New Opel Vectra and Signum

Press Release

Design and Body

 

Stylish Looks – New Opel Mid-Size Models

 

• New dynamic face, three-dimensional headlamps
• Signum's special position accentuated by elegant design details
• Good drag coefficient ensures low fuel consumption and high noise quality
• Comprehensive standard safety equipment for all passengers

 

With a completely new face and other new design details inside and out, the new Opel Vectra and Signum models are real eye-catchers. Both successful mid-size class models now have a more striking, sportier look. The distinctive look, which also impresses with the exemplary low drag coefficient of 0.28, expresses the superb driving dynamics of the front wheel drive cars. The enhanced interior is defined by high-quality look and feel.

 

The most distinctive feature of the new models is the newly designed front end – a further development of the new Opel design language. Further distinctive characteristics are the newly-formed fender and three-dimensional headlamps, which stretch into the hood. With their cylindrical, chrome-colored lamp units behind clear glass, the headlamps are the eye-catching highlight of the front of the Vectra and Signum. At the same time, they emphasize the elegance of the new look with their extended form. The headlamps are available combined with a dash of sportiness on the "Sport" version of all four and five-door sedans, as well as the station wagon and Signum models, with chrome-ringed, black tinted lamp cylinders providing the appropriate look.

 

Other distinctive features of the new Vectra and Signum generation are the typical Opel crease in the engine hood, sharper tapering of the front bumper, and the prominent grille. Designed as a stand-alone component, a wide chrome crossbar with large Opel emblem is the dominant feature of the grille. The black lattice structure of the center and lower air-intakes, as well as the large side air-intakes with integrated fog lamps, emphasize the dynamic appearance of the front end.

 

Small but refined differences to Signum front end

 

Designers focused on setting different accents to emphasize the Signum’s special place in the mid-size class range. Vanes in the grille and in the center air-intake, which is mounted in a U-shaped chrome frame, and chrome-ringed fog lamps emphasize the vertical lines and communicate a discreet elegance. Redesigned side sills with shortened contours mark a further difference in the Signum's coupé-like profile. Together with the short rear overhang and very wide C-pillar, they give the Signum an even more harmonious and sportier look from the side, in spite of its long wheelbase of 2.83 meters. The sills are now color-keyed, as on all Vectra sedans.

 

Harmonious body lines

 

Pronounced wheel arches, large bow door handles and a high waistline define the characteristic shoulder line of the Signum and Vectra. Matched to this dynamic profile is the wide selection of wheels for the new Opel mid-size class range. In all, there are 16 steel and alloy rims with different designs available. The choice ranges from the 6.5J x 15 up to the 8J x 19 format. New additions to the range are an elegant and modern 16-inch alloy wheel with ten spokes, and a sporty 17-inch rim with five double spokes, which is standard with the five-door sport sedan GTS and all Sport equipment lines.

 

A major contribution to the overall harmonious body lines is made by the rear end, with the distinctive stainless steel trim between the wrap-around light units and the lower edge of the trunk lid. And below the Signum's rear window, which stretches like a dome around the rear of the car, a black panel between the two exhaust pipes underlines the vehicle's sporty character when it is equipped with the 2.0 or 2.8-liter turbo engine.

 

Stylish cockpit with new materials and contours

 

The interior of the new Vectra and Signum is more than ever defined by high quality look and feel. Quality is apparent not only in the materials used, but also in details such as an attractive leather-look grain in the top section of the instrument panel that flows into the door trim. The cockpit makes a lighter, more modern impression, thanks to the new contours of the instrument panel, the rounded corners of air vents and the chrome-colored controls.

 

Redesigned décor trims with large inlays (from Edition in dual color) in wood, aluminum or carbon-look “Silver Line�, a more sweeping dome over the instruments, and a sportier gear knob are also new accents. All models have new three-spoke steering wheels.

 

Flow line: Aerodynamic optimization benefits consumption and acoustics

 

Top figures for aerodynamic quality are a traditional feature of Opel automobiles. Consequently, the four and five-door Vectra sedans, with a drag coefficient of 0.28, are among the aerodynamically best mid-size class models ever – beneficial for low fuel consumption, and important for high driving stability. At the same time, good figures are an advantage when it comes to comfort. The Vectra and Signum are also among the quietest cars in the segment thanks to their low wind noise. A sophisticated sealing system on the windows, doors and exterior mirrors contributes to these excellent figures, and a sealing profile between A-pillar and the front windshield prevents wind noise in this area. It also reduces air resistance at this point and helps to keep the side windows free from dirt.

 

Interview: Eduardo Ramirez, Chief Designer, Vectra

 

"The Vectra’s new look is a further development of the Opel design language"

 

What was your objective when designing the front end of the Vectra?

 

It was very clear: to express more dynamics and sportiness with the new face in order to emphasize the character of the new Vectra generation. A good example of this design approach is the three-dimensional, stretched form of the headlamps. This is very striking, particularly from the side view.

 

Which is more difficult – to design a completely new car or to enhance one that has already been successfully introduced?

 

A new design always tends to be easier. An existing design must be carefully enhanced. The biggest challenge in this is to ensure that the existing and the new elements are presented as one formal unit.

 

Is the new Vectra’s look just a copy of the Astra design language?

 

Not at all. You see the family likeness – and that is intentional – but there are, of course, many differences. The design of the surfaces and the flow of the lines are clearly different. The new look is a further development of the current Opel design language for the mid-size class, to which the Vectra and Signum belong.

 

You have completely redesigned the front of the Vectra. Didn’t you see a need to modify the back?

 

The rear still reflects my idea of a modern and contemporary design. Together with the newly designed front, it makes an overall harmonious impression. So there was no reason to make any fundamental changes.

 

Why do the Vectra and Signum faces now differ more from one another than before?

 

We wanted to make the different characters of the two vehicles obvious at first glance, also from the front view. For this reason, the design of the Signum's front end not only emphasizes dynamics and sportiness, but also communicates elegance with its vertical lines.

 

Why isn't there a corresponding difference in the interior design?

 

The materials and functionality play a decisive role in the design of the interior concept. In my opinion, we have found the best possible solutions in each case with the new generation of our mid-size class range. There was therefore no need to differentiate between the Vectra and the Signum.