Opel GT Concept, A Sign of Things to Come?
Hey, What Happened to the “Baby Corvette”?
Opel is on the comeback trail and has a treat in store for the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show in March. For those of you not familiar with the brand, it’s the European cousin of Chevy and Buick. At Geneva, Opel is going to unveil their new Opel GT Concept car. Some of you may remember the old production Opel GT from 1960’s and 1970’s, which looked a lot like a junior-sized C3 Corvette. But Opel has replaced the old “baby Corvette” with a more classy body, while retaining the sporty mid front-engine, rear-wheel drive two-seater platform.
Puristic, Approachable Sports Car of the Future?
Opel describes the Opel GT Concept car as an example of its vision for an “approachable sportscar”, as well as a “sportscar of the future”. The GT Concept’s simple lines, but bold curves make it distinct without being too futuristic. It looks like a car that could realistically go into production without deviating too much from the show car. This theme continues inside the cabin, which stays true to the puristic approach Opel speaks of. The panoramic roof makes for a nice touch, although it’s not hard to imagine a drop-top version of the car, as well.
The Self-Learning Human Machine Interface
While the Opel GT Concept doesn’t look overly futuristic, it is loaded with technology. From a steering wheel and pedals that electrically adjust to fit the driver, to an adaptive “Human Machine Interface” (HMI) that learns a driver’s preferences. The system works via touchpad and voice control only, no buttons. Opel says the driver has a “dialogue” with the car, which will answer in a “charming voice” and will even warn you about the motorcycle hiding out next to your quarter panel. The Opel GT Concept can stay connected to the office and when the mood changes it can optimize the accelerator, transmission and engine control for more spirited driving. The displays will switch from business to performance feedback, even showing the g-force values of the longitudinal acceleration.
A Sports Car for the People
Opel says the GT Concept was created as a popular sports car – not an elusive super-car. With a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged engine adopted from other current production Opel models, the Opel GT Concept delivers 145 hp and 151 ft-lb of torque. The turbo power is delivered to the rear wheels via sequential six-speed transmission that is operated by shift paddles on the steering wheel. If this beauty goes into production, hopefully GM will see it’s way clear to put a six-speed stick in the center console.
The two-seater Opel GT Concept has a total weight under 2,200 pounds, placing it squarely in the Miata/FR-S/BR-Z class. But it still takes nearly eight seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. Although it tops out at a respectable 133 mph, a production version will need more juice to compete with the other small-displacement two-seaters on the market today. GM should think about adding another cylinder in any production version so it can compete on a more equal footing with already stiff competition.
But all in all, I think Opel may have a hit on their hands if they can pack a little more punch under the hood and deliver a production version with the same winning looks. But please, leave the paddle-shifters for the guys driving a gaming console.
Speedmeister.com
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