At a press conference at the IAA Frankfurt this morning, General
Motors (NYSE:GM) underlined the versatility of its environmental
strategy. "We will offer a broad range of clean and efficient
vehicles, powered by different sources of energy, to respond optimally
to local consumer needs around the world," said GM Chairman and CEO
Rick Wagoner. The Opel Flextreme Concept car at this year's IAA
symbolizes this versatility. The vehicle combines electric propulsion
technology and a diesel engine in a way that is fundamentally
different to previous hybrid propulsion designs. Wagoner: "We are the
industry leader in this technology, and we are making very good
progress in our effort to bring it to market. Given the huge potential
that E-Flex offers to reduce oil consumption, reduce oil imports, and
reduce carbon emissions, this is for sure a top priority program for
GM."
Additional highlights of General Motors' environmental strategy
are two vehicles that make their European premieres in Frankfurt: the
HydroGen4 fuel cell vehicle and the Volt electric car. The GM
HydroGen4 is the European version of the Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell.
In fall 2007, the first of these fuel cell cars - a global fleet of
more than 100 vehicles is planned - will be on the roads in the USA.
The HydroGen4's fuel cell stack consists of 440 series-connected
cells. The entire system produces an electrical output of up to 93 kW.
With help from a 73 kW/100 hp synchronous electric motor, acceleration
from zero to 100 km/h takes around 12 seconds. The front-wheel drive
vehicle's top speed is around 160 km/h. Like the Flextreme, the GM
Volt is based on General Motors' electric vehicle architecture E-Flex
and is always electrically powered. A second engine is only on board
to produce additional energy and thereby extend the operating range.
Opel at the IAA: ecoFLEX initiative and new Agila
Part of Opel's environmental strategy includes the introduction of
low-emission ecoFLEX versions in Opel/Vauxhall's high-volume model
lines. These cars combine economy and driving fun with low consumption
and reduced CO2 emissions. The premiere model in the Opel/Vauxhall
ecoFLEX range is a Corsa 1.3 CDTI, which produces just 119 g/CO2 per
kilometer. The Corsa ecoFLEX debuts at the IAA 2007 and is available
from 2008.
Natural gas is another alternative fuel. Opel currently offers two
models ex works with this especially environmentally friendly and
economical form of propulsion: the Zafira CNG and Combo CNG
(Compressed Natural Gas) consume just 5.0/4.9 kg of natural gas per
100 km (138/133 g CO2/km respectively). The seven-seat Zafira CNG
emits just under 20 g CO2 per kilometer and seat.
With five doors and five seats, the new Opel Agila is not only as
practical as its predecessor, which sold around 440,000 units across
Europe, but is now also much more dynamically designed. The smallest
Opel makes its market debut in spring 2008 and boasts Opel-typical
balanced proportions, soft curves and a distinctive side graphic.
Passengers still sit high and upright, but the roofline has been
dynamically lowered and now blends into a smooth arc toward the rear.
This helps create the Agila's aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.35 - a
relatively low figure for a vehicle of this size. The urban car is now
20 centimeters longer, six centimeters wider, but seven centimeters
lower than its predecessor.
Chevrolet at the IAA 2007: More models, more excitement
From bold minicar concepts, the world premiere of the Aveo to the
excitingly styled HHR, Chevrolet - the brand with the characteristic
bow-tie logo - displays the great diversity of its brand at the IAA
2007. The highlight - the new Aveo fastback - is joined by the
popular, cost-saving and especially environmentally friendly LPG
models. Several Chevrolet country organizations - in France, Belgium,
Germany and the Netherlands, for instance - offer a retrofit program
to LPG for various vehicles.
World premiere: New Aveo with fastback
The key characteristics of the Kalos' successor unveiled to the
public for the first time at the IAA are its distinctive exterior
design, high-quality interior and a new, more economical gasoline
engine. Just like the notchback variant, the new model will be called
Aveo throughout Europe in the future. The front-wheel drive vehicle
will be at dealerships in March 2008.
The fastback Aveo boasts Chevrolet's new design style with its
characteristic large, horizontally split radiator grille with
color-keyed crossmember that prominently displays the brand logo.
There are two gasoline engines available for the new Chevrolet: a new
1.2-liter engine with 84 hp and the existing 1.4-liter unit, which now
has an output of 98 hp and is available with automatic transmission.
German premiere: Eye-catching HHR
The HHR is an absolute exception in the compact class segment with
its unusual look that echoes both a Hot Rod and a classic Corvette.
The HHR's distinctive exterior, especially its high roof line and
accentuated fenders, was inspired by the innovative 1949 Chevrolet
Suburban. The Chevrolet Suburban was the first true multi-purpose
vehicle of its time. A large, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 175
hp perfectly complements the four-door HHR's elegant yet casual
appearance.
Detailed model year overview:
http://www.gmeurope.info/frankfurt07//press_chevrolet.php
Saab at the IAA: 30 years of turbo technology
In September 1977, Saab took the automobile world by surprise when
it presented its first model with turbocharging at the IAA. Exactly 30
years on, the Swedish premium brand is celebrating this anniversary
with the Turbo X, the most powerful Saab to date and top-of-the-line
car in the completely newly designed 9-3 model line. The spotlight is
also on Saab's leading position with its BioPower range in the
fast-growing European "Flexfuel" vehicle segment.
Turbo anniversary: Turbo X "Black Power"
The Swedish premium brand celebrates its 30-year anniversary in
turbo technology with the unveiling of the Turbo X. The completely
black Turbo X is a thoroughly sporty special edition model, whose
design echoes the legendary black Saab 99/900 turbos. The new Turbo X
is available as a limited edition, top-of-the-line model with
sophisticated four-wheel drive, an output of 206 kW/280 hp and a
maximum torque of 400 Nm, setting new performance standards for the
brand: the Turbo X takes just 5.7 seconds to accelerate from zero to
100 km/h.
World premiere: First public appearance of new 9-3 range
Following the interior enhancement in model year 2007, the
successful Saab 9-3 range now gets a new face. This completes the new
edition's design and technology advancements. The 9-3 now boasts a
progressive, sharper look that is inspired by the Saab brand's
Scandinavian design tradition and by the acclaimed Aero X concept car.
Most important details of new Saab 9-3:
-- Distinctive appearance with completely newly designed,
unmistakable front, as well as new side and rear styling:
Saab-typical headlamp zones with "eyebrow" look,
clamshell-shaped hood, new bumpers, flared sill extensions and
'frosted' rear light design
-- 1.9-liter turbo-diesel engine with two-stage turbocharger and
132 kW/180 hp
-- Two powerful BioPower models (E85 Flex-Fuel) with 129 kW/175
hp or 147 kW/200 hp
Detailed model year overview:
http://www.gmeurope.info/frankfurt07//press_saab.php
Cadillac, Corvette and HUMMER at the IAA: BLS Wagon makes world
premiere
The new Cadillac BLS Wagon is the star of the Cadillac stand. The
US luxury brand also presents the new generation of the CTS sedan -
the BLS Flexpower - to IAA visitors, as well as the more powerful
Corvette Coupe and Cabriolet. Fans of current "Transformers" film will
be impressed with HUMMER Autobot Rachet. The complete model year 2008
with the STS luxury sedan, SRX crossover, "full-size" Escalade SUV and
high-performance XLR-V roadster is also on display.
Cadillac BLS Wagon: Also with environmentally friendly bioethanol
The new BLS Wagon is not only the first station wagon in
Cadillac's 100 plus-year history - with two new engines it also
heralds a new era in propulsion variants for the brand. There is a new
2.0-liter Flexpower unit that runs on environmentally friendly E85
bioethanol fuel, and a 1.9-liter high-tech two stage turbo-diesel
engine with 132 kW/180 hp and 400 Nm.
Cadillac CTS - new 2008 generation
The new Cadillac CTS boasts progressive design, powerful engines,
intelligent technology and highest quality workmanship. From its bold
body to its tailored, hand-crafted interior, the CTS continues
Cadillac's design language and marks a change in the otherwise more
conservative luxury sedans. Two modern V6 gasoline engines provide the
propulsion for the performance-oriented car: a 2.8-liter engine, and a
new 3.6-liter unit with direct injection and variable valve timing.
Corvette: New V8 engine with even more output
The Corvette goes into model year 2008 with an "LS3 small block"
V8 engine enlarged to 6.2-liter displacement. The aluminum unit
produces 321 kW/436 hp and torque of 586 Nm (preliminary values). LS3
and optional six-speed automatic transmission combine to create the
fastest automatic Corvette ever: zero to 96 km/h (0-60 mph) takes only
4.3 seconds, and the car has a top speed of 306 km/h. GM engineers
have also made chassis and interior enhancements to the sixth Corvette
generation.
HUMMER H2: Film star from "Transformers"
The HUMMER H2 character from the new "Transformers" film has
turned the SUV into a film star, and will wow every fan of the
archetypal American cult brand. The car can be seen on a screen at the
IAA 'transforming' from the HUMMER H2 rescue vehicle into "Autobot
Rachet".
Detailed model year overview:
http://www.gmeurope.info/frankfurt07//press_cadillac.php
