First look: Opel gets style with GTC

GENERAL Motors’ European arm Opel (and its British counterpart Vauxhall) unveiled a stunning concept car at Geneva which points to what could have been for Holden.

The GTC (Grand Touring Coupe) concept hints at the future design language of European (and, indeed, Australian) models – a Monaro, perhaps – but more specifically the new Vectra that is due to be released in early 2009.

Holden is expected to pass on the next-generation Vectra, having just announced a replacement for the current European model in the cheaper Daewoo-sourced Epica model.

The GTC concept features a 2.8-litre V6 turbo, just like the current model, produced by Holden at Fishermens Bend.

The next-generation Vectra is expected to pick up the general design themes of the GTC, but will still be sold as a four-door sedan.

By presenting the GTC as a coupe, GM has fuelled speculation that the next Vectra could also spawn a two-door model, much like the Calibra that was born in 1989.

The concept features a flexible seating layout, with the second row of seats able to fold flat at the touch of a button and free-up 1020 litres of cargo space.