Opel Gives Glimpse of Future with Next Step of Brand Deployment

• German, approachable, exciting: Brand concept to showcase fine-tuned Opel values
• New Germanness: Open to the world, ‘menschlich’, people focused
• Bold and pure design: Emotional and confident, clear and intuitive
• Compass to the future: Assured, new front identity with focus on brand emblem

While Opel is working hard on becoming a highly efficient automotive company within Groupe PSA as announced by Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller during the presentation of the PACE! strategic plan last November, it is also busy strengthening and fine-tuning its profile. Before the end of the year, a Brand Concept vehicle currently being created in the design studio will show where Opel is heading to.

“PACE! is the compass to a sustainable and successful future for Opel”, said Michael Lohscheller. “In addition to increasing profitability and efficiency, PACE! includes the strengthening of the Opel brand. I have therefore given my teams the tasks of sharpening Opel’s profile and creating a concept car that symbolizes the direction we are headed.”

German, approachable, exciting – these are the three brand values that are embedded in the DNA of every Opel model and initiative and will continue to do so in the future. In recent months, Opel design, marketing and engineering teams have been finding answers to the question how these values can be better embodied by the design, the technology, the substance of the Opel automobiles and the approach the company takes towards its customers. The team around Vice President Design Mark Adams has revisited Opel’s design philosophy and intends to apply some significant fine-tuning when creating the future bestsellers from Rüsselsheim. A first glimpse of what the future holds and what Opel models will look like by the mid-2020s has now been revealed – still hidden under a cover but already showing noteworthy details.

One element the design team was keen to take to a new level is how modern new ‘Germanness’ can be expressed in future products, thus sharpening the brand profile. “New Germanness means that we define ourselves not only based on traditional German values. Of course, engineering excellence, technical innovation and outstanding quality remain important to us. However, modern Germany is much more than this. We are open to the world, open-minded, and truly care about people – in German, this attitude is called ‘menschlich’ – human in a word. Our customers, wherever they live or come from, are our guideline and compass for everything we do,” explained Adams.

Two fundamental pillars of Opel’s future design philosophy are directly derived from this expression of new Germanness: ‘bold’ and ‘pure’. “Opel design is emotional, sculptural and confident, we create exciting designs that stand out. We summarised this with the term bold. A second key aspect of German design is its clarity, intuitiveness and focus. This is captured in the term pure,” explained Adams. Previous iconic designs from Opel’s past clearly relate to these qualities.

One of the most stunning examples of this ‘bold’ and ‘pure’ principle is the Opel CD that wowed an international audience when it celebrated its world premiere at the 1969 Frankfurt Motor Show.

1969 Opel CD and 2018 Opel Concept

These key elements are also clearly visible in the most recent brainchild of the Rüsselsheim Design Centre – the critically acclaimed Opel GT Concept. “Strong proportions, simple but sculptural surfaces, bold graphics, and rare but extremely well executed details – the 2018 Brand Concept we are preparing continues to develop the principles we explored with the Opel GT Concept. There is a clear continuity and consistency in the way we express Opel’s values. However, we have taken several steps forward and are now setting the structure for the future face of Opel. This will be articulated around what we call the Opel Compass,” explained Adams. 

The Opel Compass organises the design elements of Opel’s future face around two strong axes that intersect the brand emblem – which becomes the focus point more than ever before. The centre-crease line on the bonnet represents the vertical axis, which will become bolder and purer in its execution. The horizontal axis is symbolized by the typical wing-shaped daytime running light signature, which will continue to be further strengthened and developed on all future Opel vehicles.

The 2018 Brand Concept, to be revealed before the end of the year, will be the first vehicle to showcase the future face of Opel designed according to the principles of the Opel Compass.

!NEW! Great Tradition: Techno Classica under the spell of the Opel GT

• Hall of fame: Opel presents the GT legend at Techno Classica
• Essen-premiere: Geneva show-star Opel GT Concept makes German debut
• Highly tuned display: Famous GT conversions from Conrero, Gerent and Irmscher

Still working that magic: Alongside the original 1968 Opel GT production model, the futuristic Opel GT Concept makes its first appearance in Germany at this year’s Techno Classica.

The legendary Opel GT weaves its magic again at this year’s Techno Classica in Essen (April 6-10). Alongside the original GT sports car of the late nineteen-sixties and seventies, the futuristic GT Concept – the star of this year’s Geneva International Motor Show – will celebrate its German public debut.

The legend began in 1965 when the Opel Experimental GT design study became the shooting star of that year’s Frankfurt International Motor Show. Designer Erhard Schnell’s vision of a sleek, uncompromising yet affordable sports car received such an enthusiastic reception that Opel decided to put it into production. Three years later and based on proven Kadett B technology, the GT hit the market. The rest, as they say, is history.

Back then the Kadett was the touring car to beat in motorsport, and the tuning community was eager to lay its hands on the new sports car built from affordable mass-produced components. At the Techno Classica Opel will therefore present – in addition to a classic production-GT in red – three conversions from tuners Conrero, Gerent and Irmscher.

Six-pack: At this year’s Techno Classica the futuristic Opel GT Concept will celebrate its German public debut alongside the original Experimental GT study, the production GT and three conversions from tuners Conrero, Gerent and Irmscher

In its heyday the Gerent GT in “Group 4 Appendix J” specification was a frequent contender for 2.0 liter class victories, while the example from the Italian Conrero racing team was the hero of the 1971 Targa Florio, where it finished ninth overall. Thanks to the ingenuity and race-craft of Conrero Squadra Corse, the Opel GT not only earned the respect of its 2.0 liter classmates – mostly Porsche 911 and 914/6 – it also managed to beat them. The Opel GT from Irmscher is an immaculate restoration.

The GT hall of fame in Essen will be completed by the Opel GT Concept. The avant-garde yet purist sports car renounces everything that disturbs the pure form. The GT Concept has no door handles or exterior door mirrors, and no superfluous decorative elements. It is a dynamic driving machine as symbolized by the typical sports car proportions, with a long bonnet and ultra-short overhangs, and the bold red signature line that graphically splits the vehicle body horizontally. The absence of a trunk lid, the intriguing and innovative door design, the central dual exhaust, the looks of the steering wheel and of course, the name all refer to the original GT. However, apart from striking red tires that also adorned the equally avant-garde Motoclub 500 Opel motorbike of 1928, the GT Concept does not mime its ancestor. Instead, without nostalgia or retro-design, the GT Concept re-invents the innovative, daring and exciting spirit of the original, opening a new chapter in the GT-legend.

!NEW! Opel at the Geneva Motor Show: GT Concept, Mokka X and Astra

• Opel CEO Dr. Neumann presents the future of the brand
•  Exciting world premieres: Visionary Opel GT Concept and robust Opel Mokka X
• Europe’s best: New Opel Astra “Car of the Year 2016
• Lightning start: 130,000 Astra orders, Sports Tourer at dealers soon
• Up close to the touring car: New Opel Astra TCR for customer sport

Sportscar of the future: Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann presents new Opel GT Concept in Geneva. 

“Opel is more emotional, more innovative and stronger than ever before. Opel is back,” said Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann when opening the Opel stand (Hall 2, number 2231) at the 86th Geneva Motor Show (open to the public form March 3 to 13) earlier today. Dr. Neumann revealed two world premieres during the press conference: the sportscar of the future – Opel GT Concept and Opel Mokka X compact SUV. In addition, Opel Astra TCR touring car, another member of the new Astra family, also features prominently. “Since we started selling the Astra in the fall of 2015, we have received more than 130,000 orders,” said the Opel CEO of the highly successful launch of the new generation Astra. He also went on to add the following after the newcomer received the highest possible accolade: “After dominating several national Car of the Year awards across Europe, the new Opel Astra was also named the European Car of the Year 2016 yesterday afternoon!” Opel Astra Sports Tourer station wagon will be at dealers in just a few weeks and just like its five-door sibling it is lighter and more efficient than ever before and comes with ultra-modern technologies.

Sportscar of the future: World premiere for the Opel GT Concept

 World premiere for the Opel GT Concept 

Opel once again means pure emotions. This was clearly demonstrated by the world premiere of the GT Concept. The concept car combines the past with future. However, the GT Concept does not try to imitate its famous predecessor. Instead, it offers a new interpretation of the original’s exciting style. “This is one of the most exciting concept cars I have seen in my entire life. Pure passion! It shows who we are: confident, bold and innovative,” said Dr. Neumann when revealing the breathtaking thoroughbred with a front mid-engine and rear-wheel drive.

Confident, bold and innovative: Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann proudly presents the GT Concept.

The GT Concept is just as avant-garde as it is puristic – only the form counts. Long hood, extremely short overhangs, the bold red signature line and neither door handles nor door mirrors nor superfluous decorative elements – it is a pure sportscar. It takes Opel’s sculptural design philosophy to the next level. “We created the GT Concept to capture the bold, emotional spirit of the Opel brand. It is dramatic, sculptural and full of innovations,” explained Mark Adams, Vice President Design.

Bestseller even more desirable: Opel Mokka X world premiere

World premiere for SUV bestseller: Opel CEO Dr. Thomas Neumann also presented the new Opel Mokka X to the media for the first time.

The Opel Mokka has been inspiring emotions ever since its market launch three years ago – more than 500,000 Mokka owners across Europe cannot be wrong. But now the adventurous SUV will be even more desirable: “The new Opel Mokka X is bolder on the outside with refined elegance on the inside,” said Dr. Neumann of the next step in the evolution of the compact SUV bestseller. Opel Mokka X has a characteristic design with a dominant, sharp double wing signature of the LED daytime running lights. In addition, it comes with a refined interior and latest generation infotainment systems, making it one of the best-connected SUVs available when it goes on sale in the summer. IntelliLink will bring the world of smartphones to the car via both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; Opel OnStar is also available as an option. However, that is not all. Opel will extend the powertrain portfolio by added a new direct injection 1.4-liter gasoline engine. The ultra-modern engine comes in combination with six-speed automatic transmission, Start/Stop and all-wheel drive (preliminary fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for the combined cycle: 6.6 l/100 km, 154 g/km). “Our new small SUV is exciting, affordable, innovative and approachable. In one word: It’s an Opel.”

Light, efficient, practical, sporty: All-New Opel Astra

Congratulations: Hakan Matson (right), chairman of the “Car of the Year” jury, with Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann and the new Opel Astra. 

Lighter, more efficient, agile and comfortable – “New Opel Astra is the best car we have ever built. And it is leading its class again,” said Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. This is not only substantiated by the customer orders but also by the numerous comparison tests that the Astra has won across Europe. The five-door variant is up to 200 kilograms, the Sports Tourer up to 190 kilograms lighter than the previous model resulting in noticeably improved agility and driving comfort. The latest generation engines guarantee ample driving fun. Furthermore, the new Astra comes with numerous technologies and assistance systems ranging from the awarding winning adaptive matrix light IntelliLux LED® to Forward Collision Alert with Collision Imminent Braking. “That’s why Astra annoys the upper class,” explain Dr. Neumann. 

Winners: Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann with the “Car of the Year 2016” – the new Opel Astra.

The Astra powertrain line-up also plays a big role in this enhanced driving experience: each new Astra features a member of Opel’s completely new engine portfolio. The gasoline and diesel engines with a displacement of up to 1.6 liters all combine highest efficiency with excellent responsiveness. In Geneva, a new two-stage turbocharged top-of-the-range diesel will make its debut. The 1.6 BiTurbo CDTI has an output of 118 kW/160 hp and delivers maximum torque of 350 Nm. In combination with six-speed manual transmission, Start/Stop and low-rolling resistance tires, it cuts fuel consumption of the Sports Tourer to 4.1 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (109 grams of CO2 per kilometer – 108 grams in the five-door sedan).

Both the five-door and the Sports Tourer variant can also boast increased interior spaciousness despite the exterior dimensions have been reduced (five-door) or maintained (Sports Tourer) with especially the rear-seat passengers enjoying 35 millimeters and 28 millimeters more legroom respectively. In addition, the Astra Sports Tourer can carry more luggage than before – now up to 1,630 liters, 80 liters more than its predecessor can. The extensive load area is also easier to access than ever before thanks to the new power tailgate that can be opened and shut with a simple kicking motion under the bumper.

Apart from the GT Concept, Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann also showed another highlight for motorsports fans – the new Astra TCR. Propelled by a 2.0 liter engine with 330 hp and 420 Nm it will be one of the new contenders in the Touring Car Racing Series 2016. He also had a clear statement: “The Astra TCR will continue a long motorsport tradition at Opel.”

Ready for season: The new Opel Astra TCR 

!NEW! A Whole New World: Opel GT Concept Shows Visionary Interior

• Central themes: Symbiosis of human and machine along with digital connectivity
• Pure elegance and athleticism: Sculptural design with sophisticated details
• Buttonless: Operation only via touchpad and voice control
• Artificial Intelligence: Self-learning HMI system recognizes driver’s preferences

World premiere in Geneva: Opel GT Concept shows a visionary interior.

This dream car impresses with both its exterior and its interior values: The Opel GT Concept shows what a popular sportscar of the future will look like – puristic and breathtaking alike. The coupé will celebrate its world premiere at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show (March 3 to 13). Visitors will initially be able to admire its sculptural shape. Then they can imagine taking the well-trained athlete out of the city on to the next alpine pass and enjoying its dynamism in every hairpin. Beyond its stunning exterior, the Opel designers have also created an interior that perfectly blends typical cues from a sports coupé and futuristic solutions for the human/machine interface. Everything in the Opel GT Concept is ready for the pure pleasure of an exciting drive. The two sports seats fit like a tailor-made suit, the steering wheel and the pedals can be adjusted electrically down to the last millimeter, the low beltline of the doors enables a casual arm position, colors and shapes create a perfect spatial feeling and the sky above the panorama roof races by. Human and machine become one.

Opel GT Concept: Coupé will celebrate its world premiere at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show (March 3 to 13).

However, nothing distracts the driver and the front passenger from the essential. The interior is just as puristic as the exterior. The instrument panel of the Opel GT Concept made from brushed aluminum visually enhances the lightweight construction (the overall weight remains below 1,000 kg) and seems to float in front of the occupants. It is, however, a structural member between the slim A pillars of the windshield – here structure becomes sculpture. Opel’s design philosophy “Sculptural artistry meets German precision” continues throughout the interior. Just like the attention to detail: Round monitors are embedded in the outer aluminum air jets with the polished GT emblem. The monitors capture the vehicle’s environment and replace side door mirrors.

Pure elegance and athleticism: Sculptural design with sophisticated details.

The shining red seatbelt retractors are also works of art and follow the design of the red front tires.

Works of art: The shining red seatbelt retractors follow the design of the red front tires.

The steering wheel with its spoke design pays homage to the legendary Opel GT from the 1960s and 1970s.

Spoke design: The steering wheel pays homage to the legendary Opel GT from the 1960s and 1970s.

True mate: Opel GT Concept anticipates the driver’s every wish

Elsewhere, buttons cannot be found anywhere. The sportscar is operated purely by voice control and a central touchpad. Experts refer to the control concept of the car as Human Machine Interface (HMI). The Opel concept car comes with a revolutionary HMI. In the GT Concept the adaptive system is waiting to get to know the driver and adapt to his or her needs. The car thus adjusts itself to the driver and not the other way round. This results in a dialogue during which the car answers in a charming voice and can for example chose the right music, route or temperature according to the situation. The Opel HMI is like a friend on the passenger seat – it recognizes whether hip-hop or chill-out is wanted. In order to always spontaneously offer the most appropriate support, the software learns from every command, every touch of the steering wheel and every setting over days, months and years. A similar approach is already known from self-learning adaptive automatic transmissions. They adapt to the style of the respective driver with either sporty or economic gearshifts. The adaptive HMI is a holistic approach and shows that vehicle operation seen in science-fiction movies is slowly becoming reality.

Sculptural design: The interior is just as puristic as the exterior.

The instruments also reflect the atmosphere in the Opel GT Concept. If the driver has had a stressful day and wants to surf through the menus without saying a word, he just needs to reach for the round touchpad on the center stack, from where he can easily operate all functions. The two classically inspired round instruments are actually projection surfaces that can be backlit in different colors and display a variety of information three-dimensionally – a further development of the system shown in the 2013 Opel Monza Concept. Rpms and speed are always clearly visible on the left whereas the information shown on the right instrument can be configured individually.

Artificial Intelligence: Self-learning HMI system recognizes the driver’s preferences.

If the Opel GT Concept is cruising along on a business trip, while permanently connected to the office or the client, the right instrument facilitates navigation with an intuitive graphic without any numerical values; when under time pressure, it displays consumption. When the mood changes because the end of the working day is nearing and the driver fancies cornering at speed, the accelerator, transmission and engine control are optimized accordingly and the right-hand instrument even displays the g-force values of the longitudinal acceleration.

Buttonless: Operation only via touchpad and voice control.

The car may then even speak out and issue a warning such as: “Be careful. Don’t overlook the motorcycle behind us!” After all, the Opel GT Concept keeps a close eye on the traffic situation - and does not just adapt to the driver’s tastes and moods, but also to the exterior conditions to also enhance safety. Instead of side door mirrors, Opel GT Concept relies on cameras mounted behind the front wheel arches to show what is happening behind and next to the car. The images are transmitted to round monitors to the left and right of the driver. In addition, the large central screen displays all desired information. The adaptive Opel HMI is more than just a good friend – it is an additional on-board guardian angel.

GT Concept: Opel designers have created an interior that perfectly blends typical cues from a sports coupé and futuristic solutions for the human/machine (HMI) interface.

!NEW! Opel GT Concept: This is How Sportscars Will Look in Future

• First appearance: World premiere at the 86th Geneva Motor Show
• Emotional concept: Breathtaking and puristic design
• Successful ancestors: Following the tradition of the Opel GT and the Monza Concept
• True sportscar: front mid-engine, sequential gearbox, rear-wheel drive 

Sportscar of the future: Opel GT Concept will celebrate its world premiere at the 86th Geneva International Motor Show.

The Opel GT Concept will celebrate its world premiere at the 86th Geneva International Motor Show (March 3 to 13, 2016). This trendsetting sportscar expresses the continuous innovative strength of Opel – breathtaking in its shape, reduced to the bare essentials, pure passion. The thoroughbred athlete with a front mid-engine and rear-wheel drive is a direct descendant of the Opel GT and the Monza Concept and takes Opel’s sculptural design philosophy to the next level. The sportscar is avant-garde yet puristic, renounces everything that disturbs the pure form. The GT Concept has no door handles or exterior door mirrors.

Emotional Opel GT Concept: Pure and breathtaking design.

“We are taking the next step towards even more emotion and driving pleasure with the Opel GT Concept. The GT Concept shows what Opel stands for now. We are confident, ambitious, innovative and we want win over more customers with every new car,” said Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann who is already looking forward to the world premiere in Geneva.

In the best tradition: GT Concept continues philosophy of Opel Experimental GT

The Opel GT Concept will follow in the footsteps of the famous Opel Experimental GT at the Geneva Motor Show. In 1965, only one year after the foundation of the first design studio run by a European car manufacturer, Opel presented this sleek and expressive coupé with the reliable technology of the Kadett B at the Frankfurt Motor Show. However, it was not just innovative because it was the first concept car ever presented by a European manufacturer. The GT already shone with innovations such as retracting headlamps and displayed a slim form along with perfect proportions without unnecessary decoration. The uncompromising concept by Erhard Schnell mainly wanted to be one thing – a design statement. The reactions from the public were so overwhelming that the series production Opel GT was at dealerships only three years later. The rest is history – a success story, an automotive icon.

Aware of tradition: The distinctive red front tires – mounted on rims with a cheeky skateboard design – are reminiscent of the Opel Motoclub 500 motorbike from 1928.

The GT Concept once again showcases Opel’s pioneering spirit. A dynamic driving machine something that is already symbolized by the red signature line that splits the vehicle body horizontally and proportions it. The distinctive red front tires – mounted on rims with a cheeky roller skates design – are reminiscent of the Opel motorbike Motoclub 500 that was also avant-garde at its time and was the proud owner of two red tires in 1928.

Avantgarde: Opel Motoclub 500 motorbike from 1928.

Apart from that, the GT Concept does not have many links to the past. The long bonnet, the absence of a trunk lid, the central dual exhaust and of course, the name all refer to the original GT. Apart from that the Opel GT Concept is independent with no sign of retro-design.

Simply stylish: Opel GT Concept is dramatic, sculptural and full of innovations.

"We created the GT Concept to capture the bold, emotional spirit of the Opel brand. It is dramatic, sculptural and full of innovations, which is our great tradition that we intend to continue. Back in 1965, Opel developed the Experimental GT, a thoroughly modern vehicle that also boasted a pure sculptural shape. It’s certainly difficult to reinvent an icon but just as the Experimental GT was avant-garde back then, so too is this GT Concept today – absolutely pure, minimalistic, yet bold and uncompromising. This coupé impressively demonstrates the continuous development of our Design philosophy – ‘Sculptural Artistry meets German precision’,” said Mark Adams, Vice President, Design Europe.

All aboard: The doors immerse considerably into the front wheel arches when opened.

A key innovation of the Opel GT Concept are the large doors with the integrated side windows that show a seamless transition from glass to painted surfaces. Both the driver and the front passenger gain access to the unexpectedly spacious interior after pressing the touchpad for the electric doors that is integrated in the red signature line of the roof. Even tall drivers have enough room inside. The doors immerse considerably into the front wheel arches when opened. This space-saving and patented mounting allows a large opening angle – particularly in relatively tight parking spaces. The compact athlete is therefore optimized especially for urban areas. Two cameras mounted behind the wheel arches ensure a safe overview while driving in the city. They transmit their images to two monitors on the left and right-hand side of the cockpit – the days of exterior door mirrors and blind spots are therefore over. The windshield flows into a glass panorama roof enabling the occupants to enjoy a driving experience similar to that offered by a targa with a removable roof.

Heavenly: The windshield flows into a glass panorama roof enabling the occupants to enjoy a driving experience similar to that offered by a targa with a removable roof.

Real sportscar: Front mid-engine, turbocharged and rear-wheel drive

Stretched hood: Just like the first Opel GT and US sportscar icon Corvette the GT Concept has a front mid-engine.

The stretched hood reveals the powertrain concept of the GT Concept: Just like the first Opel GT and US sportscar icon Corvette also made by GM it has a front mid-engine. The vehicle’s center of gravity is therefore low and central – ideal for sporty handling and excellent cornering dynamics. The Opel GT Concept has a powerful 1.0 liter, three-cylinder turbocharged engine based on the ultra-modern all-aluminum engine used in Opel ADAM, Corsa and Astra. The extremely efficient direct injection gasoline unit develops 107 kW/145 hp and maximum torque of 205 Nm in its sporty trim (consumption values for the Opel GT Concept are not available yet). The turbo power is sent towards the rear axle with mechanical differential lock via a sequential six-speed transmission that is operated by shift paddles on the steering wheel. Thus, the Opel GT Concept possess traditional rear-wheel drive especially appreciated by sportscar purists. The performance of the two-seater with a total weight below 1,000 kilograms also matches this. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than eight seconds and has a top speed of 215 km/h.

Opel GT Concept: A dynamic driving machine as symbolized by the red signature line.

A further highlight of the Opel GT Concept are the main headlamps with integrated indicators. Thanks to ultra-modern projection technology, these shine very three-dimensionally. The next generation adaptive full LED light is obviously the perfect match for this technology. The Opel IntelliLux LED Matrix light, which allows glare-free high beam driving, already made its debut in the new Astra in 2015 and won the SAFETYBEST Award. The Opel GT Concept sees the introduction of the next stage of development of the intelligent light system. The design of the lights is rounded off by the three dimensional design of the tail lamps that make the new Opel GT distinctive at night.

Night star: Three dimensional design of the tail lamps that make the new Opel GT distinctive at night.

!NEW! Opel Has Reinvented Itself: A First Glimpse of the GT Concept

World premiere in Geneva: Concept sportscar follows tradition of Opel Experimental GT 

A new short video, a preview of an upcoming world premiere – a breathtaking and at the same time puristic looking sportscar. Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann opens the door to the future for just a short moment and says: “Opel has reinvented itself. Don’t miss what happens next.” He is referring to the Opel GT Concept that will be on display in all its beauty for the first time at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show (March 3 to 13, 2016).

Homage: The central dual exhaust with the logo of the new Opel GT Concept is reminiscent of the legendary 1965 Opel Experimental GT. 

The video and the first photograph showing the central double exhaust already illustrate reminiscences of two avant-garde models from the company’s long history – without any trace of retro design. The red front tire of the Opel GT Concept, visible for an instant, pays homage to the Opel motorcycle Motoclub 500. It was futuristic when it appeared with two red tires in 1928. 

1928: Opel Motoclub 500 (photo: P.H. Louw / Wikipedia)

2016: Opel GT Concept

The two tailpipes with the GT logo in the middle also allude to a design icon: In 1965, Opel presented the avant-garde Experimental GT at the Frankfurt Motor Show – the first concept car ever devised by a European car manufacturer. Opel Experimental GT was already an ultra-modern coupé with a sculptural shape – absolutely clear, minimalistic while also being exciting and uncompromising. The same philosophy now defines the design of the new Opel GT Concept.