Vauxhall To Unleash New Turbocharged Engine

Vauxhall is set to release its new turbocharged SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) with 1.6L in capacity. The 200PS petrol direct injection unit is part of Vauxhall’s model and powertrain offensive including the BiTurbo CDTi with 195PS and whopping 400Nm. Within five years, the manufacturer will introduce 23 new models to the market and will capitalize on this new powertrain.

Compared to its predecessor, the new powertrain delivers 11% more power, and also 300Nm torque with overboost – 70Nm more than the comparable 1.6-litre turbo predecessor, an increase of 30%. At the same time, the new engine with a power output per litre of 125PS is top-in-class in its competitive segment. 

At the heart of the SIDI turbo is a new engine block that can withstand a maximum combustion pressure of up to 130 bar in the cylinder. The block is made of grey cast iron with an aluminium baseplate. In contrast to the 170PS version, a different type of piston was developed for the 200PS model and the compression ratio was reduced from 10.5 to 9.5:1. Vauxhall engineers also achieved a high power output with exceptional refinement by optimising the car’s induction and exhaust systems. As a result, drivers and passengers will appreciate quiet and smooth idling, with an appealing sound quality even at high road speeds, engine speeds and loads. 

The new turbocharged petrol engine will debut in the Vauxhall Cascada with six-speed manual transmission. This drivetrain combo gives 146mph top speed. The new 1.6 SIDI turbo with 200PS completes the Cascada engine portfolio, with three petrol powertrains. It joins the 1.4 turbo 140PS as well as the 170PS 1.6-litre petrol direct injection unit. On the diesel side, the 2.0-litre turbo diesel with 165PS and the 195PS 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI are available.

Through 2016 Vauxhall will also introduce three completely new engine families and 13 new powertrains, renewing 80 per cent of its entire powertrain portfolio. The new 1.6 SIDI turbo downsized engines are distinguished by high power density as well as superb refinement combined with low fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. At the same time, numerous ultra-modern manual and automatic transmissions are being introduced.

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.

Opel/Vauxhall Insignia powertrain update for 2012

Opel/Vauxhall Insignia has received an updated powertrain for model year 2012 for certain market. The engine itself isn't new, but now has been made available to more market reach. The powertrain unit of interest are the 1.4 litres and 2.0 litres turbocharged engine family.

The turbocharged 1.4-liter ecoFLEX petrol engine produced the same output as the old 1.8-liter unit it replaced at  138 hp and 200 Nm of torque. The model also comes with six-speed manual transmission, an engine start/stop system, aerodynamic underbody and restyled 17-inch wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires. The car has a fuel consumption rating of 5.7 L/100km and CO2 emissions of 134 g/km. Performance-wise, the engine enables the Insignia to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 10.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 205 km/h. More after the jump.