Opel unveiled at the Paris Auto Show the Insignia ecoFLEX, a model powered by a powerful single turbo diesel with 2.0-liter displacement and output of 160 hp.
The Insignia ecoFLEX sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of up to 218 km/h. Ensuring excellent pulling power even at low rpm, the maximum torque of 350 Nm is available from 1750 rpm, and can be temporarily increased for 15 seconds to 380 Nm via an ‘overboost’ function.
The Insignia ecoFLEX is fitted with highly fuel-efficient Primacy HP tires from Michelin specially developed for the car. Like all Insignia models, the new ecoFLEX variant is Euro 5 certified and will be available as a hatchback and notchback during the course of 2009.
Press release after the jump.
>> read 
Opel revealed today two new models to its line-up: the ecoFlex version for the Corsa and Astra. With a CO2 emissions of just 109 (Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX) and 119 g/km (Astra 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX), the two models require just 4.1 and 4.5 liters of diesel, respectively, per 100 km (that is about 58 mpg for the Corsa and 52 mpg for the Astra).
While these figures are impressive, they still do not beat Volkswagen’s Bluemotion diesel technology. But for Opel this is a step in the right direction for the European car buyer. Also if high millage diesels gain traction in the U.S., Opel may end up sharing the technology with some of its other General Motors cousins.
Press release after the jump.
>> read 
Opel is introducing its third body type to the 2009 Insigna line-up, a wagon. Known as the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer, this wagon is an important car for Opel considering the popularity of wagons in Europe. While this will be considered a lager family car in Europe, it would be consider a mid-sized wagon in the U.S. There is no confirmation yet that this model will also make the trip to these shores when its sedan sibling replaces the Saturn Aura possibly in 2010.
There are nine total engines expected for the Insigna family. Choices include five gasoline — naturally aspired and turbo charged four cylinders as well as naturally aspired V6s. Also expected are four turbo-diesels. Power over the entire range should be from 110 to 260 hp. The wagon will also get the same optional all-wheel drive system as the rest of the Insignia line.
The Sports Tourer is expected to make its official debut at the Paris Auto Show in October, and it should be in European showrooms along the sedan and hatchback variations by early 2009.
Press release after the jump.
>> read 2009 Opel Insignia Sports Tourer Picture Gallery
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Opel will add two new versions for its newly launched Insignia at the British Motor Show: a four-door notchback and a five-door hatchback. The length of both the notch and hatchback, at 4,830 mm, and the wheelbase of 2,737 mm remain the same.
Insignia will be offered with a choice of seven engines: all meet Euro 5 emissions standards and come coupled with six-speed transmissions. The four gasoline engines range from a four-cylinder 115 hp unit to a V6 with 260 hp. Three new direct-injection turbo-diesels exclusively developed for the Insignia feature a displacement of 2.0 liters and power outputs spanning from 110 to 160 hp.
Press release after the jump.
2009 Opel Insignia
>> read 2009 Opel Insignia Hatchback Picture Gallery
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Opel will unveil the fourth generation Astra next year in March, most probably at the Geneva Motor Show. The car was already caught at testing, and is set to be sold all over the globe - it will be sold under the Opel, Vauxhall, Holden and Saturn logos.
With design inspired by the GTC Concept, the future Astra will feature a more "fresh" and aggressive look that will help it to easily compete with models like Volkswagen Golf VI and the new Ford Focus (European version).
Same front grille as in the newly-launched Insignia will also be used in the future Astra, but it will feature different headlights, easily inspired by the concept, in order to ensure the car’s individuality.
As rumors say, the 2010 Astra will be built on GM’s Delta global small-car platform, same that will be used for the future Saab 9-1. Under the hood the company will keep the same engine line-up: different headlights, but a hybrid version is also expected.
Opel will also work on a VXR version of the 2010 Astra. The vehicle is going to be powered by a new 1.8 liter engine capable to develop 240 hp. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph will be made in less than 6 seconds while the top speed will be somewhere around 155 mph.
The 2010 Astra will be offered as a three and five door hatchback, an estate version (Caravan), a convertible version (Twin Top) and also a three-doors GTC. All this will be available after the five-doors version will make its official debut.
The production of the 2010 Astra will be moved from the Antwerp plant, Belgium, to Swedish Saab unit, Trollhattan. Reason: better productivity and 25% less production costs.
In 2009, Opel will introduce one new 1.6-liter turbo CNG engine (Compressed Natural Gas) with around 110 kW/150 hp and 210 Nm of torque. Developed by GM Powertrain in Turin, the new unit joins Opel’s current aspirated CNG engine, which has the same displacement and an output of 69 kW/94 hp. “Environmental awareness and driving fun are no longer mutually exclusive,” says Alain Visser, Chief Marketing Officer, GM Europe. “With this newly developed turbocharged CNG engine, we continue pursuing our strategy of turbocharging engines to increase efficiency – meaning lower consumption and emissions – without making any concessions in performance.”
Key features of the new CNG engine include a turbocharger integrated into the exhaust manifold, an intake manifold with gasoline and CNG fuel pipes, an oil cooler and piston cooling. By virtue of their propulsion units, natural gas-powered Opel vehicles produce 80 percent less nitrogen oxide than a diesel, and almost 20 percent less CO2 than a gasoline model (nearly 10 percent less CO2 than diesel). Furthermore, the exhaust gases contain almost no soot particles.
>> read The 2009 Insignia will make its world debut in July at the London Motor Show and will go on sale starting November.
The Insignia is offered from the start with front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The “Adaptive 4X4” system’s proactive, instantaneous torque distribution not only ensures optimal traction but also enhances driving stability and dynamic handling performance. In the all-wheel drive Insignia, the FlexRide mechatronic chassis system with its Adaptive Stability Technology helps the car adjust to prevailing driving conditions and allows the driver to select settings to match his mood. FlexRide is also available in the front-wheel version.
The Insignia will launch with an exceptionally broad range of seven engines. All meet Euro 5 emissions standards and come with either manual or automatic six-speed transmissions. The four gasoline engines range from a four-cylinder 115 hp unit to a V6 with 260 hp. The three new direct-injection diesels feature a displacement of 2.0 liter and outputs spanning from 110 to 160 hp. Subsequently the Insignia engine line-up will be expanded with an EcoFLEX version offering very low CO2 emissions in addition to other, more powerful variants.
>> read 2009 Opel Insignia Picture Gallery
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With the dynamically styled Meriva Concept, Opel presents the next level of monocab flexibility at the International Motor Show in Geneva (March 6 – 16, 2008). The concept car features rear-hinged rear doors on both sides of the car called FlexDoors. While the front doors are conventionally designed with front hinges, the rear doors swing open towards the back of the car. Another feature of the family-oriented Meriva Concept is that the front and rear doors can open independently of each other. Rear-hinged rear doors already on the market can only be opened after the front door has been opened, which severely limits their practicality.
FlexDoors smooth operation is backed up by an array of patented innovations developed by GM/Opel engineers. A safety system ensures the doors can only be opened from the inside or outside when there is no risk to the passengers. The Meriva Concept also features an automatic electronic child lock, which supplements the conventional mechanical system. The concept car also has B-pillars not only for independent opening but also for side-impact safety reasons.
The Meriva Concept’s design is distinguished by its attractive combination of practicality and spaciousness with very dynamic and cool styling. The concept car’s distinctive window line, arched roof, wide track and impressively sculpted body give a good indication of what is to be expected from future Opel production monocabs.
>> read 2008 Opel Meriva Concept Picture Gallery
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The new “Illusion” model variant is another iteration of the quick-changing Tigra TwinTop: the two-seater’s electro-hydraulic retractable steel roof is covered in a Bordeaux red canvas, which gives the car the soft-top look of a classic fabric-roofed cabrio – without foregoing the benefits of a hard top. The Tigra TwinTop “Illusion” will be one of the stars on the Opel stand at the 78th International Motor Show in Geneva.
This variant also comes with many standard features, such as leather trim, heated seats, air conditioning, MP3-compatible CD-Radio, on-board computer, two-layer metallic/pearlescent-effect lacquer, aluminum sport pedals, color-coordinated safety belts and footwell mats, as well as 17-inch light alloy wheels in bi-color design. The special “Endless Summer” edition is also available for customers who would prefer the extensive standard equipment, but without the canvas roof.
Customers can choose between a 1.4 (90 hp) or 1.8-liter (125 hp) gasoline engine. Both come with a five-speed manual transmission, while the 1.4 TWINPORT can also be ordered with an automated Easytronic five-speed manual gearbox. As with all Tigra TwinTops, the changeover from coupé to cabrio in the “Illusion” takes place at the touch of a button and requires just around 18 seconds.
Opel unveiled at the Essen Motor Show, the Astra OPC Nurburgring-Edition, a limited edition that express the respect that Opel has for the ’most charming’ race track in the world. It will be limited to only 835 units and will go on sale early next year.
>> read 
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