Opel GT Press Release

Press Release: World premiere for two-seat roadster in Geneva, market launch in spring of 2007. 260 hp from two liters: the most powerful production engine in the ECOTEC family

The new Opel GT is fun to drive thanks to its front engine and rear-wheel drive, which together ensure a balanced weight distribution, the long wheelbase (2415 mm) and its 260-hp 2.0-liter ECOTEC turbo engine with gasoline direct injection. This accelerates the new GT from zero to 100 km/h in less than six seconds, and enables a maximum speed of over 230 km/h.

Another fun factor is the fabric roof, which folds down to provide open-air enjoyment denied to the owners of the first GT. The roof disappears completely beneath a cover, further underlining the GT’s sporty silhouette with short overhangs and widely spaced 18-inch wheels.

The development of the new Opel GT is an excellent example of transcontinental collaboration within GM. The design was inspired by the VX Lightning concept car, which was conceived by the GM Advanced Design Studio in Birmingham, England in May 2003 for the 100^th anniversary of the Vauxhall brand. The new GT will be built in Wilmington/Delaware, in the USA, where its sister models, the Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky, are also produced.

Athletic, with short body overhangs: the eye-catching design

A glance at the new Opel GT makes clear that there’s pure sport under the skin; sharp, taut lines and flowing surfaces combine to give it true dynamic presence. The front view is dominated by the pronounced curve of the fenders and the bold chrome strip with lightning-flash logo. The long, front-hinged engine hood carries the familiar Opel crease.

Another signal of sportiness is sounded off by the GT’s proportions (length/width/height: 4091/1813/1274 mm) with short overhangs and 18-inch wheels that are pushed to the corners of the body. When opened, the soft top is completely concealed under a cover, thus emphasizing the GT’s roadster character. Other attractive styling details are the projection-type low beam and halogen reflector-type high beam headlamps.

The ergonomic cockpit features chrome-ringed dials for speed, rpm and fuel. Technical grains, piano black and chrome finishes combine with optionally available leather seats to emphasize high value and precision. Jewel-style controls for lights and ventilation are further evidence of the GT designers’ careful attention to detail.

Lively response and sports-car performance: the direct-injection turbo engine

The heart of the new Opel GT is the most powerful production engine in the ECOTEC family. The turbocharged unit was jointly developed by GM Powertrain engineers in the USA and Europe and is related to the ECOTEC 2.2-liter direct fuel injection engine available in the Vectra and Signum. From a displacement of two-liters, it develops a power output of 191 kW/ 260 hp and a maximum torque of 350 Nm, available from 2500 rpm.

Direct injection technology helps the ECOTEC engine produce more power while maintaining the lower fuel consumption level of a small displacement engine with conventional fuel injection.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged ECOTEC engine features variable valve timing, a dual-scroll turbocharger and a charge-air intercooler. This type of turbocharger, similar to the one already introduced in the Vectra and Signum V6, improves engine response, which also benefits from variable camshaft phasing. The result is ample torque even at low engine speeds.

Highlights of the new ECOTEC 2.0-liter turbo engine include:

• Forged steel crankshaft
• Forged steel connecting rods
• Cast aluminum oil-galley pistons
• Jet-spray piston cooling
• Two counter-rotating balance shafts
• Dual-scroll turbocharger
• 9.2:1 compression ratio
• Aluminum cylinder head with sodium-cooled exhaust valves
• High-pressure engine-driven fuel pump
• Variable pressure fuel rail

Basic technical data: New Opel GT

Body
Length/ width/ height	4091/ 1813 / 1274 mm
Wheelbase	2415 mm
Unloaded weight	1320 kg
Engine/ powertrain
Engine/installed position	2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder/at front, longitudinal
Displacement	1998 cm3
Bore/ stroke	86/86 mm
Compression ratio	9.2:1
Valve gear	Double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder
Max. power output	191 kW/ 260 hp at 5300 rpm
Max. torque	350 Nm at 2500 - 5300 rpm
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h	Under 6 seconds
Top speed	Over 230 km/h
Fuel supply	Direct fuel injection, with variable high-pressure distributor rail and electronic throttle operation
Driveline	Rear-wheel drive
Gearbox	5-speed manual-shift

Technorati Tags: Opel, GT, press+release, autos, auto+news, Geneva+Show

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