


The Opel GTC will be powered by a 2.8-liter turbo V6 gasoline engine (the same as featured in the Saab 9-3 XWD) featuring two variable camshafts coupled with an electronic four-wheel drive system and mated to a six-speed manual. The Opel GTC can thrust itself from zero to 60 mph in just under six seconds and tops out at 155 mph. Hmmm... with a little more power could this be Europe's contender to Nissan's Skyline GTR? (There's even a slight profile resemblanceto the Nissan GT-R PROTO Concept, but more comments on design later...) The IDSPlus chassis management system continually monitors and regulates the power distribution betweenfront and rear wheels depending on driving conditions.
This four-seat Opel GTC measures 190.1 inches long by 73.5 inches wide and 56.4 inches high, with a wheelbase of 107.8 inches. From the front, notice the trapezoidal grille that sets the backdrop for the signature Opel bar finished in polished aluminum and centered with the redesigned logo. The vertical brushed aluminum air intake vents give a not so subtle message about this car's athletic capabilities. The headlights bisect these vertical grilles. With the LED driving lamps on, the GTC produces a unique aura of radiance that screams for attention. Catch a glimpse of its profile and notice the 245/40 R20 tires with red signature tread stripes wrapped in a black and polished spoke wheels; they remind me of the wheels on Hot Wheels toy cars. The rear quarter is reminiscent of the BMW6-Series, while the C-pillar is Infiniti G35 coupe-like. Strong lines and the C-shaped indentation on the door complete the muscular image of this vehicle. The rear is equally impressive with an integrated spoiler molded on the trunk. Vertical cues are echoed with vertical aluminum exhaust stacks on each side.


In terms of functionality and design, Opel engineers integrated their “Flex4” patent pending interior concept that allows the rear seats to fold flat and line up with the front seats, thereby creating a flat load surface for luggage up to 5.9 feet long. The car becomes essentially either a three-seater or a two-seater, allowing a maximum of 36.0 cu-ft of cargo carrying capacity. Who said a sports coupe can't be practical?In the past, GM's North American spokespeople have alluded to bringing more of their European line up into the North American market, and in the past year have been doing so. The brand that you'll be seeing Opel products under is Saturn, GM's North American import fighter. Besides providing a strong influence over styling, Saturn's forthcoming Astra compact car is a true, blue Opel product, as is the new Vue. It's been said that the Opel GTC is a preview to the next generation Opel Vectra midsize sedan, which is rumored to be our second generation Aura, a vehicle that won North American Car of the Year.
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