Opel Monza Concept: Our Vision of Opel's Future

SYDNEY – July 8, 2013: After more than 150 years of company history packed with strong innovations, Opel has released a sneak peek of its newest highlight, the ground-breaking Opel Monza Concept ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show. Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann was today excited to release a first glimpse of this exciting study ahead of the September debut.

“DRIVE!2022 is a clear strategy for the future of Opel as a company and a brand. It covers a whole range of subject areas and elements, and in terms of the future of our models, we’ve bundled all our targets together in the Opel Monza Concept.

“It is our vision of Opel’s future and stands for our fundamental values: German engineering and precision, combined with enthralling design and innovations suitable for everyday use. The Monza Concept carries these elements forward in a visionary fashion, expressing them with fresh inspiration and clarity. This car is a study that will have a long-term impact on the next generation of Opel models,” Dr. Neumann said.

Monza Concept: Beginning the next generation of Opel mobility
The Monza Concept shows what Opel customers can expect to see in the future. It focuses on two major themes which will be top priorities for the more than 6,000 engineers, technicians and designers in Rüsselsheim developing the next generation of Opel models: efficiency and connectivity. The Monza Concept demonstrates outstanding efficiency through its architecture and use of materials, as well as in its aerodynamics and ground-breaking powertrain solution. In terms of connectivity, it offers trailblazing possibilities that are a quantum leap in the development of infotainment systems.

The Monza Concept is a recognisable further development of Opel’s design language. To visibly express Opel’s quest for increased efficiency, the study presents an evolution of Opel’s design philosophy of sculptural artistry and German precision, with body contours conveying a sense of lithe athleticism rather than pure muscle power.

This design emphasis is immediately apparent in the vehicle’s front styling. A low stance with flowing lines, the clearly defined hood and a striking headlamp treatment all combine to give the car an extra dose of assertive self-confidence. Further developed signature Opel themes are embedded in the overall look: the typical crease on the hood appears more three-dimensional and more prominent, while the chrome grille bar carrying the Opel blitz now sweeps up with winglets at its tips. Two characteristic blades under the head lamps add to the sporty appeal. Overall, the Monza Concept has a light, athletic look designed to convey efficiency, excitement and great driving fun.

The sporty appeal of Opel models has always been inseparably linked to functionality and, in this respect, the Monza Concept pays homage to the seminal Opel Monza Coupé, built between 1978 and 1986. It also combined elegant, dynamic styling with clever, functional solutions for drivers and passengers. Similarities between the two cars are visible in design elements such as their large, glazed surfaces and low belt-line.

The original Monza was the first car on the market to feature a digital dashboard display and the Monza Concept continues this innovative theme. It introduces ground-breaking technologies for future infotainment and connectivity possibilities, showing how next-generation Opel cars will address the needs of a closely connected and sharing society. They will enable future individual mobility that’s more than simply a driving experience alone.

Opel Experimental GT: Start of visionary IAA studies
The trendsetting Monza Concept is the latest in a line of visionary IAA studies from Opel which began in 1965 with the spectacular Opel Experimental GT. At that time, Opel was the first automaker to build a concept study in Europe and present it at an automotive trade show – with overwhelming success. The Experimental GT created enthusiasm among the media and public alike, and was the starting point for ongoing presentations of concept cars to showcase innovative ideas and future developments for the brand portfolio. Opel studies in the 1960s were so successful that all European competitors subsequently began developing and presenting their own concepts.

“With the Opel Monza Concept, we make our automotive future tangible today,” says Opel CEO Neumann. And fuelling curiosity about Rüsselsheim’s newest study ahead of its world premiere, he adds: “I can’t yet go into detail about how the Monza Concept’s interior design, and especially its trend-setting technologies, will change the driving experience. However, I can guarantee that viewed from any angle, its innovative body design and perfect proportions will turn heads. But they are just a visible expression of the great substance you will find under the bodywork. Everyone should visit us at the Opel stand at the IAA to get a look at Opel’s exciting future!”