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Global Viewpoints
Update for Omega
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The new Opel/Vauxhall Omega from GM Europe includes sedan and station-wagon versions powered by four-cylinder and V6 engines.
The Opel/Vauxhall Omega's 2.2-L engine has balance shafts for smoother operation.
Omega driver ergonomics have been improved with the satellite navigation screen repositioned alongside the fresh-air vents.
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Opel's Omega range has been freshened with 3000 of its 8000 parts being redesigned or modified. Since it was launched in 1994, 600,000 examples of the just-superseded Omega were built at Opel's Russelsheim, Germany, plant badged Opel or (for the UK market) Vauxhall. The company has invested about $160 million in changes to the range, which includes sedan and station-wagon versions powered by four-cylinder and V6 gasoline engines, and a BMW-sourced six-cylinder turbodiesel. A 2.2-L gasoline 106 kW (144 hp) engine with balance shafts is a new addition to the range. The Omega's styling has been sharpened with a new hood design, and driver ergonomics have been improved with the satellite navigation screen repositioned alongside the fresh-air vents. A Chevrolet Corvette-engined version of the Omega tops the Opel line.
Opel has already produced a design study based on the new Omega station wagon, the V8.com, powered by the Corvette engine. It demonstrates how a fully functional network of mobile communications and other driver-support systems can be installed in a passenger car. It is equipped with Night Vision; an Advanced Frontlighting System (AFS); an onboard PC with Internet access; voice control; and state-of-the-art audio, navigation, and mobile telephone technology. Compared to the regular station wagon, V8.com is longer by 130 mm (5.1 in). Four individually adjustable seats are fitted. There are separate pullout video screens on the instrument panel and in the front seatbacks. Passengers can use a video telephone with separate microphones and cameras, plus audio systems that include a digital radio. Driver voice command operates some systems. E-mails received by the onboard, multi-media computer via the Internet can be reproduced in audio format. A flat display screen replaces regular instruments. The Night Vision system incorporates infrared (IR) technology. An IR camera is positioned in the car's front grille, with images projected on the windshield as a head-up display. The car's AFS allows distribution of the Omega's headlamp beams to conform to road type and weather conditions. A miniature, wide-angle lens camera near the rear windshield wiper sends distortion-corrected pictures of the area behind the car to a driver display to aid parking and enhance safety.
Stuart Birch
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