Opel's GTC coupe concept that wowed Geneva has found form in a production car already. The swoopy coupe with, dare we say it VE-style cues, is the inspiration of the all-new Vectra, tipped to arrive in Europe in 2008.
The new car will head up Opel's offering and sit below the HSV-fettled VXR8 in Vauxhall's line-up. According to our spymasters, Carparazzi, the new Vectra is built on GM's Epsilon 2 which will allow the car to be upsized for its new role -- a vital move if it is to compete against the likes of VW's larger Passat in key markets such as Germany and Italy.
What's still hidden under heavy cladding pictured hereabouts are swoopy coupe-style lines that echo the Geneva concept car (for more click here). Make no mistake, however, despite the radical fastback profile the Vectra is a full four-door with true adult-sized rear seat accommodation.
A higher-quality cabin will also be key to keeping the new model on terms with its Euro and Japanese rivals. And it's inside that, according to industry sources, the new Vectra will make the biggest leaps. Flagship Vectras are tipped to get a system called Traffic Assist, which uses an array of lasers and video cameras to scan the road ahead for warning signs, lane markings and other traffic -- meaning the Opel could be the world's first 'driverless' car.
Another first will be the arrival of an all-wheel drive version, while the wider engine range will include a 150kW 2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel, plus a development of the existing 2.8-litre V6 petrol -- perhaps with direct injection a la the current top-of-the-line Astras.
On sale in late 2008, the new Vectra should debut at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. Alas, don't hold your breath on it coming Down Under. It's Epica or bust for us…
-- with Carparazzi