GENEVA - Vauxhall quartet of new product

• Urban crossover concept ADAM ROCKS set to wow show-goers
• Elegant new, full-size Cascada convertible makes its world debut
• All-new 1.6-litre Turbo Diesel and potent BiTurbo premiere in Zafira Tourer
• ADAM gets connected with IntelliLink and Siri Eyes-Free voice recognition
• ADAM R2 Concept marks sister company Opel’s return to motorsport

Vauxhall is to make four world premieres at the Geneva Motor Show including the full-size, four-seat convertible, the Cascada, the ADAM ROCKS and R2 concepts and the super-efficient 1.6-litre diesel engine in the Zafira Tourer.

Priced from just £23,995 on-the-road, Vauxhall’s new full-size, four-seat convertible, the Cascada, will make its first public appearance in Geneva before hitting UK showrooms in April.

Slightly longer than Audi’s A5 Cabriolet, the Cascada offers affordability paired with outstanding levels of equipment, technology and luxury. It comes in two trims, with the entry level SE getting 18" alloy wheels, a sports chassis, LED tail lamps and aux-in/USB, as standard.

The Cascada will come with a broad range of powerful and efficient engines including a 1.4-litre (140PS) Turbo petrol, a 2.0-litre (165PS) diesel and an all-new 1.6 SIDI Turbo ECOTEC petrol engine.

Also set to wow Geneva show-goers will be the ADAM ROCKS concept, an urban mini-crossover that could open a new segment in the industry.

Compared with the production ADAM, ROCKS is taller, wider, tougher yet more compact in appearance, while offering a cabrio roof. It showcases how ADAM’s unique personalisation – the current production model has over a million different specification and trim combinations – could be taken one step further.

Also making its show debut will be the new generation 1.6 CDTi Start/Stop diesel engine, the first engine announced in a new family of state-of-the-art, four cylinder diesel units.  The new powertrain will first appear in Vauxhall’s Zafira Tourer MPV.

This cutting-edge powertrain is Vauxhall’s cleanest diesel engine ever and is equipped with BlueInjection selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology that meets strict Euro 6 emissions regulations.

Strong and powerful, the 1.6 CDTi unit delivers 136PS and 320Nm of torque while also offering outstanding fuel efficiency of 68.9mpg combined and 109g/km CO₂. This allows the Zafira Tourer to offer a combination of high torque, performance (with 0-60mph in 10.4 seconds) and fuel economy.

Vauxhall’s personalisation leader ADAM is to utilise all-new voice recognition through Siri Eyes-Free for iPhones that run using iOS 6.

Owners of the best connected small car on the market can now talk to their ADAM and it literally answers right away, thanks to its unparalleled iPhone iOS and Android integration.

Siri Eyes-Free voice recognition makes driving safer as well as more comfortable. It can make appointments, send and “read” text messages and emails or simply play a favourite song saved on an iPhone. Everything is voice-controlled so drivers keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. A TuneIn app brings the world of international radio to drivers and passengers: app users can tune in to 70,000 stations and over two million on-demand programmes.

Last but by no means least, a second ADAM concept will feature on the stand, a Rally Cup variant of the fashionable A-sector newcomer which marks Vauxhall’s sister company Opel’s official return to motorsport.

Built to FIA R2 regulations, the ADAM R2 is powered by a 1.6-litre 16V engine with variable camshaft phasing producing 185PS and maximum torque of about 190Nm in its competitive configuration.

The adjustable chassis set-up with asphalt and gravel settings guarantees maximum traction and dynamic handling. Excellent stopping power is provided by a braking system with a hydraulic ‘fly-off’ handbrake, Brembo 4-piston front brake callipers and brake pressure regulation for the rear axle.

All will be revealed in the Vauxhall/Opel press conference on March 5th at 9:00am in Geneva Palexpo, Hall 2, Stand 2231.

ADAM ROCKS UP TO GENEVA

• New ROCKS concept raises ADAM to the next level of individualisation
• Industry first urban mini-crossover has fierce design and muscular proportions
• Smart rain-detecting weather app protects against British weather
• Premium brandy-coloured Nappa leather interior with contrasting blue stitching

Vauxhall is set to wow the Geneva International Motor Show with its ADAM ROCKS concept, an urban mini-crossover that could open a new segment where no other manufacturer has been before.

Taller and wider, tougher and more compact in appearance while offering a drop-top roof, it showcases how ADAM’s unique personalisation – the current production model has over a million different specification and trim combinations with unprecedented levels of individualisation – could be taken one step further.

“With even bolder design than any other ADAM, the ROCKS shows the vast potential for personalisation our stylish urban-chic newcomer offers after its market launch. It combines the toughness of a crossover with the coolness of open air driving,” said Malcolm Ward, Opel/Vauxhall Lead Design Director. “As a symbol for fashion-led, active drivers wanting to stand out from the crowd, ADAM ROCKS is just one possible answer to the question of how new development paths for this unique car could be forged – and others will follow.”

Parkour on four wheels

ADAM ROCKS’ new crossover body style is supported by a chassis that is raised 15mm with a 40mm wider stance. Agile parkour athletes, who move from one place to another, negotiating urban obstacles in between, were the inspiration for this sporty crossover concept.

Its look is emphasised by ‘elbow and knee pads’: protective cladding around the side sills, protection shields, as well as a centrally-located, VXR-style exhaust pipe. With a prominent grille structure and LED headlamps, ADAM ROCKS features boomerang shaped indicators with additional blinkers in the front side sills.  

The concept sits on large 18-inch wheels in Twister design featuring visible Brembo disc brakes. These wheels, which are fitted with innovative exchangeable wheel clips, are already available as an option in the current ADAM range. But the ROCKS concept’s clips get a new, bolder design and a selection of new colours making them stand out in contrast to the body’s various grey tones. Neon-blue stripes highlight the tyre tread. This colour motif is echoed inside and around the roof. 

Clear view of the sky

Making the ADAM ROCKS even more desirable is its fabric cabrio roof with blue piping along the side. The fabric extends across the entire width and length of the roof, right back to the C-pillars. The major benefit of this layout is that passengers can enjoy open-air driving fun without losing boot space. The electric roof folds back via remote control with minimal additional weight compared to a traditional cabrio, a major benefit for a car of this size.

A clever weather app, powered by the state-of-the-art IntelliLink infotainment system currently available across the ADAM range, detects when a weather front is imminent and automatically closes the ROCKS’ fabric roof. Particularly useful if, on a typical British summer day, you leave your car’s roof down in front of your house and a storm arrives.

Personalisation is key with the ADAM range and the ROCKS concept is no exception. Elegant brandy-coloured Nappa leather upholstery, as seen in Vauxhall’s upcoming Cascada, gives the ADAM ROCKS cabin the premium feel of Vauxhall’s new full-size convertible.

In typical flamboyant ADAM style, the neon-blue piping contrasts superbly with the warm, light-brown leather. The piping is also used on the leather steering wheel and the gear stick.  Additional splashes of colour on the instrument panel, centre console and door panel moulding of the ROCKS Concept add a dashing touch.

FULL REVEAL OF CASCADA LAUNCHES VAUXHALL INTO NEW SECTOR

• Vauxhall’s new convertible set to revitalise full-size convertible segment
• Priced from £23,995 – nearly £8,000 less than smaller Audi A5 Cabriolet
• Classic lines combine with outstanding body stiffness and HiPerStrut suspension
• All-new 1.6 turbo petrol engine heads up broad powertrain range
• Multi-layered fabric hood ideal for UK winters or top-down Cote d’Azure cruising
• In showrooms April backed by Vauxhall’s industry-leading Lifetime Warranty

Vauxhall’s all-new Cascada full-size convertible is to make its world debut in Geneva, launching the company into a fourth new sector in a year, following on from its Ampera, Mokka and ADAM models.

The Cascada is a full four-seat, fabric-roof convertible which at nearly 4.7 metres in length is longer than an Audi A5 Convertible and positions Vauxhall in a sector that it hasn’t occupied since the 1930s.

Cascada’s design team, headed by Brit Mark Adams, has created a car with classic lines, redolent of the Grandes Routieres (luxury touring cars) of a bygone age, matched with a capacious cabin and high-quality materials.

An all-new 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, producing 170PS and 280Nm of torque, and marking the first outing of Vauxhall’s MGE (Mid-Size Gasoline Engine) family, will be the highlight of a three-engine range.

Crucially for weather-hardened UK buyers, there will be a high-quality fabric hood, with superior acoustic and thermal insulation thanks to a special layer of polyester fleece between the outer and inner linings. Making the Cascada a practical year-round car, the hood can be opened in just 17 seconds at speeds up to 30mph by an interior switch, or via a button on the key fob.

Cascada’s dynamic credentials will be highlighted by an immensely rigid body, which is torsionally 43 per cent stiffer than Vauxhall’s last open-topped car, the Astra Twin Top. It will also use the much-praised HiPerStrut front suspension which was initially used on the 325PS Insignia VXR.

‘Cascada is set to change people’s perception of Vauxhall once again,’ said Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. ‘The full-size convertible sector tends only to be occupied by very high-priced cars from premium manufacturers. With Cascada, we’re offering customers high levels of equipment, technology and luxury but at an affordable price.’

Exterior Design

At 4697mm long and 1840mm wide (excluding mirrors), Cascada has a broad stance and elegant lines. With the top down, it has a perfectly clean profile with no roof-top cover or visible roll-over protection disturbing the car’s silhouette aft of the steeply-raked A-pillar.

The subtle ‘blade’ on the Cascada’s lower body side is mirrored by a sharp crease that swings upward and meets with the wraparound rear light cluster. A gently rising waistline is highlighted by a chrome strip that borders the cockpit, marking the boundary between roof-top and body.

‘Most convertibles look good with the top down, but many seem clumsy with their roof up,’ said Malcom Ward, Vauxhall’s British Director of Exterior Design. ‘Thanks to its high quality, aerodynamically clean soft top with a perfect, seamless profile, the Cascada cuts a fine figure when it’s closed.’

Sculpted with a purposeful power bulge, Cascada’s bonnet tops a deep front grille with bold chrome applications. The fog lights are carried in two overturned ‘sharkfin’ elements, which are enhanced by chrome inserts. Using LED technology, the daytime running lights in the headlamps and the rear lights incorporate Vauxhall’s ‘wing’ signature. In the rear, the LED modules are diffused to give a solid and sharp light signal – typical of cars in the premium sector. A chrome strip linking the boot-mounted light units matches a similar bar across the front of the car.

The Cascada’s fabric roof can be specified in one of three colours, which can be coordinated with one of ten body colours.

Interior

The Cascada’s cabin mixes the well-equipped functionality of an Insignia’s interior with handcrafted modules not found in any other Vauxhall.

Wrapped in a soft-touch material with high-quality stitching, the instrument cluster tops a wing-shaped panel which flows into the doors and frames the area around each front occupant. All-new, deeply contoured seats are available in a range of embossed fabrics and leathers, and customers have the option of ergonomic, Nappa-leather trimmed seats, which can be heated or ventilated. An Easy Entry system allows access to the rear seats, and electric seat belt presenters make securing front occupants less of a chore.

With a minimum load volume of 280 litres with the roof down, and up to 350 litres roof up, the Cascada is an exceptionally practical convertible. In addition, the rear seats benefit from Vauxhall’s FlexFold system, which electrically releases and folds down the 50:50 split rear seats, allowing longer objects to be carried with ease.

In the cabin, several large storage spaces are available: one in each door and one under the instrument panel, and thanks to the use of a standard Electronic Park Brake across the range, a further cubby is located between the front seats.

Chassis and dynamics

Maximising torsional stiffness in a convertible’s body is critical to maintaining a high standard of vehicle dynamics. Despite being significantly larger, the Cascada’s body is 43 per cent stiffer torsionally and 10 per cent more resistant to bending forces than the Astra TwinTop, Vauxhall’s last open-topped car. Impressive underbody reinforcement comprises crossed steel bars and strengthened rocker panels, which also contribute towards a significant reduction in NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness).

Distinguishing the full-size Cascada from the compact-class Astra TwinTop is a wheelbase which is 71mm longer and front/rear tracks which are 56mm and 70mm wider respectively, benefiting handling and stability.

Vauxhall’s HiPerStrut front suspension, first used in the 325PS Insignia VXR, will also be standard across the Cascada range. The system separates damping and steering functions, reducing torque steer, while also improving steering feel and cornering control. In addition to this, the Cascada’s electric power steering module is mounted direct to the rack for greater feel and precision.

Also available across the Cascada range is FlexRide, Vauxhall’s fully adaptive chassis control system, which automatically adapts to suit driving style and prevailing road conditions, or can be over-ridden with one of three driver-controlled modes.

The Cascada can be equipped with a range of wheels, from 18- to 20-inch in diameter, mated to brake disc sizes up to 326mm (front) and 325mm (rear).

Powertrains

The Cascada will come with a broad range of powerful and efficient engines. Starting the line-up is a 1.4-litre (140PS) Turbo petrol, with a manual gearbox, achieving a combined 44.8mpg and 148g/km CO₂, and a 2.0-litre (165PS) diesel engine with manual and automatic transmissions, achieving up to 54.3mpg combined and 138g/km CO₂.

But the highlight of Cascada’s powertrain line-up is the all-new 1.6 SIDI Turbo ECOTEC petrol engine. The first production engine from Vauxhall’s MGE (Mid-Size Gasoline Engine) family, the unit offers major improvements in torque, linearity and overall efficiency. It produces a maximum 170PS from 1650-3200rpm and up to 280Nm of torque, giving a 0-60 time of 9.2 seconds and top speed of 135mph. This engine will be available with a new, low-friction automatic six-speed gearbox that contributes towards combined fuel consumption of 39.2mpg and emissions of 168g/km.

A high-performance 2.0 (195PS) Bi-Turbo diesel engine with manual transmission will also be available shortly after launch. The Bi-Turbo achieves a combined 138g/km and 54.3mpg, yet accelerates from 0-60mph in just 8.9 seconds up to a top speed of 143mph.

Technology

The Cascada brings together all Vauxhall’s latest, innovative technology as part of the UK offer. This includes options like: AFL+ (Adaptive Forward Lighting) with up to 11 automatic lighting functions; Front Camera System, including Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indication and Forward Collision Alert; rear-view camera; heated steering wheel; Hill Start Assist; Side Blind Spot Alert.

Using an extremely rigid passenger cell made mainly from high-strength steel, the Cascada is designed for the least deformation and largest possible survival space in the event of a crash. Its doors have diagonally-mounted ultra-high strength steel beams and beltline reinforcements. The A-pillars supporting the windscreen are made from press-hardened steel. And in the event of a roll-over incident, pyrotechnically activated, spring-loaded high strength bars automatically deploy behind the rear seats. These pop-ups are also triggered during other severe impacts, eg. when airbags are deployed. Front seats both benefit from two-way active headrests and double seat belt pre-tensioners; even the two rear seats benefit from seat belt pre-tensioners.

With the Audi A5 Cabriolet firmly in its sights, the Cascada offers affordability paired with outstanding levels of equipment, technology and luxury. It comes in two trims, with the entry level SE getting 18" alloy wheels, a sports chassis, LED tail lamps and aux-in/USB, all as standard. The up-level Elite includes leather trim, heated front seats and steering wheel and front fog lamps.

Available in ten colours, Cascada can be ordered with solid, two-coat metallic or two-coat pearlescent paint, and a choice of three roof colours, depending on exterior colour. The vehicle’s fabric roof opens in just 17 seconds at driving speeds of up to 30mph.

Sales

Vauxhall’s new full-size, four-seat convertible, the Cascada, will be priced from just £23,995 on-the-road – nearly £8,000 less than its main rival in the premium drop-top sector – when it arrives in showrooms this April.

As with all Vauxhalls, first Cascada owners will benefit from Lifetime Warranty, lasting the life of the car or up to 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

“The all-new Cascada is an outstanding full-size, four seat convertible with premium qualities and technologies at an affordable, mainstream price,’ said Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “It’s an exciting time for Vauxhall with Cascada launching the brand in to its fourth new sector in a year, following Ampera, Mokka and ADAM.”

VAUXHALL ADDS POTENT NEW BITURBO ENGINE TO ZAFIRA TOURER RANGE

• Powerful 2.0-litre 195PS BiTurbo diesel engine
• Flagship diesel broadens Zafira Tourer engine portfolio
• Priced from £27,685 on-the-road
• Available to order now with first deliveries in spring

Following in the tyre tracks of the Astra and Insignia BiTurbo models, Vauxhall has introduced state-of-the-art, sequential twin-turbo diesel technology to the Zafira Tourer range.

Powered by 2.0-litre 195PS diesel engine, the Zafira Tourer BiTurbo has a maximum speed of 135mph and can achieve 0-60mph in just 8.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest diesel-powered, seven-seat MPVs on the market. Start/Stop technology also helps the BiTurbo achieve an impressive combined fuel economy figure of just 50.4mpg and emissions of 149g/km CO₂.

Sophisticated sequential BiTurbo technology provides a high power output, an instantaneous throttle response and extraordinary pulling power from a wide torque plateau. It expands the Zafira Tourer’s broad powertrain offer which now comprises four diesel and two petrol engines.

The Zafira Tourer BiTurbo is available in either SE, SRi or Elite trims with a range of options including FlexRide adaptive chassis control system, AFL adaptive forward lighting system and a panoramic windscreen which floods the cabin with natural light.

Extra flexibility inside the Zafira Tourer is provided by the new generation Flex7 seating system, including the unique lounge seating functionality which gives passengers an unprecedented amount of space in the second row.

Available to order now with prices starting from £27,685 on-the-road, the first Zafira Tourer BiTurbo models will arrive in showrooms in spring 2013.

“Vauxhall is currently the only manufacturer to offer a sophisticated BiTurbo engine on a seven-seat MPV,” said Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “It provides a perfect blend of high performance, impressive fuel economy and premium class quality in a seven-seat layout.”

• State-of-the-art 1.6 CDTi is Vauxhall’s cleanest ever diesel
• Strong and frugal: 320Nm of torque with low 109g/km CO₂
• Compliant with future Euro 6 emissions requirements
• World premiere at Geneva, available summer 2013

Vauxhall’s Zafira Tourer MPV will be the first model to feature the new generation 1.6 CDTi Start/Stop diesel engine, the first engine announced in a new family of state-of-the-art, four cylinder diesel units.

With its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, this cutting-edge powertrain is Vauxhall’s cleanest diesel engine ever and is equipped with BlueInjection selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology that meets strict Euro 6 emissions regulations.

Strong and powerful, the 1.6 CDTi unit delivers 136PS and 320Nm of torque while also offering outstanding fuel efficiency of 68.9mpg combined and 109g/km CO₂. This allows the Zafira Tourer to offer a combination of high torque, performance (with 0-60mph in 10.4 seconds) and fuel economy.

Available in the summer and featuring closed-loop combustion control and an aluminium block, this new four-cylinder 1.6-litre diesel engine is not only the benchmark for performance with its high power output and torque density but also for refinement with low levels of noise, vibration and harshness. It was developed entirely within GM by a global team of powertrain engineers.

Further expanding the Zafira Tourer’s broad powertrain offer, the range now comprises five diesel, including a new high performance 2.0 BiTurbo CDTi engine with 195PS, and two petrol engines.

“Vauxhall continues to develop its award-winning model range with new and exciting technology,” said Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “This new powertrain is Vauxhall’s cleanest diesel engine in its illustrious 110 year history.”

SCR is an environmentally-friendly exhaust after-treatment in which a harmless diesel exhaust fluid named AdBlue, consisting of urea and water, is injected into the exhaust gas. The solution decomposes into ammonia, which is then stored on a catalyst substrate. Nitrogen oxide enters the catalyst in the exhaust gas, and is then selectively reduced to nitrogen and water.

OPEL RETURNS TO MOTOR SPORT

• Customer sport and new talent development with circuit and rally track
• Internationally focused rally program with new Opel ADAM Cup
• Circuit program focused on Germany with new Astra OPC Cup

Opel is returning to motor racing in the form of an internationally oriented rally program with the new Opel ADAM and a circuit for the new Astra OPC that focusses on Germany.

"These new motorsports activities play an important role in the strategic re-alignment of the company; they are a fundamental element of our brand profile," said Dr. Thomas Sedran, Opel’s Deputy CEO.

Especially in grassroots, popular sports, the Ruesselsheim carmaker can look back on a long and successful tradition. The aim of the company is to create a new competition that appeals to customers which is both technically sophisticated and reasonably priced, while at the same time providing a platform for young ambitious drivers to continuously develop their talent.

Rally: Professional talent development in cooperation with the ADAC

With its commitment to rally sports, Opel has the European stage now in its sights. After all, beyond the core market of Germany, there is a strong interest in rallying in all of the key European markets of the brand. Moreover, the World Motor Sport Authority FIA also has fixed regulations that provide entry points and advancement opportunities for young drivers. A rally cup version of the new Opel ADAM, which has been closely specified to FIA R2 standards, will be used in the 2013 season. As part of the "ADAC Rally Masters” race series these customer cars will compete in a branded cup (" ADAC Opel Rally Cup "). The allure of the competition is also increased by the fact that the most successful drivers can expect to win cash prizes. In addition, there is a special "junior rally" points system for drivers younger than 27 years. The overall winner of a set of final trials will get special coaching in the next season.

As a strong partner Opel was able to gain an ally in the ADAC that shares an almost identical vision for new talent development. Above all, the ADAC uses its organisational and motorsport infrastructure for the common project. Opel's strategy has been devised to last initially until 2016. After that a modular development program has been envisaged where talented rally drivers can graduate from the “ADAC Opel Rally Cup” to an international level. In the first two of four stages, the ADAM will be employed. In stages three and four the next generation Opel Corsa is expected to be the rally vehicle.

Circuit: “Astra OPC Cup” part of the VLN endurance championships

The automotive element of Opel’s involvement on the circuit is the new Astra OPC. It is being made available from the 2013 season onwards as a racing version for customer sports. The Cup cars are engineered to match the "VLN Endurance Championship" standards which are the most popular grass roots racing series in Europe. The cars will also compete in a brand trophy in their own class ("Astra OPC Cup"). The highlight of the season is expected to be a 24-hour race on the Nuerburgring race track.

An especially attractive benefits package is being offered for private competitors, which is not limited to top performance and affordable cutting edge racing technology. In addition to the rally project, there is a pot of money with attractive cash prizes. Additionally, customers benefit from competitively priced spare parts as well as technical and organizational support on and off the race track.