Ever since Opel lifted the covers off the stylish GTC Concept back in 2007, there have been rumors flying throughout the internet and the media about a production version of the study that would essentially replace the Vectra-based Calibra of the 1990s.
And while many (yours truly included) may support that an Astra-based sports coupe sounds like a more reasonable and lucrative proposal for Opel, Car Magazine has returned with an update on the Calibra II / GTC Concept story.
The report claims that the four-seater coupe is still under consideration but if it gets the final okay, it could go on sale as early as 2013, which sounds plausible given that the car would be more or less a two-door version of the Opel Insignia (sold in the U.S. as the 2011 Buick Regal).
It is said that in order for GM to start making a profit off the Calibra's spiritual successor, Opel and its Vauxhall partner will need to build a minimum of 30,000 units a year, and yes, that's where Buick kicks in.
"We would feel a lot more confident about some of these projects if Buick, Chevrolet in North and South America and Saab were sharing volumes and risk," an unnamed GM Europe source told the magazine. Of course, since Saab is no longer a part of GM, we're assuming that this statement must have been made either in the beginning of 2010 or last year...
In any case, if (and that's a big 'if') GM does greenlight the Insignia coupe project, chances are that the two door model will be sold in the U.S. as a Buick alongside the Regal saloon.
Via: Carmagazine
2007 Opel GTC Concept
20 Comments:
A hot design compared to those boring Volkswagen CC.
i can't beleive i have never seen this concept...i mean it's hot!!!....pls GM go ahead nd make it
That rear end is a straight up copy of a Honda Accord Coupe. The VW CC is boring, damn you are on crack.
Typical GM maximum craptastic interior, but the rest of the car is a futile bring-it-to-market fairly decent concept.
I can see a combination of new honda accord + nissan GTR + scion TC.... where's the "design"?
haha all i really know of the calibra is driving the racing version of the car in gran turismo 2
"I can see a combination of new honda accord + nissan GTR + scion TC.... where's the "design"?"... This opel concept was made before all that one....!!
Combination of...
NO, that's typical new Opel's styling.
And GM hurry, hurry, we want new Calibra MK2 !!!
the steering wheel looks like it came from a bin at AutoZone...GM is going low rent on trim lately.
That ain't your grandfathers Buick!!
wow - stunning...
Three words for GM and Opel: "Just do it".
coupes do not sell that well in the u.s. anymore. with the advent of the upcoming cadillac cts coupe, these cars will bring each other down in the sales department. both look great, but business-wise, it would spell disaster.
that is not true if coupes didn't sell then mustang, camaro, challenger sales would be none existent but that is not the case its just the fact the car companies are only giving people what they want to sell to them not what the customer actually wants the request for a new buick riviera has been going on for over 10 years you need to think how many grand prix, monte carlo, grand am, avenger, stratus, sebring, cougar, thunderbird, are still on the road and i am not even talking about the germans and their coupes with bmw 3 and audi a5 topping their sale charts
honestly i dont know who makes all these analyses and how others buy into it as truth. same thing about hatches, sports coupes, wagons...
maybe it's the pricing and quality of the products instead?
anyway, the GTC is amazing!
Should come, but i'm so afraid of the Buick-fication process: that Buick grill and emblem just dont seat well with these cars. I'm trying but the faces look better by far as Opels.
And Buick MUST redesign its logo.
...so the next Riviera, then?
--JORGE
Of course, it'll handle like the Insignia it's based on: stupidly light steering that gets lighter the faster you go and catastrophic understeer (a classic Opel front-wheel-drive handling trademark). Can't wait for the OPC version; it'll be the ultimate population control device for boy racers who will achieve the Nirvana of Cool by getting killed because their car did not bother to turn when they turned the wheel at that bend...
I'm looking forward for this production.Opel Calibra is a great inspiration for incoming models.I saw some Calibra models from my dad's friend and it's a very reliable car.
i gonna buy it!!!
Ok, a word from an Opel fan who had an Calibra and who drove Insignia and ownes a Vectra b type. What "catastrophic understeer"??? Even an A1 Abrams has a understeer if you don't know how to drive it!!
So let's focus on the design. Clearly it is a coupe version of the Insignia. And that's ok, cause Opel started their design revolution with Insignia and every car after her has some of her elements. Honestly, they could have made some changes and make it look more like it's father, the Opel coupe icon in that time. The platform for the engine should be a OPC engine.
But, from my modest Opel loving view, this could be a hit! I don't see a reason why this car shouldn't go into production.
I had a Calibra years back in Europe and loved that car. It had its own character and style way ahead of time. The new design is: Front: not to sportish, Side: like it, Rear: to Buick like. This car demands its own style. GM do not cut corners and melt it with rest of the cars. GM/Opel go bold make a new CALIBRA not a Buick coupe.
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