Opel at IAA '95

Opel presented several new models at Frankfurt. The biggest hype surrounded the Vectra, but there was the highly economical Opel Corsa Eco 3 and the Maxx now in running form (not just a mock-up as in Geneva).

Opel Vectra

"New Benchmark in the Midsize Segment

State-of-the-art technology for improved safety, handling and ride comfort

Celebrating its world premiere at the 56th Frankfurt International Motor Show, the new Vectra is the star attraction of the Opel stand. Featuring a brand new chassis with multi-link rear suspension, a comprehensive safety package with state-of the-art airbag technology, and driveable, more fuel efficient engines with variable intake manifolds, the dynamically styled '96 Vectra is set to become the new benchmark in the midsize category. The design of the body, with its class-leading aerodynamic drag factor of 0.28, is an attractive blend of fluent lines and firmer elements. Together with the wider tread and the outer mirrors, which are integrated in the front-end styling, the shape gives the Vectra an unmistakable appearance.

Sophisticated Multi-link Rear Suspension

The Vectra, offered as a four-door notchback or a five-door hatchback, is particularly notable for its new chassis concept. Apart from the newly designed front suspension, the highlight is the sophisticated multi-link rear axle. Both systems are mounted on subframes, decoupled from the body for optimum attenuation of engine, transmission and tire noise. As a result, the new midsize Opel meets the highest demands for agility and ride comfort.
The geometry of both front and rear suspension systems plays a decisive role. For example, under braking on a surface with different levels of grip, the kinematics of the McPherson strut front suspension are designed so that the wheel with the most adhesion toes in. This Dynamic Safety (DSA) principle, a proven feature of the Omega, prevents the car from breaking away.
Along with the standard anti-lock brakes (ABS), the up to 17 percent shorter stopping distances, and the longer spring travel, the new multi-link rear suspension gives the '96 Vectra tangible benefits in terms of safety and comfort. Located on each side via a trailing arm and upper and lower lateral control arms, the design ensures accurate wheel control.
Apart from the chassis and its ample reserves of active safety, the Vectra also fulfils the toughest requirements for passive safety. The stable passenger compartment was developed with the assistance of state-of the-art technology. Featuring three load paths for systematic absorption of deformation energy and reinforcements in the doors, it is complemented by front safety belts anchored on both sides of the seats, and integrated anti-submarining seat ramps.

Full-size Hybrid Airbags and Patent Pedal-Design
Pyrotechnic seat belt tensioners deliver additional safety benefits. The Vectra is also the first volume-production car to be equipped with advanced, hybrid- technology full-size airbags. In contrast to conventional systems, hybrid airbags are inflated by pressurized gas released from a steel cylinder. One of the advantages is the small pyrotechnic charge required for opening this container. Opel has applied to patent the design of the Vectra's pedals; in the event of an accident, they decouple, thus reducing the risk of leg injury.
The new Vectra offers more interior space than the previous model, although with a length of 4477 mm, a width of 1707 mm and a height of 1428 mm, the exterior dimensions have scarcely altered. There is 27 mm more rear kneeroom and headroom has been increased by 13 mm. The minimum luggage capacity of the trunk has also been enlarged to 500 liters in the notchback and 480 liters in the hatchback. By folding the 1:3/2:3-split rear seats, capacity can be further extended.

High-torque, Fuel Efficient Engines With Variable Intake Manifolds

During the Vectra's four-year, DM 2.5 billion development, Opel's engineers further improved the performance and driveability of the six-strong engine range. Each power unit complies with the EU noise and emission limits coming into force in 1996 and, depending on the model variant, average fuel consumption ranges from 6.6 to 8.8 liters per 100 kilometers.
Power output extends from 55 kW/75 hp (1.6 four-cylinder) to 125 kW/170 hp (2.5 V6). The engine program includes a 60 kW/82 hp 1.7-liter turbo diesel. Depending on the model variant, maximum speeds are between 175 and 230 km/h with zero to 100 km/h acceleration ranging from 15.8 to 8.5 seconds.

Advanced Automatic Transmission With Fuel-Saving Neutral Control

All engines, except the base 1.6 and the 1.7 TD, belong to the ECOTEC generation of four-valve power units. Apart from the 2.5 V6, they are four- cylinder engines of 1.6 (74 kW/100 hp),1.8 (85 kW/115 hp) and 2.0-liter (100 kW/136 hp) displacement. New to the 1.8 and 2.0 four-cylinder engines is a variable air-intake manifold, similar to the Multi-Ram system of the V6, which increases torque at low engine speeds. All engines are mated to a five-speed manual gearbox as standard. A four-speed automatic transmission is optional with ECOTEC power units. A totally new feature of the automatic for the Vectra 1.8 and 2.0 is the neutral control, which shifts to neutral when the car is at a standstill. This reduces fuel consumption by around three percent.

Comprehensive Standard Equipment

Along with new audio units, which can be operated via remote controls on the steering wheel, Opel is introducing a totally new generation of seats with the '96 Vectra. The standard equipment includes comprehensive anti-theft protection, with a new immobilizer, radio remote-controlled central locking, reinforced door and ignition locks, and locking rear seat backs. In addition to this security package, an uprated heating and ventilation system with pollen filter, and a height-adjustable driver's seat are already standard in the GL version. The top- of-the-line CDX additionally offers air conditioning, cruise control and a more powerful audio system.

Some more pictures:
Opel Vectra kombi Opel Vectra STTC
The latter is a proposal for next year's Super Touring Car Championship with 2-liter engine.

Opel Corsa Eco 3

Every German manufacturer tries to make to car with "three liters" fuel consumption. Opel attended 3.4 liters of fuel per 100 km (Euromix) with its Corsa-based prototype.
It features particularly lightweight materials, such as carbon fiber and polycarbonate, which are not yet suitable for volume production.
Together with the aerodinamically optimized body and an extremely economical 1.7-liter turbo-diesel engine, this makes the very low fuel consumption possible (at a constant speed of 90 km/h the consumption is just 2.6 l/100 km) The 1.7-liter engine

Opel MAXX

The road-going prototype of the MAXX concept car, first displayed in Geneva last March, is powered by an all-new, three-cylinder, 1.0 liter gasoline engine, which consumes only 3.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilomteres at a constant speed of 90 km/h. A major contribution to fuel economy is made by the MAXX's new sequential gearbox. With this system, gears are shifted without the clutch via rocker-switches on the steering wheel.
Boy, imagine a market where the MAXX races with the Mercedes Smart and the Japanese kei-cars. It would be funny and entertaining. But the Japanese don't bring their microcars to Europe, due to the quotas (and the Smart won't be available in Japan) and the MAXX is only prototype.

And finally one for those who like DTM: DTM Calibra

There's another Opel page here: Opel at the Geneva 1995 show.

Go back to the IAA report!