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| 2002-08-28 | |
 | World premiere: The economical and environmentally friendly Opel Astra 1.6 CNG station wagon (Compressed Natural Gas) will be celebrating its debut at the International Motor Show for Commercial Vehicles 2002 in Hanover. The monovalent, spacious Astra 1.6 CNG station wagon has a 14-liter reserve gasoline tank in addition to two large-volume gas tanks. This increases the operating radius from 370 to about 520 kilometers. The 1.6 CNG motor, which has been optimized for natural gas, is based on the popular 1.6-liter ECOTEC gasoline engine. It delivers 71 kW (97 hp) and a maximum torque of 140 Newton meters. |
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August 28, 2002
Rüsselsheim. The economical and environmentally friendly Opel Astra Caravan 1.6 CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) will be celebrating its debut at the 59th International Motor Show Commercial Vehicles 2002 in Hanover on September 12-19, 2002. Following the launch of the Opel Zafira 1.6 CNG compact van at the start of the year, this new compact model is the company's second versatile series production car with a monovalent natural gas-powered engine. Like the natural gas-powered Zafira, the Astra Caravan 1.6 CNG also has a 14-liter reserve gasoline tank in addition to two large-volume gas tanks. This enables the driver to switch to gasoline operations if the gas tanks are running close to empty and there is no natural gas filling station nearby. This increases the operating radius from 370 to about 520 kilometers. The Astra Caravan 1.6 CNG is no different from gasoline or diesel engine models when it comes to interior space. It offers nearly unrestricted room with a maximum load area of 1470 liters thanks to unique, space-saving gas tanks installed underneath the floor. As of spring 2003, most Astra station wagon variants will be available with the 1.6 CNG engine. Excellent fuel efficiency is the Astra station wagon 1.6 CNG's greatest strength. A fuel consumption rate of 5.1* kilograms of natural gas per 100 kilometers (*preliminary value) and a current average price of 66 cents per kilogram of natural gas makes for a fuel cost reduction of some 30 percent as compared to a similarly powered diesel and about 50 percent as compared to a comparable gasoline engine model. Natural gas as an automobile fuel is worthwhile for another reason: some 65 percent of the regional and local natural gas providers in Germany are promoting this environmentally friendly form of fuel by contributing an average 1300 Euros towards the initial purchase of a new natural gas-powered vehicle or by supporting the owner with an average 1500 kilograms of free fuel. In addition, unlike gasoline or diesel, natural gas cars will be entitled to tax concessions at least until the year 2009 and the fuel is not subject to the annual eco-tax. Natural gas motors are also environmentally friendlier than conventional combustion engines, emitting fewer pollutants. With the Astra station wagon 1.6 CNG for example, CO2 emissions are reduced to 135* grams per kilometer. The 1.6 CNG motor is based on the popular 1.6-liter ECOTEC gasoline engine. It delivers 71 kW (97 hp) at a maximum torque of 140 Newton meters. The engine has been optimized for natural gas and for gasoline and it has separate injection nozzles for each type of fuel. Natural gas, with an octane number of 130, has a much higher knock resistance than gasoline. In order to increase the engine's effectiveness accordingly, Opel has adjusted the natural gas engine to the maximum efficiency level by elevating the compression ratio to 12.5:1. Despite its fuel economy, the Astra station wagon 1.6 CNG produces a top speed of 177* km/h and speeds from zero to 100 km/h in 14.5* seconds (* provisional data). The two tanks stored beneath the floor of the vehicle have a combined capacity of 110 liters, or 19 kilograms, provide a driving radius of around 370 kilometers. With the gasoline reserve tank, the Astra station wagon 1.6 CNG's driving radius is increased to about 520 kilometers. The changeover from natural gas to gasoline operation is made via a switch located in the center of the console. At the same time, the system switches over to the relevant pressure and gasoline level indicator so that the fuel gauge always indicates the amount of fuel left in the right operating mode. A universal filler nozzle makes it possible to refuel without the need for adapters in countries with different natural gas filling station norms (such as in Italy for example). In addition, the Astra station wagon 1.6 CNG can also be fueled with biogas. The Astra station wagon 1.6 CNG also offers superior performance when it comes to safety. The entire tank system is mounted on the underside of the vehicle with steel fastening bands. The tanks are also protected by an underside casing. The two gas tanks, each of which has its own valve, are made of high-strength steel and the gas lines from rust-proof stainless steel. The tanks are located outside the impact area in order to provide the best possible protection for passengers and for the environment. In addition, its ignition temperature, at 650° Celsius, is considerably higher than that of gasoline. Natural gas is also safer than gasoline in the event of an accident. Since it is lighter than air, it evaporates as soon as it is released. Some car parks in Germany forbid gas-powered vehicles, but Astra station wagon 1.6 CNG drivers can legally ignore this prohibition because it only applies to gas vehicles whose fuel is heavier than air. And finally, due to the tanks' high safety standards, Germany's Technical Inspection Association (TÜV) does not call for any additional inspections apart from the compulsory checks required at 10-year intervals. The basic Astra station wagon 1.6 CNG model is produced in Bochum, Germany and the gas assembly is later installed by Opel Special Vehicles GmbH (OSV) in Rüsselsheim. This Opel subsidiary, established in January 2000, currently employs some 300 people. OSV produces the natural gas-powered Zafira and the sporty Opel OPC models. The subsidiary is also responsible for the conversion of vehicles for public authorities and for special cars such as those used by police, driving schools and taxi companies. In addition, it does the individualized customizing of Opel production models. The Astra station wagon 1.6 CNG is part of Opel's threefold strategy designed to reduce the new fleet carbon dioxide emission level to 140 grams per kilometer by the year 2008. Aside from the optimization of proven technologies and the development of fuel cell-powered vehicles ready for series production, the use of alternative fuels like natural gas play an important role in the company's strategy. "With the Astra station wagon 1.6 CNG we are offering our customers something no other manufacturer can provide. Its innovative technology makes it an exceptionally clean and economical all-purpose vehicle," said Klaudia Martini, Management Board Member for Corporate Communications at Adam Opel AG. "The Astra station wagon 1.6 CNG represents another important step for Opel on the road to sustainable mobility for the future," she added. | |
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