Just when our eyes finally started adjusting to the style of 2016 vehicles, the Opel GT concept swoops in and changes everything. This wild vehicle built by Opel is one of the most eye-catching concepts we’ve ever seen.
The Opel GT’s red tires, crouched stance, and shapely silver side panels give it quite the unique look. Opel’s website describes their concept as “Avant-garde, yet puristic. Reduced to its bare essentials.” And while that’s kind of ironic for such a futuristic car, we can see where they’re coming from.
Trimming the fat
The team at Opel is re-imagining some of the most basic vehicle components. Instead of bulky, drag-producing side mirrors, they’ve fitted the Opel GT with two exterior cameras that stream live video to interior monitors.
They’ve also thrown out the door handles and replaced them with touch-sensitive pads that are seamlessly integrated into the red stripe that runs along the top of the door frame.
To top off this aerodynamic cleanse, they’ve also ripped off the windshield wipers. We’re not sure how they’ve replaced those, though… Hopefully they have, considering how essential visibility is for driving.
Getting down to business
Enough with this futuristic, pure-driving, aerodynamic touch-pad hoopla. Let’s get real – what’s powering this thing?
The current report is that the Opel GT is being powered by a turbocharged 1.0L three-cylinder engine that produces 143-horsepower and 151lb-ft of torque. It weighs less than 2,200lbs, and promises to have a 0-60 time of less than 7 seconds.
Now, those aren’t massive numbers, but what’s important here is the power to weight ratio. By comparison, the Mazda MX-5 weighs 2309lbs and has a 2.0L 4-cylinder that produces 155-horsepower and 148lb-ft of torque. The MX-5 is very quick, so it’s safe to assume the Opel FT will be too.
The real question is…
Will Opel ever actually produce this oddly beautiful creation, and will they sell it to America under the Buick name? We sure hope so. Anything combining futuristic design, small turbocharged engines, and lots of torque puts an instant smile on our face. Also, will there be windshield wipers?
For the answers to these pressing questions, and any more interesting car news, stay tuned to Leithcars.com!