2006 Opel Meriva by Steinmetz

Press Release

Pure VANtasy

The headline could be "Family Addition". Because - as at Opel - at Steinmetz too there is an older brother for the Merifast. This older brother is the Za4a, presented at the IAA 1999. The Za4a was the first "racing van" ever made. Its younger brother the Merifast doesn't lag behind the Za4a in any way - in fact it's slightly faster and the interior still offers plenty of space in a masterpiece of versatility.

Details

Engine/Brakes/Suspension/Rear Silencer:

The first conversion to the standard Meriva was the fitting of a new engine, namely a Z20LET turbo engine with the Steinmetz performance upgrade. This performance upgrade brings the standard engine from 147/200 kW/HP to 169/230 kW/HP and a maximum torque of 365 Nm. Figures which are easy to write, but only bring pure pleasure on the road and in the car.

To handle the increased power and necessary transmission, a reinforced gearbox was required. Also the drive shafts have been strengthened in order to transfer the power smoothly to the wheels. Thanks to the new braking system, the Merifast achieves superb retardation with the slotted brake disks to guarantee optimum heat dissipation. The front disks have a diameter of 308 mm and at the rear 264 mm. A suspension specially developed for the Merifast - lowering by around 30 mm - ensures optimum road-holding and controllable behaviour, even on the limit. So both on the road and on the track, the Merifast provides a high degree of emotional driving pleasure. Further constructional changes have been made to the control arms and wheel bearings to adapt the safety reserves to the far higher engine power.

The sound of the rear silencer in the characteristic Steinmetz design supports the sporting aspirations of the Merifast.

Wheel/tyre combination:

The Merifast "stands proud". So the current highlight in the Steinmetz special accessories range is the ST4 alloy wheel in 18" which celebrates its world premiere at the Tuning World Bodensee 2006. The aim was to develop a weight-optimised 18" wheel in a unique 5-spoke Steinmetz design with two dishes between the spokes in the area of the outer bed. The name Bi-Color comes from the black/silver appearance. The brilliant appearance is achieved by the finished surface. The resulting light reflections have the desired effect of making the ST4 rim into a true eyecatcher. For further distinction, a hub cap has been designed in ST4 Look. In conjunction with the sports suspension, all the power of the Merifast is converted into forward thrust.

The ST4 alloy wheel is available in size 8.0J x 18" ET 38 for Vectra C, Vectra GTS, Vectra Caravan, Signum, Astra G, Astra H, Zafira B, and Vectra B. Steinmetz Opel-Tuning recommends tyres by Continental and Michelin.

Bodywork/Aerodynamics:

The facelift on the standard Meriva has been adapted for the Merifast. Now the front is enhanced by a new front spoiler to give the Merifast even more overtaking prestige. Also integrated in the front of the Merifast is the Steinmetz front grille with its characteristic honeycomb styling. The new front spoiler and rear roof spoiler naturally improve downforce further. Electrically adjustable, heated sports mirrors harmonize perfectly with the aesthetics of the Merifast. For the rear, Steinmetz has developed a special rear skirt. The bodywork is completed by the aluminium filler cap.

All aerodynamic components are also available for the standard Meriva.

Interior equipment:

The elegant and versatile interior of the Meriva is further enhanced by the Steinmetz interior trim. Aluminium components and silver carbon-fibre accessories bring motorsport flair to the Merifast. The aluminium components are represented by the gear knob, handbrake handle and foot rests in conjunction with the pedal set. The five-piece cockpit and door trims are finished in silver carbon fibre. The driver enjoys perfect support in the Steinmetz sports seat with embroidered logo. The ergonomically shaped sports steering wheel with perforated suede leather emphasises the sporting ambience in the interior. The overall atmosphere is completed by the Steinmetz foot mats with the special steel logo.

Paintwork:

Signal Red and Light Silver is the new colour combination for the Merifast, and puts it firmly in the spotlight.

Finally:

1999 Steinmetz Za4a (Zafira) with 2.0 turbo engine and performance upgrade
2002 Opel Zafira OPC
2001 Steinmetz Funster (Speedster) with 2.0 turbo engine and performance upgrade
2003 Opel Speedster Turbo
2003 Steinmetz Merifast (Meriva) with 2.0 turbo engine and performance upgrade
2006 Opel Merifast Turbo OPC

All Steinmetz components are TÜV tested and available from Opel franchised dealers.