Vauxhall Introduce New Range of Aluminium Engines
New Cartoon Air fresheners Available From Airfresh

Vauxhall Introduce New Range of Aluminium Engines

A new 2.2 litre 16v petrol engine, due to debut in the Astra Coupe this summer, is the first in a new range of European four-cylinder ECOTEC engines, featuring a lightweight aluminium cylinder head and engine block.

The engine, designed and initially built in the US, will power the Vauxhall VX 220, which goes on sale in the UK in September. It covers the popular power sizes from 1.8 to 2.2 litres and will be used in a variety of cars from across the General Motors brands.

The 2.2 16v unit develops 147PS and complies with the Euro IV emission standards due to come into effect from 2005.

According to Vauxhall, the engine's key features are minimal maintenance with low fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, combined with effective noise and vibration suppression. It features a modular design which allows for a number of future applications such as turbo-charging, variable valve timing by means of camshaft control and direct fuel injection.

Meanwhile, an engine management computer controls ignition and fuel injection. It processes signals from the two oxygen sensors, takes care of on-board diagnosis and also controls the electronic throttle. Exhaust emission control equipment includes a primary metallic catalytic converter, a ceramic main catalytic converter, two lambda probes and a controlled exhaust gas recirculation system which enable the engine to comply with the Euro IV standard.

Vibrations are minimised by bolting the stiffened two-part crankcase to the gearbox and to the aluminium oil sump. Two balancer shafts run directly in the engine block to improve comfort.

Production of the new engines (pictured) is under way at the GM engine plant in Tonawanda, in the US. The 2.2 will also be produced at the Kaiserslautern plant in Germany next year. (2/00)

New Cartoon Air fresheners Available From Airfresh

Airfresh have now added a number of new models to their Looney Tunes range of car air fresheners.

New versions of cartoon favourites Tom and Jerry, Tweety Pie and the Tasmanian Devil now feature in the collection, which is available from most leading car accessory outlets.

Each contains a fragrance designed to combat strong smelling odours caused by tobacco and damp. The air fresheners, which can last for up to two months, include a self-adhesive strip for fixing onto a car dashboard or other interior panel. (2/00)