5.4.2004
World Premiere in Leipzig: Opel Prototype Combo Tour 1.6 CNG

Opel expands range of natural gas vehicles with the introduction of the Combo Tour 1.6 CNG.

The huge success of the Zafira 1.6 CNG and the Astra Caravan 1.6 CNG has prompted Opel to include a third natural gas vehicle in its range. Opel's will present its prototype of the Combo Tour 1.6 CNG at the14th Auto Mobil International (AMI) in Leipzig (April 17 – 25, 2004). The prototype will be shown at the natural gas suppliers' association stand and the market launch is expected in the second half of 2005.

Like the Zafira 1.6 CNG and the Astra Caravan 1.6 CNG, which accounted for a market share of nearly 60 percent of Germany's natural gas passenger cars in 2003, the Combo 1.6 CNG has three gas tanks holding 19 kilograms or 110 liters of volume, as well as a 14-liter gasoline reserve tank.

One advantage of this innovative concept is that the driver can switch over to gasoline supply directly from the cockpit when the gas tanks are empty and there is no natural gas station nearby. CNG-Combo's operating range then increases from 400 to around 550 kilometers. Thanks to its unique, space-saving under floor gas tank system, the Combo 1.6 CNG offers as much room as the Combo models with gasoline or diesel engines with maximum loading capacities between 2,695 and 3,050 liters.

The 1.6 CNG engine is based on the popular 1.6-Liter ECOTEC gasoline engine and has power output of 71 kW (97 hp) at a maximum torque of 140 Newton meters. The engine was optimized for natural gas operation and has separate injection bank for each type of fuel. With 130 octane, natural gas is distinctly more knock resistant than gasoline. Opel focused on maximum natural gas operation efficiency and raised the compression ratio to 12.5:1. In spite of its economic efficiency, the Combo 1.6 CNG impresses with lively performance, a top speed of 166* km/h and a 0-100 sprint in 14* seconds (*preliminary data).

With a total capacity of 110 liters or 19 kilograms, the under floor tanks allow a range of approximately 400 kilometers. The gasoline reserve tank increases operating range of the Combo 1.6 CNG to about 550 kilometers. Switching over from natural gas to gasoline operation simply requires the turn of a switch located on the center console or happens automatically when the natural gas supply is too low. The system simultaneously switches over to the corresponding pressure or gasoline gauge for the fuel in use. A universal gasoline filler neck enables refueling without an adapter in countries with different natural gas station norms, such as Italy. The Combo 1.6 CNG can also be fueled with biogas.

The Combo 1.6 CNG meets highest safety standards, too. The entire tank system is mounted to the underbody with steel retaining bands and an underbody paneling additionally protects the tanks. Each gas tank has its own valve and is made of high-strength steel, with stainless steel gas pipes.

The CNG models are part of Opel's threefold strategy to decrease carbon dioxide emissions to 140 grams per kilometer in its new vehicle fleet by 2008. The use of alternative fuels such as natural gas plays an important role in this strategy, in addition to optimizing proven technologies and developing ready for series production vehicles equipped with hydrogen energized fuel-cell propulsion systems.