• Striking front-end in new GM design language expresses driving dynamics
• New top-of-the-line aluminium V6 turbo petrol engine with 230 hp
• All diesels with maintenance-free particulate filter as standard, new 100 hp 1.9 CDTI
• IDS chassis enhanced for optimised handling and increased comfort
• Best-in-class innovations such as Continuous Damping Control, steering-linked Adaptive Forward Lighting and Trailer Stability Assist available

Highlights of the new Vectra include a completely new, striking face in the dynamic GM design language, an extensively modified engine range with a brand new, top-of-the-line 230 hp 2.8-litre V6 turbo, as well as an array of class-leading technical features. The latest edition of GM’s successful mid-size model range also features new chassis tuning with optimised steering precision for more distinctive driving dynamics, and improved comfort. The IDSPlus (Interactive Driving System) chassis with electronic CDC (Continuous Damping Control) is still unique in this class and is now available with even more engine choices. Also best-in-class: bi-xenon headlamps with curve and cornering light (AFL – Adaptive Forward Lighting), and the maintenance-free diesel particulate filter system fitted as standard with all diesel variants, including the new 100 hp 1.9 CDTI. The new Vectra models will be built in the state-of-the-art Rüsselsheim plant in Germany. European sales start in September. It is a little too soon to expect any announcement on Australian availability. But if it does come to Australia, it will be during 2006.

“The new front clearly reflects the excellent driving dynamics of the new Vectra models and the new Signum”, says Hans H. Demant, Vice President of Engineering, GM Europe, and Managing Director, Adam Opel AG. “Expressive design and a leading-edge technical concept are typical of successful cars.” Shortly after its launch in 2002, the Vectra became the best-selling mid-size sedan in Europe, and held on to the top spot last year with a market segment share of 9.2 percent. In total, around 600,000 third-generation Vectras have been sold worldwide to date. The Vectra also earned top marks in numerous tests carried out by German and European automotive media.

The most distinctive feature of the new four and five-door Vectra sedan and station wagon Signum is the newly designed front end – a further development of the new GM design language. Together with the characteristic shoulder line, the front expresses dynamics and sportiness. Further distinctive characteristics are the typical GM crease in the bonnet, sharper tapering of the front bumper and, most notably, the new headlamps, which stretch into the newly-formed front mudguards and bonnet. With their cylindrical, chrome-coloured lamp units behind clear glass, the headlamps are the eye-catching highlight of the front of the new Vectra. A wide chrome crossbar with large emblem is the dominant feature of the grille. A black honeycomb structure and large side air-intakes with integrated fog lamps emphasise the wide appearance of the new Vectra´s front end.

The interior of the Vectra is more than ever defined by high quality look and feel. The top sections of the instrument panel and door trim have a new, leather-look grain. The cockpit makes a lighter, more elegant impression, thanks to the new contours of the instrument panel, the rounded corners of air vents and the chrome-coloured controls. This is all complemented by newly designed, dual-colour décor trim with large inlays in wood or aluminium-look and a sweeping dome over the instruments. All versions of the new Vectra feature a sporty, three-spoke steering wheel.

In Europe, a wide range of modern ECOTEC engines will be available for the new Vectra – five petrol engines (1.6 – 2.8 litre, 100 – 230 hp) and four CDTI common-rail diesels (1.9 – 3.0 litre, 100 – 184 hp), which are equipped with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter as standard. All engines comply with the Euro 4 emissions standard.

The most powerful engine for all versions of the Vectra is an all-new 2.8-litre aluminium petrol six-cylinder unit with a twin-scroll turbocharger for plenty of power in all driving situations. The sixty-degree V6 with variable valve control delivers 90 percent of its maximum torque of 330 Nm at 1500 rpm. Peak torque is provided across a wide range from 1800 to 4500 rpm. Driving performance with this engine is equally impressive: only 7.4* seconds are required for the zero to 100 km/h sprint and top speed is around 250* km/h – a new record for the Vectra. The top-of-the-line diesel engine is the 3.0 V6 CDTI with 135 kW/184 hp and a maximum torque of 400 Nm available from 2000 rpm. A new 100 hp variant of the 1.9 CDTI rounds off the diesel range.

Overview of ECOTEC engines*:

Petrol