Revealed: Opel's design future

These are the first images of the Monza Concept, which will preview GM Europe’s future design direction when it’s unveiled at September’s Frankfurt motor show.

Efficiency and connectivity are touted as hallmarks of the concept, which is said to pioneer new architecture solutions and a “ground-breaking powertrain”. GM also boasts of a “quantum leap” in the development of infotainment systems.

Speaking at the vehicle’s pre-reveal, Opel/Vauxhall CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann said the Monza represents a vision of the company’s future and gives an indication of its design targets.

“It (the Monza) covers a whole range of subject areas and elements,” said Karl-Thomas. “It carries them forward in a visionary fashion, expressing them with fresh inspiration and clarity. This car is a study that will have a long-term impact on the next generation of Vauxhall and Opel models.”

The accompanying images reveal a concept that embodies some familiar Opel design elements, but they’ve been reinterpreted for a more contemporary look.

For example, the crease on the bonnet appears more three-dimensional and prominent, while the chrome grille bar carrying the brand logo now sweeps up with winglets at its tips. Two characteristic blades under the headlights add to the dynamism.

This isn’t the first time the Monza moniker has been used by GM Europe, as the nameplate was worn by an Opel coupe in the 1970s/’80s – one example of which was modified by Peter Brock’s HDT with a 5.0-litre V8 replacing the original six-pot.

The HDT Monza was conceived with the idea of being built and sold on a low-volume basis, but unfortunately its prospects were scuppered by the difficulty of getting it to comply with the Australian Design Rules.

The new concept pays tribute to the original Monza coupe via its large glazed surfaces and low belt line, and GM Europe claims it also heralds a greater level of functionality for driver and passenger.

The original Monza was the first car on the market to feature a digital dashboard display, and the Monza Concept is said to continue this innovative theme.

GM claims it introduces ground-breaking technologies for future infotainment and connectivity, showing how the next-generation Opel/Vauxhall cars “will address the needs of a more closely connected and communications-savvy society”.

“With the Monza Concept, we make our automotive future tangible today,” said Karl-Thomas. “I can’t yet go into detail about how the Monza Concept’s interior design and trend-setting technologies.

“However, I can guarantee that viewed from any angle, its innovative body design and perfect proportions will turn heads. But they are just a visible expression of the great substance you will find under the bodywork.”

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