Opel Corsa Hybrid Concept 2007

Corsa Hybrid concept car with just 99 grams CO2 per kilometer

The Opel Corsa Hybrid concept car, which makes its world debut next month at the IAA in Frankfurt, is a result of General Motors’ expanded efforts to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Powered by the next-generation GM Hybrid system and diesel engine technology, the Corsa Hybrid concept car requires just 3,75 liters of diesel per 100 km and emits only 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer. Based on the 55 kW/75 hp Corsa 1.3 CDTI, fuel savings are largely achieved by GM’s next-generation belt-alternator starter technology debuting in this concept. The Corsa Hybrid uses a lithium-ion battery.

The Corsa Hybrid concept car’s hybrid technology combines the functions of a starter motor and electric generator. Its highly efficient diesel engine is also switched off by the hybrid system when the car is stopped, and restarted when the brake pedal is released. When extra power is required, such as when accelerating or overtaking, the motor provides significantly higher torque. This combination of 1.3-liter diesel engine and electric generator reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The lithium-ion battery provides the necessary electrical power for the belt-alternator starter, and the battery itself is recharged by the concept car’s regenerative braking function: when decelerating, the fuel is shut off and the vehicle’s kinetic energy is transformed into electrical energy.

The Corsa Hybrid concept car represents GM’s global commitment to a comprehensive and cost-effective advanced technology strategy focused on producing commercially viable and sustainable cars and trucks. These include alternative fuel vehicles, ongoing improvements to conventional internal combustion engines and transmissions, hybrid-electric and electric vehicles, as well as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Opel Corsa OPC 2007

Opel has shifted into top gear with the new Corsa. Following the successful market launch of the bestseller's fourth generation, Opel now sends the sporty top version on to the road.

This level of performance provides the newest member of the sporty OPC family with superb propulsion power in all driving situations. For instance, accelerating from 80 to 120 km/h takes just 6.7 seconds in fifth gear. The Corsa OPC requires 7.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, a moderate figure in this performance class. It makes its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in early March, shortly before its market launch.

The top-of-the-line Corsa's look also reflects pure sportiness. The roof spoiler, as well as the powerful front and rear aprons with distinctive gill-like air intakes and outlets make the OPC a real eye-catcher. Elements such as the darkly contrasting diffuser with integrated, centrally located triangular tailpipe and specially designed exterior mirrors are just a few examples of how much attention to detail was put into further developing the Corsa's bold, sporty character.

The Corsa OPC's chassis has a unique, even sportier character thanks to extensive modifications. Through intensive tuning drives on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, engineers were able to achieve a sophisticated balance of agile handling and pronounced vehicle control. Key modifications include a stronger rear axle profile and adjusted torsion beam rear axle weld-in angle, new spring/dampener tuning, lowering of the chassis by 10 mm and a larger stabilizer. The standard ESP system, which can be deactivated, has also been tuned to the car's sporty character. The new Corsa OPC comes with 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 R17 tires ex works, while 18-inch rims and size 225 tires are available as an option. The large 16-inch brake system with blue painted brake calipers ensures powerful deceleration: the Corsa OPC boasts internally ventilated, 308 mm front disk brakes and 264 mm disk brakes at the rear.

Sportiness also dominates the Corsa OPC's cockpit. In addition to the typical OPC door sills, chrome-ringed instruments with red pointers and blue-ringed air vents (also available in silver), the flat-bottomed leather sports steering wheel is especially eye-catching. Also reminiscent of motor sport vehicles, the steering wheel features a blue (or optionally silver) ring at its crown, while the center console in piano lacquer finish and aluminum pedals underline the sporty, high quality ambience. Particularly striking are the newly developed Recaro sports seats with integrated head restraints. The race-car-like seats protect both the driver and front passenger with integrated side airbags ? a world premiere for this type of seat.

The introduction of the Corsa expands Opel's OPC program to five model lines. The top-of-the-line Vectra OPC with 206 kW/280 hp is available as a sedan or station wagon. The Zafira OPC ? the fastest production van in the world with a top speed of 231 km/h ? and the Astra OPC both have a 177 kW/240 hp, two-liter turbo engine. The Meriva OPC is powered by an engine similar to that of the Corsa OPC: with 132 kW/180 hp and a top speed of over 220 km/h, the versatile five-seater is unique in the minivan segment.