Opel unveils latest high-powered turbo engine

THE especially powerful version of the new Opel 1.6 SIDI turbo engine generation makes its world premiere in the Opel Cascada at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) to be held in September.

This is the first time Opel will show the high-performance version of the new mid-size convertible that tops the Cascada petrol portfolio.

This engine joins the 1.6 SIDI turbo with 125 kW/170 hp that was introduced at the Cascada’s market launch in the spring. Both new engines can use 95 and 98 petrol.

“The completely new, even more powerful 1.6 SIDI turbo with 200 hp debuting at the IAA makes our mid-size Cascada an extremely attractive offer to convertible buyers.” says Martin Vögler, Global Chief Engineer MGE Engines.

The 147 kW/200 hp 1.6 SIDI turbo not only delivers 11 per cent more power, but also 300 Nm maximum torque with overboost. With this the Cascada reaches a top speed of 235 kilometres per hour, say the manufacturers.

In spite of these strong performance figures, the mid-size convertible uses 6.7 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, they added.

The heart of the SIDI turbo is a new engine block that can withstand a maximum combustion pressure of up to 130 bar in the cylinder. The block is made of grey cast iron with an aluminum baseplate. 

Opel engineers wanted to combine the high power output with pleasant running smoothness for exceptional comfort. As a result, driver and passengers will appreciate quiet and smooth idling, with a pleasant sound quality even at high road speeds, according to the manufacturers. 

The exclusive HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) front suspension further enhances these driving characteristics.

The new 1.6 SIDI turbo with 147 kW/200 hp rounds off the Cascada engine portfolio as its strongest member, so that now four powertrains are available on the gasoline side. 

On the diesel side, the 2.0-litre turbo diesel with 121 kW/165 hp and the 143 kW/195 hp 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI are available. Both consume just 5.2 litres of fuel per 100 km, and have  CO₂ emissions of 138 grammes per kilometre.

The engine makes its debut to the public at the IAA in the mid-size cabrio and will be successively introduced in various Opel models.

The Cascada 1.6 SIDI turbo with 147 kW/200 hp and six-speed manual transmission can be ordered from autumn.