Opel cuts fuel consumption in diesel engines for Insignia by 12%
07 September 2011
Opel engineers have reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from the spectrum of diesel engines for the Opel Insignia by 12%, while also making the engines more quiet. More than 57% of all European orders for the Opel flagship model are for the diesel variant.
The trio of 2.0 liter Insignia engines is now also equipped with Start/Stop technology. Fuel consumption of the engines has been reduced by 0.6 liters per 100 kilometers. The 118 kW/160 hp variant of the 2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX consumes 4.3 l/100 km (55 mpg US), while emitting 115 g/km of CO2. The 81 kW /110 hp variant uses 4.4 l/100 km (53 mpg US) with 116 g/km.
All versions of the 2.0 CDTI Insignia optimize the combustion process via cylinder-integrated pressure sensors. The end result is a significant reduction of NOxand soot particulates, while at the same time reaching optimal fuel economy.
All 2.0 CDTI engines are also fitted with an electronically controlled exhaust gas recirculation. In addition, the bearings of the dual overhead camshafts have been changed to needle bearings, thus reducing friction and consumption.
Opel engineers focused on the fuel injection strategy as a way of tackling the typical noise and vibrations associated with diesel engines. The enhancements are most noticeable in the partial load range. A third-generation common-rail system operates with injection pressures of up to 1,600 bar. At the same time electro-magnetically-controlled injection nozzles allow multiple injections per cycle to ensure precise combustion control.
Improved kinematics between the piston and the connecting rod as well as a revised valve drive also reduce the mechanical and combustion noises. Resonance has been counter-acted by increased stiffness of engine components. The engines are additionally insulated against noise.
Keep up the good work, Opel.
Posted by: Will S | 07 September 2011 at 06:50 PM
For reference, the Open Insignia is about the same size as a Ford Mondeo, so getting 115/116 gms/km CO2 with a car this size is a real achievement.
Presumably this achievement will trickle down to their smaller Astra and Corsa cars (in smaller engines) over the next year or so.
All 3 of these are mass market cars that sell well, so this will make a difference.
Posted by: mahonj | 08 September 2011 at 12:07 AM
You'd think also that this technology would migrate across the pond to wider GM products.
Posted by: Scott | 08 September 2011 at 05:16 AM
It is diesel - not for everywhere in the USA; but I don't see why they don't promote it in remote regions, except that maybe everyone drives pickups in those regions.
Posted by: mahonj | 08 September 2011 at 10:07 AM