Vauxhall to launch a trio of new engine within 12 months

Vauxhall is replacing the core of its petrol and diesel line-up in the next 12 months with three all-new engine families that promise to lead the industry for CO₂ emissions, economy, torque and refinement. The first to kick-in will be a new 1.6-litre ECOTEC turbo petrol engine with SIDI (spark ignition direct injection) and Start/Stop technology that will cut CO₂ emissions by 13 per cent, compared with its predecessor. Similar to the trend followed by German luxuries manufacturer nowadays, the four-cylinder   engine will be available in various outputs and across several car lines. What will set it apart from rivals will be its levels of torque, combined with excellent linearity, reduced noise, strong performance and low fuel consumption.

Peak power for the new 1.6L SIDI is 200PS@4,700rpm, some 20PS higher than Vauxhall current turbocharged 1.6L. Maximum torque is 300Nm, pulled from 1,700rpm, resulting in a class-leading specific output of 187.5Nm per litre.

Vauxhall’s first spark ignition direct injection engine, the 155PS 2.2-litre ECOTEC, was first seen in the 2003 Signum and Vectra models, followed by the Zafira. Today, the Insignia 2.0-litre turbo continues the direct injection theme, and is currently available with 220PS and up to 250PS in some European markets.

This summer, the new Astra VXR will adopt a tuned version of the same engine, with a bespoke cylinder head and turbocharger, that produces 280PS, yet produces CO₂ emissions of just 189g/km.  Production at the Szentgotthardt plant in Hungary will begin in late 2012.