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Revised Opel Corsa ecoFLEX Consumes 4.1lt/100km or 57.4MPG

Following the introduction of the new Astra ecoFLEX range, GM’s European arm Opel presented a revised version of its eco-friendly Corsa ecoFLEX model. Thanks to improved engine control and lower vehicle weight, Opel says that fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of the MY 2009 Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX have been reduced by a considerable 9 percent in comparison to the MY 2008. Its combined fuel consumption is now just 4.1 (57.4 MPG US) instead of 4.5 liters of diesel per 100 km, and at 109 g/km, it emits 10 grams less CO2 per km than before. -Continued

Like its Astra counterpart, the Corsa ecoFLEX’s 1.3-liter diesel engine has been recalibrated and adapted to a longer transmission gear ratio while to improve its aerodynamics, Opel’s engineers lowered the car by 20mm, changed the air intakes and fitted low resistance smaller tires (175/70 instead of 185/70) with lighter 14” steel wheels. Moreover, engineers managed to reduce the car’s overall weight by 45 kg or 100lbs.

The Corsa ecoFLEX is available in Europe with a 5-speed manual transmission as a 3-door model in the equipment variants Corsa and Edition. According to Opel, its performance figures are similar to its predecessor, with the engine developing an output of 75 HP and a maximum torque of 170 Nm. The Corsa ecoFLEX’s top speed is 168 km/h or 105 MPH.

SEAT Ibiza Cupra with 180 HP 1.4-liter TSI and 7-Speed DSG

Just a few months after it launched the new Ibiza, Spanish automaker SEAT is expanding its supermini’s range with the reveal of the sporty Cupra model that is equipped with the latest version of the VW Group’s 1.4-liter TSI engine. The new twin-turbo engine now delivers 180 HP and is mated to a seven speed DSG gearbox with steering wheel shift-paddles. SEAT say that while developing the same output as the 1.8-liter turbo in the previous generation Ibiza Cupra, the new engine delivers a noteworthy reduction in emission levels and fuel consumption thanks to its smaller cylinder capacity. -Continued

Compared to the other Ibiza SportCoupe (3door) versions, the new Cupra gets a relatively aggressive bodykit with new a front bumper that features a lip spoiler and air intake vents surrounding the central grille, 17-inch alloy wheels and a newly designed rear bumper with an integrated difusser and a centrally placed trapezoid tailpipe. Oddly enough, and although the Cupra is the top-of-the-range model in the Ibiza line-up, it does not get side skirts. Apparently SEAT will charge a few hundred Euros extra for them…

According to the VW’s Spanish subsidiary, the Cupra will come equipped with standard ESP, ABS, TCS + EBA, driver and passenger airbag, head airbag, Hill Hold Control, tire pressure loss warning light, twin chrome headlights, fog lamps with cornering function, “easy entry” system on the passenger seat, CUPRA suspension, CUPRA sports seats and aluminum pedals. The Ibiza Cupra will make its worldwide debut at the forthcoming Paris Auto Show in October.

Production Chevrolet Volt Spied at Transformers 2 Movie Set?

Could it be that the blue colored Chevrolet Volt that appeared along with a bunch of other GM cars like the Corvette Centennial Design Concept, the Chevy Beat and the ‘Bumblebee’ Camaro at a recent Transformers 2 movie set be the real deal? It sure looks like it. And if it isn’t the final production model, we gather that it must be pretty close to what we’ll see in 2010 when General Motors releases its all-electric Chevy Volt into the North American market –Europe will follow in 2011 with a rebadged Opel version (see details here). Follow the jump and check out the screen shots we took from the amateur video. -Continued