Opel ADAM: Maximum performance with minimal fuel consumption

Opel is in the middle of the largest engine offensive in its history: between 2014 and 2018, 17 new engines will be introduced. A top highlight is the ultra-modern, 1.0‑liter three-cylinder gasoline unit complete with turbocharging and the very finest manners – giving a clean, smooth and quiet operation. This direct-injection engine makes its debut in the Opel ADAM and ADAM ROCKS with a newly developed, six-speed manual transmission and sets new standards for three-cylinder engine refinement. It is not only economical and climate-friendly, but also silky smooth to drive, with noise and vibration characteristics superior to many four-cylinder engines.
This pocket powerhouse comes in two configurations, giving 66 kW/90 hp or 85 kW/115 hp. Both deliver strong, low-end torque of 170 Nm from just 1,800 rpm across a wide engine speed plateau. As a result, it enables better acceleration at low rpm than larger engines with similar horsepower, together with much lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Compared to Opel’s current 1.4-liter naturally-aspirated unit (74 kW/100 hp), the ADAM’s new 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo offers substantially improved driving performance. Particularly during acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h, an exceptionally important speed range for overtaking, the turbo delivers strong power at low rpm. With 90 hp the 1.0 turbo covers this sprint in 13.2 seconds, while the 115 hp version requires just 10.9 seconds.
Despite its fiery performance, the 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo consumes just 4.2 (90 hp) and 4.9 liters (115 hp) of fuel per 100 km in the combined cycle. Braking-energy recuperation and low-rolling-resistance tires (15 and 16-inch on the ADAM) further contribute to saving fuel. This new three-cylinder unit already complies with the future Euro 6 emission standards.
Driving performance in the new ADAM ROCKS with the 1.0 turbo unit is on a par with the regular ADAM: maximum speed is 180 (90 hp) and 196 (115 hp) km/h, while acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes just 11.9 and 9.9 seconds respectively. Despite its 15 mm higher ground clearance and wider wheel-arches, ADAM ROCKS’ combined fuel consumption is only slightly higher at 4.5 and 5.1 l/100 km – in the 115 hp version this is a plus of merely four percent.
State-of-the-art technologies include high-pressure direct fuel injection, an ultra-compact turbocharging system, continuously variable valve timing and a lightweight aluminum construction with a cylinder head-integrated exhaust manifold. Numerous ‘sound engineering’ measures which contribute to the engine’s benchmark refinement include an acoustically-developed cylinder block; a sump-mounted balancer shaft – universally unique for a three-cylinder engine; structural isolation of the fuel injection system and crankshaft; drive chains with inverted teeth and engine covers designed for acoustic attenuation.
Prices for the new 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo start at 16,150 euros for the 90 hp version in ADAM JAM. And with 115 hp, the ADAM costs a mere 300 euros more. The differential is exactly the same for the new adventure-loving ADAM ROCKS, which costs just 18,490 euros (90 hp) or 18,790 euros (115 hp) (all prices RRP incl. VAT in Germany). It offers higher ground clearance and loads of off-road appeal, in addition to a leather steering wheel, air conditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels, CD-radio with seven speakers, USB port and a hands-free kit, as well as an electric Swing Top canvas roof – all fitted as standard.
Source: GM