Opel has revealed the exterior of its new GT Concept, a front mid-engined show car that features an evolution of the brand’s sculptural design philosophy aimed at expressing purity of forms.

Set to be revealed at the upcoming 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the Opel GT Concept was developed based on the heritage and philosophy of models such as the Opel Experimental GT and the more recent Monza Concept.

The main visual link with the past is provided by the proportions – defined by the long hood, the absence of a trunk lid and a minimal rear overhang, reminiscent of another prototype of the 1960s, the 1966 Vauxhall XVR Concept.

The look of this sportscar is avant-garde and puristic, with a minimalistic approach that leaves out all the elements that disturb the pure form, including for example, the door handles and exterior door mirrors.

One of the main design elements is the the red signature line that splits the vehicle body horizontally, underlining the surface flow and the car’s proportions.

The sculptural look is underlined by the semi-transparent fixed “windows” which have a seamless transition from glass to painted surfaces. They result completely fused and integrated into the large doors, which extend up to the front wheel-arches.

The doors are electrically operated and can be opened through a touchpad integrated in the red signature line of the roof. This space-saving and patented mounting allows a large opening angle – particularly in relatively tight parking spaces.

The side mirrors are replaced by two cameras mounted behind the wheel arches, transmitting their images to two monitors on the left and right-hand side of the cockpit.

Another distinctive touch is provided by the red front tires – mounted on rims with a cheeky roller skates design – which are reminiscent of the1928 Opel motorbike Motoclub 500- which also had two red tires.

Mark Adams, Vice President, Design Europe, commented: “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’.”

Technical features

The front mid-engine layout allows to achieve a low, centrally positioned center of gravity, ideal for sporty handling and excellent cornering dynamics.

The Opel GT Concept is equipped with a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbocharged engine based on the all-aluminum engine used in ADAM, Corsa and Astra.

In this version, the efficient direct injection gasoline unit develops 107 kW/145 hp and maximum torque of 205 Nm.

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.

Thanks to the total weight below 1,000 kilograms, the GT Concept accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in less than eight seconds and has a top speed of 215 km/h.

The main headlamps with three-dimensional design and integrated indicators feature adaptive full LED light. The Opel IntelliLux LED® matrix light allows glare-free high beam driving.

The 1965 Opel Experimental GT

In 1965, only one year after the foundation of the first design studio run by a European car manufacturer, Opel presented a sleek and expressive coupé with the reliable technology of the Kadett B at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

It was the first concept car ever presented by a European manufacture, included 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.

(Source: Opel)