 Opel JapanGeneral Motors Japan Ltd.
Highlights of the Opel Stand
The highlights of the new Opel line-up would have to be the Zafira and G90. The Zafira is a new model that has been on sale in Europe since April of this year, though it is now making its debut in Japan. With its unique concept and features, this new-compact minivan is expected to do very well in the Japanese market. This time Opel has prepared presentations using cutaway models, so the minivan cabin, which seats seven people with its versatile seat arrangement, can be completely denmonstrated. Opel's other prize model, the G90, drew large crowds at the Frankfurt Motor Show and is the company's new concept car. Achieving a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.22, the aerodynamic body is made from aluminum and magnesium yielding a weight of just 750 kg. This gives the vehicle a fuel-efficiency of 3.88 L/100 km (25.6 km/L) using the European standard testing method. The G90 has achieved phenomenal fuel efficiency as a four-seater compact-class car. Howener, the G90 does not rely on hybrid power system, or direct-injection diesel turbo, to achieve the savings in fuel costs. Rather it utilizes a mass-produced 1.0-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine that is found in the European-specification Vita (known as the Corsa in Europe). Thanks to the overwhelmingly low air resistance and vehicle weight, it boasts, in addition to the above mentioned fuel efficiency, a maximum speed of 180 km/h and can travel 770 km with its 30-liter fuel tank, demonstrating its own high performance and long-range travel capabilities. One more attraction at the show is the technological exhibit of the fuel cell for automotive use. This display shows the next-generation automobile power source developed by Opel researchers at the Global Alternative Propulsion Center (GAPC) which opened in Mainz-Kassel, Germany last year. Great improvements are expected in both energy efficiency and emissions as compared to existing gasoline and diesel engines. Opel is presently developing cars that will be powered by these fuel cells, and are scheduled for launch in 2004.
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In addition to the cars that have already been introduced to Japan, including the Omega, Vectra, Astra and Vita, there are many exciting new models, such as the Zafira and Astra Coupe, at this year's Opel stand at the Tokyo Motor Show. The G90 concept car is also drawing a lot of interest. |
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