From March next year Opel customers in Ireland can look forward to an all-new 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine in its flagship model, the Insignia.

Earlier this week Opel celebrated the start of production of this new Insignia in Kaiserslautern, Germany. This is also an important milestone for Opel as it marks the start of production of a new generation of large diesel engines.

The 2.0 CDTI engine also fulfills important requirements by complying with strict Euro 6 emission standards. It offers 170hp and an impressive torque of 400Nm and will also be available in the Zafira Tourer. However, this new engine impresses not just with power and torque but also with considerably reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Noise and vibration levels have been reduced so that the engine offers smoothness that is previously unknown in this segment. The new diesel is five decibels quieter than its predecessors in idle mode.

The plant in Kaiserslautern, which is an established centre of competence for engines along with bodywork and chassis components, has a long tradition in engine construction. Since 1980, over nine million engines have been produced in Kaiserslautern. Diesel engines have been made there since 1982. In 1996, a new diesel engine plant was built and production increased.

"The plant in Kaiserslautern is making a valuable contribution to Opel’s powertrain offensive by producing the youngest member of the two-litre diesel engine family. We are proud to have been chosen to build this high-tech engine.” said Peter Winternheimer, provisional plant manager of Opel Kaiserslautern.

Opel recently announced further investments of €245 million in Opel’s Rüsselsheim plant to meet future requirements and the production of a new engine and transmission family to be produced in Kaiserslautern.