Available in the Insignia, Zafira and Cascada ranges, the 2.0 diesel engine from Opel now gains a 200 hp nautical variant, the OXE Diesel.
Developed at Opel's engine plant in Kaiserslautern, Germany, this four-cylinder turbodiesel engine delivers 200 hp at 4100 rpm and 400 Nm of maximum torque at 2500 rpm. According to the brand, the OXE Diesel stands out for its reliability and reduced maintenance – in nautical use, it needs inspection every 200 hours and only requires a deep overhaul after 2000 hours.Because they almost always work at maximum speed, boat engines are subject to high loads. In this case, diesel consumption is around 43 liters per hour, which represents a saving of around 42 percent compared to a comparable two-stroke outboard engine (73 l/h). Another advantage is the low noise level of the engine, greater autonomy and the fact that diesel is less flammable than gasoline.
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“Adapting our engine to a very different environment was not simple. The electronic management was completely recalibrated, which completely transformed the engine's behavior. For nautical applications, we no longer need the very high torque at very low revs – a feature that makes this engine stand out in our cars – in exchange for a higher power output, necessary for cruising speed.”
Massimo Giraud, Chief Engineer at Opel's Diesel Development Center
For its part, the Swedish company Cimco Marine AB explains that it chose OXE Diesel because it is “extremely robust and durable”. The company made some adaptations to the engine for use in difficult conditions at sea, such as a dry sump lubrication system and a special drive belt for the propeller. The transmission system is designed to support heavy loads while giving the boat driver greater control at low speeds. One of the first OXE Diesel engines produced has already headed for a salmon farm off the coast of Scotland.
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