Geneva Press Pack

• Introduction – New innovation & future tech lead Vauxhall’s march at Geneva
• Flextreme GT/E concept - The shape of things to come: Vauxhall Flextreme GT/E concept
• Meriva – Vauxhall Meriva opens doors to class-leading access & Innovation
• Ampera – Vauxhall Ampera: Electric driving without range anxiety
• Corsa –  Corsa range gets 13% mpg – boost plus extra driver appeal

NEW INNOVATION & FUTURE TECH LEAD VAUXHALL’S MARCH AT GENEVA

• World Debut: Flextreme GT/E concept shows how E-REV can adapt to larger cars
• World Debut: Meriva opens doors to class-leading access and innovation
• Ampera showcases extended range, electric vehicle tech due in production soon
• Corsa gets more power & mpg, plus extra driveability for 2010

Geneva/Luton – Vauxhall is unveiling not one, but two cars at this year’s Geneva Motor Show today, with world premieres of the Flextreme GT/E concept and the all-new Meriva compact MPV.

While the Flextreme GT/E provides a compelling (and beautiful) insight into Vauxhall’s commitment to environmental technology, the new Meriva illustrates how innovation from a previous concept car has become a production reality.

Also at the show is the groundbreaking Ampera extended-range electric vehicle, which is due on sale in the UK at the start of 2012, and is set to establish Vauxhall’s lead in alternative propulsion in the family car segment.

Last but not least, the refreshed Corsa is on show, with its revised powertrain and chassis making Vauxhall’s best-seller not only cleaner and cheaper to run, but also more fun to drive, too.

‘Vauxhall is covering all bases at Geneva,’ said Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall’s Managing Director. ‘With the Meriva, we have a unique and innovative take on family motoring, but the concept car and Ampera prove that we are truly at the forefront of environmental technology. These vehicles also show that their versatility and efficiency doesn’t come at the expense of stunning design.’

Vauxhall Flextreme GT/E concept – expressive design and environmental performance

In Vauxhall’s commitment to achieving power without the need for fossil fuels, electricity plays a key role, and the 4.7-metre long Flextreme GT/E concept illustrates how extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology can be plugged into large or mid-sized vehicles, as well as compact cars, like the upcoming Ampera.

Vauxhall calls its strategy ‘e-mobility unlimited’, which will effectively adapt the highly efficient E-REV drive system – which removes the limitations of battery-only power – to vehicles across all market segments. In other words, the Flextreme GT/E concept shows that size really doesn’t matter when it comes to driving a car with zero C02 emissions.

Sleek and aerodynamic, the Flextreme GT/E achieves a projected drag co-efficient of just 0.22, allowing it to reach an estimated top speed of 125mph-plus while conserving energy and extending the driving range. Stand-out visual features include a low, wide stance, wing-shaped lights front and rear, a distinctive nose and grille, ‘floating’ C-pillars and muscular, sculptured bodywork.

The clean frontal styling features a low bonnet line and an extended nose section, which is clasped by wing-shaped, signature LED headlamps, which are in turn carved into the front wings and across the bonnet line. The new trapezoidal grille is slim but bold, with the prominent wing-shaped chrome bar carrying a large Vauxhall emblem, which doubles as a socket for charging the Flextreme GT/E’s battery pack.

The Flextreme GT/E concept is a logical next step towards Vauxhall’s emerging strategy for the electrification of the car, which will in time include products using battery, extended-range, hybrid and fuel cell technologies.

Meriva –  opening door to new levels of practicality

Vauxhall’s new Meriva is set to turn the conventional concept of family-car usability on its head with a combination of clever, rear-hinged back doors which radically improve access/egress, and a raft of unique cabin features that boost interior versatility.

The Meriva’s FlexDoors are rear-hinged back doors which swing open towards the back of the car at an angle of nearly 90 degrees, vastly improving the ease with which occupants enter and leave the cabin – a major benefit for both parents with young children, as well as older people.

But this isn’t the Meriva’s only innovation. FlexRail transforms the conventional centre console into a convenient and adaptable storage area for a wide range of everyday items, from handbags and colouring books to MP3s and sunglasses.

Complementing FlexRail is the Meriva’s clever FlexSpace seating system, which offers a range of cabin configurations without having to remove any of the seats. Both its outer rear seats can be moved fore and aft individually, and also slide inwards to provide more shoulder width and leg room.

The Meriva’s flexibility is enhanced by an expressive and dynamic silhouette to its basic cab-forward design. Like the Astra and Insignia, a ‘blade’ features down the side of the body, complementing a window line with a distinct ‘wave’ accentuating the FlexDoors, which also offers enhanced visibility for children.

With six turbocharged powertrains available, Meriva buyers will have a choice of power outputs ranging from 75-140PS, including a high-mpg/low-C02 ecoFLEX model.

The new Meriva will be available in UK showrooms in June.

Vauxhall Ampera showcases E-REV technology

The five-door, four-seater Vauxhall Ampera is on schedule to go into production late next year. It carries the same design DNA as the new Astra and Car of the Year-winning Insignia, yet it uses groundbreaking extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology.

Unlike other conventional propulsion systems, E-REV uses electricity as its primary power source, supplemented by a small engine to generate electricity for its motors when electric power runs low. This helps the Ampera overcome the ‘range anxiety’ issues associated with pure electric cars.

The Ampera’s wheels are turned electrically at all times and speeds, and for journeys of up to 40 miles (covering a vast majority of typical commutes) it runs on electricity stored in the 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery, and emits neither greenhouse gases nor other harmful emissions.

Revised Corsa range – now featuring Vauxhall’s most economical model ever!

While E-REV tech forms a crucial part of Vauxhall’s green game-plan, developing highly efficient – but exceptionally driveable – cars powered by conventional engines is still important, something which the latest improvements to the big-selling Corsa range illustrate perfectly.

The Vauxhall Corsa is set to sell more sub-125g cars than any other model range in the UK this year, due to significant efficiency gains in its engine line-up. The ultra-economical units – all of which, bar the VXR model, exceed 50mpg combined when fitted with a manual gearbox - are joined by a raft of improvements to the Corsa’s chassis, boosting its driver appeal still further. The economy star of the range is the latest ecoFLEX model, which not only gains 20PS of power, but also achieves a combined 76.3mpg and emissions of just 98g/km.

 

World Premiere Geneva Motor Show 2010

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME: VAUXHALL FLEXTREME GT/E CONCEPT

• Dramatic design meets environmental technology
• Alternative propulsion: shows versatility of Vauxhall’s E-REV technology

Geneva/Luton - In Vauxhall’s commitment to achieving power without the need for fossil fuels, electricity plays a key role, and the 4.7-metre long Flextreme GT/E concept illustrates how extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology can be plugged into large or mid-sized vehicles, as well as compact cars, like the upcoming Ampera.

Vauxhall calls its strategy ‘e-mobility unlimited’, which will effectively adapt the highly efficient E-REV drive system – which removes the limitations of battery-only power – to vehicles across all market segments. In other words, the Flextreme GT/E concept shows that size really doesn’t matter when it comes to driving a car with zero C02 emissions.

Sleek and aerodynamic, the Flextreme GT/E achieves a projected drag co-efficient of just 0.22, allowing it to reach an estimated top speed of 125mph-plus while conserving energy and extending the driving range. Stand-out visual features include a low, wide stance, wing-shaped lights front and rear, a distinctive nose and grille, ‘floating’ C-pillars and muscular, sculptured bodywork.

Exterior design

The clean frontal styling features a low bonnet line and an extended nose section, which is clasped by wing-shaped, signature LED headlamps, which are in turn carved into the front wings and across the bonnet line. The new trapezoidal grille is slim but bold, with the prominent wing-shaped chrome bar carrying a large Vauxhall emblem, which doubles as a socket for charging the Flextreme GT/E’s battery pack.

The upper section of the grille is used to admit cooling air, the lower portion being covered by a translucent panel. The absence of additional air intakes allows a low frontal area for aerodynamic efficiency and also enables the Flextreme GT/E to meet future pedestrian protection requirements.

The sculpted bonnet, with a Vauxhall-signature central crease line, features narrow longitudinal vents on either side to draw air out of the engine compartment. The muscular wings and wheel-arches sweep back into the side-body.

In profile, the Flextreme GT/E is distinguished by innovative, stubbed C-pillars. This floating design allows the glasshouse to be extended rearwards under the arching roofline, emphasising the flowing lines of the side-body. Vauxhall’s signature blade motif is reinterpreted in a swooping swage line from the base of the C-pillar into the lower front wing.

Access to the cabin is enhanced by the adoption of rear-hinged rear doors, an evolution of the FlexDoors concept from the new generation Meriva. To preserve the clean exterior looks, all door handles are replaced by light sensors. These trigger the doors to open when covered by the driver’s or passenger’s hand. To reduce air turbulence, exterior front door mirrors are also absent, replaced by small camera pods in the base of the A-pillars.

At the rear, a strong shoulder line embraces sculpted wheel-arches that further emphasise the Flextreme GT/E’s wide, ground-hugging stance. The coupé look is completed by a steeply raked tailgate, carrying wing-shaped LED light units which echo the form of the front headlamps. And taking a leaf from the Insignia Sports Tourer’s book, the tailgate has a wraparound design for improved boot access, enhanced by a convex deep glass screen to improve airflow.

The transparency of the fixed glass panel in the centre of the roof is adaptive, allowing sunlight to warm the interior in the cold of winter, but darkening for coolness in summer. A duct at the rear edge of the roof is for additional cooling of the battery and electronic components.

Managing airflow and saving weight

Integral to the Flextreme GT/E’s dramatic looks is the efficiency of the design execution. The small frontal area, low roof height (1308 mm) and a flat, enclosed underbody all enable the car to cleave the air with a minimum of disturbance.

A series of measures optimise airflow management. The 21-inch alloy wheels are relatively narrow, to reduce wind resistance, and are fitted with 195/45, low rolling resistance tyres. Clear, flush-mounted trim inserts also minimise air turbulence. 

The small front intake improves airflow around the nose of the car and the underbody sweeps up, venturi-like, at the rear to further reduce drag.

The Flextreme GT/E also explores the potential for active shape shifting.  At speeds above 30mph, a vertical panel extends along the body from the air extraction slot behind each rear wheel-arch. These 350 mm-long side spoilers guide high-speed airflow around the rear corners of the car, further reducing the amount of turbulence.

Mass reduction measures for the body include the use of lightweight, carbon composite outer panels, polycarbonate window glazing and aluminum alloy structural components. Compared with conventional materials, these offer a 40 per cent weight saving which further contributes to reduced energy consumption and an increased driving range.

Powertrain

The Flextreme GT/E concept also includes the groundbreaking E-REV drive system, already developed for the Vauxhall Ampera. Despite its greater size and a maximum speed of more than 125mph, the Flextreme GT/E is estimated to offer performance similar to that of the Ampera: a battery-powered driving range of up to 40 miles – with zero CO2 tailpipe emissions – and a total range of over 300 miles.  Average fuel consumption is estimated at 175mpg, with CO2 emissions of less than 40g/km.

Unlike a hybrid vehicle, the wheels of the Flextreme GT/E are powered at all times by electricity. For typical journeys up to 40 miles, energy is supplied by a T-shaped lithium-ion battery pack located under the floor and rear seat.

However, unlike a battery-only electric vehicle, the Flextreme GT/E eliminates any possibility of range anxiety through fear of being stranded without power. The small petrol engine/generator is seamlessly engaged to provide electricity whenever the battery’s supply becomes depleted. In this mode, the driving range is extended to more than 300 miles, until the plug-in battery pack can be recharged or the car is refueled.

The motor in the electric drive unit delivers a substantial 370Nm of instant torque, giving lively performance and projected zero to 62mph acceleration in less than nine seconds.

The Flextreme GT/E concept is a logical next step towards Vauxhall’s emerging strategy for the electrification of the car, which will in time include products using battery, extended-range, hybrid and fuel cell technologies.

 

World Premiere Geneva Motor Show 2010

VAUXHALL MERIVA OPENS DOORS TO CLASS-LEADING ACCESS & INNOVATION

• Unique-in-class FlexDoors offer unrivalled occupant access and convenience
• FlexRail and FlexSpace features bring new levels of cabin versatility to class
• ecoFLEX version to be offered

Geneva/Luton – Vauxhall’s new Meriva is set to turn the conventional concept of family-car usability on its head with a combination of clever, rear-hinged back doors which radically improve access/egress, and a raft of unique cabin features that boost interior versatility.

The new Meriva, which will receive its world debut on the Opel/Vauxhall show stand at Geneva today is the first Vauxhall to feature FlexDoors, showcased in 2008’s Meriva design concept.

FlexDoors are rear-hinged back doors which swing open towards the back of the car at an angle of nearly 90 degrees, vastly improving the ease with which occupants enter and leave the cabin. Rather than having to step back, or to one side, as one would using a normal front-hinged door, the FlexDoor allows unimpeded forward access/egress to and from the cabin, enhanced further by the Meriva’s high roof line.

For parents with children, there are further benefits. Due to the larger door opening and free space around the B-pillar, parents can lift small children forwards in to rear-mounted, second-stage child seats without having to contort themselves around a door. And with both the front and rear doors open (the fronts open at a similar angle to the rear FlexDoors) a ‘parent-friendly’ zone is created with no door barrier between front and rear occupants.

Crucially, the FlexDoors can only be opened by occupants while the Meriva is travelling at less than 2mph, after which the doors automatically lock. The sophisticated system also warns drivers if a door is not completely closed.

While the concept of two rear-hinged back doors is not new in the motor industry, the Meriva’s FlexDoor system is the first time it has been used on a family car in recent years. But unlike other rear-hinged door applications the Meriva benefits from front and rear doors that open independently, and does not require rear passengers to sit behind the door opening.

Class-leading in-cabin flexibility

Once inside the new Meriva, buyers benefit from two further groundbreaking innovations. The FlexRail adopts a completely fresh approach to the design of a car’s centre console, and provides owners with a variety of modular storage and comfort solutions that fix on to an ingenious dual-rail base. It provides convenient and adaptable storage for a wide variety of everyday items, from handbags and magazines, to MP3s, CDs and colouring books, with further space liberated by use of an electric handbrake, standard on all models.

The new Meriva’s storage bin and cubby count has also increased, with features like a 1.5-litre bottle holder in each of the front doors, meaning that owners now benefit from one of the most practical cabins in class.

In addition, the current Meriva’s much-praised FlexSpace system has evolved with even greater practicality. Now more intuitive to use, the new Meriva’s FlexSpace allows easier fold-down of the rear seats, while moving the rear seats to create more boot, leg or shoulder room is simpler than ever.

The new Meriva’s seat comfort has also advanced, with the adoption of front seat technology from the Insignia and Astra. Like these cars, the Meriva offers the biggest range of seat adjustment in class, extending to 240mm in length and 65mm in height.

Enhanced visibility and safety

The new Meriva optimises the high-riding benefits of a monocab by offering even better visibility front and rear. The lowered front fascia, narrower A-pillars and larger front quarter-lights all contribute to an exceptionally clear view for front seat occupants, while rear passengers benefit from a unique ‘wave’ design in the belt line that increases the depth of the rear windows – a great boon for young children.

New for the Meriva is a full-length panoramic sunroof, which is standard on SE models. At almost two metres long, the roof comes with an electronic blind and is the largest of its kind offered in the small MPV segment.

After its success in both the Insignia and Astra ranges, a version of Vauxhall’s Adaptive Forward Lighting System, which includes Dynamic Curve and Static Cornering features, will be offered as an option in the Meriva range.

New Meriva adopts design language from Insignia and new Astra

The current Meriva effectively created the small MPV sector when it was launched in 2003, but since then Vauxhall’s design language has evolved steadily, with big strides being made with the European Car of the Year-winning Insignia and more recently with the launch of the all-new Astra.

No surprise, then, that the new Meriva has adopted a more expressive and dynamic silhouette to its basic cab-forward monocab design. Like the Insignia and Astra, a ‘blade’ features down the side of the body, complementing a window line with a distinct ‘wave’ accentuating the FlexDoors, allowing panoramic views for rear passengers.

The design theme continues in the Meriva’s cabin, with cues taken from the Insignia and Astra enhancing the perceived quality of the materials.

More efficient powertrains  

The new Vauxhall Meriva will be offered with engines ranging from 75-140PS, all of which comply with Euro5 emissions standards.

The petrol engine line-up comprises three versions of the 16-valve 1.4-litre unit. The range starts with the Meriva’s only normally aspirated engine, featuring hollow camshafts for reduced weight and lower mass and a power output of 100PS. Completing the petrol line-up, are two turbocharged 1.4 variants, producing either 120PS or 140PS (the latter taken from the new Astra range). All engines get five-speed manual gearboxes, except the  1.4 Turbo 140PS, which has a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The diesel line-up starts with a 75PS, 1.3 CDTi unit which uses closed-loop catalyst technology to enhance fuel consumption. In addition, a 1.7CDTi unit producing 100PS will be available, equipped with a 6-speed fully automatic gearbox.

Later this year, the engine line-up will gain two additional diesel variants. The low C02-emitting ecoFLEX model will be powered by a 95PS 1.3 CDTi unit, and a second version of the 1.7 CDTi will also join the range, fitted with a six-speed gearbox and producing 130PS.

The new Meriva will hit UK showrooms in June

 

Geneva Motor Show 2010 - Vauxhall Ampera

VAUXHALL AMPERA: ELECTRIC DRIVING WITHOUT RANGE ANXIETY

• Extended-range electric Vauxhall leads way for advanced propulsion
• Electrically-driven family car practical for everyday use 
• Production on target for 2011/on sale in UK early 2012

Geneva/Luton - The Ampera, a game-changing electric family car that is practical for everyday use without range-anxiety, illustrates Vauxhall’s push to be at the forefront of environmentally friendly motoring. It is set to be the first mass-produced electric vehicle to go on sale in the UK (and also in Europe, under the Opel badge) after production starts late in 2011.

 “The Ampera shows that a practical, electric four-seater with boot space can be the first automobile in the household. This is not just a theory, but a car that will be a reality in a year,” says Gherardo Corsini, Director, Electric Vehicle Implementation.

Electric drive for use any day of the week

Unlike other conventional propulsion systems, the Ampera uses electricity as its primary power source, supplemented by a small engine to generate electricity for its motors when electric power runs low. This helps the Ampera overcome the ‘range anxiety’ issues associated with pure electric cars.

The Ampera’s wheels are driven electrically at all times and speeds, and for journeys up to 40 miles (a typical commuting distance), it runs on electricity stored in the 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery, and emits neither greenhouse gases nor other harmful emissions while doing so.

Ampera gives driver confidence and peace of mind

Unlike a conventional battery-electric vehicle, the Ampera eliminates range anxiety, giving drivers the confidence and peace of mind that a depleted battery will not leave them stranded. 

When the battery’s energy is low, electricity generated by an on-board petrol/E85-fueled engine extends the Ampera’s range to more than 300 miles, until the battery can be replenished by plugging the vehicle's on-board charge system into a standard household outlet.

More than 220 lithium-ion cells in the T-shaped pack provide the equivalent of 150PS, while the near-silent electric drive unit delivers 370Nm of instant torque, providing it with zero to 62mph acceleration of around nine seconds, and a top speed of 100mph.

The Ampera can be plugged into any household power outlet and re-charged in about three hours. Vauxhall is analysing the requirements for standardisation and a recharging infrastructure for plug-in electric cars with energy companies, including Iberdrola of Spain.

 

Geneva Motor Show – Vauxhall Corsa

CORSA RANGE GETS 13% MPG-BOOST PLUS EXTRA DRIVER APPEAL

88.3mpg *ecoFLEX model leads popular range’s dramatic efficiency drive

• Improved powertrains on average 13.2 per cent more economical across range**with 5 out of 7 engines emitting less than 125g/km
• Chassis improvements set to hoist Corsa among class leaders for dynamics
• Enhanced list of standard kit available, including unique-in-class feature.

Geneva/Luton – Vauxhall’s Corsa is set to sell more sub-125g cars than any other model range in the UK next year† thanks to significant efficiency gains in its engine line up. Better still, buyers will benefit from zero VED on all manual Corsa models from this April, for the first year after purchase.

The ultra-economical engines – all of which, bar the VXR model, exceed 50mpg combined when fitted with a manual gearbox - are joined by a raft of improvements to the Corsa’s chassis, boosting its driver appeal still further.

While the economy star of the range is the new 95PS diesel ecoFLEX model, which achieves 76.3mpg on the combined cycle (and 88.3mpg on the extra urban cycle), each of the Corsa’s petrol engines is now more economical, yet more powerful. The 1.0-litre now produces 65PS (up 5PS), yet emits just 117g of C02, dropping it two VED bands and meaning that owners now pay just £35 per year in road tax, down from £120, and none at all from this April.

The Corsa’s 85PS 1.2-litre petrol has also dropped a VED band and gained 5PS in power, while the 1.4-litre – which now produces 100PS, up 10PS over the old model - has dropped two bands and sips just 51.4mpg combined, up from 46.3mpg for the old model.

Reinforcing the 98g, zero-VED ecoFLEX model in the Corsa’s diesel range is a 75PS version of the same 1.3 CDTi, emitting 114g/km, and a more powerful 1.7 CDTi which now produces 130PS, yet drops 12g/km in C02 emissions. A new eco gearshift indicator housed within the instrument cluster is available on most models in the range.

But running costs and emissions are not the only weapons in the revised Corsa’s armoury. To maintain the Corsa’s incredible success in the small car class, Vauxhall’s engineers have made important revisions to the car’s steering and suspension set-ups. Softer springs have been employed in the front suspension, mated to an anti-roll bar with new bushes and an increased diameter, improving  ride and control characteristics.

Complementing this are revised damper settings all round, an optional re-tuned ESP system and enhanced steering geometry, ensuring that the revised Corsa is as pleasurable to drive as it is economical to own.

Completing the package of changes to Vauxhall’s biggest selling car, is a long list of features which have now been added as standard to key models in the range. The SE, SXi and SRi now get cruise control and an on-board computer, while the newly developed SRi – which now starts at a lower price point -  also gets revised suspension settings, air conditioning, 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, and a VXR styling kit included in its price.

But the SE also packs a standard feature unique in this class: a heated leather steering wheel, complemented by heated front seats, giving owners a feeling of opulence normally reserved for those who drive behind a Flying B or Spirit of Ecstacy!

*Figure quoted based on Government’s Extra Urban Cycle

** Manual transmission models only; excludes VXR

† Based on current competitor volumes plus Corsa’s 2010 forecast volumes; info courtesy of Jato Dynamics