Calibra comeback?
An all-new next generation Calibra concept could make its debut in FrankfurtIf the rumours turn out to be true, there's going to be a lot of happy campers at club Calibra. Two decades after it was originally unveiled, the Calibra is set to make a comeback in the form of a new concept car.
The UK press are reporting that the Vauxhall Calibra (badged the Holden Calibra in AustraIia) will return, to eventually compete against svelte Euro coupes such as the VW Scirocco and Peugeot 308 RCZ.
Expected to make its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show in Germany, the new Vauxhall Calibra concept coupe will be based on the new Astra's "Delta" platform, albeit with a wider track and a slightly increased wheelbase.
Australian imports of the Calibra in the 1990s included the 2.5-litre V6 and a 2.0-litre inline four, but the new model isn't expected to get six-cylinder power.
Instead, a range of four-cylinder engines, both turbodiesel and petrol, are likely to be offered, the range-topper being a 184kW (250hp) 2.0-litre four lifted from the Astra VXR (badged the HSV VXR in Australia).
It is not yet known whether the Calibra will offer AWD underpinnings but front-wheel drive models are a certainty.
The 2+2 coupe is expected to come packaged with a range of advanced chassis systems, such as a switchable suspension damping system called FlexRide, allowing drivers to choose the level of ride, from stiff and sporty to soft and relaxed.
When the original Calibra launched in 1989, it was claimed to be the world's most aerodynamic coupe, and it will be interesting to see if Vauxhall/Opel can achieve this feat in 2009.
The design is expected to be very sleek and progressive and as these CGI mock ups from respected UK website Auto Express show, its profile could be a modern take on the original design, which would be sure to please aficionados.
If the concept becomes reality, the car probably won't arrive in Europe for a few years and as Holden is still considering the European-made Astra's future in Australia, an all-new 2012 Calibra would be no certainty. But never say never...
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