Opel Vectra
| Opel Vectra | |
|---|---|
 2005–2008 Opel Vectra C sedan. | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Opel |
| Also called | Saturn Aura Chevrolet Vectra Holden Vectra Vauxhall Cavalier Vauxhall Vectra |
| Production | 1988–2008 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Large family car |
| Layout | Front-engine design |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Opel Ascona (Europe), Holden Apollo (Australia), Holden Camira (New Zealand) |
| Successor | Opel Insignia (Europe), Holden Epica (Australasia) |
The Opel Vectra is a large family car produced primarily by Opel, the German subsidiary of General Motors Europe (GM Europe is a subsidiary of the multinational General Motors). In the United Kingdom, it is sold under the Vauxhall marque as Vauxhall Vectra (except the Vectra A, which was known as the Vauxhall Cavalier). It has been also been sold by Holden in Australasia as Holden Vectra, Chevrolet in Latin America as Chevrolet Vectra. As well as in North America as a Saturn Aura.
The Vectra was introduced in 1988 as a replacement to the Opel Ascona and itself was replaced in 2008 by the Opel Insignia, that will retain the Chevrolet Vectra name for the Latin American market.[1]
Vectra A (1988–1995)
| Opel Vectra A | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Chevrolet Vectra Vauxhall Cavalier |
| Production | 1988–1995 |
| Assembly | Luton, England, Rüsselsheim, Germany, São Caetano do Sul, Brazil |
| Designer | Wayne Cherry |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door saloon, 5-door hatchback |
| Layout | Front-engine design; front-wheel drive (FWD) / four-wheel drive (4WD) |
| Platform | GM2900 platform |
| Related | Opel Calibra Saab 900 Saab 9-3 Saab 9-5 Saturn L-Series |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Petrol engines: 1.4 L I4 SOHC 1.6 L I4 SOHC 1.8 L I4 SOHC 2.0 L I4 SOHC 2.0 L I4 DOHC 2.0 L I4 DOHC Turbo 2.5 L V6 2xDOHC Diesel engines: 1.7 L 1.7 L Turbodiesel |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual transmission (F10/5, F13/5, F16/5, F20/5) 6-speed Getrag manual (F28/6) 4-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm (102.4 in) |
| Length | 4,430 mm (174.4 in)(saloon), 4,350 mm (171.3 in) (hatch) |
| Width | 1,700 mm (66.9 in) |
| Height | 1,400 mm (55.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 997 kg (2,198 lb)-1,199 kg (2,643 lb) (4-cyl petrols) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Vectra B |
The first Vectra, known as the Vectra A, was introduced in 1988 as a saloon and hatchback, replacing the Opel Ascona C. A coupé based on the Vectra, called the Calibra, was also sold. Both cars were designed by then-Opel design chief Wayne Cherry. Vauxhall, GM's British subsidiary which shared most of its models with Opel, did not call this model "Vectra" but rather marketed it as the Cavalier.
Engines ranged initially from a 75 PS (55 kW) 1.4 L to a 130 PS (96 kW) 2.0 L Family II. With the introduction of Euro I emissions regulations, the base model was replaced by a 1.6 L with the same output, while the top of the line was given to a 16-valve version of the 2.0 L engine, which powered the GT (GSI) version, and had 150 PS (110 kW). Four-wheel drive versions were added to the lineup in 1990, and in 1993, the car received a limited edition turbocharged version, with 204 PS (150 kW). The 1.4-litre engine was not available in all markets, and even then, it was only available in basic trims (Base/L in United Kingdom, LS/GL in Europe). A 2.5 L V6 engine appeared towards the later stages of the Vectra's life, developing 170 PS (125 kW), turning the car into a relaxed motorway cruiser rather than give it sporty pretensions.
There were a choice of two diesel engines; one was an Isuzu 1.7 L Circle-L unit, in both naturally-aspirated and turbocharged form (1686 cc), this one capable of achieving 82 PS (60 kW), and a GM designed 1.7 "low blow" turbo-diesel (1699 cc), and naturally-aspirated diesel unit, delivering up to Template:Auto PS. Both units have a reputation for longevity, especially Isuzu developed units, which were also regarded as some of the most refined diesels available at the time.[citation needed]
The front suspension was fully independent, with MacPherson struts, pressed steel lower control arms, and an anti-roll bar. The front suspension, together with the major mechanicals (engine and transmission) is remotely mounted on a front subframe. On front wheel drive models, the rear suspension is semi-independent, consisting of a torsion beam axle linked to trailing arms, with double conical coil springs and direct acting telescopic hydraulic shock absorbers, with certain models also having an anti-roll bar. On the four wheel drive GSi, the rear suspension is a subframe-mounted fully independent design, with semi-trailing arms, double conical coil springs, direct acting gas-assisted telescopic shock absorbers, and an anti-roll bar.
Steering gear is a rack and pinion type (manual or power assisted, depending on model), mounted on the bulkhead (firewall), with a telescopically deformable steering column.
The Vectra also received a refresh in 1992.[2]
The Vectra gave birth to a coupé version, the Opel Calibra, which shared the Vectra's underpinnings, including the most powerful engines (115 PS and up) and transmissions.
In New Zealand, the Vectra A was offered initially as an Opel, but it wore Holden badges from 1994. It was not sold in Australia, where Holden instead offered a rebadged Toyota Camry called Apollo until 1997.
In Brazil, the Chevrolet-badged Vectra A was not introduced until 1993, when it replaced the Chevrolet Monza, a restyled version of the last Ascona.
In Egypt, the Opel Vectra A was not introduced until 1994 through GM Egypt Dealerships, and started production in late 1994 by GM Egypt through early 1996 with a range of 1.6 GL ,2.0 GL trim and 2.0 GLS trim and only Saloon body style boosting strong sales in Egypt during this short run in Egypt.
Common Engine Lineup for Vectra A
| Engine Model | Displ. | Power | Torque | Fueling System | Valvetrain | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14NV | 1389 cc | 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) @ 5600 rpm | Template:Auto Nm @ 3000 rpm | Carburettor | SOHC | Template:Auto kmh |
| 16SV | 1598 cc | 60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp) @ 5200 rpm | Template:Auto Nm @ 2600 rpm | Carburettor | SOHC | Template:Auto kmh |
| C16NZ(2) | 1598 cc | 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) @ 5200 rpm | Template:Auto Nm @ 2600 rpm | SPFI | SOHC | Template:Auto kmh |
| E16NZ | 1598 cc | 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) @ 5200 rpm | Template:Auto Nm @ 2600 rpm | SPFI | SOHC | Template:Auto kmh |
| X16SZ | 1598 cc | 52 kW (71 PS; 70 hp) @ 5000 rpm | Template:Auto Nm @ 2800 rpm | SPFI | SOHC | Template:Auto kmh |
| 18SV | 1796 cc | 66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) @ 5400 rpm | Template:Auto Nm @ 2800 rpm | Carburettor | SOHC | Template:Auto kmh |
| E18NVR | 1796 cc | 65 kW (88 PS; 87 hp) @ 5400 rpm | Template:Auto Nm @ 2800 rpm | Carburettor | SOHC | Template:Auto kmh |
| C18NZ | 1796 cc | 66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) @ 5400rpm | Template:Auto Nm @ 3000 rpm | SPFI | SOHC | Template:Auto kmh |
| C20NEF | 1998 cc | 74 kW (101 PS; 99 hp) @ 5200 rpm | Template:Auto Nm @ 2600 rpm | MPFI | SOHC | |
| 20NE | 1998 cc | 85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) @ 5200 rpm | Template:Auto Nm @ 2600 rpm | MPFI | SOHC | Template:Auto kmh |
| C20NE | 1998 cc | 85 kW (116 PS; 114 hp) @ 5200 rpm | Template:Auto Nm @ 2600 rpm | MPFI | SOHC | Template:Auto kmh |
| 20SEH | 1998 cc | 95 kW (129 PS; 127 hp) @ 5600 rpm | Template:Auto Nm @ 4600 rpm | MPFI | SOHC | Template:Auto kmh |
| 20XEJ | 1998 cc | 110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp) @ 6000 rpm | Template:Auto Nm @ 4800 rpm | MPFI | DOHC | Template:Auto kmh |
| C20XE | 1998 cc | 110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp) @ 6000 rpm | Template:Auto Nm @ 4800 rpm | MPFI | DOHC | Template:Auto kmh |
| X20XEV | 1998 cc | 100 kW (136 PS; 134 hp) @ 5600 rpm | Template:Auto Nm @ 4000 rpm | MPFI | DOHC | Template:Auto kmh |
| C20LET | 1998 cc | 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp) @ 5600 rpm | Template:Auto Nm @ 2400 rpm | MPFI, Turbo | DOHC | Template:Auto kmh |
| C25XE | 2498 cc | 125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp) @ 6000 rpm | Template:Auto Nm @ 4200 rpm | MPFI | DOHC | Template:Auto kmh |
| 17D | 1700 cc | 42 kW (57 PS; 56 hp) @ 4600 rpm | Template:Auto Nm @ 2400–2600 rpm | Bosch injection pump | SOHC | Template:Auto kmh |
| 17DR | 1700 cc | 44 kW (60 PS; 59 hp) @ 4600 rpm | Template:Auto Nm @ 2400–2600 rpm | Bosch injection pump | SOHC | Template:Auto kmh |
| TC4EE1 | 1686 cc | 60 kW (82 PS; 80 hp) @ 4400 rpm | Template:Auto Nm @ 2400 rpm | Bosch injection pump | SOHC | Template:Auto kmh |
Vectra B (1995–2002)
| Opel Vectra B | |
|---|---|
_GL_sedan_(2008-10-09).jpg) 1997-1998 Holden JR Vectra GL sedan (Australia). | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Chevrolet Vectra Holden Vectra Vauxhall Vectra |
| Production | 1995–2002 |
| Assembly | Ellesmere Port, England; Rüsselsheim, Germany; Cairo, Egypt (1996–2002); Elizabeth, South Australia (1998–1999) São Caetano do Sul, Brazil |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door saloon, 5-door hatchback, 5-door estate |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | GM2900 platform |
| Related | Saturn L-Series |
The second model, the Vectra B, was introduced in 1995, and the model range included an estate version for the first time. This model replaced the Vauxhall Cavalier in the UK, and the Holden Apollo in Australia. In 1998, Holden began assembly of the Vectra for export to other right-hand drive markets in the region, although this was aversely affected by the Asian economic crisis, and ended in 2001.
Engines started from the 71 PS (52 kW) 1.6 L, Family 1 but eventually the 8-valve engines were all replaced by 16-valve powerplants. The 2.0 L Family II engine, with 136 PS (100 kW) was developed as a basis for touring car racing (later in Australia, 2.2 L 108 kW), but the top of the line was a 2.5 L V6 with 170 PS (125 kW). Diesel power came once again from Isuzu, but now featured direct injection and a 16-valve head.
In 1999 the Vectra was updated, receiving a mildly modified body (that can be identified by the single piece headlight units and body-coloured bumpers) together with somewhat improved handling characteristics and better equipment.
Sporting limited edition models included the touring car championship inspired i500, Super Touring and GSi. The first model was developed in Germany by Opel Motorsport, with the V6 engine's power increased to 195 PS (143 kW), and the other two were created in Milton Keynes by Motor Sport Developments, the team that run the Vectras in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). Only 3900 GSi models were ever produced, mostly in saloon and hatchback guise. With only 317 estate versions produced during this time, they became one of the rarest production Vauxhalls ever.
A related model sold in the United States was the Saturn L-Series, introduced in 2000 but dropped from the lineup in 2005. It was replaced by the 2007 Saturn Aura, which was built around GM's Epsilon architecture, as the Vectra C is.
In Egypt, the production of the Opel Vectra B continued in mid-1996 with two models, initially a 1.6l 8v GLS trim with manual transmission and a 2.0l 8v CD trim with automatic transmission. Later in 2000 the revised model was produced with three models 1.6 16v GLS trim with automatic transmission, 2.0 16v CD trim with automatic transmission, and a 2.0 CDX trim automatic transmission and all with saloon body style. In 2002 local production of the Opel Vectra ceased in favour of the Opel Corsa Sedan and Opel Astra Sedan.
Vectra C (2002–2008)
| Opel Vectra C | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Chevrolet Vectra Holden Vectra Vauxhall Vectra Saturn Aura |
| Production | 2002–2008 |
| Assembly | Ellesmere Port, England, Rüsselsheim, Germany, |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door saloon, 5-door hatchback, 5-door estate |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | GM Epsilon platform |
| Related | Fiat Croma Mk2 Cadillac BLS Chevrolet Malibu Opel Signum Saab 9-3 Mk2 |
Built over the GM Epsilon platform the Opel Vectra C of 2002 was initially available as a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback, known as the GTS.[3] A five-door station wagon was added in 2003,[4] along with an "executive hatchback" sold under the Signum nameplate. The Signum, which is based partly on the Vectra C features a completely different layout in the rear.[5]
The engine range was substantially modified to account for an increased curb weight. While a 90 kW (121 hp) 1.8 litre Family 1 Ecotec engine was reserved for the base model, a 2.0 litre turbocharged Family II engine with 129 kW (173 hp) was also offered,[6] along with a new 3.2 litre V6, with 155 kW (208 hp).[7] Diesel power, which by now was important for commercial success in Europe,[8] is provided by an Isuzu-sourced 3.0 litre V6 outputting 132 kW (177 hp),[9] but the four-cylinder diesel engine was replaced in 2004 by a Fiat-designed 1.9 litre Ecotec CDTI engine capable of outputting 110 kW (148 hp).[10] Handling is reported to be much better than the old car, but reviews still criticise the overlight feel of the steering, complicated indicator switches and the rather ungainly styling of the sedan version. [citation needed]
The Vectra received a facelift near the end of 2005, and the V6 engine was replaced by an Australian-built turbocharged 2.8 litre High Feature V6 unit. This Saab co-developed motor could produce 170 kW (228 hp) for the facelifted Vectra. Opel installed the twin scroll turbo engine in its Signum productline with 185 kW (248 hp) output. The 185 kW (248 hp) version was available for Vectra later in 2006. More importantly, Opel introduced, for the first time, an OPC version the Vectra was launched, using the VXR name in the United Kingdom. These high-performance variants were available only in the hatchback and station wagon bodies. In the United Kingdom, the power on the High Feature V6 engine was increased to 188 kW (252 hp), and maximum speed just falls short of 250 km/h (155 mph). In Australia and New Zealand, the Holden Vectra ZC series was dropped and replaced with the Holden Epica, a badge-engineered Daewoo Tosca in 2007.[11] Due to stockpiling of 2005 model Vectras for the Australasian market, there was enough supply of the car for deliveries to last through to 2007, as a result facelifted Vectra Cs were not sold in those markets.[12] In 2008, Vectra OPC was available with either 6 speed manual or 6 speed automatic transmission (Previous Vectra OPC had manual gearbox only). The 2.8L DOHC V6 turbo engine could generate 206 kW (276 hp).
Sales of the Vectra in the United Kingdom have not been as strong as its predecessor's. For much of its production life, the original Vectra was the fourth best selling car in the country, yet the Vectra C has never come higher than tenth in the country's car sales charts, though it is still the second best selling car in its sector behind the Ford Mondeo. In 2007, it finally made the top 10 of Britain's car sales charts, being the nation's tenth most popular new car with over 50,000 sales, outselling the Ford Mondeo for the first time since 1999.[13] Also in 2007, the station wagon variant garnered the Estate Car of the Year 2007 award by What Car? magazine.[14]
While the Vectra C has been sold in Mexico and Chile as the Chevrolet Vectra, it is not marketed in Brazil, where Chevrolet opted to sell the Astra C under the Vectra brand since October 2005, keeping the Astra B as the cheaper option. Both localized versions still uses the obsolete FlexPower SOHC engine from the Chevrolet Monza.
References
- ^ "Multiplicación de novedades". El Mercurio. 2008-20-18. Retrieved 2008-11-04.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=and|date=(help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) Template:Es - ^ Aucock, Richard (2006). "Vauxhall Vectra". Auto Express. Dennis Publishing. Retrieved 2009-03-14.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|month=ignored (help) - ^ "New Holden Vectra goes up-market". WebWombat. Retrieved 2008-01-07.
- ^ "Vauxhall Vectra Estate (2003 - To Date)". Yahoo!. Retrieved 2008-01-07.
- ^ "Opel Vectra and Signum Facelifts". Automotriz. Retrieved 2008-01-07.
- ^ "New Opel Signum: Versatile, Innovative, Unique". Black Falcon Media Group Oy. Retrieved 2008-01-07.
- ^ "Opel Vectra GTS". Babez.de. Retrieved 2008-01-07.
- ^ Christine, Tierney (2003-05-03). "The Smell of Diesel Is Back in the Air". McGraw-Hill. Retrieved 2008-01-07.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ Wan, Mark (2003-05-24). "Opel Vectra". AutoZine. Retrieved 2008-01-10.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Vauxhall Vectra CDTI 150". Khoo Systems. 2004-10-17. Retrieved 2008-01-10.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Newton, Bruce (2007), "Sneer Miss", Wheels magazine: June 2007, pp. 104–108
- ^ Yan, Jack (2007-05-26). "Holden Epica arrives in New Zealand (God help us)". Jack Yan & Associates. Retrieved 2008-04-29.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Finlay, David (2008-01-08). "UK Motor Industry 2007". PDRonline. Retrieved 2008-01-10.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Car of the Year 2007 - Estate car". What Car?. 2007-01-19. Retrieved 2008-01-10.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)