Opel Antara GTC : Gran Turismo Crossover

Opel Antara GTC: Gran Turismo Crossover


Opel has issued the following press release:

With its four-wheel drive Antara GTC concept vehicle (Gran Turismo Crossover), Opel demonstrates just how dynamic and athletic an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) can actually be. The study has its premiere at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt (IAA) from September 15-25, 2005. With the characteristic three-door design (length/width/height: 4530/1970/1640 mm), Opel shows a particularly sporty interpretation of an SUV and its dynamic design language in this special vehicle format. With the striking LED headlamps that run well into the fenders, and the brand's typical crease in the engine hood, the front of the four-seater accentuates Opel's new design line. Viewed from the side, attention is captured by the frameless windows that drop right down and contribute to the coupe-like silhouette.

"The Antara GTC concept vehicle conveys ‘adventure’ – even when standing still. It leverages Opel's current design language and reinterprets it for the SUV genre," explains Bryan Nesbitt, Executive Director, GM Design Europe. "Contrary to traditional off-road concepts, the Antara GTC communicates that its true home is more on the road than on rough terrain."

For Alain Visser, Executive Director for European Marketing at Adam Opel AG, the Antara GTC is a convincing ambassador of the brand: "Anyone who has been lucky enough to see the Antara GTC has felt instinctively: 'Here comes a strong Opel.' As a surprisingly sporty SUV concept, the study also symbolizes Opel's innovative strength."

With a number of optical and technical details and typical Opel versatility in the interior, the study also sets out to satisfy demanding practical requirements. The tailgate, for example, has a pantographic hinge. Thanks to this innovative design, when it is opened, it swings upwards and to the front so that the person loading the vehicle is not forced to take a step backwards. This provides more convenient access to the load compartment. The two rear seats can be folded away completely from the rear of the vehicle, producing a completely flat loading area. The front seats are anchored on mono-rails and look as if they are floating. With the aid of an EasyEntry system, they slide forward at the press of a button up to the instrument panel to allow the passengers to climb more easily into the rear seats.

Beneath the hood, the Antara GTC features a 212 hp twin-turbo version of the 1.9 CDTI four-cylinder engine. The transverse installed concept power plant produces 400 Nm starting at 1400 rpm, and, like all 1.9 CDTI engines in Opel models, is equipped with a maintenance-free particulate filter (DPF). In combination with the six-speed automatic transmission, the performance is outstanding: computer simulations show a top speed of over 210 km/h and an acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in around 8 seconds.

With the Antara GTC, Opel is continuing its series of exciting studies, each of which accentuates the new dynamic design language in various vehicle classes and reinterprets it for the particular segment. They include concepts such as the GTC Genčve (Geneva 2003), Insignia (IAA 2003), Trixx (Geneva 2004) and VX Lightning (London 2003).

Opel Astra TwinTop

World premiere of Opel’s new cabrio-coupé at the IAA: following the successful launches of the sedan, station wagon and GTC, Opel presents its fourth distinctive Astra model. The Astra TwinTop will be unveiled to the public for the first time at the International Automobile Exhibition in Frankfurt (September 17 – 25). The elegant four-seater with a new-generation electro-hydraulic retractable steel roof will be at dealerships in spring 2006. A special highlight of the new Astra TwinTop is the clever kinematics of its innovative three-part roof system, which enable generous trunk space of around 440 liters. In the cabrio configuration, more than 200 liters are still available. A state-of-the-art “Easy Load” function increases practicality: at the touch of a button, the horizontally stacked roof parts in the trunk can be raised, so that cargo is easily accessible. In addition to generous luggage compartment space, the innovative roof technology also enables a dynamic, harmonious design with well-balanced proportions. With a length of almost 4.5 meters, the Astra TwinTop reaches dimensions comparable to mid-size segment cabrios.

“With the Astra TwinTop we are introducing another exciting niche car, while extending our model range in the important compact segment. Four Astra versions and the Zafira represent five different car concepts on one technical basis. That makes us more attractively positioned in this segment than any other competitor”, says Hans H. Demant, Vice President Engineering, General Motors Europe, and Managing Director, Adam Opel AG.

Alain Visser, Executive Director, European Marketing, adds: “Following the successful Tigra, the Astra TwinTop is our second cabrio-coupé with an innovative retractable steel roof system. Harmonious, sporty and elegant design, unique technology features, typical Opel versatility, large trunk and ample space for four - the Astra TwinTop is a real eye-catcher that’s a lot of fun to drive all year round.”

Technically the two-door cabrio-coupé benefits from the strengths of the third Astra generation. This includes an exceptionally wide engine range in this segment, with four gasoline units (105 to 200 hp) and the 150 hp 1.9 CDTI common-rail diesel engine with Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) as standard. The top-of-the-line 200 hp 2.0-liter ECOTEC Turbo reaches a top speed of over 230 km/h. Unique options such as the adaptive IDSPlus chassis (Interactive Driving System) with electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC), Sport mode and steering-linked AFL bi-xenon headlamps (Adaptive Forward Lighting), set the new Astra TwinTop further apart from its competitors.

Progressive design and ample space thanks to innovative roof technology

The progressive design of the Astra TwinTop with its dynamic, arrow-shaped front section clearly identifies it as a member of the Astra family. 70 percent of the TwinTop body parts were, however, has been newly developed. The harmonious proportions (length/width excluding exterior mirrors/height: 4.48/1.76/1.41 meters) of the cabrio-coupé are particularly visible in the side profile, which is highlighted by the wedge-shaped rising shoulder-line and arched, flowing roof line. The Astra TwinTop is also well proportioned at the rear. Regardless of whether the roof is open or closed, there is no bulky tail spoiling the car’s look, as is often the case with cabriolets with retractable steel roof concepts.

The wide, practical trunk, which also features two side compartments and a storage area tucked away in the trunk floor to store the optional wind deflector, has a cargo capacity with the roof closed of around 440 liters. With the top down, it is still over 200 liters. Two adults can sit comfortably in the rear, even on longer journeys. The engineers made this possible through the realization of a completely new, three-part roof system: the individual roof sections are smaller than in conventional concepts and therefore can be stowed in the trunk in a space-saving manner, to the advantage of luggage space and seating comfort.

At the touch of a button, or through use of the optional remote control, the TwinTop roof can be fully automatically opened or closed in less than 30 seconds.

Suitcases, beverage crates and shopping bags can also be comfortably loaded in and out of the car when the roof is open and folded away in the trunk. For this purpose, the Opel technicians have included an electrically operated “Easy Load” function. At the touch of a button, the horizontally stacked roof parts in the car trunk can be raised by around

25 centimeters, so that cargo underneath the protective cover is easily accessible.

The Astra TwinTop features the comprehensive Opel SAFETEC safety system, which combines both active and passive features. Optional roll bars provide additional rollover protection when the top is down. They are concealed directly behind the rear seat head restraints and deploy automatically within a split second in the event of a rollover.

Continuation of Opel’s successful cabrio tradition

The new Astra TwinTop continues a successful tradition. Over 55,000 customers across Europe chose the previous Astra cabrio, which was built from 2000 at Bertone in Italy. The first convertible Astra from 1993 and the Kadett cabrio from 1987 together sold over 100,000 units. With the Tigra TwinTop, Opel has already had a two-seat cabrio-coupé with folding steel roof in the range since September 2004. Since then, over 41,000 units have been produced. Production start for the new Astra TwinTop will be early 2006 in Antwerp, Belgium, where it will share a production line with the Astra sedan and GTC.

Opel Vectra OPC - 2.8 Turbo 255 de cai

The Vectra OPC is the fastest and most powerful IAA world premiere on the Opel stand this year. The high-performance Vectra (255 hp, 260 km/h top speed) can be seen at the International Automobile Exhibition in Frankfurt from September 15 - 25, 2005, and will be introduced in Germany a few weeks later. Following the current Astra OPC and Zafira OPC, it will extend Opel’s OPC (Opel Performance Center) range of high performance cars. The Vectra OPC will be available as a five-door hatchback and a station wagon.

The powerhouse of the new top-of-the-line Vectra is an aluminum 2.8-liter V6 turbo gasoline engine. With variable valve timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger, the six-cylinder unit has an output of 188 kW/255 hp and provides an exciting drive: a top speed of 260 km/h and zero to 100 km/h acceleration in less than seven seconds. In addition, maximum torque of 355 Newton meters ensures excellent pulling power even at low engine speeds. The Vectra OPC comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard.

Debut for second-generation IDSPlus chassis

The Vectra OPC’s chassis is tuned to complement its power. The high-performance Vectra is the first production car worldwide from a volume brand to feature a further developed version of the electronically controlled IDSPlus chassis with newest-generation Continuous Damping Control (CDC). Comparable high-end solutions are currently only available in a few low-volume production super sports cars.

The new-generation CDC minimizes body movements even more effectively and quickly with the help of separate modules. The result is a noticeable enhancement of roll-prevention and body control, with optimized suspension comfort. The brakes – 345-millimeter diameter at the front, and 292 mm at the rear – provide powerful deceleration and precise feel.

The Vectra OPC’s looks highlight its sporty character. The front end features large air inlets and a honeycomb grille, while the side profile is accentuated by large 18-inch rims in exclusive OPC design. A special highlight is given to the rear by the two trapezoidal tailpipes. The interior also features sporty and functional details, with Recaro sport seats, instruments in OPC layout and a leather sport steering wheel. The Vectra OPC has one particularly attractive detail in common with all other OPC family members – the blue brake calipers.