Vauxhall/Opel to showcase new tech and all new cars at Geneva Motor Show 2015.

• OnStar to provide Vauxhall range with connectivity of tomorrow
• World premieres for all-new VIVA and Corsa VXR hot hatch

Vauxhall/Opel is to preview OnStar at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show (March 5^th–15^th) with a comprehensive package including high-speed mobile network and numerous services across its passenger car range. There will also be world premieres for the all-new VIVA and the Corsa VXR.

OnStar

In the second half of 2015, Vauxhall/Opel will introduce OnStar across its passenger car range. OnStar will represent the next step in automotive connectivity in Europe. In the USA, Canada, China and Mexico around seven million customers already count on the comprehensive package, which includes Wi-Fi hotspot and numerous mobile and emergency services.

OnStar is reliable. No matter what emergency the driver may be confronted with when on the road – the system can offer assistance, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. An advisor will always be available. And if the airbag deploys, Vauxhall/Opel OnStar will be activated automatically.

Information on and access to the car is also guaranteed. 

Vehicle data such as tyre pressure or oil life can be accessed via the OnStar smartphone app. Locking/unlocking can also be controlled via the app. And if the car is stolen, OnStar will ‘work’ closely with the police to locate the stolen vehicle.

The Vehicle Diagnostics functionality is also very convenient: OnStar will send a monthly report with the most important vehicle data and information. Furthermore, a diagnostics check can be requested at any time at the push of a button.

With the introduction of OnStar, each Vauxhall will become a powerful, mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. Up to seven mobile devices can be connected simultaneously allowing for passengers to stay in touch with family and friends via social media, stream movies or watch TV via their favourite app and play games or for the driver to work while away from the office when stationary.

VIVA

Debuting at Geneva and arriving in the UK in the summer, the VIVA will be the latest addition to Vauxhall’s small car range joining the ADAM and the new Corsa.

With a name that pays homage to Vauxhall’s original Viva made from 1963 to 1979, the all-new VIVA shares the original’s philosophy of clean lines, durability and practicality.  It is designed for modern, everyday life and at 3.68 metres long is practical and spacious, providing room for up to five people.

After first appearing in the ADAM ROCKS AIR and subsequently the New Corsa, VIVA is the latest Vauxhall to feature its new 1.0-litre three-cylinder ECOTEC engine.  Specially-developed for VIVA, this 75PS powertrain is smooth, punchy and efficient, and is mated to a slick five-speed transmission.

Like its stablemates, ADAM and Corsa, VIVA is fully-connected thanks to the IntelliLink infotainment system, which allows seamless integration of Apple iOS and Android devices.

Corsa VXR

Vauxhall will take the wraps off the new Corsa VXR, its ultra-powerful small hot-hatch, at Geneva.

Benefiting from the significant revisions in technology, interior/exterior design and chassis showcased in the recently launched New Corsa, the VXR is set to raise the bar for small, fast hatchbacks when it appears in UK showrooms in May.

Headline performance figures are 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 143mph – quicker than the outgoing car, but more importantly the VXR produces its 245Nm of torque from lower revs (between 1,900rpm and 5,800rpm, compared with 2,250rpm to 5,500rpm for the outgoing Nürburgring and ClubSport models). This makes the VXR a potent performer between 50-75mph, which it can dispatch in just 6.6 seconds in fifth gear.

An overboost facility provides an additional 35Nm of torque, ideal for swift and safe overtaking. Maximum power from its 1.6-litre turbocharged engine is 205PS, while the Corsa VXR achieves 37.7mpg on the combined cycle with CO₂ emissions of 174g/km.

USA - Buick boss wants next gen Vauxhall/Opel ADAM to wear a Buick badge in the US

Buick's top U.S. executive wants to bolster the brand's U.S. lineup with a rebadged Opel/Vauxhall Adam, which would compete in the market against the Fiat 500 and BMW's Mini brand. But the prospect is likely several years off.

"I've looked at the possibility of fast-tracking that into the Buick range sooner than later," Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice president of Buick and GMC and former boss of Vauxhall, said in a recent interview. "I think it would make a great Buick."

The problem, Aldred said, is that General Motors didn't plan for the U.S. when it engineered the car. It would be "cost prohibitive" to revamp the current-generation Adam for the U.S., though Aldred hinted that any future redesign would be tailored for the states.

The Adam was launched in Europe in early 2013. The next generation would arrive between 2018 and 2020 under a normal product cycle.

With a starting price about $15,500, the Adam is "probably the most premium model in the Opel and Vauxhall range as far as content and materials," Aldred said.

"In terms of changing expectations of the brand, that would be another absolutely jaw-dropping moment for Buick," he said.

In 2013, former GM CEO Dan Akerson lamented that the Adam and the Opel/Vauxhall Cascada convertible had not been engineered with the U.S. in mind. GM is making the investment to gear the Cascada for the U.S., though, with plans for an early 2016 launch.

You can reach Mike Colias

Vauxhall takes title as biggest brand in Scotland 2014, for the seventh year running.

Vauxhall was the biggest-selling manufacturer in Scotland last year, for the seventh year running. Innovative finance programmes helped drive retail sales with many models now available with great value PCPs.

The outgoing Corsa had an excellent 2014 and with over 10,000 sold. It was the number one selling vehicle in Scotland at retail, private buyers purchasing vehicles with their on hard-earned cash or on finance, with over 8,000 registered.  It just missed out on the top spot overall, a position it has held for six of the last seven years by just 79 cars.

“We are delighted to be Scotland’s biggest-selling car manufacturer for the seventh year running,” said Gordon Hannen, Vauxhall’s Regional Operations Manager for Scotland. “We are confident the new 2015 Corsa, in showrooms now, can regain its position at the top of the Scottish car charts.”

Priced from just £8,995 on-the-road, Vauxhall’s all-new Corsa raises the class benchmark for driveability, comfort and practicality.

The new VIVA from Vauxhall gets Geneva world Debut.

• World premiere of VIVA, arriving in showrooms in summer
• Specially-developed 1.0-litre ECOTEC (75PS) powertrain
• Comfortable and practical with room for up to five people
• IntelliLink connectivity for seamless smartphone integration

Vauxhall’s all-new five-door entry-level model VIVA is to world premiere at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show (5th – 15th March). Arriving in summer, the VIVA will be the latest addition to Vauxhall’s small car range joining the fashionable ADAM and the popular Corsa supermini.

With a name that pays homage to Vauxhall’s original Viva made from 1963 to 1979, the all-new VIVA shares the original’s philosophy of clean lines, durability and practicality.  It is designed for modern, everyday life and at 3.68 metres long is practical and spacious providing room for up to five people.

After first appearing in the ADAM ROCKS AIR and subsequently the New Corsa, VIVA is the latest Vauxhall to feature its new 1.0-litre three-cylinder ECOTEC engine.  Specially-developed for VIVA, this 75PS powertrain is smooth, punchy and efficient, and is mated to a slick five-speed transmission.

Like its stablemates ADAM and Corsa, VIVA is fully-connected thanks to the IntelliLink infotainment system, which allows seamless integration of Apple iOS and Android devices.

“Debuting at Geneva, Vauxhall’s new entry-level model is a ‘proper’ small car and will hold great appeal in this rapidly growing sector,” said Tim Tozer, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “On sale next year at an extremely attractive price point, VIVA joins new Corsa and ADAM in a compelling small car portfolio, giving Vauxhall an unrivalled position in the small car market.”

Vauxhall Announces pricing and specs for new ADAM Grand Slam.

MARKET AND MODEL

• GRAND SLAM joins ADAM range as the performance model
• 1.4-litre Turbo (150PS) engine, specially-tuned chassis & VXR braking system
• Priced from £16,995 on-the-road, arriving in showrooms in March

DESIGN AND CONNECTIVITY

• Sporty and stylish design with Vauxhall design cues
• Red ‘n’ Roll design including premium-inspired interior
• Sophisticated IntelliLink for smartphone and tablet connectivity

POWERTRAIN AND CHASSIS

• New 1.4-litre Turbo (150PS) ECOTEC with 220Nm of torque
• Performance chassis with sharp steering and VXR braking system
• Top speed of 124mph and 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds

RANGE, PRICING AND EQUIPMENT

• Prices starting from 16,995 on-the-road
• Exceptional standard specification

 MARKET AND MODEL

• GRAND SLAM joins ADAM range as the performance model
• 1.4-litre Turbo (150PS) engine, specially-tuned chassis & VXR braking system
• Priced from £16,995 on-the-road, arriving in showrooms in March

First seen at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, the top-of-the-range ADAM GRAND SLAM features slick design and a spirited 1.4-litre turbo (150PS) powertrain. With its sights firmly set on the Fiat 500 Abarth, GRAND SLAM also gets a specially-tuned chassis and a VXR braking system.

Vauxhall’s stylish ADAM took the fashion-led A-sector by storm when it arrived in the UK in 2013. And now the GRAND SLAM joins the range as the performance model with the same cool contemporary ADAM style combined with more aggressive looks and power.

ADAM quickly established itself as a bestseller within its segment with pan-European sales of 125,000 since its launch two years ago.

It has also been a sales success in the UK with over 22,000 sold. Sales increased by 72 per cent last year according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Typically for a car of this type, the majority of sales (a whopping 90 per cent) are to private buyers.

“The ADAM GRAND SLAM has been designed for people who want to enjoy a sporty driving experience in a car with a unique and individual look,” said Tim Tozer, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “I’m sure the latest addition to the ADAM range will be just as successful as its stylish stablemates.”

Priced from £16,995 on-the-road, the ADAM GRAND SLAM will arrive in Vauxhall showrooms in March.

DESIGN AND CONNECTIVITY

• Sporty and stylish design with Vauxhall design cues
• Red ‘n’ Roll design including premium-inspired interior
• Sophisticated IntelliLink for smartphone and tablet connectivity

ADAM GRAND SLAM’s wide front and rear tracks (1.47 metres and 1.46 metres respectively) give the car a naturally agile and muscular appearance. 

Vauxhall design cues including the blade in the lower door and the characteristic ‘shock wave’ around the door handles are clearly visible. The signature ‘wing’ shaped daytime running lights and rear lamps, both using LED technology are also familiar from other models in the ever-expanding Vauxhall range.

GRAND SLAM’s front lip spoiler, side sill moldings and an extended rear bumper cut-out with a visible, bold exhaust tailpipe make the bodywork appear more muscular then a standard ADAM. A total of ten body colours and a further four roof combinations are available, with the Red ʼn‘ Roll roof design reserved exclusively for GRAND SLAM customers.

The GRAND SLAM sits on exclusive, new 18-inch wheels.The distinctive rear spoiler above the rear window and LED daytime running and rear tail lights complete the look.

Interior

The Red ʼn‘ Roll colour theme is continued inside with the optional leather package including red leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake, racing décor on the instrument panel, unique grey/black/red key design and red stitching on the door panels. 

Other details include special floor mats, aluminum-capped sports pedals and door entry strips with Vauxhall lettering.

A multi-colour LED interior lighting package that allows eight different ambient lighting colours including white, dark blue, orange and red, is also available.

“The ADAM GRAND SLAM delivers fun and performance,” said Brit Mark Adams, Vauxhall/Opel’s Vice President for Design. “Its bold proportions, slick and seductive design with typical Vauxhall cues and sophisticated surfacing emphasise its sporty characteristics and just make you want to take the wheel. And once you sit in it, you get even more excited by its sporty ambiance paired with high-quality materials and excellent craftsmanship.”

Connectivity

Available as an option across the ADAM range, the sophisticated IntelliLink system offers state-of-the-art connectivity and apps. This infotainment system is fully-compatible with latest smartphones and tablets using both ANDROID and Apple iOS. It provides USB and Bluetooth connectivity, audio streaming, seven speakers and a 7-inch high-definition colour touch-screen.

The integration of Apple iOS devices into the system enables use of the SIRI EYES FREE voice control function. It’s safe and easy-to-use technology which makes ADAM one of the best connected small cars on the market. Vauxhall’s smart IntelliLink system also provides navigation by the BringGo app, as well as the Stitcher and TuneIn apps.

POWERTRAIN AND CHASSIS

• New 1.4-litre Turbo (150PS) ECOTEC with 220Nm of torque
• Performance chassis with sharp steering and VXR braking system
• Top speed of 124mph and 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds

With 150PS and 220Nm of torque, the new version of the 1.4-litre Turbo ECOTEC unit in the ADAM GRAND SLAM features a specific power output exceeding 100PS/litre. It is a turbocharged, high performance unit derived from the ADAM’s existing four-cylinder, 1.4-litre engine, that has been exclusively developed for the GRAND SLAM.

It delivers 50 per cent more power and 70 per cent more torque than its naturally-aspirated 1.4-litre stable-mate and propels the GRAND SLAM from 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds and to a top speed of 124mph. But the focus during development was put on elasticity and responsiveness rather than pure acceleration.  This is particularly noticeable during fifth-gear acceleration from 50mph to 75mph, which is achieved in just 7.9 seconds.

The new 1.4-Litre Turbo engine has been developed to deliver outstanding responsiveness and outstanding mid-range torque making it ideal for winding country roads. 

A short throw gear change mated to a six-speed transmission allows drivers to fully exploit the performance.

GRAND SLAM’s 1.4-litre Turbo engine is fitted with Start/Stop technology and meets stringent Euro 6 emission standards. The dual cam phasing for continuously variable valve timing and a turbocharger integrated within the exhaust manifold help make the engine lighter and more compact. Other weight-saving features include a cast iron block with a hollow frame structure, hollow-cast camshafts and a plastic intake manifold.

ADAM GRAND SLAM achieves 47.8mpg combined and emits 139g/km CO2.

Chassis

The ADAM GRAND SLAM’s chassis has received significant revisions to cater for the increase in the car’s performance.

The compound crank rear axle has been uprated, as have all the springs and dampers. Drivers can also deactivate the Electronic Stability Program (ESP Plus) at the touch of a button on the centre console.

GRAND SLAM’s VXR braking system, featuring red bespoke brake callipers, comes from the previous generation Corsa VXR. It features 308mm ventilated discs at the front and 264mm discs at the rear.

GRAND SLAM is equipped with standard 18-inch alloys with propeller-design rims fitted with 225/35 R 18 tyres.

RANGE, PRICING AND EQUIPMENT

• Prices starting from 16,995 on-the-road
• Exceptional standard specification

Vauxhall's ADAM GRAND SLAM will be in Vauxhall showrooms from March with prices starting from £16,995 on-the-road. The GRAND SLAM features high levels of standard spec including:

• 18” alloy wheels
• Red painted calipers (disc front 16” rear discs 15”)
• Performance chassis
• VXR Styling pack
• Rear mounted roof spoiler
• Rear Lower spoiler extended with cut out and visible chrome exhaust
• Roof Colour pack (Optional, Red coloured roof unique to GRAND SLAM)
• ESP switch off button
• Aluminium sports pedals
• Dark-tinted rear windows
• Electronic climate control
• CD player with USB facility and aux-in socket
• Digital radio
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Steering wheel mounted audio controls
• Leather-covered steering wheel
• Black Cloth/Morrocana seats
• Cruise control and trip computer
• ESP-plus
• ABS
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Six airbags