New Look Vectra Gets Forceful Engine

By Motoring Channel Staff - 16/6/2005

General Motor's German operation, Opel, has taken the wraps off its face-lifted Vectra, which is sold in Australia badged a Holden Vectra.

The mid-life upgrade sees changes to the front end plus interior, and also adds a new engine variant, a 2.8-litre turbocharged V6, giving the Vectra range a new flagship model.

Furthermore, Opel says that the latest edition of it's successful mid-size model range also features new chassis tuning with optimised steering precision for more distinctive driving dynamics, and improved comfort.

The IDSPlus (Interactive Driving System) chassis with electronic CDC (Continuous Damping Control) is still unique in this class and is now available with even more engines.

Opel's updated mid-size Vectra also gets bi-xenon headlamps with curve and cornering lights (Adaptive Forward Lighting), where Vectra models will be built in the state-of-the-art Rüsselsheim plant in Germany, and European sales begin in September.

"The new front clearly reflects the excellent driving dynamics of the new Vectra models and the new Signum," says Hans H. Demant, VP of Engineering, GM Europe, and Managing Director, Adam Opel AG.

"Expressive design and a leading-edge technical concept are typical of successful cars," he continued.

Shortly after its launch in 2002, the Vectra became the best-selling mid-size sedan in Europe, and held on to the top spot last year with a market segment share of 9.2 percent.

In total, around 600,000 third-generation Vectras have been sold worldwide to date. The Vectra also earned top marks in numerous tests carried out by German and European automotive media.

The most distinctive feature of the new four and five-door Vectra sedan and station wagon is the newly designed front end – a further development of the new Opel design language. Together with the characteristic shoulder line, the front expresses dynamics and sportiness.

Further distinctive characteristics are the typical Opel crease in the engine hood, sharper tapering of the front bumper and, most notably, the new headlamps, which stretch into the newly-formed fender and bonnet.

With their cylindrical, chrome-colored lamp units behind clear glass, the headlamps are the eye-catching highlight of the front of the Vectra and Signum.

A wide chrome crossbar with large Opel emblem is the dominant feature of the grille, while a black honeycomb structure and large side air-intakes with integrated fog lamps emphasize the wide appearance of the new Vectra's front end.

Performance characteristics of the new Vectra have been given a boost with the addition of a new turbocharged V6 petrol engine, outputting 169 kilowatts of power (230hp).

The most powerful engine for all versions of the Vectra is an all-new 2.8-litre aluminum gasoline 6-cylinder unit with a twin-scroll turbocharger for plenty of power in all driving situations. The 60° V6 with variable valve control delivers 90 percent of its maximum torque of 330Nm @ 1500rpm, and peak torque is provided across a wide range from 1800 to 4500rpm.

Driving performance with this engine is equally impressive: only 7.4 seconds are required for the zero to 100km/h sprint and top speed is around 250km/h – a new record for the Vectra. The top-of-the-line diesel engine is the 3.0-litre V6 CDTI with 135kW (184hp) and a maximum torque of 400Nm available from 2000rpm. A new 100hp (74kW) variant of the 1.9 CDTI rounds off the diesel range.

Depending on the engine, either a five or 6-speed manual or automatic transmission is available for the front-wheel drive Vectra. Apart from the 1.6 and 1.8-litre entry-level gasoline units, all engines are equipped as standard with a 6-speed manual gearbox, while a 6-speed automatic with ActiveSelect is available for the 2.8 V6 Turbo, the 110kW 1.9 CDTI and the 3.0 V6 CDTI.

An enhanced IDS chassis (Interactive Driving System) provides even better vehicle control for the new Vectra while offering a noticeable increase in comfort. New tuning of the front and rear suspension, as well as of the electro-hydraulic steering, improves straight-line stability and enables more sensitive steering response in the straight-ahead position. In addition to the chassis fine-tuning, optimised front and rear-axle bushings are primarily responsible for increased comfort.

The IDSPlus chassis with electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC) and networking of all driving dynamics systems is still unique in the mid-size segment, giving Opel a leading position in adaptive chassis systems. Further technical highlights in the Vectra include the AFL bi-xenon headlamps with dynamic curve light and static cornering light, and the climate-controlled, orthopedically recommended MultiContour driver’s seat.

New options are the innovative Trailer Stability Assist, which prevents dangerous yawing of the car-trailer combination, the Quickheat heating system, and a cellular phone portal with Bluetooth interface and voice control.

While the sedans already boast generous interior space, the Vectra station wagon continues to set the benchmark in the mid-size segment with a maximum load capacity of 1850 liters (VDA norm). In addition, the Vectra station wagon offers numerous clever and highly practical features, such as the versatile FlexOrganizer system for the luggage compartment, a remote controlled power tailgate and a pivoting tow hitch.

The interior hasn't espaced the update either; the Vectra's instrument panel and door trim have a new, leather-look grain. The cockpit makes a lighter, more elegant impression, thanks to the new contours of the instrument panel, the rounded corners of air vents and the chrome-colored controls. This is all complemented by newly designed, dual-color décor trim with large inlays in wood or aluminum-look and a sweeping dome over the instruments. All versions of the new Vectra feature a sporty, three-spoke steering wheel as well.