The Opel Astra line-up is being enhanced with a new diesel spearhead of power: the four-cylinder 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI engine with 143 kW/195 hp and 400 Nm maximum torque. It is available in three body styles: the five-door hatchback, the GTC coupé and the Sports Tourer station wagon. No other brand offers this broad choice of high performance diesel models in the compact segment. The five-door Astra BiTurbo CDTI achieves a top speed of 226 km/h, making it the fastest Astra diesel ever (Sports Tourer 222 km/h, GTC 223 km/h). While providing powerful performance and driving fun, the BiTurbo engine is also highly efficient. In combination with fuel saving Start/Stop technology which is standard across all Astra BiTurbo models, the GTC only uses 4.9l/100 km (Sports Tourer and five-door 5.1 l/100km) Emissions for the GTC are 129 g/km (134 g/m for the hatchback and station wagon). Launched early 2012 in the Opel flagship Insignia, the 195 hp powerhouse engine introduces sophisticated sequential BiTurbo technology to the Astra family which comes with a twin-intercooler system. The new Astra high performance diesel variants can be ordered starting in the fall and are scheduled to be available at dealerships by the end of this year. Smooth acceleration without turbo lag Depending on the load range in the Astra BiTurbo four-cylinder diesel engine, two turbochargers of different sizes work either separately or together. The smaller turbocharger accelerates especially quickly at low engine speeds. This means the accelerator pedal responds well and the undesired “turbo lag” effect is prevented. Starting at 1,250 rpm, the driver can already draw on 320 Nm – this is 80 percent of the maximum torque of 400 Nm which is available between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. In the mid-range of rpm, both turbochargers operate together, with the larger turbocharger pre-compressing the intake air, before it is fully compressed in the smaller one. A bypass valve is controlled continuously to pass on part of the exhaust gases to the larger turbo. As a result, the driver still enjoys smooth acceleration. At higher rpm (from around 3,000 rpm) all the gases flow directly to the larger turbocharger, maintaining the fluid power delivery at higher speeds. The main focus in the development of the 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI engine was to ensure a rapid build-up of charge air pressure in the low rpm range, while giving the accelerator responsiveness in the mid rpm range. The engine air is ideally adjusted according to the rpm range and the needs of the two turbochargers of different size. At low rpms an additional cooler that is exclusively linked to the small turbocharger ensures that the small volume of air passes in a direct path to the combustion chamber. In the mid rpm range, the bigger and more powerful turbocharger becomes increasingly involved. Its larger stream of air is cooled by a bigger cooler. As the layout of the Astra engine compartment is different to the Insignia, engineers went for a clever packaging solution by splitting the intercooler module internally into the smaller and larger cooler. This differs from the Insignia BiTurbo engine where the coolers are in separate locations. Both coolers in Astra BiTurbo engine are air-cooled. Sporty and sharp design inside and out underscores high performance The new BiTurbo high performance diesel variants of the five-door, Sports Tourer and GTC have been given an even a sharper and more aggressive exterior appearance varying from body style to body style and adapted to each specific model. The front fascias of the BiTurbo Astra body versions (GTC, Sports Tourer and five-door) underscore the cars’ high performance and more aggressive nature. The upper grille has a similar shape as the one used on the Astra GTC, however the front bar is always in body color and the five-door hatchback and Sports Tourer BiTurbo models feature the new wing-shaped bar across the grille. The lower air intake area has also been given a sporty design treatment: the area where the central grille merges into the outer grille has been sculpted in a shark-fin like shape, making the car appear more aggressive. The entire side window surround of the five-door and Sports Tourer models is in chrome., while in the case of the GTC Biturbo the lower window insert is black. In all variants, there are two exhaust tail pipes at the rear as well as a pronounced rear bumper shape that is specifically adapted to the model. These features give the car an added muscular stance. Inside the cabin of the Astra BiTurbo variants, JetBlack colored fabrics or leather are combined with Magic Red in the edge of the seats. Magic red stitching and seams in the seats, door inserts and the gear shifter boot add to the sporty atmosphere of the interior. A new flat bottom leather steering wheel and special floor mats with red surrounds are other sporty components of the Astra BiTurbo cabin. BiTurbo versions benefit from broad Astra technology offer The now most powerful diesel, the Opel Astra BiTurbo, also benefits from many of the safety and comfort increasing premium features available in the new Astra line-up. They include the second generation Opel Eye front camera with the enhanced traffic sign assistant (TSA II), lane departure warning (LDW), following distance indication (FDI) and forward collision alert (FCA). A rear view camera is available in the Sports Tourer and five-door BiTurbo models. The new systems complement the already existing broad Astra offer of innovative technologies, some of which are unique in the compact segment, while others are rarely found among competitors. One of these is the latest generation intelligent adaptive forward lighting (AFL+) with bi-xenon headlamps and a host of sophisticated lighting functions, including high beam assist, dynamic curve light, cornering light, and variable light distribution that automatically adjusts according to prevailing conditions, including even the weather. FlexRide for top driving dynamics – GTC with HiPerStruts The drive dynamics of the BiTurbo variant of the Astra were further improved by modifying bushings, reducing trim height with stiffer springs and including a new rear axle with higher roll rate. On top of the already dynamic driving characteristics of the Astra, customers can opt for Opel’s intelligent mechatronic FlexRide system which adjusts automatically to the prevailing driving conditions and offers three modes: Standard, the comfort-oriented “Tour” mode and the more active “Sport” mode. The FlexRide system was especially adapted for the BiTurbo to guarantee good ride performance together with the higher level of vehicle responsiveness. Like all Astra GTC and OPC models, the Astra GTC BiTurbo variant features HiPerStruts (High Performance Struts) as standard on the front wheel suspensions for an even sportier ride and handling. The HiPerStruts improve grip, increase cornering power and significantly reduce torque steer allowing drivers to get the most out of the performance capabilities. For extra comfort, ergonomic front seats are offered across all Astra models including the BiTurbo versions. The AGR certified seats (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V) are easy on the backs of the driver and front passenger. Another optional feature that adds an extra premium note to the cabin of the GTC models including the BiTurbo and OPC variants is the Panoramic windscreen. The exclusive windscreen patented by Opel reaches all the way to the middle of the car roof, giving the driver and all passengers an extraordinary visual, space and driving experience. From:Opel