid-sized wagon. The official combined mileage rating on the EU test cycle for the ecoFlex wagon is 44.4 mpg (U.S.) with CO2 emissions of just 139 g/km. Opel is reporting that during the recent media drives in Germany, one Croation reporter managed to squeeze out 65.3 mpg (U.S.) driving on back roads near Frankfurt.

[Source: Opel]

Continue reading Opel adds Sports Tourer Wagon to Insignia ecoFlex line

Opel adds Sports Tourer Wagon to Insignia ecoFlex line originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecoflexopelopel insigniaopel insignia sports toureropel insignia sports tourer ecoflexOpelInsigniaOpelInsigniaSportsTourerOpelInsigniaSportsTourerEcoflexTue, 30 Jun 2009 16:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Contrary to reports, second generation Chevy Volt is already under development]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/contrary-to-reports-the-second-generation-chevy-volt-is-already/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/contrary-to-reports-the-second-generation-chevy-volt-is-already/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/29/contrary-to-reports-the-second-generation-chevy-volt-is-already/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Chevrolet Volt Integration prototype - click above for high res image gallery

When automakers are getting a new vehicle ready for production, the main specifications are generally locked down about 18-24 months before production starts. After that point, validation testing and calibration continues right up until Job One and changes are restricted unless a major problem is encountered. Because of the potential impact on other vehicle systems, any changes are necessarily limited. Meanwhile, once a current generation is locked down, the advanced engineering teams move on to further evolutions.

UK magazine AutoCar is claiming that the Chevy Volt and its European twins the Opel/Vauxhall Ampera will be one=generation vehicles. After the first generation, the publication claims, the Voltec propulsion system will just be applied to other existing vehicles like the Astra. While Voltec will almost certainly be mainstreamed just as Toyota has done with its Hybrid Synergy Drive, the Volt will apparently live on. GM spokesman David Darovitz tells ABG "there is about much truth to this as I am going to be in the next Superman movie. We're already working on Gen II." GM discussed the Gen II Volts back in March. The Ampera may be a different situation however, as GM attempts to sell off controling interest in its European operations. That variant may fade away in the coming years.

Gallery: First Chevy Volt integration prototype


[Source: AutoCar, General Motors]

Contrary to reports, second generation Chevy Volt is already under development originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet voltchevrolet-voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltchevy volt productionchevy-voltChevyVoltChevyVoltProductionfeaturedopel amperaopel ampera productionOpelAmperaOpelAmperaProductionvauxhall amperavauxhall ampera productionVauxhallAmperaVauxhallAmperaProductionMon, 29 Jun 2009 08:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Vauxhall employees to miss out on building Ampera ER-EV]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/vauxhall-employees-to-miss-out-on-building-ampera-er-ev/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/vauxhall-employees-to-miss-out-on-building-ampera-er-ev/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/vauxhall-employees-to-miss-out-on-building-ampera-er-ev/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Opel Ampera - Click above for a high-res gallery

When General Motors unveiled the Opel Ampera at the Geneva Motor Show last March, employees at Vauxhall got their hopes raised that they would eventually get to build the sibling of the Chevy Volt. Last year, it looked like Voltec-based vehicles could find a home at Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port factory thanks to some British government incentives. That wouldn't have happened at the start of production anyway because initial volumes will likely be too low to support two factories. However, the recent agreement to sell Opel and Vauxhall to a group led by Magna International means that is unlikely to ever happen. For the foreseeable future, any and all variants of the Volt will be sourced from the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Opel Ampera reveal


Gallery: Opel Ampera


[Source: AutoExpress]

Vauxhall employees to miss out on building Ampera ER-EV originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVoltopel amperaopel ampera productionOpelAmperaOpelAmperaProductionvauxhallvauxhall amperavauxhall ampera productionVauxhallAmperaVauxhallAmperaProductionTue, 09 Jun 2009 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Will be missed: outgoing Opel Astra Eco4 got 52 mpg (U.S.)]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/27/will-be-missed-outgoing-opel-astra-eco4-got-52-mpg-u-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/27/will-be-missed-outgoing-opel-astra-eco4-got-52-mpg-u-s/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/27/will-be-missed-outgoing-opel-astra-eco4-got-52-mpg-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Now that the current version of the Astra is going to be replaced, perhaps it's time to remember the previous generation. This model didn't make it to the States but was quite popular in Europe. Back in 2002, and before the outburst of the "green" and "eco" labels, Opel was pioneering the "Eco" brand image. With the Opel Astra Eco4, it had a very interesting addition in the lineup. The car's recorded fuel consumption was 4.5 l/100 km (52 mpg U.S.); not bad for a compact sedan that looked like most any other car on the road. The Astra Eco4 managed this fuel economy thanks to a 1.7 liter direct injection diesel that produced 75hp, the use of low-rolling tires and some now-classic aerodynamic tweaks that helped lower the co-efficient of drag to 0.28.

[Sources: Auto News, AutoGlobal]

Will be missed: outgoing Opel Astra Eco4 got 52 mpg (U.S.) originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 27 May 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astraopel astraOpelAstraWed, 27 May 2009 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Opel Astra revealed ahead of Frankfurt debut]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/2010-opel-astra-revealed-ahead-of-frankfurt-debut/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/2010-opel-astra-revealed-ahead-of-frankfurt-debut/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/2010-opel-astra-revealed-ahead-of-frankfurt-debut/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Vauxhall Astra - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Yesterday, the internet got an unexpected early sneak-peak of the new 2010 Opel/Vauxhall Astra. Now that the cat's out of the bag, GM of Europe has apparently decided it may as well let out all the pictures and details of the next-gen subcompact, which will be officially unveiled next September during the Frankfurt Motor Show.

This is the sixth-generation of the Astra, and it's a creation from Mark Adams, the same man who designed the latest Opel Insignia. Opel is quick to point out that all the new styling cues - specifically the fascia, headlamps and falling hatchback roofline - come straight from Opel's latest design ethos.

Opel will use the new Astra to showcase its latest generation of Euro V compliant engines. Besides the well-known 1.4- and 1.6-liter gasoline-powered units ranging from 100 to 180 horsepower, there's an all-new 1.4 turbocharged unit that's good for 140 horses. Also available will be updated versions of the automaker's CDTi diesel engines with up to 160 horsepower. Current rumors indicate a 2-Mode hybrid may also be in the works.

At this point, the Astra's entrance into the U.S. market is in doubt due to the demise of the Saturn brand. European sales are expected to begin later this year. Click past the break for a video along with the official press release.


Gallery: 2009 Vauxhall Astra

Continue reading 2010 Opel Astra revealed ahead of Frankfurt debut

2010 Opel Astra revealed ahead of Frankfurt debut originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 14 May 2009 07:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 opel astra2010OpelAstraall-newastranew astranew designNewAstraNewDesignopelopel astraOpelAstravauxhallvauxhall astraVauxhallAstraThu, 14 May 2009 07:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Royal College of Art students imagine mobility in 2050, see vehicles powered by waterfalls]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/royal-college-of-art-students-imagine-mobility-in-2050-see-vehi/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/royal-college-of-art-students-imagine-mobility-in-2050-see-vehi/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/07/royal-college-of-art-students-imagine-mobility-in-2050-see-vehi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Opel Flow - click above for a high res gallery

The UK's Royal College of Art has a history of looking at clean transportation possibilities. Last year, RCA students designed a series of sustainable automobile concepts and a real-life Toyota iQ was on display there last fall. Furthering the trend, the RCA partnered with Opel/Vauxhall on a Vehicle Design Course that asked students to predict what mobility will look like in 40 years. The final ideas ranged from a single-seat windsurf-like design (above, and zero-emission, of course) that, "When not in use, it becomes part of the cityscape creating a place to rest." The winning design was Opel D49 or Darwin 2049, which does away with body panels and hovers above the ground. The winning student will now get to spend three months with GM Europe to "gain valuable work experience and insight through hands-on experience with future technologies such as electric vehicles."

One of the more dreamy ideas from an RCA student was for "eco-touring machines powered by waterfalls." It's a safe bet this means hydropower, but I can't shake the feeling that unicorns should be involved somehow. For a more realistic look, in my opinion, at the future of mobility, check out what Philip Gott had to say during the SAE World Congress last month.

Gallery: RCA Vehicle Design Course models


[Source: Opel]

Continue reading Royal College of Art students imagine mobility in 2050, see vehicles powered by waterfalls

Royal College of Art students imagine mobility in 2050, see vehicles powered by waterfalls originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 07 May 2009 12:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>future mobilityFutureMobilityopelrcaroyal college of artRoyalCollegeOfArtvauxhallvehicle designVehicleDesignThu, 07 May 2009 12:08:00 EST<![CDATA[GM trying to sell Opel, but will keep Ampera (the Opel Volt)]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/06/gm-trying-to-sell-open-but-will-keep-ampera-the-opel-volt/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/06/gm-trying-to-sell-open-but-will-keep-ampera-the-opel-volt/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/06/gm-trying-to-sell-open-but-will-keep-ampera-the-opel-volt/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Opel Ampera - Click to enlarge

With all the confusion and fast-moving news coming from GM troubles (Saturn hybrids? Say what?), there is one thing you can count on: GM is keeping the Volt. Of course they're keeping the Chevy Volt - that was never in question - but things were just a tiny bit less clear regarding GM's possible sale of Opel. Whatever happens with the brand, the Opel Apmera, the European version of the Volt, remains in GM's hands. Earth2Tech got the goods from both GM and Opel spokespeople, who both confirmed that the Ampera is still on schedule to start prodction in late 2011. This shouldn't come as a surprise, the Ampera is pretty much the Volt with a different badge, but it does put the car's plug-in hybrid technology on that "GM needs it to survive" pedestal that the Volt seems to find itself on so often these days.

Gallery: Opel Ampera


[Source: Earth2Tech]

GM trying to sell Opel, but will keep Ampera (the Opel Volt) originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 06 May 2009 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amperachevy voltChevyVoltopel amperaOpelAmperavoltWed, 06 May 2009 11:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Vauxhall going after city car market with Trixx EV?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/rumormill-vauxhall-going-after-city-car-market-with-trixx-ev/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/rumormill-vauxhall-going-after-city-car-market-with-trixx-ev/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/rumormill-vauxhall-going-after-city-car-market-with-trixx-ev/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Way back in 2004, GM's European arm put a toe in the water of the rapidly expanding city car market with its Opel Trixx concept. A few years later, though, GM's Carl-Peter Forster indicated that the automaker would not be entering that microcar market after all. Fast forward another couple of years and (surprise!) it looks as if GM may be once again reversing that stance.

According to Auto Express in the UK, Vauxhall is now planning a small urban vehicle to do battle with the smart fortwo, Toyota iQ and the upcoming Volkswagen Up!. If these rumors are to be believed, the Trixx will be based on GM's Voltec drivetrain but will completely eschew the range-extended 1.4L engine in favor of going fully electric with a goal of hitting a 90-mile range between charges.

You might think that dropping the internal combustion engine would make the car considerably cheaper, but that may not actually be the case. AE indicates that the lithium ion battery pack powering the Trixx could cost as much as £8,000 ($12,100 U.S.) per unit to make. To counteract the high cost of entry, Vauxhall may sell the actual car while offering a separate lease for the battery.

[Source: Auto Express]

Rumormill: Vauxhall going after city car market with Trixx EV? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 05 May 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gm voltecGmVoltecopelopel trixxOpelTrixxvauxhallvauxhall trixxVauxhallTrixxvoltecTue, 05 May 2009 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Vauxhall launches Insignia ecoFlex with 45.5 mpg (U.S.), 136 g/km CO<sub>2</sub>]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/vauxhall-launches-insignia-ecoflex-with-45-5-mpg-us-136-g-km/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/vauxhall-launches-insignia-ecoflex-with-45-5-mpg-us-136-g-km/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/vauxhall-launches-insignia-ecoflex-with-45-5-mpg-us-136-g-km/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Vauxhall Insignia ecoFlex - click above for a high res gallery

Vauxhall has introduced the ecoFlex version of the Insignia sedan in the UK powered by a 160 hp 2.0-liter turbodiesel four cylinder. The ecoFlex model is based on the 2.0 CDTi with a variety of aerodynamic improvements that help improve the mileage by 10 percent. Lowering the ride height by 10 mm and adding a full belly pan has dropped the drag coefficient from 0.27 to 0.26. In combination with low rolling resistance tires and revised gearing for the first two gears and the final drive, the ecoFlex Insignia gets a combined rating of 45.5 mpg (U.S.) on the EU drive cycle. The carbon dioxide emissions are rated at only 136 g/km. In spite of the impressive efficiency, the torque of the diesel engine means the Insignia still has decent performance with 0-60 acceleration in 8.9 seconds.

Gallery: Vauxhall Insignia ecoFlex


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Vauxhall launches Insignia ecoFlex with 45.5 mpg (U.S.), 136 g/km CO2

Vauxhall launches Insignia ecoFlex with 45.5 mpg (U.S.), 136 g/km CO2 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>vauxhallvauxhall insigniavauxhall insignia ecoflexVauxhallInsigniaVauxhallInsigniaEcoflexTue, 21 Apr 2009 18:19:00 EST<![CDATA[The real world of EV operation may double Vauxhall Ampera emissions]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/the-real-world-of-ev-operation-may-double-vauxhall-ampera-emissi/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/the-real-world-of-ev-operation-may-double-vauxhall-ampera-emissi/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/the-real-world-of-ev-operation-may-double-vauxhall-ampera-emissi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Opel Ampera

The big problem with hybrid vehicles with plug-in capability is that the real world mileage and emissions are highly dependent both on duty cycle and the ability to actually plug in. The Vauxhall Ampera (aka the European Chevy Volt) is expected to be rated at approximately 40 g/km of CO2 emissions. That's based on the fact that with a full charge it can complete 40 miles of the 60 mile EU test cycle on electric power alone. Those who are able to actually plug in their vehicles every day will very likely be able to achieve something close to this. But therein lies the rub. Not everyone can plug in a vehicle.

In European cities in particular, many people don't have a garage that they can put the car into and plug it in. Curbside charging is also extremely limited. As a result, many drivers will find that their mileage is significantly lower than those who plug in all the time. This problem is, of course, not unique to Europe nor the Volt/Ampera, but the layout of population centers in the UK and elsewhere may exacerbate it compared to the U.S. GM evidently has no plans to adjust the battery usage cycle to accommodate less frequent charging since that would negatively impact the battery lifespan.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Opel Ampera reveal


Gallery: Opel Ampera


[Source: AutoCar]

The real world of EV operation may double Vauxhall Ampera emissions originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy voltChevyVoltopel amperaOpelAmperareal world emissionsreal world mileageRealWorldEmissionsRealWorldMileagevauxhall amperaVauxhallAmperaThu, 26 Mar 2009 08:43:00 EST