by Brian Byrne. The Astra diesel hybrid concept shown at the Detroit and Geneva motor shows will not be built in Europe because economics for the region indicate that improved diesel engines on their own are a better proposition.
The two-mode hybrid concept using the Opel 1.7-litre CDTI engine delivers up to 25 percent improved fuel economy while maintaining high performance. It is based on the production-version Opel Astra GTC.
The system, to be co-developed by GM and DaimlerChrysler, is based on technology pioneered by GM on urban buses in North America.
It can be used in FWD, RWD and AWD vehicles and adapted to both petrol and diesel engines.
