Vauxhall reveals GT Concept 01 | 03 | 2016
VAUXHALL UNVEILED A stunning GT Concept at the Geneva Motor Show today, and bosses have hinted there's the possibility it could reach showrooms: though it's more likely the design concept will form as a basis for GT-inspired cars as part of an overhauled future range.
Paying homage to the Vauxhall XVR and Opel GT from the Sixties, the GT Concept — which weighs less than 1000kg —is powered by a more powerful version of Vauxhall's current 1.0-litre engine.
Delivering 143bhp, it's based on the unit found in the current Corsa, Adam and Astra. Linked to a six-speed auto gearbox, directing power to the rear wheels, Vauxhall says the GT Concept can accelerate from 0-62mph in less than 8.0secs and hit a top speed of 134mph.
According to Vauxhall, the GT Concept is "unashamedly avant-garde", and "forward-thinking". Designed by Brit Mark Adam, it evokes, what Vauxhall calls his philosophy of ‘Sculptural Artistry meets Technical Precision’.
"We created the GT Concept to capture the bold, emotional spirit of both the Vauxhall and Opel brands,’ Adams, vice president, design Europe, said.
"It is dramatic, sculptural and full of innovations, which is our great tradition that we intend to continue. In the mid-Sixties, Vauxhall and Opel created their own interpretations of a light-weight sports car – the XVR and the Experimental GT – both of which were thoroughly modern with dynamic sculptural forms.
"It’s certainly difficult to reinvent iconic concepts like these, but just as each was avant-garde back then, so too is this GT Concept today: absolutely pure, minimalistic, yet bold and uncompromising. This coupe impressively demonstrates the continuous development of our design philosophy."
A key innovation of the GT Concept is its large doors with integrated side windows that show a seamless transition from glass to painted surfaces. Both driver and front passenger gain access to the spacious interior after pressing a touchpad for the electric doors that is integrated in the red signature line of the roof.
The doors cleverly open into the front arches, using a space-saving and patented mounting that allows a large opening angle for tight parking spaces in urban areas.
Two cameras mounted behind the wheel arches offer enhanced visibility, especially in city driving. They transmit their images to two monitors on the left- and right-hand side of the cabin, rendering external mirrors obsolete. The windscreen flows into a glass panorama roof, affording occupants a similar experience to that of a targa-topped car.
Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director, Rory Harvey, summarised what the GT Concept meant to both brands: "It shows what Vauxhall and Opel stand for now: ambitious and confident brands that are not frightened to innovate."
Related: New Vauxhall Mokka gets X factor
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/Scotcars
Jim McGill