Opel GT: In Depth

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |

Dynamic Look Is New Interpretation of Roadster

• Classic proportions wide stance with sleek silhouette and short overhangs
• Unmistakable personality with impressive front and strong features
• Archetypal roadster shape with tailor-made fabric roof

With its exciting, sharply sculpted design, the new Opel GT embodies the quintessential roadster in modern, contemporary form. Clear-cut edges contrast with muscular arched surfaces, creating an extraordinarily dynamic look that gives the GT its own unmistakable personality. And the characteristic proportions ? wide stance with sleek silhouette, long hood and short overhangs ? make it the ultimate example of its class. 18-inch aluminum wheels in new five-spoke design emphasize the roadster character, as does the tailor-made fabric roof, which completely disappears beneath a cover for open-top driving fun, and seamlessly integrates into the car’s shape when closed.

The new roadster’s face displays archetypal characteristics of its genre, as well as Opel-typical design elements in bold form:

• Wide, long front-hinged hood; sleek, short overhangs
• Striking front with large air intake in honeycomb design
• Wide chrome grille crossbar with integrated Opel logo
• Hood with distinctive center crease and air vents
• Bold 3-D headlamps in clear glass look drawn deep into the side panels
• V-shaped front end with prominent lamp units
• Powerfully sculpted fender with grooving and roadster-typical contours
• Tailor-made fabric roof

The GT’s especially sporty characteristics include the long chrome-bordered air vents in the hood, the grooving in the front fenders with their dynamic, Opel-typical horizontal signature lines ? like on the Antara ?, the double-pipe exhaust system and the twin air scoops behind the head restraints. These are not just reminiscent of classic motor sport and roadster design, but also fulfill an aerodynamic function by reducing air turbulence.

Both in silver, the windshield frame and the trim around the roof stowage compartment further accentuate the car’s distinctive look. The GT is available in seven colors, including colorful shades such as sunshine yellow and Eifel blue.

The ergonomically perfect cockpit with high-grip sport steering wheel, chrome-ringed dials and contoured sport seats is tailor-made for sporty driving. The short gear stick considerably adds to driving fun with its crisp, uncluttered operation; short gear travel enables quick gear shifts from the roadster-typical casual seating position. Customers who choose the Premium package, which includes leather seats with visible stitching and leather trim in the doors, have the choice between classic black leather upholstery or a bold two-tone combination of cobalt red and black. The high-tech look of the surface structures, accented with black piano lacquer and chrome finishes, underline the sporty ambience, while the chrome-ringed ventilation and lighting controls are further evidence of the GT designers’ careful attention to detail.

The roadster’s design was inspired by the Solstice concept car from 2002 and the Vauxhall VX Lightning concept car (2003) from the GM Advanced Design Studio in Coventry, England. The development of the new Opel GT is a prime example of transcontinental collaboration within GM. It stems from the decision to expand the portfolio with a compact, rear-wheel drive, sporty vehicle. The final Opel GT design was completed jointly at the GM Europe Design Studios in Rüsselsheim and the GM Design Studio in Detroit under the direction of Bryan Nesbitt.

“Sporty Silhouette with Short Overhangs”

Three Questions for Bryan Nesbitt, Executive Director, GM Europe Design

The first Opel GT was a milestone in the history of automobile design. Doesn’t that make it very difficult for a designer to create a successor?

Certainly the market landscape has changed from the original GT’s introduction. Image vehicles have become increasingly dramatic. Our intent is to capture some of the emotional imprints of the original GT. You should recognize similarities like the leaping front fenders and long hood proportions, but interpreted in a modern perspective relevant to todays Opel portfolio. Importantly, not unlike the original, the new GT visually communicates that this is a vehicle made for enjoying the drive.

Now, there can be advantages to creating a niche model such as a roadster: You typically have more freedoms due to the more singular image intent of the product versus a volume model.

What are the Opel GT’s classic sporty roadster characteristics?

Proportions play the major role in establishing a car’s foundational appeal. The GT is broad and flat. Its elongated silhouette, long dash-to-axle with short overhangs and 18-inch wheels pushed far into the corners, are the proportional ingredients.

Where was the Opel GT design created?

In Europe. The Opel GT design takes its inspiration from the Vauxhall VX Lightning concept car, which was developed in May 2003 at the GM Advanced Design Studio in England to celebrate the brand’s hundredth anniversary. The GT’s final execution took shape at the GMs Design Center in Detroit and the GM Europe Design Center in Rüsselsheim. With an international approach to design, we are using the best ideas from a diverse, talented workforce to create fresh, contemporary vehicles that resonate with our customers and stimulate their passion for driving a roadster and for the brand Opel.

Bryan Nesbitt was named Executive Director, GM Europe Design in February 2004. In this capacity, he is responsible for all Opel/Vauxhall, Saab and certain Saturn design activities. He was born in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A. on January 24, 1969. Bryan Nesbitt studied Architecture and Industrial Design at the Georgia Institute of Technology and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Automobile Design from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, U.S.A.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |

Source: Source: Adam Opel AG

Related entries:

Steinmetz GT debut in Essen

Opel GT: In Depth

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |

Innovative Production Processes

• Rigid vehicle structure with hydroformed side members à la Corvette
• Production according to “GM Global Manufacturing System”

The Opel GT’s roadster architecture, which it shares with its successful American sister models Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky, was designed from the beginning to meet the special demands of a sporty two-seater of this classic genre. The chassis is assembled using a number of different fabrication processes and assembly methods: Hydroformed steel frame tubes - with their high strength-to-weight ratio - and conventional stampings are joined using spot welding, MIG welding and adhesive bonding to produce the extremely rigid chassis structure needed in a convertible sports car.

The Opel GT is built at the Wilmington/Delaware plant in the USA according to the quality focused “GM Global Manufacturing System” (GM GMS). Implemented worldwide, the system is based on five key concepts: Built-in-Quality, Standardization, Continuous Improvement, Short Lead Time and People Involvement including shared responsibility for quality management.

The hydroformed tube structure, which runs from the front bumper, through the left and right-hand frame tubes all the way to the rear bumper, provides the vehicle with an extremely strong foundation. The only other car that uses this kind of complete hydroformed frame is the Chevrolet Corvette – for the same reason: The high strength-to-weight ratio of a hydroformed frame greatly benefits a powerful sports car.

Sheet hydroforming uses water pressure to help create the vehicle’s skin. The process is slower and more precise than traditional body stamping and offers the advantage of providing a much deeper “draw,” which enables the designers to use a greater creative freedom. Hydroforming alone made possible the Opel GT’s large, curvaceous clamshell hood, doors and rear quarter panel. Conventional stamping processes could not yield the same results.

Composite construction similar to Corvette

In the body shop, the underbody - including a large, enclosed central tunnel - is welded to the frame tubes. Floor panels are spot-welded above the corrugated sections to provide a flat passenger footwell area for both seats in a composite construction process similar to the one used on the Corvette. Unique assembly methods are employed during production to achieve the highest possible rigidity, such as adhesive bonding and MIG welding technology. Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding technology is a special electric arc welding process whereby the welding point is sprayed with a protective gas. MIG welding is employed on the Opel GT for the brackets and other chassis and body structures. Accessibility was the key here and was partly necessitated by the use of the hydroformed frame tubes, whose box sections do not allow for access to the inside of the tube.

The front dash structure and windshield frame - created from molded steel components that are spot welded together as a complete unit - are built up separately from the rest of the chassis. Although they have no supporting function, they do increase torsional rigidity. After painting, the unit is fitted with the instrument panel, steering controls, pedals and other related components. This dash/windshield sub-assembly is mated to the chassis during the vehicle’s general assembly process when it is lowered over the chassis hinge pillars and bonded in place using industrial adhesive - a process which is also used in modern aircraft construction - applied at the lower edge. Locating bolts on the hinge pillars hold the assembly in place during the curing process. Using similar modular designs, the upper rear partition well and luggage compartment well are pre-assembled from fiberglass-reinforced composite material.

In the event of damage to a car, technical adhesive bonding can be used for a range of low-cost repair procedures. The new Opel GT is a repair-friendly representative of its class, and is favorably classified by insurers despite its high level of driving performance. The body’s modular design, clever arrangement of components (a radiator situated far behind the large impact limiter, for example), the possibility of sectional repairs and the repairable hydroformed steel frame all contribute to the car’s favorable insurance rating.

Complex processes for exact finishes

All exterior body components are painted separately from the chassis structure prior to assembly. The parts are lacquered in groups on a “painting buck” to ensure color match. This off-line painting process makes possible the special accent-color body parts, such as the silver-colored windshield frame and tulip panel behind the driver and passenger seat headrests Wilmington assembly's body shop consists primarily of manual operations. Many of the around 1800 employees are well-trained, experienced specialists in precise manual body construction. Apart from a few robot stations, the roadster is completely produced by complex manual workmanship.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |

Source: Source: Adam Opel AG

Related entries:

Steinmetz GT debut in Essen

Opel GT: In Depth

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |

Plenty Of Power In All Situations Thanks To High-Tech Engine

• Innovative features include direct injection, camshaft phasing and turbocharging
• Classic configuration: Twin A-arm and perfect weight distribution

No other Opel engine has ever produced 132 hp output per liter. The new Opel GT’s engine is the perfect complement to the car’s dynamic look. The 1998 cm³, four-cylinder all-aluminum engine also boasts impressive performance data compared with competitor engines thanks to high-tech features such as gasoline direct injection, twin-scroll turbocharger with intercooler, double camshaft phasing and two balance shafts. Maximum output of 194 kW/264 hp at 5300 rpm and high torque plateau of 353 Nm between 2500 and 5000 rpm ensure plenty of power in all situations. The roadster accelerates to 100 km/h from a standing start in just 5.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of around 230 km/h, which for a roadster is more of a notional value. It requires an average of 9.2 liters of super unleaded gasoline per 100 kilometers (MVEG-mix). Jointly developed by GM Powertrain engineers on both sides of the Atlantic, the ECOTEC engine is based on the 2.2-liter direct injection unit available in the Vectra model range since 2004, and on the 2.0-liter turbo induction unit, which debuted in the Vectra GTS in spring 2003.

Perfect combination: Direct injection and turbocharging

The Opel GT’s direct gasoline injection ensures considerably more intensive combustion of the fuel mixture than an induction injection engine. Driven by the camshaft, a
high-pressure gasoline pump increases fuel pressure to up to 155 bar ? when the engine is idling, injection pressure is 50 bar. The fuel itself is drawn from the tank by an electric pump. The multi-port injection nozzles are arranged underneath the four-cylinder’s intake ports. The special shape of the piston head causes the fuel mixture to swirl around the centrally located spark plug. Controlled and complete combustion allowed for the compression ratio to be set especially high for a high-performance turbo engine at 9.2:1, which is beneficial for consumption in the partial-load range.

The four-cylinder engine’s turbocharger operates according to the twin-scroll principle. In the exhaust manifold and turbocharger, the geometry of the first and fourth, as well as of the second and third cylinder channels keeps them separated from each other. The pulsating mixture columns are directed into scrolls and merge directly in front of the turbine. Separating the exhaust-gas streams until they reach the turbine inlet enables optimal use of their dynamics. Pressure already starts to build up at around 1400 rpm, and gas pedal movements are translated into powerful acceleration just as quickly. Maximum turbo pressure is 1.38 bar. Other important features of the extremely compact turbocharger include an electro-magnetic overrun air valve, vacuum control and a turbine rotor optimized for efficiency. At a defined vacuum pressure, a valve is opened which directs the air back to the compressor inlet, keeping the charger’s rpm at a high level. With renewed acceleration, turbo pressure is immediately available again. To increase charging efficiency in the combustion chambers, the pre-compressed air is cooled by 100 degrees Celsius in an intercooler before entering the combustion chambers.

Opel’s second-generation, reinforced aluminum engine block is used in the GT; in particular, the main crankshaft bearing supports and cylinder walls have been strengthened. The high-performance engine’s high thermal load capacity facilitates the piston end’s oil-spray cooling and backs up the cylinders’ wet liner, which extends far downwards. The cast aluminum pistons transfer power via forged piston rods to the forged crankshaft.

Clever double camshaft phasing

Both of the four-cylinder’s camshafts can be adjusted via an electro-hydraulic rotary disk to match valve opening times to the engine load level via the engine control unit. With higher overlap at lower rpm, continuous variable camshaft phasing also ensures that the turbocharger responds more quickly. The exhaust valves are filled with sodium, and exhaust gases are released to the tailpipe via a stainless steel manifold. All valves are operated via low-friction roller valve levers.

The engine block also features two counter-rotating balance shafts, a low-maintenance chain drive for the camshafts and a cast-on oil filter housing, which is easily accessible from above. Only the cartridge needs replacing when changing oil, and the appropriate time for this is indicated by an interval display. Sensors measure the usage rate of the fully synthetic oil based on parameters such as the number of cold engine starts and the ignition sparks produced by the spark plugs. The plugs themselves only need changing after 160,000 kilometers and the coolant after 240,000 kilometers.

Chassis with classic sporty configuration

For the Opel GT, engineers designed a classic, sporty configuration based on a rigid chassis, wide track (front/rear: 1543/1561 mm) and long wheelbase of 2415 mm: all four wheels are suspended from twin A-arms made from forged aluminum, the center of gravity is low, and the weight distribution of 51:49 percent (front/rear) is well balanced. A manual five-speed transmission with sporty, short gear travel and limited slip differential provide propulsion power. A torque beam between the transmission and rear axle suppresses reactions to acceleration/deceleration effects.

While disk brakes on all wheels, ABS, Traction Control (TC) and the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) monitor safety, the driver can control the level of ESP and use of TC himself. Both systems are fully active after ignition, with the setup providing driving fun but also keeping the vehicle stable within the physical limitations. At the touch of the ESP button in the instrument panel, the Traction Control (TC) is switched off, but ESP remains active and intervenes as soon as the yaw angle exceeds certain thresholds. Two short presses change the ESP’s calibration to a sportier mode and keep the Traction Control (TC) deactivated. Pushing and holding the ESP again for around ten seconds until the “ESP Off” symbol illuminates, completely deactivates ESP and TC. A short press of the button in any mode returns the two systems to their normal states, which also occurs automatically with each new engine start. A display and control light in the instrument panel keeps the driver informed about the current status of both systems.

Town, Country, Highway ?Tough Practice Test

Rolling hills and dense forests, picturesque castles, quaint half-timbered houses ? it’s not surprising that the idyllic Odenwald forest is one of the most popular places to visit in southern Hesse. However, the Opel development team members are less interested in tourist attractions and more in the varying demands of the roads when they test a new model to its limits along a standardized 200-kilometer course ? a rite of passage every new Opel model has had to pass for the last two years.

As with all Opel cars, the GT’s ambitious target was to cover 100,000 kilometers in only around 26 weeks. The average driver would take between four and seven years to travel the same distance. “During this long-term testing, we thoroughly evaluate the cars on a continuous basis from the viewpoint of our customers”, explains Michael M. Meyer, Manager, vehicle endurance and long-term quality. Two Opel GTs were in operation from 6:15 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Friday, covering four circuits for a total of around 800 kilometers per day and car.

The GTs return to the Development Center between circuits, so that the specially trained drivers can give immediate feedback. At the end of the shift, the engineers analyze how the circuits went. “Because of the proximity to our Development Center, we have up-to-the-minute data,” says Meyer. “The varied nature of the course was also important.” Highway and country roads made up the majority of the circuit, each accounting for 40 percent of the course, while a four kilometer stretch was purposely driven on very poorly maintained roads. “One thing must be made very clear about this testing process: being a test driver has nothing to do with racing around. Safety and strict adherence to all traffic regulations and speed limits are an integral part of testing,” adds Meyer.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |

Source: Source: Adam Opel AG

Related entries:

Steinmetz GT debut in Essen

Opel GT: In Depth

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |

Technical Data Overview

Engine / transmission
Emissions standard compliance			Euro 4
Fuel			super unleaded
Number of cylinders			4
Bore		mm	86.0
Stroke		mm	86.0
Displacement		cm3	1998
Max. output		kW (hp)	194 (264)
		at rpm	5300
Max. torque		Nm	353
		at rpm	2500 - 5000
Transmission			5-speed, manual
Driving performance		Fuel consumption in l/100 km
Maximum speed in km/h	Acceleration from 0 – 100 km/h in seconds	Urban	Extra-urban	Combined	CO2 emissions in g/km
229	5.7	13.0	6.9	9.2	218
Car dimensions in mm
Length		4100
Width		1813
Height (at curb weight)		1274
Wheelbase		2415
Track, front		1543
Track, rear		1561
Turning clearance in m
Curb-to-curb		10.45
Luggage compartment capacity (liter)
Roof closed		157
Roof open		66
Weight and axle load in kg
Curb weight excl. driver (according to 70/156/EU)		1331
Gross vehicle weight		1625
Maximum axle load, front		850
Maximum axle load, rear		775

All data refer to the European base model with standard equipment. The consumption data according to 1999/100/EU takes into consideration the vehicle’s curb weight as stipulated by this regulation. The published performance figures are possible with the vehicle’s curb weight excluding driver plus a 200 kilogram load allowance.

Opinions on New Opel GT

Carl-Peter Forster,
President General Motors Europe:

“Develop and build cars with passion ? nothing better defines what drives our team. And our customers will feel our passion when they start up the new Opel GT. With the new roadster, we now have an impressive and multifaceted large portfolio of niche products, including the Tigra and Astra TwinTops, which all offer open-top driving fun in their own unique way.”

Hans Demant,
Managing Director, Adam Opel GmbH and GME Vice President, Engineering:

“The new Opel GT is a prime example of the technology and design potential that our growing global cooperation within GM offers. We can develop products based on joint vehicle architectures, which not only boast brand-specific characteristics and are worthwhile in smaller production runs, but also enhance the Opel image.”

Bryan Nesbitt,
Executive Director Design, GM Europe:

“Designing a roadster is one of the treats of the profession. You know from day one it must exude emotion and fashion beyond all else. The Opel GT is more than a car, it suggests a lifestyle."

Alain Visser,
Executive Director, European Opel Marketing:

“An absolute dream car, and thanks to its attractive, affordable price starting from 30,675 euros, it’s a dream that can come true. The new Opel GT concept is in line with its legendary predecessor, and with a powerful turbo engine, the purebred roadster enjoys an exceptional place in its segment.”

Chris Pinn,
Chief Engineer, Model Line:

“In the development division, our enthusiasm for the new Opel GT knew no boundaries: we constantly had to keep an eye on the keys to the prototypes!”

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |

Source: Source: Adam Opel AG

Related entries:

Steinmetz GT debut in Essen

Leaked: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupé

The Hyundai Genesis Coupé was leaked onto the Internet for a few days now and it will have a world debut at the New York motorshow. Marketed as a 2010 model, the Genesis Coupé is likely to reach UK shores.

Only 2 petrol engines will be available at launch; 2.0 litre 4 in line turbo and a 3.8 litre V6 which I think is borrowed of the U.S KIA Sedona. The V6 should produce around 300bhp. No word a the 4.6 litre V8 which could come from the Genesis sedan.

In other news, its rumoured Hyundai could bring two new coupes into the UK by 2009. First of all will be the Genesis Coupé which is set to rival the Nissan 350Z and secondly will be the Hyundai Coupé. The new, smaller coupe will be based of the Volester concept while prices are expected to start from £15,000. The prime rival is the Mazda MX-5 which sells massively in the UK.

Been thinking....

Although this post won't have a huge affect on the car industry, in the last few weeks I've been thinking about dropping the forum in favor for a homepage and this blog.

The reason for axing it will be on the link below.

So, the big quetion is Should the forum be axed?

Please vote for your choice.

Thank you