Opel GTC Paris Concept unveiled

Opel envisions GTC Paris as the obtainable dream car

Showcasing Opel's emotional side, the GTC Paris concept car is conceived to be the obtainable dream car delivering German engineering precision and innovation matched with eye-popping design. Inspiration was partly drawn from a quote from Richard Bach's famous novel, Jonathan Livingston Seagull "...and the speed was pure beauty."

This phrase is embodied throughout the character of the sporty compact three-door hatchback, with its sweeping lines, sculptural surfaces and wide muscular stance. It is bold yet pure and very iconic in presence. At 4.46 meters, the GTC Paris offers room for five passengers.

Most iconic cars have been drawn from the side. Many can be sketched with two or three sharp lines. So, too, with Opel's new concept car: In profile, the designers have maximized tension by limiting the amount of lines in the GTC Paris. Similar to tendons in a sprinter, these lines create tension and provide a sculpted shape. They serve as the foundation to which the highlights and surfacing react and press into the wheels in a very athletic fashion.

The Opel signature blade is introduced in the same direction as first seen in the Insignia - a fine, crisp line that sweeps upward from the rocker at the beginning of the front door. A second line encapsulates the door handle and sweeps to the rear, emphasizing the vehicle's dramatic stance by spreading the surfaces to a fine undercut and a broad shoulder. The third line following the silhouette of the roof is finished in finely brushed aluminum accentuating the window, guiding the eye to the sharply accented integrated spoiler.

Echoing the flowing, simple forms of the bodywork, the hallmarks of the GTC Paris interior are sweeping lines and shapes as well as the bold use of fabric. The interior is driver-focused, with a positive/negative use of color. While the driver's seat is red with black trim, the rest of the interior is outfitted in a charcoal black with red stitching.

The best of Opel's compact car technology is brought to its sportiest level on the GTC Paris. The chassis has a special design with an extra-wide stance. It features a compound crank with an Opel-exclusive Watt's link in the rear, a new, updated execution of the adaptive mechatronic FlexRide suspension and a front limited slip differential. The GTC Paris is planted to the ground with 21 inch wheels.

The powertrain in the GTC Paris is a four-cylinder, 213 kW/290 hp-strong 2,0-liter turbo engine with gasoline direct injection. It is fitted with Start/Stop technology, proving that drivers can combine high performance with maximum fuel efficiency in urban driving conditions. The transmission is a six-speed manual gearbox.