Opel Astra hybrid - GreenHybrid

johanerlandsson · #1 (**permalink**) 02-25-2005, 01:15 AM

First, do you have Opels in the US? Or are they called something else? Seems you will get the gasoline-electric version anyway. And I will get the long sought-for diesel-electric... Too bad it has to be an Opel.

Quote:

Opel Astra hybrid concept: This front-wheel-drive, five-passenger compact hatchback has a 125-horsepower 1.7-litre four-cylinder 16-valve dual overhead cam turbo-diesel and 30 kW and 40 kW electric motors integrated with its electrical variable automatic transmission. The diesel-electric power train is for Europe, but GM will use the same hybrid system with gasoline engines in North America beginning in 2007.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servl...ialMegawheels/

Jason · #2 (**permalink**) 02-25-2005, 07:45 AM

Never heard of Opel. I did a quick search for pictures and didn't recognize them.

clett · #3 (**permalink**) 02-26-2005, 06:30 AM

Opel are GM. (Vauxhall here in the UK)

The Astra hybrid is a result of a collaboration with Daimler-Chrysler (ie Mercedes), and gets more than 71 mpg (UK) which is about 60mpg (US).

However, I think the main selling point is the 7 second 0-60 acceleration. Quite clever of GM to tie-up with Daimler-Chrysler I think, as Mercedes are well along the way in plug-in hybrid lithium powered vans.

stoner · #4 (**permalink**) 04-06-2005, 12:55 AM

More on the Opel diesel hybrid here...
http://www.channel4.com/4car/feature...el-hybrid.html