The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Frankfurt 2007: General Motors Shows Versatility of Environmental Initiative - VIDEO ENHANCED


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
Click PLAY button below to watch video

FRANKFURT - September 12, 2007: At a press conference Thursday morning General Motors 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 years 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 HydroGen4s 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 vehicles 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

PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
Opel Flex
Part of Opels environmental strategy includes the introduction of low-emission ecoFLEX versions in Opel/Vauxhalls 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 Agilas 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

PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
Chevy Aveo
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 Chevrolets 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 HHRs 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 HHRs 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 Saabs 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 editions design and technology advancements. The 9-3 now boasts a progressive, sharper look that is inspired by the Saab brands 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 Coupé 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 Cadillacs 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 Cadillacs 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