Opel outs GT X Experimental show car
BY TUNG NGUYEN | 23rd Aug 2018
OPEL has revealed its first concept car under the control of PSA Group, with the all-electric GT X Experimental SUV previewing the future design direction of the former General Motors-owned German brand.
Designed by Opel vice-president of design Mark Adams, the GT X Experimental is built on a lightweight platform and measures 4063mm long, 1830mm wide, 1528mm tall with a 2625mm wheelbase – placing it in the small SUV segment against similarly-sized competitors such as the Mazda CX-3 and Citroen C4 Cactus.
Pointing to the future of Opel models, the new-look front grille – dubbed Vizor – incorporates an illuminated brand logo, LED matrix headlights, wing-shaped daytime running lights, and forward-facing cameras and sensors under dark-tinted Plexiglas.
Spanning the entire width of the front section, the Vizor gives the show car a broad stance, which will be incorporated to all new Opel models by the latter-half of the next decade.
Above the grille sits a sculpted black-contrast bonnet that draws the eye towards the one-piece glass windscreen and panoramic roof.
The rear fascia element reflects the front’s Vizor with wing-shaped tail-lights and sharp edges, while prominent dark-coloured underbody cladding has also been fitted to denote the GT X Experimental’s crossover intentions.
Strong vertical and horizontal accent lines also wrap around the concept crossover, a design motif called Opel Compass that draw attention to both front and rear centre badges.
The GT X Experimental is also fitted with bespoke 17-inch wheels featuring yellow highlights to match the colour of the accent stripe on the bodywork.
If the near seamless body work and bulging proportions are not enough to give away the GT X Experimental’s concept car status, its lack of wing mirrors and doorhandles should be a dead giveaway.
Rear-hinged second-row doors are also fitted, with each door able to open up to 90 degrees for ease of ingress and egress.
Without any B-pillar to obstruct vision, occupants are given a near seamless view of their surroundings, aided by the aforementioned panoramic glass roof.
Instrumentation is housed in an all-digital module similarly shaped to the Vizor front grille, which also houses infotainment systems, while the remainder of the white-themed interior remains spartan due to hidden air vents.
Accommodating four passengers, the headrests of the seats also double as removable speakers.
Although Opel has yet to detail powertrain information, the GT X Experimental features a 50kWh lithium-ion battery with wireless charging capabilities and forms the next step in the brand’s plan to offer an electrified variant of each model by 2024.
According to the brand, “the GT X Experimental embodies Opel’s values and vision along with providing a glimpse of what the future holds for Opel models”.
Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller said the GT X Experimental will pave the way for all of the brand’s future models.
“We have a very clear vision of how we want to create a successful future for Opel,” he said. “Focus on a strong brand identity defined by our values – German, approachable, exciting – plays an integral role in our return to sustainable success.
“Our engineering and design teams have put this into effect brilliantly in the Opel GT X Experimental. It gives a clear idea of how we at Opel see the mobility future.”
Meanwhile, Mr Adams said: “It’s an ‘approachable’ concept that people can identify with.
“It confidently combines a pure and bold design execution with progressive technology that makes life easier,” he said.
“Clearly, this vehicle signals a very exciting future for the brand.”
Although Opel’s GT sportscar concept revealed at the 2016 Geneva motor show was built by Holden as one of only two fabrication workshops under the General Motors umbrella, a local spokesperson confirmed to GoAuto there was no local involvement in the GT X Experimental.
Opel has been under PSA Group control since early last year.
