Opel's 2001 Engine Strategy - More Power And Lower Emissions 
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High-torque direct-injection turbo diesels charge up the model range  
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Rüsselsheim - Although they are already among the most economical and efficient in their respective classes, Opel's ECOTEC engines have been comprehensively up-graded for the 2001 model year. The result: even lower exhaust emissions and fuel consumption combined with higher power output and torque. In addition, the ultra-modern 2.2-liter, 16-valve aluminum engine - which already powers the Astra Coupé and the Speedster - will be available for the Astra, Zafira and Vectra as well. The direct-injection diesels under the hoods of these models have been given a boost, too. The Vectra and Omega feature a new 2.6-liter V6 gasoline unit and Astra Coupé buyers can now opt for the new, top-of-the-range Turbo with 140 kW / 190 hp. Almost all the gasoline engines for the 2001 model year comply with the strict Euro 4 exhaust emission limits, qualifying them for tax concessions in many countries.  

Another important step forward for 2001: the inspection intervals for almost the complete engine range have been extended to 30,000 kilometers. This has been made possible by the use of new grades of lubricating oil in accordance with the ACEA A3/B3-98 specification,  and classified as 0W-X, 5W-X, or 10W-X according to their viscosity. For safety reasons, all the Opel models that qualify for these longer  servicing intervals are equipped with a brake pad wear indicator.  

The diesel range: modern, direct-injection units with higher power outputs  

The 2001 engine line-up also includes up-graded diesels which provide higher power and torque while still complying with the Euro 3 exhaust emission limits.  

One of the most innovative highlights in Opel's 2001 model range is the Astra Eco 4. With fuel consumption of only 4.4 liters per 100 kilometers (MVEG standard), this Astra with its 1.7-liter DI engine is the first "four-liter car" in the compact class. The Eco 4 demonstrates how comfortable family cars with a high safety standard, ample interior and good performance figures can still be exceptionally economical. Opel is offering the Astra Eco 4 at very competitive prices and expects it to sell in considerable numbers - with a correspondingly beneficial effect on the brand's fleet consumption. The 55 kW / 75 hp direct-injection engine, also powers the Astra 1.7 DTI and the new Corsa.  

There are equally interesting new developments at the other end of the performance scale. In addition to further detail work on the VP 44 radial-piston injection pump, which now delivers fuel at up to 1800 bar to the injectors and operates with pilot or pre-injection, the forced aspiration system on the new 2.2-liter engine has also received the engineers' attention. This is the first Opel engine to feature a VTG turbocharger (a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry). The vacuum-controlled guide vanes in the Garrett GT 18 unit enable it to obtain maximum energy from the exhaust gas flow. In practice, this results in more rapid response at all engine speeds. This elaborate system also includes a charge air-intercooler for the intake air before it reaches the engine. The resulting increase in the density of the air enables correspondingly more fuel to be injected, so that power output rises. The charge-air intercooler also reduces the thermal loads on the engine. This powerful turbo diesel has two counter-rotating balance shafts for exceptionally smooth running.  

In the Vectra, the 2.2-liter DTI 16V develops 92 kW / 125 hp and generates its maximum torque of 270 Nm at an engine speed of only 1500 rpm. With slightly different performance data it is also installed in the Omega.   

Gasoline engines: Euro 4 classification for almost every powerplant 

The significantly improved emission levels achieved by the ECOTEC gasoline engines derive mainly from engine design measures such as new camshafts for modified valve timing and changes to the engine management system. Improvements to the catalytic converters such as installation very close to the exhaust manifold, have also lowered these engines' exhaust emissions by enabling the converters to reach their light-off temperature sooner after a cold start. The new, 2.2-liter aluminum engine, which already complies with the Euro 4 standard, also uses a starting converter.  

Bringing the gasoline engines into line with future exhaust emission limits involved a thorough design revision which, in many cases, resulted in higher power output. An example of this is the Astra's 1.6-liter engine, which has been converted from central to multi-point fuel injection and now has new intake and exhaust manifolds among other improvements. Its output has gone up from 55 kW / 75 hp to 62 kW / 85 hp. This progress is all the more satisfactory because the Astra 1.6 16V's fuel consumption (MVEG standard) has gone down by 0.2 liter per 100 kilometers to only 7.0 l/100 km.  

The Astra 1.6 16V is a good example of the cumulative effect of reduced exhaust emissions. Based on the German sales figures for 2000, and assuming that each Astra 1.6 16V covers 15,000 kilometers annually, the improvements over the previous model reduce emissions of hydrocarbons (HC) by more than 56 and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by more than 27 tonnes a year. 

Another engine that delivers high performance allied to excellent economy is an entirely new development: the innovative 2.2-liter aluminum engine that had ist European premiere in the Astra Coupé. This 16-valve unit is now also available in the Astra, Zafira and Vectra. An ECOTEC unit developing 108 kW / 147 hp, it replaces the previous 2.0 16V with 100 kW / 136 hp. The higher power output and the torque of 203 Nm - 90 percent of which is available at 1900 rpm - result in improved performance while at the same time fuel consumption has gone down by a further 0.1 liter per 100 kilometers to only 8.4 l/100 km. This new aluminum engine, like the Astra's 1.2-liter engine, already  complies with the Euro 4 exhaust emission standard.  

Featuring two counter-rotating balance shafts for very smooth running, the lightweight aluminum 2.2-liter four-cylinder unit is the new top-of-the-range engine for the Astra and Zafira. The Vectra is also available with a 2.6-liter V6. This engine, too, has been extensively revised: it now develops 125 KW / 170 hp and, with 250 Nm at 3400 rpm, has a higher maximum torque than its 2.5-liter predecessor. The new 2.6-liter V6 is also available in the Omega, where it is rated at 132 kW / 180 hp. In the spring of 2001 there will also be a V6 engine enlarged to 3.2 liters and developing 160 kW / 217 hp for the Omega. It will be available with automatic transmission only. 

(September 28, 2000)