GM springs a surprise with Geneva 'Monaro'

No, it's not the new Monaro… But, oh how we thought so ay first glance! GM used the Geneva motor show to provide a glimpse of its future design direction -- at least as far as Europe is concerned -- via its swoopy all-wheel drive GTC coupe concept.

"This concept car demonstrates the new interpretation of the (Opel and Vauxhall) brands," said GM's European marketing boss, Alain Visser.

"The GTC Concept embodies the confident, emotional direction we're taking. Its exciting lines combined with its high driving dynamics and interior flexibility reflect what the brand trademark characteristics will be in the future."

"You have seen a number of our recent concept cars become reality," added Hans Demant, vice president of engineering for GM Europe. "Concepts like the GTC Geneve and Antara GTC or the Flex-Fix rear carrier system from the TRIXX previewed their production variants.

The four-seat coupe is powered by a 220kW, 2.8-litre V6 turbo petrol engine -- a derivative of the Port Melbourne-built unit used in the range-toping Saab 9-3 SportCombi -- and features an intelligent, electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system, designed to maximise traction and stability.

Interior flexibility is also said to be a strength, thanks to a 'Flex4' system that enables the rear seatback to slide (rather than tilt) forward and dock with the front seats, liberating up to 1020 litres of luggage capacity.

CarPoint/Carsales spoke exclusively to GM's North American design boss Ed Welburn at the Geneva show, and he revealed: "Future mid-market Opels will look like this by 2009."

"It (the GTC) is far more sculptural than where Opel has been."

Welburn said the GTC provided clues to the next-generation Vectra, but he also revealed that the coupe was "within realms as a production model" in its existing form.

It could shape as an interesting prospect as GM claims the 220kW/400Nm turbo V6 can power the car to 100km/h in about 6sec and on to an electronically governed v-max of 250km/h.

Indulging in further crystal ball-gazing, one could speculate that elements of the GTC's design language could also be adopted by Holden badged products.