Opel at the IAA 2009: Opel shows super efficient new Astra and zero emission Ampera

[63GrandSport001]

I would completely change the engine line-up for the Chevy Malibu, most on this site would not agree with it.

I would replace the 2.4L engine with a 2.0L engine with VVT and direct injection mated to a 6 speed auto for the base engine maybe making around 170BHP. goal would be 35MPG highway (or better)

Then i would replace the current 3.6L 252BHP V-6 with the 2.0L VVT direct injected motor mated to a 6 speed auto making 260BHP and 260ft-lbs. That is more horsepower and torque then the current V-6 engine yet it would beat the 26MPG highway of the current V-6 engine. My goal would be 31MPG for this model compared to 26MPG of what it replaces.

Then I would offer a Malibu Sport packing the 3.0L SIDI turbo engine making around 380BHP connected to AWD.

[BlackGTP]

Originally Posted by 63GrandSport001

I would completely change the engine line-up for the Chevy Malibu, most on this site would not agree with it.

I would replace the 2.4L engine with a 2.0L engine with VVT and direct injection mated to a 6 speed auto for the base engine maybe making around 170BHP. goal would be 35MPG highway (or better)

Then i would replace the current 3.6L 252BHP V-6 with the 2.0L VVT direct injected motor mated to a 6 speed auto making 260BHP and 260ft-lbs. That is more horsepower and torque then the current V-6 engine yet it would beat the 26MPG highway of the current V-6 engine. My goal would be 31MPG for this model compared to 26MPG of what it replaces.

Then I would offer a Malibu Sport packing the 3.0L SIDI turbo engine making around 380BHP connected to AWD.

I'm game with your idea!

[chevyman1973]

i think these cars would fit in just nicely here in the states, and to that dude that says they have to many engines! thats the same guy that complains that a car has only one or two engines to pick from!

[chevyman1973]

Originally Posted by 63GrandSport001

I would completely change the engine line-up for the Chevy Malibu, most on this site would not agree with it.

I would replace the 2.4L engine with a 2.0L engine with VVT and direct injection mated to a 6 speed auto for the base engine maybe making around 170BHP. goal would be 35MPG highway (or better)

Then i would replace the current 3.6L 252BHP V-6 with the 2.0L VVT direct injected motor mated to a 6 speed auto making 260BHP and 260ft-lbs. That is more horsepower and torque then the current V-6 engine yet it would beat the 26MPG highway of the current V-6 engine. My goal would be 31MPG for this model compared to 26MPG of what it replaces.

Then I would offer a Malibu Sport packing the 3.0L SIDI turbo engine making around 380BHP connected to AWD.

why does it need awd?

what is the love affair with awd? on a car that is already fwd really whats the point? now i can see on a rwd drive car that needs it for traction in the snow but fwd solves this problem!

[Novak454]

Thses should do well as Buicks, IF the cost stays down / competative with the rest of the class in the market, AND GM doesn't FUDGE-UP the European flair (read: handling)...

good luck GM, lookin' good with these so far...

[kmacleod]

Originally Posted by Blair1118

I want a Buick Astra 5-door!!!!!

I'll 2nd that, with the CTDI 2.0L please......


I'll take a wagon too......


Ken

[Masospaghetti]

Originally Posted by 63GrandSport001

I would completely change the engine line-up for the Chevy Malibu, most on this site would not agree with it.

I would replace the 2.4L engine with a 2.0L engine with VVT and direct injection mated to a 6 speed auto for the base engine maybe making around 170BHP. goal would be 35MPG highway (or better)

This would be a bad idea, because the 2.0L DI will have less torque than the 2.4L and you would probably have a situation like CTS, where the 3.6 PFI was replaced by the 3.0 DI as the base engine. Marginal (if any) increase in fuel economy but signficant hit to driveability, and for an increased cost.

The 2.4L DI is the logical replacement for the 2.4L PFI, as this would only increase both performance and fuel economy. Obviously, with a 6-speed auto instead of the current 4-cogger.

Then i would replace the current 3.6L 252BHP V-6 with the 2.0L VVT direct injected motor mated to a 6 speed auto making 260BHP and 260ft-lbs. That is more horsepower and torque then the current V-6 engine yet it would beat the 26MPG highway of the current V-6 engine. My goal would be 31MPG for this model compared to 26MPG of what it replaces.

Might be an interesting option..I wonder how expensive the 2.0 SIDI Turbo motor is compared to the 3.6 PFI?

Then I would offer a Malibu Sport packing the 3.0L SIDI turbo engine making around 380BHP connected to AWD.

This is not realistic and we all know it. The cost of both the 3.0 SIDI Turbo and AWD would make the Malibu so expensive, nobody would buy it. I don't really understand the big push for AWD either - seems like an unnecessary drain on fuel economy and an increase in curb weight for most people.

Again, the only realistic upgrade path for the optional engine is the 3.6 DI, which has proven to get 29 MPG in a RWD vehicle, so you'd think it could get at least 30 MPG in a FWD application.

[camaro_freak]

Originally Posted by GMusa

I love that front end of the Ampera. The Volt should have looked more like that.

I like ALL of the Ampera styling - especially the back! The rear of the VOLT is so boring in comparison.

[neshapop]

Originally Posted by Toto

If this was not meant ironically, your comment is a very good example for how different the European market compared to the US is.

For example, the current Astra is available in 5 body forms, 6 trim levels, 14 engine choices with 6 different transmissions, 16 colors, 12 interiors and you can choose from 21 different rims. And then it's just begins.

The problem with European transplants to NA is typical consumer base, here people want all that for half the price and then we end up having half baked products that never make any justifiable sales (e.g. Astra).

[DmitryKo]

Originally Posted by Toto

the current Astra is available in 5 body forms, 6 trim levels, 14 engine choices with 6 different transmissions, 16 colors, 12 interiors and you can choose from 21 different rims.

Not to mention that every trim level is fully customizeable, with a full range of infotainment, safety and luxury options.

Try the online configurator at
http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/vaux/confi...odelYear=2010B

[johnstarnes]

Since European electrical grids are different from those here in the U.S., I wonder what differences there might be in the Voltec system of the Ampera, if any, as compared to the Volt's?

[PA Dweller]

Originally Posted by chevyman1973

why does it need awd?

what is the love affair with awd? on a car that is already fwd really whats the point? now i can see on a rwd drive car that needs it for traction in the snow but fwd solves this problem!

No it doesn't, FWD is nearly as useless as RWD in a good snow.

[kmacleod]

Originally Posted by johnstarnes

Since European electrical grids are different from those here in the U.S., I wonder what differences there might be in the Voltec system of the Ampera, if any, as compared to the Volt's?

I don't think there is any difference to how the Ampera is electric system is designed.

US 240V, 60Hz

Most homes in the US are fed 240v, 2 phase. Each leg is 120V, 60 degrees out of phase with the other.

EU 230V 50Hz


Most power supplies today are "universal" ...Meaning the PS can can handle multiple voltage sources at 50Hz or 60Hz.

the Volt/Ampera's charging system will auto recognize what the source voltage is and compensate.

The only difference I see to the charging cord is the electrical "plug" for
each country.

Not much different for how todays PC's only require a different electrical plug for each country.

Ken