Thanks to the miracle of turbocharging, engines are getting smaller and smaller, while their power outputs grow bigger. Opel/Vauxhall just announced the launch of a new version of their 1.6 liter SIDI turbo engine that makes 200PS and 300Nm torque. It will debut in the Cascada available from October.

There is a 170PS version of the same 1.6 SIDI turbo engine currently available, but the new unit allows the gorgeous Cascada to achieve a top speed of 235 km/h or 146 mph, which makes it more competitive in its class.

Now, small turbo engines with high power output usually have catastrophic turbo lag. Opel engineers have taken every measure to make sure that is not the case here. The engine features a block that can withstand a maximum combustion pressure of up to 130 bar in the cylinder. The pistons are different than in the 170PS version, and the compression ratio is altered as well. The car’s induction and exhaust systems are also improved accordingly.

Another issue is delivering 200 PS to the front wheels, which result in torquesteer and understeer. The job of dealing with those are left to the exclusive HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) front suspension. Opel is particularly proud of the refinement that car’s powered by SIDI engines enjoy, while benefiting from lower fuel consumption and CO2 emission.