Class-leading 1.6 turbos for Opel Astra, Zafira Tourer & Cascada

Opel’s Astra range, the Zafira Tourer and Cascada convertible are the first models to benefit from the introduction of new engines and transmissions in a major powertrain development program which will see 80 percent of Opel’s engine portfolio renewed by the end of 2016. Three entirely new engine families – spawning 13 different engine derivatives – and a host of new transmissions will bring cutting-edge technologies and class-leading perfomance to a wide range of Opel products. The program begins with the arrival of new 1.6-liter turbo engines, the first offspring in a new generation of midsize gasoline and diesel engine families. They are focused on meeting a growing customer demand for ‘downsized’ powerplants, offering strong power and torque with reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Both are defined by power densities and levels of refinement which are class-leading. The new 1.6 SIDI Turbo gasoline engine, featuring Spark Ignition Direct Injection, develops 125 kW/170 hp and 280 Nm of torque (including overboost), 12 percent more than its closest competitor. It is now available in the Astra range (GTC, five-door hatchback, sedan and Sports Tourer), the Zafira Tourer and new Cascada convertible. The new 1.6 CDTI with 100 kW/136 hp, Opel’s first all-aluminum diesel engine, is unrivalled in class for power per liter with 85 hp. It debuts in the Zafira Tourer in 2013 and will also be introduced in other Opel models over time. Both engines are combined with next generation manual gearboxes benchmarked against competitor offerings for superior shifting quality. Class-leading: All-new 1.6 SIDI Turbo gasoline engine This all-new, four-cylinder gasoline engine with direct injection is launched initially with 125 kW/170 hp and generates exceptionally high low-end torque of 280 Nm from just 1,650 rpm. It is focused on providing outstanding elasticity, optimal fuel economy with low CO2 emissions and superb running refinement. Compared to the 1.6-liter turbo it replaces, combined cycle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been cut by up to 15 percent, while torque is increased by 22 percent. As a result, this engine sets a new benchmark, delivering 12 percent more torque than its closest competitors in compact models with power outputs of 150 - 180 hp, including engines from German premium brands. Key to its impressive performance are: the introduction of direct fuel injection for improved combustion, a fast-acting turbocharging system for strong pulling power from low engine speeds and a series of ‘sound engineering’ measures to ensure quiet, smooth running. As an example of its impressive pulling power, the 1.6 SIDI Turbo propels the Astra five-door hatchback and sedan models from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear in just 8.8 seconds, almost two seconds faster than their 1.6 turbo predecessors. And with Start/Stop and a six-speed manual transmission, both models return NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) combined cycle fuel consumption of just 5.9 l/100 km with 139 g/km CO2 – a 14 percent improvement. For the GTC, the gain is even greater at 15 percent. Class-leading: All-new 1.6 CDTI diesel engine Opel’s first all-aluminum diesel engine is first launched in the Zafira Tourer. It will also be rolled out to replace current 1.7-liter and lower powered 2.0-liter diesel engines in several Opel models, with additional power-outputs to come. In its first execution, it packs100 kW/136 hp and strong torque of 320 Nm, boasting an exceptional power density of 85 hp per liter which is unrivalled in its displacement class. Compared to the 2.0 CDTI engine with similar power also available in the Zafira Tourer, it offers a 10 percent reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. That means combined cycle fuel consumption of just 4.1 l/100 km and 109 g/km CO2, figures no other 7-seater compact monocab with similar output can match.In smaller vehicle applications, sub 4.0 l/100 km fuel consumption and CO2 emissions near or below 100 g/km are expected. With Opel’s BlueInjection selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system enabling compliance with Euro 6 emissions standards (effective September 2015), the 1.6 CDTI is as clean as a gasoline engine in its operation. Like its gasoline counterpart, the 1.6 CDTI also benefits from a series of ‘sound engineering’ measures to minimize noise, vibration and harshness. It has recorded the lowest in-vehicle noise ratings when tested with the Zafira Tourer against other vehicles using 1.6-liter turbo diesel engines. A high pressure, common-rail fuel system, allied to closed-loop combustion control and strong intake charging from a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) are key technical features. These functions, and many more, are controlled by the 1.6 CDTI’s sophisticated engine control unit, developed in-house by General Motors. This state-of-the-art ECU, engineered in Italy, Germany and the United States, will be used in all of Opel’s future four-cylinder diesel engines. Next generation manual gearboxes: Class-leading shift quality Opel has invested more than 50 million euros at its European facilities in improving its current five and six-speed manual transmissions. These six-speed manuals match their best-in-class competition for fast, smooth shifting. They are now being rolled out for the Astra line-up, the Cascada and Zafira Tourer with the new 1.6 liter engines. Numerous revisions to the transmission internals and shifter mechanisms, as well as their in-vehicle integration, have enabled a significantly reduced shift travel with very low shift lever forces. For the driver, this deliveres a more ‘connected’ feel, allowing the shift lever to ‘snap’ easily into position with a minimum of effort. A low-friction six-speed automatic transmission featuring an Active Select function to allow manual shifting for a more sporty driving experience is also available. Source: media.opel