In the rearview mirror: visionaries with lightning
Slim silhouette, high-contrast graphics, successful proportions and technologies for future models - that's the Opel Experimental. The latest concept car, which the Stellantis brand is presenting to the public for the first time at this year's IAA Mobility in Munich, is intended to provide a glimpse of the future design and future of the Opel brand. It is easy to see the many appealing details: the bright new lightning bolt in the center of the compass at the front as well as the striking lettering at the rear, the tapering profile of the all-electric all-wheel drive crossover together with aerodynamic solutions and intelligent use of space are just a few examples here. At the same time, the Opel Experimental adds a new chapter to the long history of IAA concept vehicles from Rüsselsheim.
And it began sensationally, with the Opel Experimental GT at the 1965 IAA, a study built entirely in the factory. With its waisted "coke-bottle" design, flat, tapered nose, bulbous fenders, round taillights and characteristic flip-up headlights at the front, the model wowed both off and on the stand. As a result, Opel mass-produced the Opel GT just three years later.
Spurred on by the huge success of the Experimental GT, Opel designers and engineers set about designing the next show car from Rüsselsheim. In 1969, the brand then unveiled the Opel CD (Coupé Diplomat), a two-seater luxury coupe based on the Opel Diplomat. With its fiberglass body, a partially removable glass dome instead of doors, 15-inch alloy wheels, adjustable steering column, freely suspended instrument panel, adjustable pedals and a center console with dummy telephone, the Opel CD made visions of the future tangible.
Studies based on the Corsa: Opel Junior and Opel Scamp
Moving on to 1983: 14 years after the Opel CD, the manufacturer chose a completely different approach with the presentation of the Opel Junior. The focus was not only on the future design, but the study was also intended to set the mood for sustainable mobility with low fuel consumption. Its drag coefficient is 0.31, which together with the low kerb weight of 650 kilograms should enable consumption of just 4.0 liters per 100 kilometers. Based on the Corsa A, the Junior offers space for four people and smart details such as seat covers that can be used as a sleeping bag. Parts of the dashboard, such as the stereo system or the clock, can be removed and used outside the vehicle.
Ten years later, the Corsa, the best-selling small car, once again formed the basis for the 1993 Opel Scamp study. With its increased ground clearance, the Scamp can be considered a forerunner of modern B-SUVs. The concept car offers space for up to four people. The rear seats and the cargo area were covered by a practical folding top that could be opened completely. The SUV approach is also underlined by special devices in the trunk that allow two bicycles or other sports equipment to be transported safely.
Monza Concept: Bridge to electrification
Finally, at the 2013 IAA, Opel showcased the gullwing study Opel Monza Concept, which offered visionary technologies in infotainment and connectivity with LED projections and car-to-car as well as car-to-x communication. In addition, the concept car bridged the gap to increasing electrification. Its modular architecture enabled the integration of diverse drive alternatives from plug-in hybrids to hydrogen fuel cells and conventional combustion engines. The IAA exhibit presented itself as an electric vehicle with a natural gas range extender. (aum)
More info for topic: Opel , IAA-Konzeptstudien , Experimental , Geschichte
Share this article:
Images of article
IAA concept car Opel CD from 1969.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel CD from 1969.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel CD from 1969.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel CD from 1969.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel CD from 1969.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel CD from 1969.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel GT Experimental from 1965.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel GT Experimental from 1965.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel GT Experimental from 1965.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel GT Experimental from 1965.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel Junior from 1983.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel Junior from 1983.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel Junior from 1983.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel Junior from 1983.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel Junior from 1983.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel Junior from 1983.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel Junior from 1983.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel Scamp 1993.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel Scamp 1993.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel Scamp 1993.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel Scamp 1993.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel Scamp 1993.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel Monza Concept from 2013.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel Monza Concept from 2013.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel Monza Concept from 2013.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel Monza Concept from 2013.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel Monza Concept from 2013.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel Monza Concept from 2013.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel Experimental from 2023.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel Experimental from 2023.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel Experimental from 2023.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download:
IAA concept car Opel Experimental from 2023.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Opel
Download: