Opel/Vauxhall have announced technical details of the new 1.6-litre turbocharged SIDI ECOTEC, the first unit that will soon be replacing the current range of petrol and diesel engines. The 1.6-litre SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) ECOTEC will be manufactured at General Motors Szentgotthardt facility (Hungary) in late 2012. The most powerful version will be delivering 197 hp at 4,700 rpm and 300 Nm from 1,700 rpm. Opel/Vauxhall announces that the new 1.6-litre will have both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions reduced by 13% compared to the current engine, thanks to direct injection and Start/Stop system.

“In just twelve months we are launching three completely new engine generations. This shows how fast we are introducing new products,” said Karl-Friedrich Stracke, Opel CEO. The new 1.6-litre will be soon joined by other two units, petrol and diesel, although the German carmaker has not revealed any details, yet.

Here are the latest spy shots picturing the upcoming Opel Astra sedan, the three-box version of the popular German hatch. The pictured mule is wearing just some light camouflage on the front grille and on the whole rear section, and shows us a front-end that doesn’t seem too different from what we have already seen on previous spy shots and on the station wagon and convertible versions of the car.

In terms of engine range, the model should come with the same line-up of the other body types: on the petrol side we have a 1.4-litre unit delivering 100 hp, a 1.6 delivering 115 hp and a turbocharged 1.4 producing 140 hp. As for the diesel, there will be a 1.3-litre engine producing 95 hp as well as a 1.7-litre in power steps of 110, 125 and 130 hp, all of which CDTi. The inclusions of a more performing, supercharged 180 hp 1.6-litre turbo petrol unit and of a 165 hp 2.0 diesel unit have not been ruled out and are still in the cards.

The future Vauxhall models will be equipped with LED Light Matrix, designed to adjust the light beam emitted by full-LED headlamps type. This new lighting technology combines a front camera to a control system. It makes possible to keep high beams on during standard driving and direct the light only where it is actually necessary, without dazzling oncoming drivers: the Light Matrix manage the situation by recognising vehicles in front of the car and illuminates just the area around it. Therefore there is no risk of blinding unfortunate motorists.

Each optical unit consists of four light segments that act independently, in order to produce 256 different combinations. The light beam can move and adjust automatically without distracting drivers coming in the opposite direction. The LED Light Matrix is completing the final testing phase and will be offered in a few years as standard.

A mule of the upcoming Opel Astra Convertible has been spotted while doing some winter testing in Northern Europe. The pictured prototype still uses a temporary roof top that has nothing to do with the real solution, but rumor has it that eventually the car will adopt a conventional soft top as opposed to the retracteble hardtop used on the Astra TwinTop.

From an aesthetic point of view, the new Opel Astra Convertible should end up being pretty similar to the GTC coupe, especially as far as the lines of the two sides are concerned. Same goes for the engine range, with the only exception of the ultra-sporty OPC variant.

It is also believed that the new model might not be using the “Astra” name: Mark Adams, Vice President of Design for GM Europe, had hinted at this possibility during an interview released last October, but at this moment there are neither confirmations nor denials on the subject to speak of.

View the Opel Astra Convertible spy shots

Opel Astra’s line-up is going to welcome yet another addition in the form of a brand new three-box sedan. The mule pictured in these spy shots sports a mildy disguised rear end that let us understand pretty well the sort of the design the final model will use, and quite frankly there’s nothing really exciting there. This kind of body-type hasn’t been successful in Europe for quite a while, and at the moment it is unclear whether Opel will have it marketed in these countries.

The Opel Astra sedan is expected to borrow the same engine range of the hatchback, meaning the naturally aspirated 1.4- and 1.6-litre (producing 100 and 115 hp respectively), a turbocharged 1.4 litre unit delivering 140 hp and, possibly, the 180 hp supercharged 1.6 too. As for diesel options, there is a 95 hp 1.3 and a 1.7-litre unit available in three power steps, 110, 125 and 130 hp, this last one with standard start-stop system. At the moment, the inclusion in the range of the powerful 2.0-litre CDTI unit (producing 165 hp) seems quite unlikely.

It is known that Opel is currently working on a small car that, in the intentions of the carmaker, will be positioned in its current range right below the Corsa. The project has been known until now as ‘Junior‘, but apparently the new car will adopt the ‘Allegra‘ name by the time of its official unveiling, which is expected to happen in some motor show toward the end of the year in view of its commercial launch in early 2013.

This time a mule of the next Allegra has been spotted during some cold weather testing. The model is expected to measure around 3.70 meters in length and should become available with a 3-door body-type only. At the moment it is still unclear whether the car will rival against the likes of the new Volkswagen Up! in the super mini-car segment or will go for a more upmarket target, battling against such competitors as the Mini squad and Fiat 500. Insiders report that Opel is also developing a whole new family of engines for the Allegra/Junior, that we are likely to see transplanted in the next generation of the Opel Corsa.

Buick releases a two-minute long video starring its new luxury small crossover ‘Encore‘, which has been unveiled just a few days ago in Detroit at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. The footage provides us with an extensive overlook of the model, which represents the hottest Buick model for 2012. The Encore is the American counterpart of the Opel Mokka, which will soon be introduced to the world at the next Geneva Motor Show.

The Encore comes with a supercharged 1.4-litre 4-cylinder Ecotec engine producing 140 hp and 200 Nm (148 ft-pd) of peak torque and coupled with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Other remarkable features of the model include 18″ five-spoke painted aluminum wheels, 10 air bags, the voice-activated IntelliLink infotainment system – which uses Bluetooth or a USB to connect the driver’s smartphone to a high-resolution, full-color 7″ LCD display radio - Bose premium sound system, sat-nav, rear camera, park assist, cornering brake control and brake assist and plenty of options for the customization of its cabin. The Buick Encore will begin arriving at U.S. Buick dealerships in the first quarter of 2013.

Opel continues the celebration for its 150th anniversary with the introduction of a special trim package for its Corsa, Meriva, Astra and Insignia models, dubbed ‘150 Year Opel’.

With this celebrative package, both Corsa and Meriva will get 16″ wheels, tinted rear glass, fog lights, heated steering wheel, cruise control, an MP3-CD stereo and an adjustable panoramic roof or sunroof with separate air conditioning for both the driver and the front passenger. whereas the Astra will get the same goodies but with a set 17″ rims. As for the Insignia, the package is completed by heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a Navi 900 Europa info-tainment system, an electric sunroof and a glazed panoramic roof as well as 18″ alloys. Needless to say, the whole lot will also receive slew of anniversary-themed badges and finishing.

What makes the ‘150 Years Opel’ jubilee trim even more interesting is that it promises to be quite cheap, savings of up to 2,100 € over the usual price of the aforementioned extras. The jubilee trim packages start at 450 euro (recommended retail price in Germany including VAT). Depending on the model, they represent a cost saving of 876 euro.

via | CarFanaticsForum

Opel will introduce its new compact SUV ‘Mokka‘ at the next Geneva Motor Show (March 8-18), and here is the first bunch of official pictures released by the German carmaker. The model should become available in the showrooms toward the end of the year, and is basically a twin of the Buick Encore, which has been unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show of Detroit just a few days ago.

The Opel/Vauxhall Mokka measures 4.28 meters in length, a feature that qualifies it as a proper sub-compact SUV for the B-segment, surely one of the most competitive areas of the automotive market. Initially the model will be available with the following engine options: a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol unit producing 140 hp and 200 Nm of peak torque, a naturally aspirated 1.6 petrol delivering 115 hp and a 1.7-litre CDTI diesel engine producing 130 hp and 300 Nm of torque. Both the 1.4 Turbo and the 1.7 CDTI can be combined either with 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions. All versions will be offered in both Front- and All-Wheel-Drive variants, while all manual transmissions will be equipped with the fuel saving Start-Stop system

The new Opel/Vauxhall Mokka comes with 1,372 litres of loading space, 19 storage locations and the innovative Flex-Fix rear bicycle carrier. Standard equipment also includes the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the Traction Control (TC), the Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) systems, the Advanced Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL+), the High Beam Assist (HBA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and a Traffic Sign Recognition system. It’s got them all, basically. L’Opel Mokka sarà offerta di serie con cerchi da 18 pollici. To find out more about the new Opel/Vauxhall Mokka, see the official Press Release after the jump.

VAUXHALL ENTERS FRESH TERRITORY WITH ALL-NEW SMALL SUV

- New model expands Vauxhall portfolio in fast-growing European SUV market
- Choice of front or all-wheel drive, six-speed or auto transmissions
- Fresh and purposeful design combines with generous practicality
- Two petrol engines and one diesel, all with Start/Stop eco-tech

Luton (10/01/12) – These are the first official pictures of Vauxhall’s new small SUV, which will take the company into new market territory when it’s unveiled at this year’s Geneva Motor Show in March.

Called the Mokka, the new model will enter the growing sub-compact SUV B-segment. The Mokka is 4.28metres long, yet despite its neat dimensions can accommodate five adults in comfort.

“The Mokka takes its design cues from larger SUVs and integrates them into a compact, yet modern form,” said Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “We are growing a compelling and diverse range of products that appeal both to retail and fleet customers, and the Mokka will complement this perfectly.”

Choice of diesel and petrol engines; packed with technology

The Vauxhall Mokka blends functionality with a comfortable high seating position. It can be specified with all-wheel drive that seamlessly shifts torque to the rear wheels when required for better traction and handling. Power is provided by three efficient engines, all equipped with fuel saving Start/Stop technology. The petrol offer comprises a 115PS, 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated engine or a 140PS 1.4-litre Turbo with 200Nm of torque. The diesel is a 130PS 1.7 CDTI turbo with 300Nm of torque. Both the 1.4 Turbo and the 1.7 CDTI can be combined either with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.

The Mokka introduces new cutting edge technologies to the SUV B-segment, such as a string of Driver Assistance Systems at the hub of which is the Vauxhall Front Camera-there is also a rear view camera. In addition to a generous cargo volume, the Mokka offers the fully integrated, latest generation Flex-Fix bicycle carrier that is exclusive to Vauxhall. The user-friendly carrier is fully integrated in the rear underbody, functioning like a drawer and accommodating up to three bicycles at a time.

Bold SUV design combined with generous functionality
Muscular and attractive, the Mokka incorporates Vauxhall’s signature ‘blade’ on the body side, sweeping towards the rear. The Mokka’s sporty character is reinforced by its higher ground clearance as well as a 1540mm track. Its robust looks are further enhanced by 18″ alloy wheels which are standard on most models.

In the interior, the new Mokka displays typical Vauxhall values such as versatility and user-friendly functionality, providing up to 1,372-litres of load space and 19 storage locations.

All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive and exclusive technologies are available
The new Vauxhall Mokka will be available in Front-Wheel and All-Wheel Drive . The All-Wheel Drive System ensures a high level of stability and safety, extending 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 models include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TC) as well as Hill Start Assist (HAS) and Hill Descent Control (HDC ) systems – which improve driving comfort and safety in uphill or downhill terrain.

The Vauxhall Mokka brings cutting-edge upmarket technologies to the SUV B-segment. The Advanced Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL+) which increases driving safety is based on the 3rd generation Bi-Xenon lighting system that includes High Beam Assist (HBA). The new generation Vauxhall front camera system is also available, giving the driver access to a number of functions including Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Alert (FCA) and second generation Traffic Sign Recognition.

No other sub-compact SUV offers such a system that increases safety and driving comfort.

The Vauxhall Mokka will be available at Vauxhall dealerships towards the end of 2012.

This year German manufacturer Opel (aka GM’s arm in Europe) will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its foundation, and to open the celebrations they have released this video which kind of compresses their whole century and a half of history in just three minutes. As you will figure out pretty soon watching the clip, Opel hasn’t been a carmaker the whole time: Mr. Adam Opel founded the firm in 1862 in Rüsselsheim, Germany, to produce sewing machines, and then the business gradually expanded in other sectors such as bycicles in 1886 (becoming the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer in the mid 20s) and, in 1902, cars. In 1914 Opel became Germany’s biggest automaker, opening the very first automated production line in 1924 and keeping on growing till the economic crisis of 1929, right after which GM stepped in as majority-stake holder, eventually becoming the only owner in 1931.

Since then, Opel has always remained one of the most well-known manufacturer in Europe - also producing electronic appliances for a short while -giving the automotive world some unforgettable vehicles such as the Kadett (all of them), the Corsa (all of them), the Olympia in the mid 30s, the Blitz truck, the Manta in the 70s, the Ascona rally car of the 80s and so forth until the more recent Astra and Ampera. There are just too many to mention. Nowadays Opel boasts 11 manufacturing facilities in 6 countries and 40,500 empolyees, and its headquarters are still based in Rüsselsheim. The brand continues to operate worldwide but is no longer present in the U.S. market, whereas in Britain all of its model are marketed under the Vauxhall brand. Well, happy birthday Opel.

The first images of what should be the new Opel Insignia Sport Tourer CrossFour have leaked on the internet. Based on the Opel Insigna saloon, the model is expected to give Audi A4 Allroad and the upcoming Volkswagen Passat Alltrack a run for their money on the market, and even though the manufacturer tried to keep the whole thing secret until the model will be officially presented to the public, some details about it have already came to light.

As the name suggests, the car will be all-wheel drive model, with higher ride height than the model it derives from and will have the Start-Stop system. Apparently, the Opel Insignia Sport Tourer CrossFour will have an initial engine range made of two units: a 2.0-litre CDTi delivering 158 hp and available with either manual or automatic 6-speed transmission, and a more powerful 2.0-litre twin turbo petrol engine with an output of 192 hp and 400 Nm of torque. This is what we know for now, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see more performing units being added to the range.

via | Motor.terra.es

German magazine AutoBild reports that Opel/Vauxhall is actually planning the production of the Mokka, a new compact SUV based on the architecture of the Corsa that will challenge the likes of Nissan Juke - and a slew of other models that many carmakers will release soon - in this continuously growing niche of the market. The first rumors about the model surfaced last March, but this is the first actual confirmation of the project, and it is also the first time that the name ‘Mokka’ has been officially confirmed as the name of the upcoming vehicle.

AutoBild says that the Mokka will be officially unveiled in March at the Geneva Motor Show, in view of a possible commercial debut in November 2012. In order to contain the costs, the model will be developed on the same platform of Opel Corsa and should be measuring 4,300 mm in length, making it quite similar in size to the Meriva. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations will be made available, while the price tag for the entry level model will be roughly 18,000 € (23,500 $ - 15,000 £), which is 2,000 € more than the less expensive Meriva.