International Engine of the Year 2005 award

Opel 1.3 CDTI ECOTEC
International Engine of the Year 2005
1.0 – 1.4 litre Class

International jury votes this innovative diesel top engine 2005

Soon to be available in diesel particulate filter version

Now Opel's state-of-the-art 1.3 CDTI common-rail turbo-diesel unit from the ECOTEC engine family wins the ultimate accolade in the 1.00 – 1.4 litre category. The 'International Engine of the Year' jury, made up of motoring journalists from 26 countries, chose the compact engine developed by GM Powertrain as winner in its class.

Opel offers the 1.3 CDTI unit with two power outputs. The 51kW/70 hp version has a maximum torque of 170 Nm and is available in the Agila, Corsa, Combo and Tigra Twin Top.

The 66kW/90 hp option, with variable turbocharger geometry, combines high torque (200Nm) with low consumption in the Astra, Astra Station Wagon and Astra GTC.

The jury acclaimed the engine's smooth performance, high refinement and exemplary economy as main reasons for voting it "Engine of the Year". Thanks to its clever design, the diesel unit proved superior not only to gasoline engines, but also hybrid concepts. Already complying with the Euro 4 emissions standard, the 90hp engine will be available with maintenance-free diesel particulate filter by the end of the year, and the 70hp soon after.

"We are very proud of this respected award," says Hans H. Demant, Managing Director, Adam Opel AG and GME Vice President, Engineering. "It recognises the innovative excellence of our engineers and once again underlines our position as a leading manufacturer of diesel engine cars."

Smallest in the world

This is leading edge diesel technology. The 1248(3) is the smallest four-cylinder, common-rail turbo-diesel engine in the world (460/500/650mm). With a compression ratio of 18:1, its high-pressure common-rail injection system (70 hp: 1400 bar & 90 hp: 1600 bar) provides up to five injections per cycle for ultra-fine fuel atomization – a key factor in the four-cylinder engine's smooth running and performance.

A highly stable grey cast iron casing (bore x stroke: 69.6x82mm) with aluminium bed-plate further contributes to the exceptionally smooth running. The cylinder head is made from lightweight aluminium and has a maintenance-free chain driven valve gear. Maximum torque of 170 Nm (70hp) and 200Nm (90hp) is reached between 1750 and 2500 rpm and delivers peak power at 4000 rpm. With specific power and torque values of 72.1hp and 160.26 Nm per litre displacement, the 90 hp CDTI with variable turbocharger geometry sets standards for four cylinder diesel engines.