OPEL news & info

Automotive Design Corner: Opel Insignia: Some very interesting comments from...

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 19:49:00 +0000

Automotive Design Corner: Opel Insignia: Some very interesting comments from...: "I have posted a couple of reviews for my Opel Insignia (a 5,000 km review and a 10,000 km review - Automotive Design Corner blog) and I have received some very interesting ..."

Installation of 4300K DRL LEDs

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Tue, 25 May 2010 06:35:00 +0000

Click here to read more!

First photo showing 4300K LED coming for my Insignia's DRL

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 21:09:00 +0000

Click here to read more!

Important note: Blog address change

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:09:00 +0000

First of all, I would like to apologize for the recent slow progress of "Opel news & info". Partly this was due to the fact that I was working on a new blog, the Automotive Design Corner.

From now on, news regarding the new 4300K DRL LEDs will be covered in Automotive Design Corner.

In the new blog, in order to make it easier to find news related to Opel cars, you can click on the "Opel" label.

I decided to create the Automotive Design Corner blog in order to express my thoughts, likes, dislikes and share things I find interesting. There are many good websites providing all the latest news from the automotive industry, but since we live in a mass-produced world, I feel that it's nice to add some character.

The content of this blog will remain, as there are 110 posts, since 25h September 2009, and I hope that people may find something useful.

I would like to thank all the visitors for their time and support!!!

Press Release: Ampera is charged up for Geneva!

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:05:00 +0000

Luton/Rüsselsheim - The first prototype of the production Ampera today received its initial charge of electricity from the newly installed recharging station at Opel/Vauxhall’s European headquarters.

The Ampera extended-range electric vehicle will use the energy stored in its 16kWh lithium-ion battery to drive the first stage of the 370-mile journey from Rüsselsheim, Germany, to the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland, without emitting CO2.

At the wheel will be Opel/Vauxhall Director of Electric Vehicle Implementation, Gherardo Corsini. “I am really looking forward to putting a lot of miles on our first Ampera prototype during this maiden test on public roads,” said Corsini. “With 370 Nm of instantaneous, electric torque under my right foot, it promises to be an interesting and almost silent drive to Geneva."

When the battery’s charge is low after around 40 miles, the Ampera’s on-board internal combustion engine will start to generate electricity to drive the wheels for the remainder of the journey.

A battery electric vehicle would need to find a recharging station and stop for up to several hours to recharge its depleted battery before continuing the journey. The Ampera, however, brings emission-free electric mobility without the limitations of conventional electric cars. It can drive on seamlessly and without interruption for more than 300 miles before plugging into a household socket or filling up with fuel.

The prototype’s long-distance drive from Rüsselsheim to Geneva demonstrates that the five-door, four-seat Ampera can be the primary vehicle in the household, ready to drive anywhere, any time. Series-production of the Opel/Vauxhall Ampera is scheduled to begin at the end of 2011.

Source: GM Media

Interest for 4300K DRL LEDs

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:17:00 +0000

Following a conversation with a friend of mine, who has installed aftermarket 5000K Xenon kit, we agreed that 5000K light is not particularly good when there is fog and rain. Therefore, he decided to use 4300K bulbs and to be honest, I have thought to do the same, swap the DiamondVision bulbs with the BlueVision ones or even the OEM ones. There is a catch though, the DRL LEDs will look out of place due to the colour difference.

So, I contacted Per-Accurate in order to find out if 4300K LEDs are possible and yes, they can do it but the price depends on the number of sets, as they will be custom made. Up to now, following a discussion with other members from Insignia Club in Greece, the demand is for 11 sets.

Since a lot of people contacted me in the past for ordering the DRL LEDs, I though to let you know in the case someone is interested in 4300K LEDs. If you are interested, please leave a comment and as soon as I have more information about the price, I will let you know.

Opel/Vauxhall Insignia and Buick Regal named to the top ten list for 2010 World Car of the Year Award

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:14:00 +0000

The Opel/Vauxhall Insignia and Buick Regal have made the top 10 list of global vehicles selected for the 2010 World Car of the Year Award. The winner will be selected by a jury of 59 international automotive journalists. The top three finalists in all award categories will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 and the winner of 2010 world Car of the Year will be announced at the New York Auto Show on April 1.

Source: GM Media

10,000 km review of my Opel Insignia 1.6T Sport

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:16:00 +0000

Following the 5,000 km review of my Opel Insignia, now the time has come for the 10,000 km review. The are only two major things that need shorting out. As you may have read in the “Known technical issues of Opel Insignia” post, the are some known technical problems with Insignias and I have got two of them.

The first one has to do with the fact that water accumulates in the sill area of front doors. I had noticed in the past after a car wash, but back then, the lad in the dealer said it's normal and happens in all cars, strangely though neither my Honda nor my Volvo had this issue.... Anyway, now that's winter, this phenomenon is frequent and in my next visit to the dealer, I will tell them to fix it.

Second and most irritating issue is the noise from the rear disc brakes. Opel knows about this and this is due to the defective brake pads used, causing also score marks on the rear brake discs. I haven't done anything yet, cause in some cars, the brake pads were replaced with ones having the same part number and the problem was never solved. So, I am waiting for the news ones to come, which hopefully will not suffer from the same problem.

Other minor issues resolved included greasing of the ignition lock, as the key was stack in a couple of occasions and didn't return into 'run' position, and elimination of the vibration under the navi display.

After having 8,500 km on the clock, I noticed also a drop in the average fuel consumption by a liter per 100 km.

Press Release: All-new Meriva's FlexDoors reveal inside line of innovation

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 09:51:00 +0000

Luton – These are the first official pictures of Vauxhall’s new Meriva, which is set to turn the conventional concept of family-car usability on its head with a combination of clever, rear-hinged back doors which radically improve access/egress, and a raft of unique cabin features that boost interior versatility.

The new Meriva, which will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year, is the first Vauxhall to feature FlexDoors, showcased in 2008’s Meriva design concept.

FlexDoors are rear-hinged back doors which swing open towards the back of the car at an angle of nearly 90 degrees, vastly improving the ease with which occupants enter and leave the cabin. Rather than having to step back, or to one side, as one would using a normal front-hinged door, the FlexDoor allows unimpeded forward access/egress to and from the cabin, enhanced further by the Meriva’s exceptionally high roof line.

For parents with children, there are further benefits. Due to the larger door opening and free space around the B-pillar, parents can lift small children forwards in to rear-mounted, second-stage child seats without having to contort themselves around a door. And with both the front and rear doors open (the fronts open at a similar angle to the rear FlexDoors) a ‘parent-friendly’ zone is created with no door barrier between front and rear occupants.

Crucially, the FlexDoors can only be opened by occupants while the car is stationary, an automatic lock engaging as soon as the car pulls away.

While the concept of two rear-hinged back doors is not new in the motor industry, the Meriva’s FlexDoor system is the first time it has been used on a family car in recent years. But unlike other rear-hinged door applications the Meriva benefits from front and rear doors that open independently, and does not require rear passengers to sit behind the door opening.

Class-leading in-cabin flexibility

Once inside the new Meriva, buyers benefit from two further groundbreaking innovations. The FlexRail adopts a completely fresh approach to the design of a car’s centre console, and provides owners with a variety of modular storage and comfort solutions that fix on to an ingenious dual-rail base. The new Meriva’s storage bin and cubby count has also increased, meaning that owners now benefit from one of the most practical cabins in class.

In addition, the current Meriva’s much-praised FlexSpace system has evolved with even greater practicality. Now more intuitive to use, the new Meriva’s FlexSpace allows easier fold-down of the rear seats, while moving the rear seats to create more boot, leg or shoulder room is simpler than ever.

The new Meriva’s seat comfort has also advanced, with the adoption of front seat technology from the Insignia and Astra. Like these cars, the Meriva offers the biggest range of seat adjustment in class, extending to 240mm in length and 65mm in height.

New Meriva adopts design language from Insignia and new Astra

The current Meriva effectively created the compact monocab sector when it was launched in 2003, but since then Vauxhall’s design language has evolved steadily, with big strides being made with the European Car of the Year-winning Insignia and more recently with the launch of the all-new Astra.

No surprise, then, that the new Meriva has adopted a more expressive and dynamic silhouette to its basic cab-forward monocab design. Like the Insignia and Astra, a ‘blade’ features down the side of the body, complementing a window line with a distinct ‘wave’ accentuating the FlexDoors, allowing panoramic views for rear passengers.

The design theme continues in the Meriva’s cabin, with cues taken from the Insignia and Astra enhancing the perceived quality of the materials.

Advanced chassis and more efficient powertrains

With a longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks, buyers will see a marked improvement in the new Meriva’s ride and handling qualities.

They’ll also see a reduction in running costs, since the engine line-up – which features six turbocharged units and power outputs from 75 to 140PS – benefits from an average fuel consumption/C02 reduction of 15 per cent, or -25g/km across the range. A high mpg/low C02 ecoFLEX model will also be available.

More information will be available closer to the Meriva’s debut at Geneva.

Source: Vauxhall Media

Press Release: New Opel Corsa Color Race sprints with checkered flag war painting

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:05:00 +0000

Rüsselsheim. Remember the glory days of racy-looking, muscular car outfits affordable for young drivers? Opel hasn’t forgotten them and spices up the new Corsa with an exclusive Color Race edition that features a winning checkered motif, along with a traditional, vibrant motor sport Sunny Melon Yellow color – as well as with Casablanca White and Magma Red. Corsa Color Race is available immediately in Germany starting at 15,560 euros.

To keep its performance as exhilarating as its exterior, the Corsa Color Race boast significant chassis and steering improvements that start in the full Corsa range with the Model Year 10.5 and that improve comfort, handling and steering and keep the Corsa fun to drive.

The Corsa Color Race can be powered by a range of new engines that are at the same time powerful and fuel efficient – like the new 1.4 gasoline engine with 64 kW87 hp (only 5.3 l/100 km for the wide range version; 5.5 l/100 km when equipped with the close range gearbox) or 74kW100 hp (which only requires 5.5 l/100 km). The powerful 96 kW/130 hp 1.7 CDTI combines 300 Nm torque with a fuel consumption of 4.5 liter/100 km. All in all, the re-worked powertrains – the latest example of Opel’s pledge to focus on environmentally compatible solutions – offer higher torque while boasting up to 13 percent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The Color Race line fits the 3-door models particularly well, with its sporty contour and exciting, coupéish design. It comes with a standard black hood as well as side and tailgate appliqués with a checkered flag motif, black painted roof and black 17-inch alloy wheels. These racing accents coupled with the yellow, white, or red exterior lacquer turn every model into a winning combination. Especially in yellow, this bi-color look is reminiscent of such legendary sporty Opel models as the Rallye Kadett B Sprint from the early 70s.

The Color Race interior features special matching color highlights, like special seat stitching and vent bezels, a Panorama sunroof and a leather-clad steering wheel.

The Opel Corsa Color Race is also available with innovative technologies like halogen AFL curve and cornering lights and heated steering wheel.

Source: GM Media

First official photos of all-new Meriva

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:34:00 +0000

Here are the first official photos of the all-new Opel / Vauxhall Meriva!

Source: Car Magazine

Aftermarket DRL LEDs: The verdict

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 22:22:00 +0000

Story update

It is a long time since I am using LEDs in the place of the OEM DRL bulbs and also, the warning message has been resolved, but you already know about that (you can read all the related posts by clicking here).

However, a few days ago, I removed the resistors. The reason behind this is because I am not so sure for how long I will keep the LEDs on. There is absolutely nothing wrong with them, but I have some concerns about the DiamondVision mainbeam bulbs. Under rain and fog, I feel that are no good due to the 5000K colour. In a couple of occasions, the light from the bulbs seemed so unsatisfactory and thus, I visited my friend and told him to remove the load resistors in order to put all the OEM bulbs back, but then... I couldn't resist and left them as they were cause I like the LEDs...

One other worrying thing that prevented me from putting the OEM bulbs back on is the fact that a few members of Insignia Club, who have the OEM bulbs since they had their cars delivered, have noticed slight deformations on the upper plastic parts (the ones that look like nickel) due to excessive heat! A couple of them managed to have the headlamps replaced under warranty and Opel in Greece is gathering photos in order to send the data back to Germany. This is not a problem with all Insignias, but I am very skeptical now to put the OEM DRL bulbs back on, since my wires have been cut and if there is a deformation, I don't believe that they will replace my headlamps under warranty.

Note that there are only two downsides using load resistors. The first thing is the fact that when you are using the parking lights, the the power required is higher, around 23-24 Watts instead of 5. Still, the battery should not drain even if you have them on for say 20 hours. The second one is the fact that you have to cut the wires.

If you want photos showing where to connect the load resistors, let me know and I will see what I can do.

Verdict

The LEDs supplied by Per-Accurate are really great and highly recommended, especially if you have replaced the halogen bulbs with an aftermarket Xenon kit. If though you don't intend to fit a Xenon kit, you will have a colour difference between the DRL LEDs and the mainbeam bulbs, which can be resolved by using DiamondVision bulbs, but remember that visibility under certain weather conditions may not be so good.

In terms of the waring message on the dash, there is a solution by fitting load resistors, but I believe that it is best to live with it, since the headlights appear to be sensitive and you if you ever need to replace them under warranty, having cut the wires will not help at all.

My best wishes for the new year

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:26:00 +0000

Oh my Dear, Forget ur Fear,

Let all ur Dreams be Clear,

Never put Tear, Please Hear,

I want to tell one thing in ur Ear,

Wishing u a very “Happy NEW YEAR“!

Russia's Sberbank wants GM to pay for dropping the Opel deal

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 07:24:00 +0000

It not only takes money to close a deal, it takes money to get close to closing a deal. Sberbank, which was Magna's Russian partner in the bid for Opel, said it assembled 9,000 contract pages during the negotiations. Unless Russian corporate lawyers are that much cheaper than their American counterparts, the associated legal fees could probably be described by the word "heinous."

Sberbank says GM walked away from the deal 48 hours before contracts were due to be signed, and did so without reasonable explanation. In that case, Sberbank believes it is owed for the money it spent in preparation. Company CEO Stefan Gref said "In reality we spent an awful sum, because we had to address complex tasks," and "I hope that we shall be able to settle all issues out of court, but we shall be prepared to defend our position in courts of law."

Unless there was a provision restricting GM's ability to walk away from the deal, it is unclear what kind of chances Sberbank will have in court. By comparison, Magna CEO Frank Stronach said his company's bills from the transaction "weren't material," which could be his way of saying, "water under the bridge." With the other issues on GM's mind right now -- like, oh, Opel and the German government, among others -- Sberbank should probably just grab a place in line.

Source: Autoblog

Introduction of new blog!

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 09:58:00 +0000

A few months ago, I decided to create this blog in order to share news and info about Opel. When I was looking for information on alternatives to the OEM DRL bulbs, it was very difficult to find a solution and I had to do a lot of research. Thus, I felt that a blog would be a nice idea, enabling me to share my knowledge with you.

The last few weeks, I have added various bits and bobs from the automotive industry, as I really like to share things that I find interesting. However, since this is a blog dedicated to Opel, I felt that a new blog hosting generic news is more suitable and thus, "Automotive Design Corner" blog was created (related posts from this blog have already been transferred). I hope you will find my new blog interesting.

Check out my new blog!

Merry Christmas to All!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 09:06:00 +0000

New alloy wheels for new Opel Astra and Insignia from Irmscher

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:57:00 +0000

Irmscher presented a new alloy wheel design, called Evo-Star, available in sizes 18" and 20". Evo-Star wheels are available for the all new Opel Astra and Insignia.

Source: Irmscher

Related posts: "All-new Opel Astra gets Irmscher styling kit"

Aftermarket DRL LEDs: How to remove the warning message on the dash

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:30:00 +0000

Following a few attempts with various load resistors and configurations in the past, a solution was found. All the materials you need are 2x 50W6Ω and 2x 50W7Ω load resistors with aluminium housings.

Each positive cable has to be connected to a load resistor, while the other end of each resistor has to be connected to chassis ground. The load resistors used were 50W6Ω for "stage I" (lighting during the night and when low beam is selected manually) and 50W7Ω for "stage II" lighting during the day.

Load resistors heat up like light bulbs. Therefore, they must be installed in a way that make no contact with no paint or plastic.

Known technical issues of Opel Insignia

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:11:00 +0000

Technical Service Bulletin
Ref. Number 09-FR-49
TIS/TSB Ref. Number E0002540
Group A-10
Release Date 04/09/2009

Door Sill - Water Accumulation

Vehicles:
Insignia 2009-Onwards
Insignia Sports Tourer 2009-Onwards
All Engines

Complaint:
Water accumulates in sill area of front and rear doors.

Cause:
Poor fit of sealing clips allows water entry.
Production
Modified weatherstrip in production as of VIN WOLGM67C191115427.

Remedy:
In case of customer complaint apply additional drain holes (diameter 5 mm) into weatherstrip
Check in door below window glass if the weatherstrip clips are tight. If the weatherstrip clips are loose or can be pulled out easily, replace the clips.

------------------------------------

Technical Service Bulletin
Ref. Number 09-FR-64
TIS/TSB Ref. Number E0002581
Group H-05
Release Date 07/12/2009

Rear Brakes – Score Marks on Brake Disc

Vehicles:
Insignia 2009-2010 All Engines

Complaint:
Score marks on rear brake discs.

Cause:
Defective brake pads.

Remedy:
In case of customer complaint the brake pads and brake discs can be replaced.
Note: Scoring has no impact on braking performance.

------------------------------------

Service Update:

09-P-034 Insignia - Ignition Lock

Constant quality controls revealed that on a certain number of Insignia, MY 2009, the ignition key might stick and does not return into 'run' position. After 15 seconds the "Transport mode" becomes activated and the battery charging telltale flashes.
We advise Vauxhall Authorised Repairers to grease the ignition lock and program the Body Control Module (BCM) on all affected vehicles listed in the VIN information file.

Warning message on the dash, related to DRL LEDs, finally shorted out!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 23:34:00 +0000

The warning message on the dash, which was related to the aftermarket DRL LEDs, has been finally shorted out!!! So, now you can have the complete package, great LEDs replacing the OEM bulbs and no warning messages.

All the necessary details will be posted soon.

OPC radiator grille in real life - part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:53:00 +0000

...and here is the OPC grille installed on a friend's car! Now you have the complete picture ;-)

Press Release: Opel adaptive all-wheel drive with early warning system

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:13:00 +0000

Rüsselsheim. The Opel Insignia is breathing new life into the mid-size segment with its breathtaking design and leading technology. The Car of the Year 2009 features innovations such as Opel’s new Adaptive 4x4 system which have previously only been available in much more expensive sports cars or luxury sedans. Together with the FlexRide premium chassis and the electronic-hydraulic multi-disk clutch, the Adaptive 4x4 system sets new standards for reaction time of the controls in the Insignia. When the sensors detect a critical situation, it only takes around 80 milliseconds – or the blink of an eye – for the system to send the required power distribution to the wheels. The power can be distributed seamlessly from zero to 100 percent between the front and rear axle or between the rear wheels. In contrast to conventional mechanical all-wheel drives, the hydraulic controls enable lightning-quick intervention.

Already about five percent of the 177,000 Insignia’s ordered in Europe are equipped with all-wheel drive. The new Adaptive 4x4 system is available with the 2-liter gasoline turbo and is standard in the 2.8 V6 Turbo and OPC models. In Germany, prices begin at 35,685 euros for the 162 kW/220 hp Opel Insignia 2.0 turbo Edition.

All-wheel drive electronics designed as early-warning system

The adaptive all-wheel drive system receives information from three modules: BCM (Body Control Module), ECU (Engine Control Unit) and the ESP module. This information is sent to the control module, analyzed and then torque is distributed individually to the wheels. The Insignia 4x4’s power distribution travels from the front axle differential over the cardan shaft to a hydraulic Haldex multi-disk clutch, which electronically distributes the torque from zero to 100 percent between the front and rear axle. At rear axle, power distribution is also controlled by a hydraulic multi-disk clutch, where nearly 100 percent to power can be transferred to one of the rear wheels if required. This gives drivers the confidence that their Insignia 4x4 can still maintain safe traction even if three wheels are on ice and only one of the rear wheels can find grip.

The modules receive their signals from sensors that capture yaw rate, acceleration, steering angle, wheel speed, gas pedal position, engine speed and torque, and adapt power distribution to the driving situation based on this information. Even before take-off, the control module receives information on gas pedal position and engine speed and is able to transfer torque between the front and rear axle to prevent the car losing traction. This means before a racing start, a proportionate amount of propulsion power is already sent to the rear wheels. Andreas Holl, head of Insignia chassis development, says, “A big advantage of the new Opel all-wheel drive system is that a critical situation such as spinning front wheels doesn’t have to occur before the proper corrective measures are introduced.”

Bad roads, rain and snow call for stability and control

Particularly in hazardous weather conditions like heavy rain, snow and sleet, poor quality roads with potholes put extreme demands on chassis technology. Advanced chassis systems are designed to recognize and avoid dangers as early as possible, as well as support the driver in critical driving situations. As a consequence, driving the Opel Insignia 4x4 is delightful, even more so when the wintery driving conditions are appalling.

An example of this is driving in snow. Many drivers have experienced the feeling of picking up a too much downhill speed, taking their foot off the gas pedal and realizing that their vehicle is struggling to follow the steering direction. The Insignia’s adaptive 4x4 system also comes to drivers’ aid in these types of dangerous situations. With its complex sensor system, the all-wheel drive technology can not only distribute torque but also redirect it to individual wheels in the case of braking on the engine (drag torque) as a result of releasing the accelerator thereby increasing the steer ability and their control of the vehicle.

Thanks to the many control options available such as torque and braking torque distribution as well as FlexRide damper control, the adaptive all-wheel drive system handles many critical driving situations without the need for ESP to intervene. ESP stays in the background as a guardian angel.

Automatic fuel-saving mode and sport mode at the push of a button

The Opel Insignia Adaptive 4x4 system is not only useful in critical safety situations – it also detects when there are no external conditions that require special intervention, such as travelling on a highway. In this situation the system switches off the rear-wheel drive system and reverts to front wheel drive to reduce friction losses and save fuel.

The driver can also steer power distribution at the push of a button. By choosing the sport mode, more power is sent to the rear axle to increase traction and achieve a more agile driving performance. This makes it easier for sporty drivers to maintain complete and active control even as the driving safety limits are pushed out a bit further. The Adaptive 4x4 system stabilizes up to the tires’ grip limit, at which point ESP intervenes if necessary.

Source: GM Media

Steinmetz Insignia 2.0 Turbo 4x4, an alternative to OPC version

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:09:00 +0000

Steinmetz offers an alternative to OPC version by working with Klasen, which provides the modified engine software, the larger intercooler and the modified exhaust system including catalytic converter. The car is based on the "normal" Insignia 2.0 Turbo 4x4 and produces 294 hp. This enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 s, which matches OPC's performance.

Power output: 294 hp (216 kW)

Torque: 420 Nm
0-100 km/h: 5.8 sec

Max. Speed: 254 km/h
Price in Germany: 37,735 €

Source: Autozeitung

BMW X5 M a flop?

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:34:00 +0000

I have came across with several road tests of the new X5 M and X6 M, but to be honest, I couldn't be bothered to read them. I feel that such M versions are pointless and disappointing. Anyway, while I was surfing the net, I came across with a road test by Autocar and guess what, they were not impressed either!

Major complaints include:

"First, the X5’s cabin – while acceptable at just north of £40k – falls short of the plushness required at almost double that figure. Truth is, the M’s cabin feels little different from that of a regular diesel X5."

"More importantly, though, the quest to give the X5 the same cornering ability as an M5 has resulted in a ride that is borderline unacceptable. We could forgive some choppiness around the suburban rat-run, if that were the only gripe. But you’ll find yourself jiggling around in the seat on all but the smoothest motorways too, and hanging on for dear life on a bumpy B-road. The seats could use more lateral support, which would help with this, but you’ll still be sitting too high up to feel totally connected to the road beneath."

"While we’ve little doubt that M division has sunk a commendable amount of resources into this project, it has ultimately failed to change the laws of physics, so while the X5 M has the raw pace of an M3, it lacks the poise, balance and finesse of that car. This car feels like it should have been called xDrive60i, or even xDrive60m, but it falls short of justifying its M status."

"Worryingly, too, the engine plays its part in that failure. Its note is nowhere near as pleasant as the M3’s naturally aspirated V8, or the V10 unit in the outgoing M5."

I have just a question. If BMW really wanted to bring out an M version of the X5, why ActiveDynamics system wasn't tweaked in order to be more rear-biased???

LED light sources for automotive headlamps

noreply@blogger.com (Constantine Kosutasu) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:08:00 +0000

"Automotive headlamp applications using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been undergoing very active development since 2004. The first series-production LED headlamps were factory-installed on the Lexus LS 600h / LS 600h L starting with the 2008 models. Low beam, front position light and sidemarker functions are performed by LEDs; high beam and turn signal functions use filament bulbs. The headlamp is supplied by Koito. Full-LED headlamps supplied by AL-Automotive Lighting were fitted on the 2008 V10 Audi R8 sports car except in North America. The Hella headlamps on the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Platinum became the first U.S. market all-LED headlamps. Present designs give performance between halogen and HID headlamps,[40] with system power consumption slightly lower than other headlamps, longer lifespans and more flexible design possibilities. As LED technology continues to evolve, the performance of LED headlamps is predicted to improve to approach, meet, and perhaps one day surpass that of HID headlamps.

The limiting factors with LED headlamps presently include high system expense, regulatory delays and uncertainty, and logistical issues created by LED operating characteristics. LEDs are commonly considered to be low-heat devices due to the public's familiarity with small, low-output LEDs used for electronic control panels and other applications requiring only modest amounts of light. However, LEDs actually produce a significant amount of heat per unit of light output. Rather than being emitted together with the light as is the case with conventional light sources, an LED's heat is produced at the rear of the emitters. The cumulative heat of numerous high-output LEDs operating for prolonged periods poses thermal-management challenges for plastic headlamp housings. In addition, this heat buildup materially reduces the light output of the emitters themselves. LEDs are quite temperature sensitive, with many types producing at 30 °C (86 °F) only 60% of the rated light output they produce at an emitter junction temperature 16 °C (61 °F). Prolonged operation above the maximum junction temperature will permanently degrade the LEDs and ultimately shorten the device's life. The need to keep LED junction temperatures low at high power levels always requires additional thermal management measures such as heatsinks and exhaust fans which are typically quite expensive.

Additional facets of the thermal issues with LED headlamps reveal themselves in cold ambient temperatures. Many types of LEDs produce at −12 °C (10 °F) up to 160% of their 16 °C (61 °F) rated output. The temperature-dependency of LED's light output creates serious challenges for the engineering and regulation of automotive lighting devices, which are in some cases required to produce intensities within a range smaller than the variation in LED output with temperatures normally experienced in automotive service.

Cold weather also brings another thermal-management conundrum: Not only must heat be removed from the rear of the headlamp so that the housing does not deform or melt and the emitters' output does not drop excessively, but heat must in addition be effectively applied to thaw snow and ice from the front lenses, which are not heated by the comparatively small amount of infared radiation emitted forward with the light from LEDs.

LEDs are increasingly being adopted for signalling functions such as parking lamps, brake lamps and turn signals as well as daytime running lamps, as in those applications they offer significant advantages over filament bulbs with fewer engineering challenges than headlamps pose."

Source: Wikipedia