Exciting Look into the Future: Opel STX Concept and Opel GSE 27FE Celebrate World Premieres at the Paris Motor Show

• Sports Tourer design of tomorrow: Opel CEO Florian Huettl, Vice President Marketing Rebecca Reinermann and Vice President Design Mark Adams present visionary STX Concept

• Epitome of GSE: GSE 27FE Formula E GEN4 race car in the final design

• GSE experience for all: New Opel Corsa GSE and Astra GSE Line in Paris for the first time
• Best future prospects: Four new Opel models by 2030 plus investments of more than one billion euros in Germany

• Unique trade fair appearance: Until October 18, visitors can immerse themselves more deeply in the Opel world of German precision and high performance at booth A42 in hall 4

 

“It is an exciting time for Opel. After the successful launch of the Grandland, Mokka and Frontera, we are on course for growth,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl at Opel press conference of the Paris Motor Show. “We have an outstanding offer for our customers. At the same time, we are investing in our future, with investments of more than one billion euros and four new models by 2030,” announced Huettl.

The vision for the future became very clear in the following minutes: The world premieres, which Huettl unveiled together with Opel Vice President Marketing Rebecca Reinermann and Opel Vice President Design Mark Adams, stand for the next groundbreaking step in German engineering and high performance – the visionary Opel STX Concept and the Opel GSE 27FE Formula E GEN4 racing car.

World premiere 1: Opel STX Concept shows Sports Tourer design of tomorrow

“The Opel Sports Tourer eXperimental Concept, or Opel STX Concept for short, celebrate Sports Tourer history and reimagines this Opel favourite for a new generation,” said Huettl. It combines German engineering, emotional design and intelligent technologies in such a way that drivers and passengers experience the highest level of driving engagement. “It has an even bolder, more confident brand face with a more prominent Opel Vizor and a new light signature,” said Vice President Design Mark Adams. “The STX Concept represents the next ambitious and exciting step forward in Opel design.” 

 

At the same time, the visionary study combines technical and emotional styling with groundbreaking solutions that ensure better aerodynamics and efficiency. The STX Concept is not only a show car that presents modern design with innovative technology ideas, but also anticipates the visionary further development of the Sports Tourer and already carries elements of future Opel models.

World premiere 2: Opel GSE 27FE as the epitome of the GSE world

Just like the latest study from Rüsselsheim, the second Opel world premiere, the Opel GSE 27FE Formula E racing car, is also characterised by German engineering and precision combined with innovative technologies. “GSE is the most thrilling expression of Opel. We bring this spirit to life across three dimensions with Race, Drive and Play,” said Vice President Marketing Rebecca Reinermann.

“Race means nothing less than that the GSE spirit comes to life on the racetrack – since its launch last year, we have achieved great success with the Mokka GSE Rally. Now, we take the ultimate next step – into Formula E,” said Reinermann. The Opel GSE 27FE is the race car for the GEN4 generation of the Formula E World Championship, which begins with the coming season – and it represents the epitome of the Opel GSE performance concept ‘Grand Sport Electric’. The high-performance electric vehicle has permanent all-wheel drive, offers over 800 hp of power, achieves a recuperation power of up to 700 kW and thus raises electric motorsport to a completely new level.

The whole GSE world: New Opel Corsa GSE, Mokka GSE and Astra GSE Line

Reinermann also showed how customers can experience GSE for themselves with the two other GSE pillars ‘Drive’ and ‘Play’. After the introduction of the Opel Mokka GSE last year, the new Opel Corsa GSE celebrated its exhibition premiere in Paris. The hot hatch shines in the characteristic GSE design and offers emotion, excitement and high performance combined with all-electric driving excitement. With 207 kW (281 hp), 345 Newton metres of torque and 5.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, it is the most powerful Corsa to date and accelerates faster than any other current production Opel.

 And those who want to drive an Opel in the GSE design not only fully electrically, but independently of the drive variant, will be able to do so with the new GSE Line. To kick things off, the manufacturer presented the Opel Astra GSE Line in Paris, which will be available from next spring.

But GSE at Opel does not only take place on the race and rally track as well as on the road. “Car culture is no longer limited to the road. It happens online. In communities. And in games. – that's exactly what we mean by 'play',” said Reinermann. The ‘Pit Stop Experience’, developed in cooperation with GIANTX, combines performance, technology and gaming at the Opel booth. Inspired by the Opel Formula E programme, visitors can race on an exclusive digital Trackmania track. In interaction with the motorway architecture of the entire booth Opel is thus creating an appearance that spatially translates the further development and future of the German manufacturer.

 “We are on clear path for growth this year thanks to our great products and with our Formula E team we are taking GSE to the next level. The significant investments represent a clear commitment to Germany as an industrial location. We will introduce four new models by 2030 – including the next generation Opel Astra. And the Opel STX Concept shows a clear vision for the future design of our cars,” summarised Huettl.

Opel STX Concept: Visionary Study from Rüsselsheim Shows the Estate Design of Tomorrow

• New chapter: With the STX Concept, Opel presents a vision for future estate cars at the Paris Motor Show

• Bolder, purer, even more emotional: New Opel Vizor lighting signature with lamella light animations and even more prominent vertical Opel Compass and illuminated emblem plus clean, downward-sloping rear

• Pure efficiency: Intelligent aerodynamic solutions with extendable diffuser elements and alloy wheels in a three-zone design

Opel at the Paris Motor Show – this means premieres that will reveal the wide range of emotional automotive excellence ‘made in Germany’. For example, the new Opel GSE 27FE Formula E racing car will celebrate its world premiere in the French capital, and the new Opel Corsa GSE hot hatch, which is now on sale, will make its exhibition debut. Furthermore, a very special show car is set to turn heads at the ‘Mondial de l'Auto’ from October 12 to 18: the Opel Sports Tourer eXperimental Concept, or Opel STX Concept in short. The name gives a clear indication that the German manufacturer is showing its vision of future estates. The abbreviation ‘ST’ is closely associated with the Sports Tourer models with the Blitz, such as the latest generation Opel Astra Sports Tourer. But the Opel STX Concept is more. It also symbolises the next stage of Opel's design philosophy – even bolder, even purer, even more emotional and even more efficient.

“Our Opel STX Concept reinterprets the estate! With its bold design, the latest concept car from Rüsselsheim reaffirms what we at Opel understand by German engineering paired with visionary design. The STX Concept gives a taste of how exciting and emotional the estate of tomorrow can be – with maximum functionality and efficiency. The study shows characteristic features that will be found in future Opel models and underlines Opel's role as an estate pioneer in Europe,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

Future Design: New Opel Vizor even bolder and more confident

The Opel STX Concept is the bold vision of the electric estate of tomorrow. It illustrates Opel’s next design ambition, combining this with German engineering and intelligent technologies in such a way that drivers and passengers experience the highest level of driving pleasure. The latest concept car from Rüsselsheim thus continues Opel's long tradition as an estate pioneer in Europe. The manufacturer was largely responsible for the breakthrough of this type of vehicle in Europe as early as the 1950s: In 1953, Opel introduced the Olympia Rekord Caravan. The Opel Kadett Caravan and many other models up to the latest Opel Astra Sports Tourer followed. All these models always impressed with style-defining design and innovative technologies.

The conviction that forward-looking technology should not remove emotions from the automobile but rather amplify them is at the heart of the Opel STX Concept. The concept car is a modern expression of Opel's engineering excellence, which combines intelligent technology with bold, precise design. The result is an electric car that is as efficient as it is emotional.

What stands out at first glance is the further development of the Opel Vizor. The characteristic brand face now appears even bolder than in its previous iterations. While many electric cars today feature an ultra-slim ‘face’, the Vizor of the Opel STX Concept is higher and more prominent. It thus matches the size of the vehicle and reflects its undeniably German character. In addition, the new lighting signature uses precise vertical slanting lamellas that form the outside boundary of the Vizor but gradually fade more towards the centre. As usual, the illuminated Opel Blitz forms the visible centre of the Opel Compass; the characteristic crease in the bonnet is further emphasised by the sporty, sharp front design.

This motto is also taken up by the rear of the STX Concept: it drops steeply and thus combines the highest practical benefit through the additional space gained in the cargo compartment with modern design. Here, too, the Opel Compass is even more precise than before – with slim, illuminated compass axes and the illuminated OPEL wordmark in the centre. The horizontal taillights on the left and right reflect the lamella look of the front.

Furthermore, the entire surfacing serves as an eye-catcher. Flush, precisely shaped and with a distinctively technical appearance, it emphasises the concept car’s character. One example is the striking C-pillars. Here, the glass light strips protruding from the window line towards the rear – and which continue into the roof of the Opel STX Concept – create exceptional visual accents. Illuminated ‘STX’ lettering on the sides, which taper towards the front, and details such as the geometrically precise and sharply defined cameras on the driver’s and passenger’s sides (replacing the usual wing mirrors) further emphasise the combination of high technical standards and desirable design.

High-speed efficiency: Custom-fit body and intelligent aero solutions

The side view of the Opel STX Concept, shimmering in silver and blue, is dominated by the low, aerodynamic silhouette designed for long-distance efficiency and stability at high speeds on the German Autobahn. The sculpted body with short overhangs and wide flared areas around the wheel arches underline the stretched and at the same time bold lines.

To this end, the Opel STX Concept presents aerodynamic solutions that not only reduce consumption but also increase range, directional stability and driving pleasure. Among other things, the aerodynamically optimised 3-section alloys combined with 285/35 R22 Goodyear tyres contribute to an engaging driving experience.

In addition, the Opel STX Concept has an active aerodynamic system that continuously adapts to the driving situation, using moving elements at the rear to optimise airflow, reduce drag and improve stability. For example, at the right speed, blue-coloured diffusers protrude from under the rear; behind the wheels, vertical bumper elements extend sideways to the rear to support the streamlined stance.

All this helps transfer the performance of the visionary concept car safely to the road. The Opel STX Concept combines an innovative electric architecture with all-wheel drive and a top speed of over 200 km/h. In this way, it proves that efficiency, performance and emotional driving pleasure can go hand in hand in the electric age.

The interior is also designed precisely for this experience. In the future, the designers and engineers will realise an interior here that continues the ‘Painting with Light’ idea of the 2023 Opel Experimental and the 2025 Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo with immersive lighting elements and special lightweight seats, and take it to the next level of development.

The Opel STX Concept is not only a show car that presents groundbreaking design and controlled desirable surfacing with innovative technology ideas. It also anticipates the visionary further development of the estate body style and already contains elements of future Opel models. The characteristic Opel design language is even more sculptural and expressive and integrates the technologies of tomorrow clearly and coherently into the overall picture.

Together with Vice President Marketing Rebecca Reinermann and Vice President Design Mark Adams, Opel CEO Florian Huettl will present these and other highlights with the Blitz to an international audience at the Opel Press Conference, which will take place at the Opel stand A42 in hall 4 at 11.00 CEST on Monday, October 12.

Opel STX Concept: German Manufacturer Reveals Name of Next Visionary Concept Car

• New chapter: Opel STX Concept shows vision for estate cars of the future at the upcoming Paris Motor Show
• For racetrack or road: Opel GSE 27FE race car and Corsa GSE hot hatch define pure electric performance on the Opel stand A42 in hall 4
• Practical and flexible: Latest Opel Astra Sports Tourer continues long tradition of innovative Opel estates

With the Paris Motor Show drawing ever closer Opel has revealed that its latest concept car will be called Opel Sports Tourer eXperimental Concept or STX Concept for short. The show car from Rüsselsheim will celebrate its world premiere at the ‘Mondial de l'Auto’ where it will take centre stage alongside the Opel GSE 27FE, the manufacturer’s race car for the upcoming season of ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and the recently launched Corsa Opel GSE hot hatch.

The name STX Concept gives a clear indication that the German manufacturer will show its vision for the future of estate cars in Paris with the abbreviation ST closely associated with Sports Tourer models with the Blitz – such as the latest Opel Astra Sports Tourer. Opel played a pioneering role in establishing the estate body style in Europe with the introduction of the Olympia Rekord Caravan in 1953. 

Today, the Opel Astra Sports Tourer continues this long-standing tradition in the Opel portfolio and impresses with outstanding practicality, flexibility and technology. Thanks to its sophisticated design with the illuminated Blitz emblem of the characteristic Vizor brand face the Opel Astra Sports Tourer can comfortably double as a stylish family car or as an eye-catching workhorse that offers up to 1,634 litres of load volume.

Opel CEO Florian Huettl confirmed: “As the name indicates, the Opel STX Concept will give our vision of the future of an aero-efficient estate – a body style that Opel played a pioneering role in establishing in Europe. It shows our next generation design language and feature elements that you will see in future production models.”

Motorsport genes: Opel GSE 27FE and new Opel Corsa GSE

The STX Concept will be one of the highlights on the Opel stand (Hall 4, Stand A42). It will sit alongside the Opel GSE 27FE, Opel’s GEN4 racing car for the 2026/27 Formula E season. With permanent all-wheel drive, an output of over 800 hp and a recuperation output of up to 700 kW, the GEN4 cars will take electric motorsport to a completely new level. With record winner Mitch Evans and rookie Théo Pourchaire on board, and preparations progressing smoothly and to plan, the Opel GSE Formula E Team is gathering momentum ahead of the new season.

Furthermore, the recently launched Corsa GSE will show how Opel is bringing high-performance electric motoring into series production. The latest hot hatch with the Blitz already benefits from the extensive work done by the engineers in Rüsselsheim and the Opel Motorsport team with the Corsa GSE sharing a powertrain with the Opel Mokka GSE and its rally counterpart, the Mokka GSE Rally. With 207 kW (281 hp) and 345 Newton metres of torque the Corsa GSE accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds – faster than any other current production Opel.

Together with Vice President Marketing Rebecca Reinermann and Vice President Design Mark Adams, Opel CEO Florian Huettl will present these and other highlights with the Blitz to an international audience at the Opel Press Conference, which will take place at 11.40 CEST on Monday, October 12. Further details on the new concept car will follow closer to the Paris Motor Show.

Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo & New Opel Mokka GSE Celebrate World Premieres at IAA Mobility

• Phygital first: Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo live on site and can be experienced in Gran Turismo 7 for the first time
• Order books open: "With the Opel Mokka GSE, we are bringing rally feeling to the road."
• Opel Mokka GSE Rally: First vehicle developed according to FIA eRally5 regulations

"We have reinvented Opel GSE for the electric age and are going 'all in'. We are boosting performance and taking the electric driving experience to the next level,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl at today's Opel press conference at the IAA Mobility. The breathtaking Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo study – Opel's first concept car that merges the digital and real worlds – and the new Opel Mokka GSE were the centre of attention. With the high-performance production model, which can be ordered now, Opel is bringing a battery-electric rally feeling to the road. It is based on the Opel Mokka GSE Rally, which is also present at this year’s IAA Mobility, and thus benefits from Opel’s extensive motorsport know-how.

Vision of the GSE future: Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo

"Our latest groundbreaking concept car from Rüsselsheim represents the vision for our GSE label. It brings together two icons – our best-selling Corsa and the world's leading racing simulator, Gran Turismo 7. The Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo is tangible and can be driven virtually," announced Opel CEO Florian Huettl, Head of Marketing Rebecca Reinermann and Head of Design Mark Adams at today's world premiere. Opel is thus presenting a study that will once again go down in history 60 years after the legendary Experimental GT. Because it inspires motorsport enthusiasts as well as gaming fans. On the one hand, because of its visionary design developed by the team led by Vice President Design Mark Adams and, on the other hand because of its characteristics. 588 kW (800 hp) of system output, 800 Newton meters of torque, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.0 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h speak for themselves. "Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo is our vision for the future of GSE – and more," said Adams. But on the other hand, because the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo is Opel's first concept car that everyone will soon be able to experience for themselves – in Gran Turismo 7.

"Our GSE philosophy is based on three pillars: Race, Drive and Play. Play, brought to life by the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo, is the ultimate stage to unleash our next chapter of GSE — thrilling, immersive, and accessible to EVERYONE," added Rebecca Reinermann.

Race and Drive: Opel Mokka GSE Rally and Opel Mokka GSE

Those responsible also left no doubt about which vehicles will now fill the first two pillars of the new GSE philosophy with life: Opel Mokka GSE Rally was developed as a next-generation all-electric rally car for professional racing – its production counterpart, Opel Mokka GSE will provide customers with an unparalleled ‘drive’ experience on the road. And best of all, the 207 kW (281 hp) Opel Mokka GSE can be ordered as of today. Leasing rates start at an attractive €399 per month 2. In addition, customers can decide for themselves whether they want to lease, buy or subscribe the new high-performance road car.

Opel Grandland Electric: Soon with a range of around 700 kilometres (WLTP 3)

Another Opel star at this year's IAA Mobility is the top-of-the-line SUV Opel Grandland. Visitors will be able to take a closer look at the new Opel Grandland Electric AWD (All Wheel Drive) on site. The brand's first electric all-wheel-drive vehicle has a system output of 239 kW (325 hp) and a maximum torque of 509 Newton metres. In the Ultimate trim, which is already available to order, the SUV, which is designed, engineered and made in Germany, can cover up to 489 kilometres (WLTP 3) between charging stops; further trim levels with a range of up to 501 kilometres (provisional value according to WLTP 3) will follow. But that's not all: "Soon we will launch an all-electric Grandland variant with a range of up to around 700 kilometres (preliminary value according to WLTP 3)," said Opel CEO Huettl.

Opel will be present at the IAA Mobility in Munich at two locations until September 14. Journalists and trade visitors can experience the brand at the IAA Summit booth B20 in Hall B3 of the exhibition centre. The public can see Opel’s latest highlights at the innovative open-space booth OP340 at Odeonsplatz from September 9. In addition, Opel Mokka GSE Rally will also be on display at the ADAC booth KP195 at Königsplatz.

[1] A vehicle's values not only depend on the vehicle's efficient use of fuel, but are also influenced by driving behaviour and other non-technical factors.

[2] Example mileage leasing offer for Opel Mokka GSE, electric motor 207 kW (281 hp) with automatic electric drive with fixed gear ratio; special leasing payment €0.00; term (months)/number of instalments: 48; mileage 10,000 km/year; vehicle price €47,300.00. A non-binding private customer mileage leasing offer (subject to creditworthiness) from Stellantis Bank SA, German branch, Siemensstraße 10, 63263 Neu-Isenburg. All prices include VAT. Settlement after the end of the contract: Any excess or shortfall in mileage (allowance of 2,500 km in each case) will be settled, as will any compensation for damage. Transfer costs are not included in the leasing offer and must be paid separately to the participating Opel partner delivering the vehicle. Offer valid from September 8, 2025, to September 30, 2025. Only at participating Opel partners.

[3] The stated range was determined using the WLTP test procedures (Regulation (EC) No. 715/2007 and Regulation (EU) No. 2017/1151). The actual range may vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular personal driving style, route conditions, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning as well as thermal preconditioning. Equipment variant with up to 501 km and Opel Grandland Electric variant with a range of up to around 700 km are not yet available.

Opel Teases Stunning New Concept Car for IAA Mobility 2025

• Performance cues: GSE logo and aerodynamic wheels exude racing allure
• For the track: Slim racing steering wheel, lightweight driver’s seat and roll cage
• New interpretation: Opel Compass with precise horizontal and vertical elements

Opel has teased the arrival of its latest concept car by releasing first preview images of the vehicle that will celebrate its world premiere at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich (September 8 to 14, 2025). While the name is still being firmly kept under wraps, the images already reveal a clear connection to Opel’s GSE sub-brand while also hinting at the next evolutionary step of the Opel Compass.

“Our upcoming concept car will once again send pulses racing. It will preview upcoming models, impress with its stunning design and appeal to car enthusiasts around the globe. We will be revealing more details soon – so stay tuned,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

The brand with the Blitz has initially published a small selection of images, each showing unique elements of the latest creation of the design team around Vice President Design Mark Adams. One of the most eye-catching features teased by the images is the further development of the Opel Compass. The illuminated Opel wordmark sits at the centre and is framed by slim and precise vertical and horizontal elements.

Elsewhere, the images confirm that the concept car will tie in with the Rüsselsheim-based brand’s recent activities regarding its high-performance GSE sub-brand. In June, Opel announced that the Mokka GSE will go into serial production – and become the brand’s first all-electric high-performance car. The inclusion of the new GSE logo on the slim racing car inspired steering wheel indicates that the brand with the Blitz will explore the boundaries of battery-electric performance vehicles with the concept car. This is further underpinned by the aerodynamic and eye-catching design of the wheels with the truncated triangular elements providing a subtle nod to historic and iconic motorsport vehicles such as the Opel Manta 400 rally car.

The motorsport and performance cues continue with the futuristic and minimalistic lightweight driver’s seat and the clearly visible roll cage: Both indicate that the concept will be very much at home on the racing track and offer a thrilling yet comfortable and safe driving experience.

Opel will reveal the name along with further information on the latest concept car from Rüsselsheim soon and it will celebrate its world premiere at this year’s IAA Mobility in Munich (September 8 to 14, 2025).

Opel Celebrates “60 Years of Opel Design Studio”

• First of its kind: Advanced Studio started its creative work at Opel in 1964
• Visionary concept cars: From 1965 Opel Experimental GT to 2023 Opel Experimental
• Two reasons to celebrate: “125 years of automotive production at Opel” and “60 Years Design Center”

1965 Opel Experimental GT

2024 is an extraordinary anniversary year for Opel: The German brand has been producing automobiles for 125 years. Since 1899, the carmaker has made mobility affordable for millions of people – and at the same time continuously inspired the public with innovative models. Today, the Blitz emblem stands for the progressive electrification as well as the emotional, electrifying side of the brand. The design is primarily responsible for how a car can delight at first glance. And here Opel laid the pioneering foundations exactly 60 years ago: in 1964, Opel Design Studio in Rüsselsheim, the first automobile design centre of its kind in Europe, was opened. Since then, it has not only been responsible for the constantly evolving design philosophy of the Opel production models. The designers have also created groundbreaking concept vehicles that provide a glimpse of the brand's future – from the legendary Opel Experimental GT in 1965 to the most recent breathtaking Opel Experimental brand study, which had its sensational world premiere last year. And so, on Saturday, June 8, 2024, Opel celebrated two anniversaries with customers, employees and other high-ranking guests: 125 years of automobile production at Opel and 60 years of Opel Design Center.

2023 Opel Experimental

“Our production models delight our customers with their Bold and Pure design. From Experimental GT, Opel has revealed iconic concepts that have shown our automotive future, with Opel Design Center as the home of this creativity. Our designers have been bringing automotive dreams to life and making them real for a wide audience for six decades now,” said Mark Adams, Vice President Design of Opel/Vauxhall.

Mark Adams, Vice President Design of Opel/Vauxhall

Visionary Design Center: Three design departments under one roof

1964 was a year of Olympic Games – the XI Winter Games were opened in Innsbruck, and just a few months later, the Olympic flame burned at the XVIII Summer Games in Tokyo. And Rüsselsheim also extended an invitation to a special celebration. For the first time, guests were able to visit the new Opel Design Studio in building N10. For many of them it was also the last time, because after the grand opening, the futuristic-looking facilities were again closed to the public. From June 1964, forms, colours and functions of the brand’s cars were developed and decided here. “It’s easier to get into Fort Knox than into N10,” said an insider back then.

 Opel Design Studio (1964)

The formal opening of the building marked a milestone in European automotive history. It was the largest design studio owned by an automaker in Europe. Until then, most European car manufacturers often commissioned external specialists for the development of new concept cars. Northern Italy, in particular the area around the capital of the Piedmont region, Turin, was regarded as the mecca of automobile design. Pietro Frua, Guiseppe “Nuccio” Bertone and Pininfarina had all set up their coachbuilding enterprises between the Alps and the Apennines. They were responsible for the design of many of the car manufacturers’ new models and concepts.

In Rüsselsheim, three new department were housed in the building known as N10. The Interior Design department determined the forms and materials inside the car, and designed seats, instrument panels and trim panelling. The second department was concerned with bodywork. It worked on the face, the silhouette and the proportions of the car, giving each model its own character. While the bundling and emphasis on design work was a novelty in the European automotive industry, the third department at N10 was simply tasked with pioneering work. For the first time in Europe, Opel had created a team of high-calibre designers who were now reaching out beyond the confines of daily business and the further development of familiar model series to focus their sights much further into the future. While others at best developed the shape of a new body, in Rüsselsheim thought was being put into design language and emotions. Advanced Design dedicated its work primarily to completely new concepts for automobiles – the ideas for mobility and the car customers of the future being central.

First concept car from a European manufacturer: Opel Experimental GT

To be at the forefront of future development, Opel built its own Advanced Studio as an integral part of its operation. In 1965, barely one year after work began at N10, the first project of this department of thinkers and visionaries around Erhard Schnell was exhibited at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA): the Opel Experimental GT, the first completely new concept car developed by a European manufacturer. For the first time a reputable car manufacturer in Europe had developed a vehicle whose only purpose was to demonstrate the possibilities of new, creative forms. At no stage during its development was it planned as a series production vehicle.

IAA 1965

But things turned out differently: the feedback from the media and the public for the high-performance study with the characteristic “Coke Bottle Shape” was overwhelming. One would never have expected such an extravagant sports car from Opel. And thus, the decision was quickly made to bring the Opel GT into series production. Just three years after the initial spark at the IAA, the GT prototype matured into a production car in record time.

The visionary approach of the Opel Design Studio was unique in Europe in the 1960s. It quickly turned into a European school for automobile design that had a magical attraction for the best in the industry. The studio’s personnel list from the past reads like a Who’s Who of the automotive design world: Anatole Lapine, Erhard Schnell, George Gallion, Charles M. ‘Chuck’ Jordan, Herbert Killmer, Chris Bangle, Murat Nasr and Hideo Kodama. And more than a few made their way to other manufacturers during their career after other brands had also established their own design studios years later. Many ideas, forms and design statements in automobiles originated in Rüsselsheim and reach back into the 1960s.

Traditionally innovative: Exciting concepts including recent Opel Experimental

The list of design icons created by the Opel Advanced Design Studio in these 60 years can hardly be topped in its diversity. Opel Experimental GT was quickly followed by Opel CD, a streamlined coupé with a V8 engine in 1969, GT2 with sliding doors in 1975 and the extremely aerodynamically optimised Tech1, whose drag coefficient of 0.235 was an absolute sensation in the early 1980s.

1969 Opel CD

1977 Opel GT2

1981 Opel Tech1

2013 Opel Monza Concept

Opel Monza Concept, presented in 2013, already provided a first taste of the bold and pure design language of the current Opel design, for which the team led by Vice President Design Mark Adams was responsible. In 2018, Opel GT X Experimental was the first study to show the future Opel Vizor – which shortly afterwards celebrated its premiere in a series model as Opel Mokka. To this day the Vizor is the central element of the front design across the entire Opel portfolio. In addition, Pure Panel, which offers wide touchscreens and reduces all other control elements to the essentials, was also seen for the first time – today it too can be experienced in every new series production Opel.

2018 Opel GT X Experimental 

Advanced Design delivered its most recent “hit” with the breathtaking Opel Experimental. The study presented last year provides a glimpse of the future of the brand. With impressive proportions, intelligent aerodynamic solutions, highly efficient use of space as well as the latest lighting technology and electrochromic materials, the battery-electric Experimental represents Opel's resource-saving automotive future. At the same time, 60 years after opening the first design centre of a manufacturer in Europe, the designers at Opel are already working on automotive designs for the coming decades – exciting ideas and concepts guaranteed!

Opel Experimental Gives Clear Vision of Future of the Brand

• German Energy: Opel Experimental embodies three brand pillars
• Bold and Pure: Next chapter of Opel design philosophy with 4D Opel Vizor
• Painting with light: Electrochromic fabrics immerse occupants in atmospheric light

Opel is showing how it will be approaching the future with its stunning new Opel Experimental concept. With an ultra-modern exterior design, the Opel Experimental gives a clear vision of where the Opel brand will be heading in the coming years. Highlights include the cutting-edge aero-efficiency features, the spacious, illuminated interior with lightweight seats and next-level head-up display. The battery-electric crossover will celebrate its world premiere at this year’s IAA Mobility in Munich (September 5 to 10, 2023), where it will surely turn heads and introduce a new audience to Opel’s vision for sustainable individual mobility.

 

“Opel Experimental gives an outlook on upcoming models and technologies, on the future design, even on a new era and the future of the brand. This stunning concept car represents a guiding light and showcases once again Opel’s pioneering spirit,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

“Our new Opel Experimental gives a more extreme interpretation of our Bold and Pure design philosophy. It gives shape to our vision of the future. Many of the elements of its design and the mindset behind it will be visible in future production vehicles. The exterior design delivers an optimised aerodynamic performance in combination with a stunning silhouette while the interior offers an immersive and emotional user experience,” added Mark Adams, Vice President Design.

One of the most eye-catching things about the sleek silhouette of the Opel Experimental is the absence of chrome. Instead, the addition of exterior lighting and bold contrasting graphics add personality and sophistication to the already impressive proportions. Overall, the efficient battery-electric crossover is based on a state-of-the-art Stellantis BEV platform, and also equipped with electric all-wheel drive. The dramatic tapering profile has a bold and pure design with clean surfacing to enhance its stunning presence. Even traditional wing mirrors have made way for fully integrated 180-degree cameras on the C-pillars while sharp, muscular wheel-arch blisters emphasise the confident stance.

At the front, the new illuminated Opel Blitz sits proudly at the centre of the signature Opel Compass, the guiding element of Opel’s design philosophy. It is flanked by the elongated wing signature lighting on the horizontal axis while the illuminated centre crease adds further drama. This then repeats at the rear with the distinctive compass signature braking light created by edge lighting technology and sophisticated glass transparency. This combines with bold Opel lettering – instead of the Blitz logo at the rear – to form the central element. Around the front compass sits the next generation 4D Opel Vizor. Extra dimension is the addition of the advanced sight technologies including sensors, the lidar, radar and camera systems.

Clever aero solutions and space detox

The sleek and gliding silhouette of the Opel Experimental is set around very efficient packaging while the concept car also offers clever and optimised aero solutions. Aero-flaps at the front and rear increase aerodynamic efficiency as does the rear end diffusor. It extends or retracts depending on the prevailing driving situation. Elsewhere, the tyres developed in cooperation with Goodyear are made from recycled rubber and sit on 3-zone Ronal wheels with an active feature to increase aerodynamic efficiency even further.

While the exterior dimensions put the Opel Experimental in the compact C-segment the interior boasts D-segment spaciousness. This has been enabled by the liberation of space (space detox) inside the Opel Experimental. The steering wheel folds away seamlessly when not required. This is made possible by the steer-by-wire system, which further reduces weight by eliminating mechanical steering components. Elsewhere, the lightweight adaptive seats combine a lean but durable structure with 3D mesh-technology fabrics. These ensure the outstanding seating comfort that customers have become accustomed to from Opel vehicles, while contributing further to the liberation of space inside the concept car.

Pure Experience, Pure Pad – pure pleasure

Detox approach is continued with the Pure Experience. Drivers can personalise the information according to their needs on the slim Tech Bridge, a new interpretation of the Pure Panel seen in current Opel models. Instead of conventional screens, information or entertainment is presented using augmented projection technology supported by artificial intelligence and natural voice control.

Floating, transparent Pure Pad sits ahead of the front armrest. It can be configured according to the driver’s personal preferences, thus allowing instant access to the most frequently used controls.

While the Opel Experimental embodies all of Opel’s brand pillars – Detox, Modern German, Greenovation – it also goes a step further by expressing the brand’s emotional approach to sustainable mobility. Electrochromic fabrics immerse occupants in atmospheric light that create a perfect environment for wellbeing. In addition, the reactive fabrics can enhance functional attributes. For example, when a vehicle enters the blind spot, a warning appears in the respective door insert as well as on the head-up display thus providing additional safety for occupants and other road users.

With its focus on showing a clear vision for the brand, the Opel Experimental continues the long and successful tradition of concept cars “made in Rüsselsheim”, a tradition that started in 1965 when Opel became the first European brand to present a design study in the form of the legendary Experimental GT.