 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
Image credits: © Opel. GM Corp
2005 Opel Astra news, pictures, and information | ||
| Tweet | ||
Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid Concept Demonstrates Easy Scalability of Innovative Two-Mode Full Hybrid System
The Opel Astra diesel front-wheel drive concept vehicle, equipped wîth a two-mode full hybrid and the 1.7-liter CDTI engine, delivers up to 25 percent improved fuel economy while maintaining fun-to-drive performance.The concept vehicle is based on the production-version Opel Astra GTC and was built at GM's European International Technical Development Center in R ? sselsheim , Germany .
How Two-mode Full Hybrids work
GM's two-mode full hybrid system has been established as the starting point for a GM-DaimlerChrysler collaboration.
The unique architecture can be scaled to fit FWD, RWD and AWD vehicles and adapted to both gasoline and diesel engines. Two electronically controlled electric motors act on a series of gears to create an infinitely variable drive system. The system fits within the space of a conventional automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) A battery pack supplies power to the electric motors and also allows for full-electric propulsion.
As a packaging study, the Astra Diesel Hybrid demonstrates how hybrid components can be integrated into a compact car without compromising passenger comfort and the vehicle's utility. The nickel-metal-hydride battery pack is located in the spare tire well, along wîth cooling fans. The battery was developed wîth specialist Varta.
'We decided to use a diesel-powered car as a starting point because in the mid-term, we don't see a demand for gasoline hybrids in Europe ,' said Hans H. Demant, GM's European engineering vice president and Opel's managing director. 'Our state-of-the-art CDTI engines already deliver impressive dynamics and low fuel consumption. The Astra concept demonstrates that fuel efficiency and vehicle dynamics can be significantly improved by hybrid technology.'
The Astra Diesel Hybrid is propelled by a powerful 92-kw (125-horsepower) 1.7-liter CDTI engine wîth a maintenance-free particulate filter and by two electric motors, rated at 30 kw and 40 kw, respectively. Depending on the driving conditions, the electric motors will deliver additional power for the diesel engine or will propel the Astra wîth full electric power. A sophisticated controller determines the propulsion mode. The electric motors boost the already strong performance of the turbo-diesel engine, delivering a feeling of performance that would otherwise be achieved only wîth a larger-displacement engine. Acceleration performance of less than 8 seconds from 0-100 kph (62 mph) is expected wîth the Astra Diesel Hybrid concept.
With fuel consumption below 4-liters/100km (MVEG mix), the Astra Diesel Hybrid is projected to be 25 percent more fuel-efficient than comparable diesel models. This is achieved through the hybrid system's operating parameters, which include full engine stop at idle and full electric propulsion at launch. The electric motors also are used for deceleration, where kinetic energy is recuperated and stored in the battery. During braking and coasting, the electric motors work as generators to charge the battery pack.
As wîth other vehicles using the two-mode full hybrid technology, the Astra Diesel Hybrid incorporates two separate on-board electrical systems. The drive system uses a high-voltage system, while the other converts electricity to operate a 12-volt system that powers safety and convenience items such as the lights, HVAC and the audio system.From the outside, the Astra Diesel Hybrid, wîth its unique panoramic glass roof, doesn't look much different from a production-version Astra GTC. Inside, however, the tachometer in the gauge cluster has been replaced by instruments that provide feedback on the operation of the hybrid propulsion system, such as traction provided by the electric motors, traction from the diesel engine, or both. Another gauge displays the battery's charge level. Also, a video animation in the graphic information display located in the center console depicts the current propulsion state of the vehicle when it's driving.
The two-mode full hybrid technology can provide a significant reduction in fuel consumption helping to meet ever-stringent carbon-dioxide emission targets. Its scalability enables the technology to be applied to markets around the world.Source - Opel
| LA AUTO SHOW GREEN AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY RIDE & DRIVE TO PREVIEW LATEST CAR INNOVATIONS AND FUEL-EFFICIENT VEHICLES | |
 | Open Exclusively to Media Attending the Second LA Auto Show Press Day Nov. 29 The Los Angeles Auto Show announced today that its media-only Ride & Drive will expand this year to present not only fuel-efficient vehicles, but also vehicles featuring the most advanced in-car technologies. Approximately 25 vehicles from 12 manufacturers will be featured in the new Green andAdvanced Technology Ride & Drive representing the leading edge of automotive innovation today. The event represents a ...[Read more...] |
| Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid wins EBUS Award | |
 | • Award for the advanced hybrid technology from Mercedes-Benz • Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid impresses with synergies from the passenger car segment • Judges praise the 'seriousness' of development efforts In the fuel cell bus category, the Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid won the EBUS Award, the environmental award for public local transport. Roman Biondi, brand spokesman for Mercedes-Benz buses and EvoBus, and Ulrich Piotrowski, the Market Launch Manager for Mercedes-Benz hybrid and electric buses, a...[Read more...] |
| Audi R18 e-tron quattro: heading for Le Mans with all-wheel drive | |
 | In a month from now a prestigious success will be at stake for Audi. On June 16/17, a hybrid vehicle could be winning the Le Mans 24 Hours for the first time. Electrified drive and quattro all-wheel drive – what looks like two different worlds at first glance has been merged into a technological synthesis by Audi. 'Soon after the TDI phase had begun we started to think about the hybridization of a Le Mans sports prototype, when it was foreseeable that the regulations would open up this optio...[Read more...] |
| Ford Begins Taking Orders for C-MAX Hybrid – America's Most Affordable, Fuel-Efficient Hybrid Utility Vehicle | |
 | Ford dealers are starting to place orders for America's most affordable and fuel-efficient hybrid utility vehicle – the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid – with innovative technologies such as a hands-free liftgate, spaciousness for five passengers and cargo as well as the fun-to-drive character shared with well-handling cars including Ford Focus. The C-MAX is a compact hybrid utility vehicle and the company's first dedicated line of hybrids. The 2013 C-MAX Hybrid will be available this fall with a base...[Read more...] |
| The beginning of a new era at Audi | |
 | Ingolstadt, May 4, 2012 – The race debut of the Audi R18 e-tron quattro at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend signifies the beginning of a new era at Audi. For the first time ever, a Le Mans sports car with diesel hybrid drive and two driven axles will compete in a race. For Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, this is arguably the most challenging project in the more than 30-year history of Audi Sport. Audi previously marked milestones at Le Mans with TFSI gasoline direct injecti...[Read more...] |
 2005
Opel
models |
| Opel Zafira CNG | 2005 Opel Concepts |
| Opel HydroGen3 Concept |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Alfa Romeo | Citroen |
| Fiat | Lancia |
| Morgan | Peugeot |
| Renault | Seat |
| Skoda | Vauxhall |
| Opel: 2001-2010 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Opel History |
| Other models by Opel |
| Manufacturer Website |
| Related Articles and Event Coverage |
| 2005 Detroit Mi |
| GT Kadett Manta |
© 1998-2012. All rights reserved. The material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
