Showing posts with label Opel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Opel. Show all posts

Opel GTC Paris Concept Wallpaper

Opel GTC Paris Concept
Opel GTC Paris Concept Wallpaper
Opel GTC Paris Concept
Opel GTC Paris Concept Wallpaper
Opel GTC Paris Concept
Opel GTC Paris Concept Wallpaper

Opel GTC Paris Concept
Opel GTC Paris Concept
Opel GTC Paris Concept Wallpaper
Opel GTC Paris Concept
Opel GTC Paris Concept Wallpaper

Opel GTC Paris Concept Wallpaper

Opel GTC Paris Concept
Opel GTC Paris Concept Wallpaper
Opel GTC Paris Concept
Opel GTC Paris Concept Wallpaper
Opel GTC Paris Concept
Opel GTC Paris Concept Wallpaper

Opel GTC Paris Concept
Opel GTC Paris Concept
Opel GTC Paris Concept Wallpaper
Opel GTC Paris Concept
Opel GTC Paris Concept Wallpaper

Opel Astra Sport Tourer Wallpaper

Opel Astra Sport Tourer

Opel Astra Sport Tourer

Opel Astra Sport Tourer


Opel Astra Sport Tourer

Opel Astra Sport Tourer

GM Europe has released official images and info on the Opel Astra Sports Tourer, which will make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show and go on sale in November.

The Sports Tourer is the wagon version of the popular C-segment Astra hatchback, which has collected over 160,000 orders in six months. It’s an important car for Opel, as wagons traditionally account for about 25% of Astra sales in Europe, higher than the segment average of 17%.

Load volume can be easily adjusted between 500 and 1,550 litres via the FlexFold Rear Seat system, which allows each section of the 60/40 split-fold rear seatbacks to be lowered at the press of a button located in the side walls of the cargo area. A spring is electrically released, activating quick, remote seat folding. With the seatbacks down, the cargo load length is increased to 1,835 mm, 28 mm more than the current Astra wagon. Besides that, occupants enjoy 25 litres of extra storage space inside the cabin.

Opel says that this wagon offers the same level of comfort and agility as the hatchback. First, its footprint and 2,685 mm wheelbase is unchanged while the rear compound crank/Watt’s link suspension has been modified for higher load capabilities and better support during cornering. In addition, FlexRide adaptive suspension provides a choice between standard, sports and touring modes and Trailer Stability Assist counteracts the tail wind produced when lugging a caravan trailer.

Engine options include eight petrol and diesel units. New to the range are two 1.4-litre turbocharged petrols; a 120 bhp six-speed manual and a 140 bhp six-speed auto. Sure to be more popular that those is the 2.0 CDTi with 180 bhp and 380 Nm of torque. This diesel option comes with an overboost button and sips only 5.1 litres of fuel for every 100 km (19.6 km/l). All manual transmission cars have a gear shift indicator coaxing you to drive economically.

Opel Astra Sport Tourer

Opel Astra Sport Tourer

Opel Astra Sport Tourer Wallpaper

Opel Astra Sport Tourer

Opel Astra Sport Tourer

Opel Astra Sport Tourer


Opel Astra Sport Tourer

Opel Astra Sport Tourer

GM Europe has released official images and info on the Opel Astra Sports Tourer, which will make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show and go on sale in November.

The Sports Tourer is the wagon version of the popular C-segment Astra hatchback, which has collected over 160,000 orders in six months. It’s an important car for Opel, as wagons traditionally account for about 25% of Astra sales in Europe, higher than the segment average of 17%.

Load volume can be easily adjusted between 500 and 1,550 litres via the FlexFold Rear Seat system, which allows each section of the 60/40 split-fold rear seatbacks to be lowered at the press of a button located in the side walls of the cargo area. A spring is electrically released, activating quick, remote seat folding. With the seatbacks down, the cargo load length is increased to 1,835 mm, 28 mm more than the current Astra wagon. Besides that, occupants enjoy 25 litres of extra storage space inside the cabin.

Opel says that this wagon offers the same level of comfort and agility as the hatchback. First, its footprint and 2,685 mm wheelbase is unchanged while the rear compound crank/Watt’s link suspension has been modified for higher load capabilities and better support during cornering. In addition, FlexRide adaptive suspension provides a choice between standard, sports and touring modes and Trailer Stability Assist counteracts the tail wind produced when lugging a caravan trailer.

Engine options include eight petrol and diesel units. New to the range are two 1.4-litre turbocharged petrols; a 120 bhp six-speed manual and a 140 bhp six-speed auto. Sure to be more popular that those is the 2.0 CDTi with 180 bhp and 380 Nm of torque. This diesel option comes with an overboost button and sips only 5.1 litres of fuel for every 100 km (19.6 km/l). All manual transmission cars have a gear shift indicator coaxing you to drive economically.

Opel Astra Sport Tourer

Opel Astra Sport Tourer

Vauxhall/Opel Wallpaper



Opel Corsa Football Championship Edition



Opel / Vauxhall Meriva Photos



Opel Corsa Color Race Wallpaper



Vauxhall Insignia VXR Sports Tourer Wallpaper

Vauxhall VXR8: In Detail




Introduction

There was every reason to mourn the passing of the Monaro, but the Thunder from Down Under hasn't stopped yet.

What better to replace the 6.0-litre V8, rear-drive Aussie performance icon with than an all-new Antipodean muscle car. A car, in fact, just like the VXR8 a car even more powerful and exciting than the Monaro.

The dramatic-looking new saloon is powered by the same 6.0-litre V8 as the outgoing Monaro VXR, but revisions have made it even more efficient. It now develops a massive 417PS and 550Nm of torque, giving it enough grunt to sprint from 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds. No other supercar offers this sort of power for anywhere near the VXR8's bargain price of just 35,105 pounds.

Yet the VXR8, based on the Australian Holden VE HSV Clubsport R8, offers more in the way of practicality than the Monaro, with four doors and space for all the family.

Although practical, with a spacious boot, comfortable, long-legged cruising ability and luxuries such as climate control and leather trim, the VXR8 is certainly no softie. Driver aids such as the stability system and traction control can be turned off at the flick of a switch perfect for drivers who want to hone their skills on a track day!

In response to customer demand, the VXR8 will also be the first VXR model to be offered with an automatic gearbox, but that doesn't mean that VXR shifted to being dull. Performance figures are hardly affected, and the auto's fuel economy is actually better than the manual's.

Satellite navigation and 20-inch wheels are among the options for those who want to make their VXR8 look more distinctive and help find their way to the best driving roads. Even with all the option boxes ticked however, the VXR8 is still around half the price of other cars with comparable performance. As all fast car fans know, Aussie rules and here's why...

New Opel Vectra/Saturn Aura Spied in Death Valley


Flagship shot in the dessert

Shot during secret hot-weather testing in the U.S., these are the best pictures yet of the all-new Opel Vectra which is to replace the current model by the end of next year! The new Epsilon 2 platform will allow a wider and taller body than currently, which should mean more space inside for passengers – something that's vital in a class where machines such as VW's Passat have really upped standards. The wider stance should also mean an even more composed driving experience.

Almost undisguised for the first time are details of the new­comer's styling. Obviously, they will follow the Astra and Antara SUV with a bold front end and a radical fastback profile. A higher-quality cabin will also be key to keeping the new model on terms with its rivals. And it's inside that the new Vectra will make the biggest leaps over the existing car. Flag­ship Vectras will get a system called Traf­fic Assist, which has an array of lasers and video cameras that scan the road ahead for warning signs, lane markings and other traffic – meaning the Opel will be the world's first 'driverless' car. Another first will be the arrival of a 4WD version, while the wider engine range will include a 200bhp 2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel, plus a development of the 2.8 V6 petrol. On sale in late 2008, the new Vectra should debut at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. The Vectra will be available afterwards in the US as the Saturn Ar in 2010.

Opel Vectra Spy Photos




Flagship in disguise

Shot during secret winter testing on a lonely country road in the very north of Sweden, these are the first pictures of the all-new Opel Vectra which is to replace the current model by the end of next year!

The new Epsilon 2 platform will allow a wider and taller body than currently, which should mean more space inside for passengers – something that's vital in a class where machines such as VW's Passat have really upped standards. The wider stance should also mean an even more composed driving experience.

What’s still hidden under heavy cladding here are details of the new­comer's styling. But we reckon it will follow the Astra and Antara SUV with a bold front end and a radical fastback profile. A higher-quality cabin will also be key to keeping the new model on terms with its rivals.

And it's inside that the new Vectra will make the biggest leaps over the existing car. Flag­ship Vectras will get a system called Traf­fic Assist, which has an array of lasers and video cameras that scan the road ahead for warning signs, lane markings and other traffic – meaning the Opel will be the world's first 'driverless' car.

Another first will be the arrival of a 4WD version, while the wider engine range will include a 200bhp 2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel, plus a development of the 2.8 V6 petrol. On sale in late 2008, the new Vectra should debut at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.

Opel GTC Concept





Spectacular Reveal of Striking Opel GTC Concept

Geneva. On the eve of the 77th Geneva Motor Show, Opel illuminated the night. Supported by a dramatic light show, the Opel GTC Concept (Gran Turismo Coupé) made its spectacular debut at the "GM Premiere Night."

Heralding a new design era for the brand, the GTC Concept gives an insight into how Opel's design language will look in the future. Adding to progressive shapes and surfaces, the four-seat coupé features unique LED lighting concepts in the front and rear, providing a new signature lighting style for the brand.

The reveal's exciting light show highlighted the GTC Concept´s signature illumination theme by utilizing state-of-the-art LED technology for the huge stage wall. The car then strutted down a long runway to its final resting spot on a turntable in the center of the room.

Visual effects of the evening were also part of the futuristic iBar concept: Items like mobile phones or drink glasses rested on the bar tops were connected by animation of the concept car and the Opel emblem. In addition, a common denominator of the show was the color red, reflecting the interior lighting theme of the concept car and the red line in its seats, steering wheel and tires.

Two live performances of the U.S. band "Pink Martini" and a fashion show of the hip Spanish label "Mango" rounded off the spectacular presentation of the GTC Concept.

"This evening's presentation perfectly highlighted the GTC Concept as the new interpretation of the Opel brand," explained Alain Visser, Executive Director, European Opel Marketing. "The concept car´s exciting lines, high driving dynamics and interior flexibility reflect what the Opel brand trademark characteristics will be in the future." "With the GTC Concept our team envisioned the new essence of Opel - more confident, relevant and distinctive - in a high-performance four-seat coupé," said Bryan Nesbitt, Executive Director, GM Europe Design. "This style is what to expect of future Opel products."

Key elements of the GTC Concept (length/width/height: 4830/1867/1432 millimeters, wheelbase: 2737 mm) begin with an aggressive front end performance face emphasized by large aluminum vertical intakes that intersect the headlamps. These vertical elements are mimicked in the rear exhaust elements. Another significant design cue of the two-door sport-coupé is the sophisticated bodyside shapes and surfacing.

Echoing the exterior, the interior visually articulates a dynamic driving experience and reveals a new standard of Opel aesthetics. Brand-typical on-board flexibility is ensured by the thoughtful "Flex4" system. The backs of both rear seats can be docked separately to the front seats by remote control, creating a spacious three or two-seater with flat load floor.

The Opel GTC Concept is powered by a 220 kW/300 hp, 2.8-liter V6 turbo gasoline engine and features an intelligent, electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system.

Opel GTC Concept Heralds New Design Era for the Brand

  • Dynamic and unexpected: New interior and exterior design language

  • Striking and elegant: Lighting concepts provide new signature style

  • Flexible and innovative: From four to two-seater at touch of a button with “Flex4”

  • Intelligent and variable: Four-wheel drive for optimum traction in all driving situations

The world premiere of the GTC Concept (Gran Turismo Coupé) at the 77th Geneva Motor Show gives an insight into how dynamic and refreshing Opel's new design language will look in the future. "This concept car demonstrates the new interpretation of the Opel brand," explains Alain Visser, Executive Director, European Opel Marketing. "The GTC Concept embodies the confident, emotional direction we're taking with Opel. Its exciting lines combined with its high driving dynamics and interior flexibility reflect what the Opel brand trademark characteristics will be in the future." Even a new, more refined brand emblem, with the Opel name proudly embossed into the Blitz ring, is suggested.

"The GTC Concept importantly signals the next chapter in Opel's design identity," says Bryan Nesbitt, Executive Director, GM Europe Design. "Our team strategized to envision the new essence of Opel - more confident, relevant and distinctive - in a high-performance, yet versatile, four-seat coupé. This style is what to expect of future Opel products.

"You have seen a number of recent concept cars become reality at Opel," says Hans Demant, Opel´s Managing Director and GME Vice President Engineering. "Concepts like the GTC Genève and Antara GTC or the Flex-Fix rear carrier system from the TRIXX previewed their production variants. This car is a confident ambassador for the brand and could play a similar role for us, previewing the engineering and design cues of our next-generation Opels."

The four-seat coupé is powered by a 220 kW/300 hp, 2.8-liter V6 turbo gasoline engine and features an intelligent, electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system, which provides optimum traction and stability as well as excellent agility in all driving conditions.

Brand-typical on-board flexibility is ensured by the thoughtful "Flex4" system (patent application submitted). The backs of both rear seats can be docked separately to the front seats by remote control, creating a spacious three or two-seater with flat load floor and up to 1020 liters of luggage compartment capacity. As is typical of Opel cars, the seats do not have to be removed or installed.

Dynamic design: Visually communicating the Opel brand promise

The GTC Concept reveals the next-generation of Opel styling. Much like the Opel Speedster did in 1999, or the GTC Genève Concept did in 2003 this car marks a break in the evolution of Opel's design language and signals that the next chapter is about to be written.

Key elements of the silk grey-lacquered Coupé concept car finished with a matte grey paint (length/width/height: 4830/1867/1432 millimeters, wheelbase: 2737 mm) begin with an aggressive front end performance face emphasized by large aluminum vertical intakes that intersect the headlamps. These vertical elements are mimicked in the rear exhaust elements, proposing an unmistakable down-the-road signature performance graphic, coming or going.

The proud front is highlighted by a prominent, trapezoidal grille with signature Opel bar and Blitz, executed in polished aluminum, and gracefully finished with a bolder Opel Blitz emblem concept. The centerline crease coupled with the distinctive aluminum vertical intakes and outboard LED vertical driving lamps choreograph in harmony to visually communicate power and strength. The distinctive design continues with LED technology, enabling creative headlamp inner shapes that propose a night time signature illumination graphic in the front and rear lamps.

Another significant design cue of the two-door sport-coupé with its sleek silhouette is the sophisticated bodyside shapes and surfacing. The sheetmetal surfaces suggest athleticism coupled with elegance to provide tasteful distinction in a visually loud marketplace. The car features sculpted side lines that further progress the Opel profile shown on the Antara and Opel GT production vehicles.

In addition, large flares hug the aggressive wheel and tire package, visually suggesting road confidence to the customer. Thanks to the wide track (front/rear: 1627/1629 mm), the Opel GTC Concept provides a commanding stance, planted by 20-inch rims with 245/40 R20 "red line" styled rubber. The wheels reference the motor sport aesthetic of black rims - however, elegantly finished with high- gloss black spokes contrasted with machine polished edges, alluding a signature performance wheel look.

The GTC Concept's rear visual solutions strategically echo the design language of the nose with an integrated rear bar and blitz emblem resting on the distinctive Opel rear center crease. Sophisticated surface development sculpturally integrates the rear spoiler into the sheetmetal to visually communicate performance. The rear appearance features Opel signature shaped rear lamps, uniquely displaying a LED night lighting graphic showcasing the exterior brand identity. The smart exterior shape and aerodynamic characteristics are rewarded by the cD value of 0.25.

Interior design: Warmer and more inviting

Opel's interior designs have progressed to become warmer and more inviting in products like the new Corsa, Antara and Opel GT. However, the Opel GTC Concept significantly represents the next chapter of Opel's interior brand identity. Echoing the exterior, the interior shapes and surfaces are sculpturally-crafted to visually articulate a dynamic driving experience. The dashboard's top-pad wraps around from the instrument panel to the door, embracing the occupants. The sweeping décor dynamically stretches one's eye from the surfaces of the door and instrument panel, creating a memorable environment. The horizontal theme is secured with a large integrated centerstack design floating above the décor surface, an appearance reminiscent of premium audio equipment.

Complementing the exterior material theme, matte ebony surfaces are contrasted with rich high-gloss piano black décor finishes and structurally elegant aluminum accents, revealing a new standard of Opel aesthetics. The U-shaped aluminum graphic on the steering wheel is reflected again on the center console and the gear shifter, visually connecting the driving interfaces to emphasize Opel's driving dynamics. The rotating navigation control is ergonomically positioned, allowing it to easily be located and controlled by the driver, without having to remove his/her eyes from the road. The four, sporty, round instruments encircled by translucent rings are backlit in dynamic red, replacing Opel's traditional amber tones. These interior appearance solutions intentionally reinforce the dynamic ownership experience Opel provides.

As a final identity concept, the refined "redline" graphic of the tire pattern is vertically woven into the contoured sport seat surfaces and the centerline of the steering wheel, proposing that a visual performance identity can be distinctive without compromising taste. Intelligent packaging: Compact exterior with spacious, flexible interior "In the last few years, many cars have gotten bigger without passengers benefiting from it. We have reversed this trend with the Opel GTC Concept. In comparatively compact exterior dimensions, we optimized the decisive feel-good dimensions in the interior," says Frank Leopold, Manager GME Innovation, Show Cars and Advanced Packaging. "In this way, the car fits like a glove."

With the lower seating position and vertical hip point ? known as the H-point? , both front occupants sit perfectly integrated in the car. Thanks to the lower-set instrument panel, outward visibility remains excellent. This also provides a generous sense of space, an effect strengthened by its color: the instrument panel's upper section is dark, while the lower section is light.

The intelligent packaging is further highlighted by plenty of space in the rear of the Opel Concept car, despite its flat roof line: rear headroom is 920 millimeters. The rear seats are set low, but the four-seat, two-door car still offers Opel's brand-typical flexibility thanks to a novelty developed by Opel engineers: the "Flex4" interior concept (patent application submitted). "Flex4" enables the backs of both the rear seats in the Coupé concept car to be moved forward separately at the touch of a button via sensor-control and docked to the front seats. The luggage compartment cover is thereby automatically pulled over the remaining seat surfaces in the floor. This creates a three or two-seater with a flat load floor up to 1.80 meters long. Luggage compartment capacity increases from 500 liters to 755 liters (three-seater) or up to 1020 liters (maximum capacity: up to waistline). Powerful engine and intelligent four-wheel drive system

The Opel GTC concept car is powered by a turbocharged, 220 kW/300 hp, 2.8-liter V6 gasoline engine with two variable camshafts, which is combined with a six-speed manual transmission. Maximum torque of 400 Nm is available from 1850 up to 4500 rpm, and accelerating from zero to 100 km/h is calculated to take around six seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h. The power from the high-tech turbo engine is channeled via an advanced, electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system, which is fully integrated into the car's adaptive IDSPlus chassis management system. An electronically-regulated torque transfer device seamlessly distributes power between the front and rear axles for optimum traction and driving performance. The high-speed control allows more power to be provided to the rear axle before any traction loss can occur, for example during quick acceleration. This creates a driving feel similar to a sporty rear-wheel drive car. An electronically-controlled limited slip differential at the rear axle provides additional stability and traction thanks to torque distribution between the rear wheels.

Major benefits of the Opel GTC Concept's intelligent four-wheel drive system are: optimum traction and stability in all driving conditions as well as excellent agility and an active driving feel.

Opel Vectra Interior Spy Photos




All new dash

The fourth generation Opel Vectra displayed its first signs of life as the Opel GTC Concept at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, and we have been trailling its progress to production status throughout the year. Our spy photograpghers were in Sweden for the winter testing, in Death Valley for hot weather testing and, of course, in Germany. We even have caught the much anticipated car on video!

The interior has been kept under wraps by the Opel engineers, untill now that is. Earlier today we managed to snap a few pictures of the all new interior. In comparison to the current Vectra, the dashboard seems all new and manages to give the cockpit a sportier look in the process.

The Opel Vectra 4 (or Vauxhall Vectra in the UK and Saturn Aura in the USA) will feature all new exterior styling and will be pitted against the new Ford Mondeo and VW Passat. The engine range is expected to be expanded with a 2.7 liter V6 Turbodiesel (200 hp) and 2.8 liter V6, also new will be the option for all-wheel-drive.

When the Opel Vectra will take its first bow at a motor show is not exactly clear, but rumours are that the London Motor Show in July may get that honour, it would then debut as the Vauxhall Vectra. We have some doubts about that here in the WCF newsroom, our money is on a Geneva world premiere in March 2008.

Steinmetz Corsa D




The new Corsa D sets the standards in the "small car segment“. With the Corsa D, Opel have once again succeeded in setting the tone and acting as a trendsetter for new, innovative ideas. Steinmetz Opel Tuning has refined the new Corsa D with striking characteristics and now offers an extensive range of accessories such as e.g. exhaust, wheel & tyre combinations and much more.

Exhaust:

The rear view becomes a real eyecatcher thanks to the trapezoid twin rear silencer by Steinmetz. Made totally of stainless steel, and with a deep sonorous growl, the silencer also helps improve gas flow. A left/right system is also currently on test.

Lowering:

30mm closer to the tarmac, and with greater safety reserves with no loss of driving comfort - these are the main aims of the Steinmetz engineers when designing a Steinmetz lowering system. On the Nürburgring and in everyday road use, situations in the extreme range are tested for even greater driver safety.

Wheel/tyre combination:

New to the Steinmetz range and developed exclusively for the Steinmetz Corsa D is the new ST6 alloy - a BiColor wheel with 8 double spokes in 4-hole design. The brilliant appearance is achieved by the finished surface. The resulting light reflections give the desired effect which makes the ST6 alloy a true highlight. For tyres, we recommend Continental and Michelin.


4-hole

Tyres

7.0 x 16"

205/50 R 16

7.5 x 17"

215/45 R 17



5-hole

Tyres

ST1

7.0 x 16"

205/55 R 16

ST3

7.0 x 16"

205/50 R 16


7.5 x 17"

215/45 R 17


8.0 x 18"

215/40 R 18

ST4

8.0 x 18"

215/40 R 18

ST5

7.5 x 17"

215/45 R 17

ST6

7.5 x 17"

215/45 R 17

Bodystyling/aerodynamics:

Crouching low, apparently smiling out of the headlights, the front is emphasised by the Steinmetz front grille in honeycomb design and the Steinmetz front spoiler. Flowing transitions give the front a harmonious appearance. For the rear, a two-piece Steinmetz roof spoiler has been developed which identifies the Corsa D as a Steinmetz Corsa. All styling modifications comply with the new directives for pedestrian protection. The front and rear sections are joined by the new Steinmetz design stripes in silver or anthracite.

Interior:

In the interior of the new Corsa D, the options from Opel have been expanded hugely. Steinmetz offers aluminium pedals, an aluminium footrest, aluminium handbrake handle, aluminium gearknob through to foot mats with the Steinmetz stainless steel logo which integrate harmoniously into the interior style of the new Corsa D. All Steinmetz components are TÜV-tested and available via your Opel dealer.

Opel Zafira




  • Design: More distinctive lines for bold sportiness
  • Engines: Better economy and power
  • Technology: Flexibility still the standard in compact MPV segment

With fresh design accents and three additional engines, the new Opel Zafira will be available at dealerships from February 2008. The Zafira’s striking looks communicate dynamics and self-confidence. Its 1.6-liter gasoline and two 1.7-liter CDTI engines embody the current trends: powerful, economical and affordable. This all puts the Opel compact van in an excellent position to continue the success story of the world’s first fully versatile seven-seater, which will see its two millionth unit rolling off the assembly line early next year. Following the introduction of the second generation in mid-2005, this Zafira also belongs to the top of its vehicle class with over 450,000 units sold and around ten percent market share in Europe. The new edition of the bestseller makes its world premiere at the Bologna Motor Show (December 7 - 16, 2007).

Alain Visser, Chief Marketing Officer of GM Europe, describes the new Zafira as “the right offer at the right time. We know that customers are very satisfied with its quality, reliability, functionality and versatility. And now we’ve made the Zafira even sportier and equipped it with more efficient engines. This all keeps the Zafira in benchmark position in the European compact MPV class.”

Dynamic V-styling defines face

The new Zafira is characterized by striking front and rear design elements that give the car a sporty note. The confident wide front chrome beam with integrated Opel logo takes the hood tapering and draws it into the two-part radiator grille fins, which are now fully chromed. The distinctive lines around the fog lamp recesses also integrate the bumper into the dynamic V-styling; headlamp housings are also in chrome-look. The Zafira Sport boasts an even more impressive look with its bold, full front lip. The resulting sweep continues from the flared wheelarches, over the side sills to the pronounced rear apron. Other new eye-catching features include two transparent 3-D cells in the red tail lamps. The design enhancement is rounded off by the rear lamps’ silver-white strip, which crosses over into the rear chrome beam.

The further refined interior is accentuated by glossy chrome-rings around climate and radio controls as well as new decorative trim on the instrument panel and doors. The Cosmo version features elegant piano lacquer trim on the center console and decorative molding on the steering wheel. The infotainment systems with Navi, CD, DVD and MP3 functions also have stereo connections for external audio equipment, such as an iPod.

The Zafira’s “trademark” Flex7 seating system is of course always on board. The unrivalled versatile system ensures fast reconfiguration of the interior without cumbersome removal of the seats.

New engines

The motto for engines is higher economy and power. With a new 1.6-liter gasoline and two 1.7 CDTI common-rail turbo-diesel engines, the range now boasts further highly-efficient propulsion alternatives. In future, Zafira customers can choose from a total of nine different engines. Their output spectrum ranges from the 94 natural gas hp of the especially economical and environmentally-compatible Zafira 1.6 CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) to the 240 turbo hp of the sporty top model Zafira OPC. With these two engines, Opel also enriches the segment with two innovative variants: the natural gas Zafira with only 138 g CO2 paved the way for this alternative form of propulsion, while the OPC version with 240 hp took over the pioneer role for sport vans.

The Zafira model line’s favorable operating costs result from a number of factors including low fuel consumption, low maintenance requirements, long service intervals and above all high value retention. This all helped the Opel van to take first place in the “Best Value 2006” awards in specialist magazine “Auto Bild”.

The new, weight-optimized 1.6 ECOTEC with seamlessly controllable intake and exhaust camshafts has output of 85 kW/115 hp. The four-cylinder, four-valve unit replaces the 77 kW/105 hp 1.6-liter engine and consumes just 7.0 liters of fuel per 100 km. This reflects a savings of 4.3 percent compared to the predecessor. At the same time, better driving performance can be achieved thanks to the increased power, which is reflected in the 9 km/h higher maximum speed and acceleration of 13.4 seconds from zero to 100 km/h.

The new 1.7 CDTI engines with 81 kW/110 hp and 92 kW/125 hp both come with six-speed manual transmission as standard and feature common-rail injection, four-valve technology with swirl control as well as maintenance-free diesel particulate filter. They replace the 74 kW/100 hp 1.9 CDTI and the manual gearbox version of the 88 kW/120 hp 1.9-liter diesel. With increased torque of 20 and 40 Nm respectively, the 1.7 CDTI units provide noticeably more power while consumption and emissions are reduced. Efficiency is increased by up to 5 percent. Both diesel units require 5.7 liters of fuel per 100 km and emit just 152 g CO2 per km.

Technological excellence

The new edition of the Zafira also offers innovative technological highlights unique in this vehicle class. These include the optional IDSPlus chassis system with electronic CDC (Continuous Damping Control), which provides an exclusive dimension of driving comfort and safety. In this integrated chassis control system, the control units and sensors of ESPPlus, ABS and CDC exchange data constantly, resulting in immediate optimization of chassis fine-tuning. The new edition’s further improved trailer stability control is also far from a matter of course when looking at other brands. The sophisticated system monitors the intensity of yawing motions in the car-trailer combination. Such motions are stabilized by control electronics via regulated brake application.

Best-in-class Zafira: Opel introduced the AFL bi-xenon headlamp system (Adaptive Forward Lighting) with dynamic curve light into the compact van segment. The panorama roof system is a true highlight, further enhancing the pleasant, light atmosphere for the passengers. The power-operated shading system protects against strong sunlight when needed. For practical organization in the interior, the roof console running down the length of the ceiling houses five large drop-down storage compartments. These innovative technological features underline the modern overall concept of the flexible compact van.