- Visionary: Monza Concept gives outlook for Opel brand strategy at IAA
- Efficient: Perfect use of space, lightweight design, innovative powertrains
- Connected: Revolutionary infotainment with LED projection technology
- Inspiring: Monza Concept shows new interpretation of sculptural Opel design
A light, athletic look outside, unique projection technology inside
combined with custom connectivity and modular design that enables
sustainable propulsion systems par excellence – the Opel Monza Concept
is stylish, ultra-modern efficiency on four wheels. It is the role-model
for the next generation of Opel cars. The groundbreaking concept car
makes its world premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA) in
Frankfurt from September 12 - 22 (press days: September 10 - 11) and
shows what people can expect from Opel in the future.
“The Monza Concept represents the Opel car of tomorrow”, says Opel
CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “On one hand, it embodies everything that
already characterizes Opel – German precision combined with innovative
technologies wrapped in captivating design. In addition, it addresses
the themes that will be the development-focus of the next generation of
Opel cars: maximum connectivity and optimum efficiency.”
“Connectivity is demonstrated by a trailblazing LED projection
technology for instrument and infotainment displays. Efficiency comes in
many ways, with lightweight design, optimal use of interior space, and
advanced powertrain technology. The Monza Concept is based on increasing
electrification of the automobile in everyday driving, from
range-extender to fuel cell. And as far as styling is concerned, we are
expressing pure efficiency in a new, lean and athletic interpretation of
our typical sculptural shapes. The Opel Monza Concept is nothing less
than our vision of the automotive future.”
Lightness: Styling conveys athletic efficiency rather than pure muscle power
An Opel Monza already made its world premiere at the IAA back in
1977: it was a large coupé with a silky smooth-running six-cylinder
engine. The Monza was in production until 1986 and has long since
belonged to the elite circle of iconic cars. The new Monza Concept now
follows in its wheel-tracks: The beautifully shaped hood with the
distinctive center fold continues the tradition of the Monza front with
the typical Opel crease. The large boomerang shaped air intakes in front
of the wheel arches complement the elegant chrome bar that proudly
holds the brand logo.
With the Opel Monza Concept, the designers in Mark Adams’ team introduce a
new interpretation of the sculptural design that first went into
production with the Opel Insignia. Selected distinctive lines, high-precision
design and perfect sweeping contours remain the core of the evolving
design philosophy called “Sculptural artistry meets German precision.”
But a new, athletic allure demonstrates the car’s overall efficiency.
“This is the next bold step along our journey into the future, but at
the same time we show that we have established a consistent design in
which people can build trust”, says Mark Adams, Head of Opel Design.
The sculptural surfaces of the 4.69 meter-long, four seat Opel Monza
Concept are modeled after ocean waves lapping on the shore. These
flowing surfaces give a look of lightness, dramatically underlined by
the side-sills that taper off in front of the rear wheel arches. This
unique styling element is inspired by the lean physique and slim waist
of a greyhound dog, running as if on tip-toes with powerful elegance.
The design of the Opel Monza Concept’s body sides enables easy entry and
egress for front and rear-seat passengers, while underscoring the
prominent, sporty rear wheel arches, which share the same width as the
front.
The Opel Monza Concept’s roof line is particularly sophisticated – at
first it runs in a semicircular form like a classic coupé’s, but then
just before reaching the tailgate it sweeps slightly upwards. In spite
of its sporty look and flat silhouette with a height of just 1.31
meters, there is neither loss of space in the luggage compartment – 500
liters in volume – nor constrained headroom for the passengers. This is
due to the fact that the whole cockpit structure is around 15
centimeters lower than in conventional models. Actually, the
Opel Monza
Concept offers the same airy passenger compartment as a mid-size car.
The expansive doors provide maximum functionality with spectacular
views when opening. They swing up like the outstretched wings of a
condor and offer an unobstructed view of the spacious, open passenger
cabin (or the surroundings from the inside) thanks to the absence of a
B-pillar.
Efficiency and connectivity are the main focus of development in
focus for next generation of Opel models. The Opel Monza Concept offers a
fascinating preview of these developments. Once behind the wheel, the Opel Monza Concept whisks you away into a completely new and unique world of
instruments and infotainment. The original Opel Monza was also way ahead of
its time 35 years ago with a digital display in the cockpit.
The Opel Monza Concept continues innovating with state-of-the-art LED
projection technology. Drivers no longer find the conventional
individual, separate monitors that display different information;
instead, they face a wide, sculpted dashboard that sweeps from door to
door, and is used as a single projection surface. Information and
decorative elements are displayed on the surface, which the driver can
customize according to his needs, taste or mood. A total of 18 LED
projectors create a continuous, adaptable multi-functional display. This
is a world premiere in an automobile. Already established in the events
arena, this technology has caused a sensation at major occasions such
as Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee, and Opel designers were first to think of
implementing it in a passenger car. The 3D graphics are impressive, and
reflect all important functions from precise vehicle and driver
information to internet and communication options as well as decorative
elements. Both the area displaying information and the background can be
individually configured, and operation is via voice control and
steering wheel controls.
Efficiency and clarity are also priorities here: when it came to how
the displays present information, Opel engineers focused on the best and
most personal way to make relevant data available to the driver. The
approach was “simplifying the multitude” and so details on the car, the
navigation and the smartphone settings and connection only appear when
necessary or desired. So drivers can use a wide range of information
without being overwhelmed by text or images. This also makes the Monza
Concept a model of future HMI (Human-Machine-Interface) systems, as its
interior design is based on latest research findings in this field.
This also applies to the comprehensive smartphone connectivity in the Opel Monza Concept. With three worlds of connectivity – called ME, US and ALL
– drivers can focus solely on their driving experience, or get in touch
with friends and family or even connect to the whole internet
community. With ME the infotainment system virtually
disconnects the drivers’ smartphone and prioritizes the information
relevant for the driving experience. US enables the
passengers of the Opel Monza Concept to connect with a group of selected
people such as friends and family members: these can log-in to the car’s
infotainment system with their own communication device and exchange
information, music and images, chat and make appointments, etc. ALL goes beyond US.
It allows the driver and virtually the whole outside world to connect.
Drivers can for example spontaneously share their planned route online
over a tablet or smartphone so that people can catch a ride with them
along the way – enabling a new kind of instant car-sharing. With this
trailblazing infotainment and connectivity technology, the Monza Concept
shows how far ahead Opel designers and engineers are thinking, so that
the next generation of cars make their contribution to a harmonious,
connected society
The trendsetting sensor and connectivity technology in the Monza
Concept has even more to offer: it gives a preview of the advancements
in “Car-to-Car” and “Car-to-X” systems – prerequisites for future
autonomous driving and areas in which the research department at Opel is
already intensively working. By comprehensively connecting road users,
intercommunication can be enhanced, as can safety, because dangerous
traffic situations are registered earlier and more accurately than
before.
Flexibility: Modular design for powertrain-diversity
The Monza Concept is based on a modular design to allow
highest-possible flexibility when selecting a propulsion system. A
variety of sustainable powertrains based on increasing electrification
of the automobile are conceivable. For the Monza Concept to be displayed
at the Frankfurt show, engineers conceived an electric drive with a CNG
(Compressed Natural Gas) range extender – a further development of the
Ampera’s pioneering technology. The new-generation three-cylinder 1.0
SIDI turbo – which also makes its premiere at the IAA – takes over the
task as range extender. But it does so with natural gas instead of
gasoline, further improving the car’s CO2 footprint. With its
visionary approach, Opel continues to combine the potential of electric
propulsion with the benefits of the internal combustion engine.
“We have a clear vision of how Opel cars will be in the future, and
we have a clear strategy of how we will achieve this goal. The Opel Monza
Concept gives this strategy an unmistakable identity,” says Dr.
Karl-Thomas Neumann. “It embodies what our customers can expect from us
within the next years; not only in terms of design, but also in terms of
efficiency and connectivity between drivers and the internet community.
So it already anticipates future everyday automotive life, and serves
as an important source of inspiration on the road to that destination –
and not just for Opel.”
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