michaelgeorge
01-08-2007, 10:54 AM
Vectra C
Introduced in the summer of 2002, the current model, the Vectra C, is built in Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom, and is based on the GM Epsilon platform. The Vectra is not assembled in Egypt anymore but currently Vectra C is on sale in only one version which is 1.6 L manual transmission and is sold for L.E 160,000. It is available as a four-door saloon, while the five-door hatchback, known as the Vectra GTS, is meant to recall cult models from Opel in the past such as the Commodore GTE of the 1970s.
The engine range was substantially modified to account for an increased curb weight. While a 122 PS (90 kW) 1.8 Family 1 Ecotec engine was the base model, a 2.0 L turbocharged Family II engine with 175 PS (129 kW) and a new 3.2 L V6, with 211 PS (155 kW) was also offered. Diesel power, now important for commercial success in Europe, was first provided by Isuzu (a 3.0 L V6 is still retained), but the four-cylinder diesel engines were replaced by Ecotec CDTI (Fiat-designed MultiJet) units with 1.9 L, capable of 150 PS (110 kW), in 2004.
The Vectra received a facelift near the end of 2005, and the V6 engine was replaced by an Australian-built 2.8 V6 Turbo unit, similar to the one used in the Saab 9-3. More importantly, Opel introduced, for the first time, an OPC (VXR in the UK) version the Vectra, available only in the hatchback and estate bodies. Power on the Saab V6 Turbo was increased to 255 PS (188 kW), and maximum speed just falls short of 250 km/h (155 mph).
In the UK, the hatchback is not considered a specialty model. In Australasia, the rebadged Holden Vectra ZC is considered more upmarket, though not to the same extent as in Europe. A station wagon version, called the Caravan in Germany, was released in 2003.
Sales of the Vauxhall Vectra in the UK have not been as strong as its predecessor's. For much of its production life, the original Vectra was the fourth best selling car in the country, yet the current model has never come higher than eleventh in the country's car sales charts, though it is still the second best selling car in its sector behind the Ford Mondeo. Opel will cease production of the Vectra C in late August 2007 to continue with its next generation the Vectra D.
Ecotec
The Ecotec name was adopted in 2000 for the new generation of Family II engines. The name was already used for the Opel Family 1 and Family 0 ranges. GM intends this new Ecotec to become its global 4-cylinder.
The Ecotec Family II is a modern chain-driven DOHC 4-valve design with an aluminum block and head (L850 for 86mm bore applications, and L880 for 88mm bore), designed for displacements from 1.8 to 2.4 L. It was developed by an international team of engineers and technicians from Opel's International Technical Development Center in Rüsselsheim, Germany, GM Powertrain in Pontiac, Michigan, and Saab in Trollhättan, Sweden. Much of the development work on this project was carried out by Lotus Engineering, Hethel, United Kingdom. The engine uses aluminum pistons and cast iron cylinder liners. Vibration is reduced with twin balance shafts.
The current Ecotec line is manufactured in Tonawanda, New York, Kaiserslautern, Germany, and (for Saturn) in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
Introduced in the summer of 2002, the current model, the Vectra C, is built in Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom, and is based on the GM Epsilon platform. The Vectra is not assembled in Egypt anymore but currently Vectra C is on sale in only one version which is 1.6 L manual transmission and is sold for L.E 160,000. It is available as a four-door saloon, while the five-door hatchback, known as the Vectra GTS, is meant to recall cult models from Opel in the past such as the Commodore GTE of the 1970s.
The engine range was substantially modified to account for an increased curb weight. While a 122 PS (90 kW) 1.8 Family 1 Ecotec engine was the base model, a 2.0 L turbocharged Family II engine with 175 PS (129 kW) and a new 3.2 L V6, with 211 PS (155 kW) was also offered. Diesel power, now important for commercial success in Europe, was first provided by Isuzu (a 3.0 L V6 is still retained), but the four-cylinder diesel engines were replaced by Ecotec CDTI (Fiat-designed MultiJet) units with 1.9 L, capable of 150 PS (110 kW), in 2004.
The Vectra received a facelift near the end of 2005, and the V6 engine was replaced by an Australian-built 2.8 V6 Turbo unit, similar to the one used in the Saab 9-3. More importantly, Opel introduced, for the first time, an OPC (VXR in the UK) version the Vectra, available only in the hatchback and estate bodies. Power on the Saab V6 Turbo was increased to 255 PS (188 kW), and maximum speed just falls short of 250 km/h (155 mph).
In the UK, the hatchback is not considered a specialty model. In Australasia, the rebadged Holden Vectra ZC is considered more upmarket, though not to the same extent as in Europe. A station wagon version, called the Caravan in Germany, was released in 2003.
Sales of the Vauxhall Vectra in the UK have not been as strong as its predecessor's. For much of its production life, the original Vectra was the fourth best selling car in the country, yet the current model has never come higher than eleventh in the country's car sales charts, though it is still the second best selling car in its sector behind the Ford Mondeo. Opel will cease production of the Vectra C in late August 2007 to continue with its next generation the Vectra D.
Ecotec
The Ecotec name was adopted in 2000 for the new generation of Family II engines. The name was already used for the Opel Family 1 and Family 0 ranges. GM intends this new Ecotec to become its global 4-cylinder.
The Ecotec Family II is a modern chain-driven DOHC 4-valve design with an aluminum block and head (L850 for 86mm bore applications, and L880 for 88mm bore), designed for displacements from 1.8 to 2.4 L. It was developed by an international team of engineers and technicians from Opel's International Technical Development Center in Rüsselsheim, Germany, GM Powertrain in Pontiac, Michigan, and Saab in Trollhättan, Sweden. Much of the development work on this project was carried out by Lotus Engineering, Hethel, United Kingdom. The engine uses aluminum pistons and cast iron cylinder liners. Vibration is reduced with twin balance shafts.
The current Ecotec line is manufactured in Tonawanda, New York, Kaiserslautern, Germany, and (for Saturn) in Spring Hill, Tennessee.