Summer 2009
Ignition Innovation
New electric Vauxhall Ampera set for UK production
Following the unveiling of the revolutionary Ampera at the recent Geneva Motor Show, it was announced that a right-hand drive Vauxhall Ampera would go into production in 2012. Ampera’s ground-breaking electric propulsion technology, called Voltec, delivers 370Nm of instant torque (the equivalent of 150hp) and a top speed of 137mph via its almost silent drive unit. For short trips up to 40 miles, the Ampera will run only on lithiumion battery power charged via a standard 230v outlet, and emit zero CO2. For longer distances, the car will continue to drive on electricity from the on-board engine-generator which extends the Ampera’s range to more than 300 miles. This makes it particularly well suited to the daily driving schedule of most British customers. It’s reckoned that as many as 80 per cent of UK drivers travel less than 30 miles a day.
Aerodynamics play a particularly important role in maximising the car’s driving range. Engineers and designers worked together to optimise the air flow, while significant attention was also given to the rear, with a specifically-designed spoiler and clean separation features. Lightweight materials were added in the form of clear polycarbonate covers to the front grille and disc inserts on the 17-inch, five-spoke sport alloy wheels. These help to reduce aerodynamic drag in critical areas.
The five-door, four-seat Ampera features Vauxhall’s new design language, first introduced on the awardwinning
Insignia, and incorporates several styling cues from the innovative Flextreme and GTC Concept show cars. It features dramatic, boomerang-like headlights that seamlessly integrate with the lower fog lights and has a dynamic, almost aggressive low stance.
The Ampera can be plugged into any household 240V outlet for charging, though Vauxhall is analysing the requirements of a recharging infrastructure for plug-in electric cars with energy companies, including Iberdrola of Spain, parent company to Scottish Power. We are working with the US government to help ensure the success of Electric Vehicles in the UK. Currently, the UK government is considering a number of incentives for purchasers of the cars. These range from financial help to free city parking and maybe even a discounted electricity supply.
To find out more, go to www.VAUXHALLAMPERA.CO.UK or call 0845 600 1500
EcoFLEX range scoops environmental award
Our advanced range of green technology engines has picked up a coveted award from the business title Fleet World. The accolade was granted to Vauxhall for our commitment to providing fleets – and private customers – with a choice of a range of environmentally-friendly options in the form of the ecoFLEX line of vehicles.
Fleet World editor Ken Rogers commented: “With its ecoFLEX range, Vauxhall has committed to reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in cars with conventional internal combustion engines: it achieves this through clever technological and aerodynamic innovation. The aim is to make highly efficient vehicles affordable.
“The Astra ecoFLEX, for example, directly addresses the needs of buyers in a very high-volume sector. Its 1.7-litre turbo-diesel engine produces CO2emissions of just 119g/km and delivers fuel consumption of 62.8mpg on the combined cycle. This means it falls into the lowest benefit in kind tax band for fleet drivers and costs only £35 per year in Vehicle Excise Duty. The ecoFLEX variants of other models offer equally impressive efficiency in their respective market segments.”
Chairman of Judges George Emmerson said: “Operators of company cars want to offer drivers a wide and attractive range of vehicles, but they must also ensure whole-life costs are competitive and emissions are as low as possible. Vauxhall’s ecoFLEX range ticks all these boxes and more.”
ecoFLEX models can now be found in the Agila, Corsa, Astra, Zafira and Insignia ranges. Their combined CO2 emissions range from 105g/km to 139g/km and mean that we now offer a total of 366 model variants with CO2 emissions of 160g/km or less.
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR ECOFLEX RANGE, GO TO WWW.ECOFLEXCARS.CO.UK
OR CALL 0845 600 1500