Vauxhall to collaborate with the British Superbike Championship for 2017, with a couple of concepts.

Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles has unveiled two new concept vans, its first in over a decade, that have been specially-designed to celebrate Vauxhall’s commercial vehicle partnership for the 2017 MCE British Superbike Championship (BSB). 

Debuting at the first BSB race of the season this weekend at Donington Park (March 31^st to April 1^st), the Vivaro Race Van Concept and the Movano Race Van Concept will be on display at all UK BSB race meetings throughout the season.

VIVARO RACE VAN CONCEPT 

Based on the best-selling Brit-built Vivaro panel van, the Vivaro Race Van Concept was designed in consultation with industry experts including Sortimo. During the working week this Vivaro is completely functional as a mobile workshop supporting any number of trade professionals, however, on a non-working day it can be easily-transformed into a race day van to support track-day or even off-road motorcycling. 

The cargo layout is well-considered and appropriately flexible. Along the driver side the layout features a combination of fixed racking and removable lightweight mobile workstations. Decamping from the Vivaro into the pits or paddock couldn’t be easier. The passenger side has folding shelves to store additional kit. 

Emptied and folded up against the body, the space adjacent to the motorbike is maximised to help easier access in and out, and there is also space allocated for paddock stands, fuel, spare tyres, racing kit and a ramp. And for a long day at the track, there are also a number of built-in comfort features including a fold-down bench seat on the bulkhead, microwave, refrigerator and a 32-inch Smart television. 

The exterior is covered in an eye-catching livery that has been specially-designed by Motormode and features the Vauxhall Griffin riding a motorbike. 

MOVANO RACE VAN CONCEPT

Based on the popular Movano L2H2 panel, the Movano Race Van Concept was also designed in consultation with industry experts including Sortimo, with the purpose of providing support and transport for the smaller and more budget-conscious motorcycle racing teams. 

Unlike the Vivaro Concept, the cargo layout on the Movano is intended to be permanent. Along the driver’s side the layout features a combination of a workbench and fixed racking. The toolboxes in the workbench can be removed. The opposite passenger side has folding shelves to store additional kit. 

Emptied and folded against the body, space adjacent to the motorbike can be maximized to help get it in and out easily. There is also space allocated for paddock stands, fuel, spare tyres, racing kit and a ramp. 

The Movano Race Concept also features a sided awning to enable an all-weather enclosed work space adjacent to the van. This gives the team a viable workspace for a race weekend. 

A number of built-in comfort features include a fold-down bench seat on the bulkhead, microwave, refrigerator, wash basin and a 40-inch Smart television. 

“These two concept vehicles are the perfect way to celebrate our commercial vehicle partnership with BSB,” said Steve Bryant, Vauxhall’s Head of Commercial Vehicle Brand. “We can’t wait to take them up and down the country to all UK BSB events this season and gauge customer reaction to these versatile and stunning-looking vehicles. 

“We’d also like to thank Sortimo, Camperlands UK, Yamaha UK, Yamaha Tamworth, AMCA Yamaha Motorcross Experience and Motorsport Vision for their help in bringing these concepts to reality.” 

VIVARO RACE VAN CONCEPT FULL SPECIFICATION

Based on the new up-level Vivaro Limited Edition NAV L2H1 F2900 145PS BiTurbo S/S, its features include: 

• FlexCargo
• Dual passenger bench with fold-flat centre section
• Air conditioning
• Cruise control and rear parking sensors
• NAVI50 Intellilink
• Auto-lights
• Auto-wipers
• Black alloy wheels 

Racking

• Provided and installed by Sortimo UK
• Sobo Grip+ crash tested safety floor (9mm)
• Sowa Flex wall, door upper and ceiling linings
• Pro-Safe lashing rail with Pro-Safe straps (on bulkhead)
• Drivers Side racking features:
  • Pro-Safe lashing rail on wall
  • Light Weight Globelyst Racking including - fuel can shelf to end of rack; component S-Boxes; Integrated front load fridge; lift up base cover; work top with two drawers; First-Aid kit and document holder to end of racking. All racking includes full Pro-Safe Lashing System with Pro-Safe Straps.
  • WorkMo mobile workstations include drawers; L-Boxes; PPE cupboard; tool holder trays on top
• Passenger Side racking features:
  • Two-tier Flex Rack unit with full integrated Pro-Safe lashing system 

Weight of Sortimo equipment (including Fridge) = 220kg 

Other Equipment

• Installed by Sortimo UK
• 32-inch flat screen TV with wall bracket
• BikeTek wheel chock with quick release baseplate
• Upholstered bench seat on bulkhead
• LED lighting
• Small Breville 800W Microwave
• Shore Power electrical system Including 2000 Watt isolation transformer, 240v-12v DC transformer, consumer unit & ancillaries
• TRP688S Motor Cycle Ramp 

MOVANO RACE VAN CONCEPT FULL SPECIFICATION

The Movano Race Concept is based on one of the most popular Movano panel van configurations: the F3300 L2H2 powered by the new 2.3-litre CDTi (130PS) BlueInjection engine. It has been optioned with the Premium Pack (NAVI50 Intellilink, rear parking sensors, air conditioning, trip computer) and also a perimeter alarm has been fitted.

Racking

• Provided and installed by Sortimo UK
• Sobo Grip+ crash tested safety floor (9mm)
• Sowa Flex wall, door upper and ceiling linings
• Pro-Safe lashing rail with Pro-Safe straps (on bulkhead)
• Driver side racking features:
  • Light Weight Globelyst Racking including - drop front shelf; fuel can shelf; tyre space with Pro-Safe Strap; open top shelf with matt & dividers; component S-Boxes; small open shelf; drawer with integrated wash basin and cupboard with waste/clean water containers; integrated front load fridge; lift up base cover; work top with 4 drawers; 2x LT Tool Boxes & lift-up base cover; First Aid kit & document holder to end of racking. All racking includes full Pro-Safe lashing system with Pro-Safe straps.
• Passenger side racking features:
  • Two-Tier Flex Rack Unit with fully-integrated Pro-Safe Lashing System

Weight of Sortimo equipment (including fridge) = 240kg

Awning

• Provided by Camperlands UK
• Fiamma F65 320 awning with single end panel (Side W Pro). This gives a shaded area 3.1m in length along van, and extends 2.5m in depth

Other Equipment

• Installed by Sortimo UK
• 40" flat screen TV and wall bracket
• BikeTek wheel chock with quick release baseplate
• Upholstered bench seat on bulkhead
• LED lighting
• Small Breville 800W Microwave
• Shore power electrical system Including 2000Watt isolation transformer, 240v-12v DC transformer, consumer unit & ancillaries
• TRP688S Motor Cycle Ramp

Cleaner, more efficient and more comfortable, they will be the new commercial vehicles from Vauxhall/Opel.

• More performance, less consumption: Euro 6 diesel for Vivaro, Movano and Combo

• Increase safety and comfort: more assistance systems on board

• Immediately available: the 2016 model year versions are already ordered

Modern diesel engines to Euro 6, further assistance systems for enhanced security and other equipment on request here is the main new commercial vehicle Opel model year 2016. Opel Vivaro, Movano and Combo are so perfectly equipped to deal with all the challenges that They await them. 

"The new diesel-edge further increase the efficiency of our commercial vehicles. These engines and more equipment on request make Vivaro, Movano and Combo increasingly attractive to customers, "said Steffen Raschig, Commercial Vehicles Director of Opel / Vauxhall.

Vivaro Combi with the new engine and more equipment on request

The second generation Opel Vivaro commercial vehicle Opel sold more than 50,000 units produced annually, was launched in the fall of 2014. Beginning in model year 2016, Vivaro Combi will be available with the new diesel engines. The 1.6 CDTI with 70 kW / 95 hp with a torque of 260 Nm is the motor input. The combined fuel consumption is 6.2 liters per 100 km, equivalent to CO2 emissions of 164 grams per kilometer, ie the same level as the previous model, but boasted 5 bhp less.

The new 1.6 CDTI BiTurbo will be available with 92 kW / 125 hp and 107 kW / 145 hp - in this case an increase of 5 bhp over the previous model. These engines generate respectively a pair of 320 and 340 Nm - enough power for even the most demanding situations. The consumption remain low: the 125 hp version consumes only 5.7 liters of fuel, equivalent to CO2 emissions of 149 grams per kilometer. The most powerful version consumes 6.4 liters, equivalent to 167 grams of CO2 per kilometer. All three engines come with start / stop technology and manual six-speed. Thanks to SCR BlueInjection Opel, are all in accordance with the Euro 6 emission standards.

Vivaro is available with new features like "Keyless Open-and-start" for added comfort, support for tablet or the IntelliLink infotainment system 50 Ships, further developed. The elegance of the cabin is further emphasized by padding "Connect Black" anthracite.

Driver assistance systems and Euro 6 engine for Movano

Movano Movano Combi and Bus are also available with the new 2.3-liter BiTurbo diesel with two power levels. Thanks to BlueInjection to the treatment system, the engines meet the stringent Euro 6 emissions.

The most powerful engine on Movano Combi output of 125 kW / 170 hp and 380 Nm of torque. This is an increase of 20 Nm and 7 CV compared to the previous Movano Combi. At the same time, its fuel consumption of 0,1l / 100km. BiTurbo The new 2.3-liter, 145 hp for Movano Combi generates a torque of 360 Nm despite recording lower consumption, now at an average of 6,3l / 100km.

Opel has also put two engines BiTurbo high efficiency available Movano Bus. The 2.3-liter BiTurbo with 163 hp will replace the current 150 hp to the top of the range. The new unit will deliver a torque of 380 Nm, an increase of 9%. For the model year 2016 will also be available BiTurbo 107 kW / 145 hp with a torque of 360 Nm. 

All new engines are equipped with Start / Stop technology and an additional selectable ECO mode and are matched to six-speed manual transmission . The package of driver assistance systems now available for Movano offers comfort and security. Highbeam Assist, fog lights, Lane Keep Assist and the onboard computer makes driving more enjoyable and relaxing.

A new diesel Combo with higher performance and lower fuel consumption

Better performance associated with lower consumption and greater ecology are also the hallmarks of the new engines of Opel Combo Tour. The two 1.6-liter CDTI turbo diesel Euro 6 from 70 kW / 95 hp and 88 kW / 120 hp versions will replace the outgoing 66 kW / 90 hp and 77 kW / 105 hp. Version 88 kW / 120 hp is available with or without technology ecoFLEX, which includes the Start / Stop (70 kW / 95 hp only without). 

The engineers were able to increase the power of 5 hp and reduce fuel consumption by 95 hp ecoFLEX version, which goes down on average from 5.0 to 4.7 liters of fuel, equivalent to 124 grams of CO2 per kilometer. 

The engine power above has been increased by as much 15 hp. Consumption fell from 5.2 to 4.7 liters and CO2 emissions have dropped from 138 to 124 grams per kilometer in the ecoFLEX version. Apart from the Start / Stop technology ecoFLEX new engines include a new intelligent alternator with braking energy recovery, adjustable oil pump, low friction oil, tires with low rolling resistance - all of which contribute to the reducing emissions.

Vauxhall continues new engine roll out with brand new 2.0L Diesel

• New generation 2.0 CDTi (170PS) premiers in Insignia and Zafira Tourer
• Power density increased: fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions reduced
• Outstanding running refinement with low noise, vibration and harshness
• Selective Catalytic Reduction enables Euro 6 compliance

With 170PS and 400Nm, Vauxhall’s all-new 2.0-litre CDTi diesel engine will debut at next month’s 2014 Paris Motor Show (4^th – 19^th October).

The new state-of-the-art unit will be revealed in the Insignia and Zafria Tourer as Vauxhall continues the roll out of its new powertrain portfolio. The new engine replaces the current 2.0 CDTi (163PS) engine at the top of Vauxhall’s diesel range.

This highly efficient, Euro 6-compliant engine delivers almost five per cent more power and 14 per cent more torque while reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

The engine is also impressively quiet and smooth as a result of Vauxhall’s unwavering focus on ‘sound engineering’ measures to minimise NVH (noise, vibration, harshness). Engine noise has been reduced by five decibels.

The new engine’s power density is 85PS per litre, the same as Vauxhall’s much-lauded 1.6 CDTi ‘Whisper Diesel’ unit. Impressive torque of 400Nm is available from 1,750 to 2,500rpm, and maximum power of 170PS is accessed at just 3,750rpm.

The new 2.0 CDTi runs as clean as a petrol engine thanks to Vauxhall’s BlueInjection Selective Catalytic Reduction system. BlueInjection is an after-treatment which removes NOx from the engine’s exhaust gases.

“This sophisticated engine makes a perfect partner for our top models including Insignia and Zafira Tourer,” said Stuart Harris, Vauxhall’s Head of Carline Brand. “Its high power density, refinement and frugality place it among the very best diesels in its class.”

Available next year, the new 2.0 CDTi is the first in a new family of large diesel engines developed in-house by a global team of engineers in Turin and Rüsselsheim supported by engineers in North America. It will be manufactured at Opel/Vauxhall’s Kaiserslautern engine plant in Germany.

“This excellent new powertrain is part of the company’s €4 billion investment in product and powertrain development, which is helping to bring 23 new products and 13 new engines to market” said Tim Tozer, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “This new large diesel engine is extremely important to Vauxhall as a sizable amount of customers chose a 2.0-litre CDTi engine.”

This 2.0-litre CDTi unit is the latest step in Vauxhall’s powertrain offensive, following the introduction of all-new 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines and a 1.0-litre three cylinder petrol powertrain. 

Performance

Key to the engine’s enhanced performance are the newly-designed combustion chamber, the re-profiled intake ports and the new fuel injection system with 2,000 bar and up to 10 injections per cylinder cycle. This ensures high power, improved fuel atomisation and also contributes to quieter running. The definition of the combustion chamber alone was the subject of more than 80 computer design simulations, before the best five were finally selected for hardware development.

The VGT (variable geometry turbocharger) features an electrical actuator for the variable aspect turbine, giving a 20 per cent faster boost response than a vacuum actuator. Exceptionally compact packaging of the VGT and intercooler also minimises the air volume between the turbocharger and engine, further contributing to a fast boost pressure build up. For durability, the turbocharger is water-cooled and has an oil filter fitted at the oil inlet point to help further reduce wear in the bearing system.

The VGT and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) module have been designed as a single system for optimal efficiency. The EGR module is based around a new stainless steel radiator concept which provides a near 90 per cent cooling efficiency. An integrated, water-cooled EGR bypass valve minimises pressure drop and its closed loop control offers a significant improvement in NOx/PM trade-off under transient driving conditions, while improving the management of HC and CO emissions.

Improved NVH

A consistent improvement in NVH characteristics under all operating conditions was a key requirement for the new engine right from the outset of its design. Several CAE acoustic optimisation loops were executed on each component and sub-system even before the first prototype engines were built.

Architectural improvements focused on two high noise emitting areas at the top and bottom of the engine. A new aluminium cylinder head design, including the addition of a decoupled, plastic cam cover with isolated fixings and a sealing gasket, improves noise attenuation. And the intake manifold is also wrapped in a single shell cover made of sound-absorbing material.

At the bottom of the engine, a new balancer shaft module is fitted, made of high pressure die-cast aluminium. It houses two counter-rotating shafts which offset up to 83 per cent of secondary order engine vibrations. A helical gear on the crankshaft drives one of the balancer shafts, which is geared to drive the other shaft. Scissor gear control ensures smooth gear teeth meshing, and the elimination of a drive chain removes the risk of rattle noise. After detailed analysis, plain instead of roller bearings were preferred for the balancer shafts to further reduce NVH, as well as weight.

The design of the oil pan is also new. The previous single piece solution is now replaced by a two piece design, with a lower sheet metal pan fixed to an upper section in high pressure, die-cast aluminium. NVH performance was further improved by several analysis loops to acoustically optimise the internal and external ribs of both sections.

Other detailed sound engineering measures to reduce operating noise include:

• Optimised fuel injection patterns for reduced combustion noise without compromising fuel economy; acoustically-designed ribs in the cast iron cylinder block; individual balancing of the VGT compressor and turbine wheels; improved teeth-meshing on the timing belt and decoupled mounting points for its cover.
• As a result of all these design features, the new engine emits less noise than its predecessor throughout its operating range, and is five decibels quieter at idle.  

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)

The new 2.0 CDTi with Vauxhall’s BlueInjection SCR system assures compliance with Euro 6 emissions standards effective September 2015. 

BlueInjection is an after-treatment which removes NOx from the engine’s exhaust gases. Tiny quantities of AdBlue, a harmless fluid consisting of urea and water, are injected into the exhaust gas flow ahead of the SCR catalyst and downstream of the diesel particulate filter. The solution is immediately converted into ammonia, which is absorbed by the SCR catalyst. Nitrogen oxide in the passing exhaust gas is then selectively reduced to harmless nitrogen and water vapor in a chemical reaction with the ammonia.

The AdBlue solution, available at filling stations and Vauxhall dealerships, is stored in a tank, which can be topped up as required via a nozzle adjacent to the vehicle’s fuel filler cap.