Concept cars have always served the purpose of introducing to the public the future styling direction an automaker has in store for its next generation model lineup.
Opel->ke65 and sister company Vauxhall->ke92 are the latest to do that with the introduction of the Monza Concept. Set to make its debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show->ke235 this coming September, the Monza Concept represents what the automakers describe as "sculptural artistry meets technical precision."
Those are big words but not necessarily exaggerated, especially when you get a close look at the fancily designed Monza Concept. Even though we only have a pair of teaser photos to look at, you can definitely see hints of what the two automakers are preparing, particularly with the concept's frontal styling.
Everything about what we can see speaks to an athletic and clearly defined design, highlighted by a clearly defined bonnet, a striking headlamp treatment and the overall low stance of the concept. Take a closer look at the headlamps and you'll notice a pair of blades underneath it, signifying an extra level of appeal and sporty aggression you normally don't associate with both car brands. Finally, the chrome grille bar proudly and prominently displays the brand logos and extends long enough to sweep up with winglets at its tips.
All that and we haven't even received images of the rest of the car.
Clearly, the Opel Monza is a concept we all should be looking out for when it makes its world debut at the IAAs in September.
UPDATE 08/07/13: A new teaser photo of the Frankfurt-bonud Opel Monza Concept has just been released. Check it out and let us know what you think of the revealed front end of the concept!
Click past the jump to read about Opel's history with the "Monza" name
2013 Opel Monza Concept
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- Model: 2013 Opel Monza Concept
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Exterior
The Opel Monza Concept really is a throwback to the original Monza that made its debut, coincidentally, at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1977. 36 years later, the new Monza Concept is ready to break cover and it's no surprise that the design of this new concept is a ground-breaking move by Opel to usher in a new styling direction that all of us hope will be translated to its future models.
As for the concept itself, you immediately notice a few design elements about it that really stands out. The hood, for one, is angularly exotic and that distinctive center fold not only continues on the Monza tradition but also gives the concept a balanced look that's made more impressive by the traditional Opel creases that complements it. The chrome bar and the large boomerang-shaped air intakes also provide a decidedly unique tag-team combination that further enhances the front profile of the car. This isn't the Opel of old, fellas. The French automaker is really determined to shatter some archetypes.
Another noticeable feature of the Monza Concept are the gull-wing doors, extending high up from the ground thanks to the expansive nature of those doors. We're not sure if this feature will translate to the production models, but it's a treat seeing an automaker like Opel open itself up to the possibilities that will surely garner it more acclaim and attention.
Overall, the swooping contours of the Monza Concept and the flowing surfaces offer a legitimate if not dramatic look that's emblematic of what we can all expect from Opel moving forward. The hope, for now, is that the Monza Concept will far more than just a showpiece car. It screams production and if Opel listens to the clamoring, it should answer it at the soonest behest.
Interior
The interior of the Opel Monza Concept is an exercise in futuristic sophistication. There's no other way to put it, especially after the automaker comes out and explicitly says that efficiency and connectivity are the main focuses of development that will be translated to the next generation of Opel models.
A fascinating preview lies inside the Monza Concept, particularly with its state-of-the-art LED projection technology that manifests itself with wide, sculpted dashboard that sweeps from door to door and used as a single projection surface. 18 LEDs are uniquely set-up on the dash, creating a multi-functional display that shows information and decorative elements. And in case you're wondering how the driver can access all of the bells and whistles of the dash, the steering wheel carries mounted-buttons and voice control that makes it easier to control all of what he sees in front of him.
The sophisticated nature of this dash might make for some confusion, especially on someone that's easily distracted with 3D graphics, but Opel said that its engineers focused on data deemed most relevant to the driver, a "simplifying the multitude" approach that makes it easier for the driver to stay in control without having to read too much into what the dash is showing. Proving this concept is the fact that data for navigation and the smartphone settings and connection only appear when they're needed. Neat trick, if we do say so ourselves.
The Monza Concept also has what has been described as a comprehensive smartphone connectivity that makes use of three modes of connectivity: ME,US and ALL. Each mode has its specific set of functions with ME disconnecting the drivers’ smartphone and prioritizes the information relevant for the driving experience.
Meanwhile, the US mode of connectivity allows the passengers of the Monza Concept to connect with a group of selected people such as friends and family members while ALL allows the driver and virtually the whole outside world to connect.
There's nothing simple about the interior tech features of the Monza Concept; everything about the dash and its connectivity wizardry is straight out of the future, making it an ideal precursor for Opel to highlight what it has in store for the industry in the years to come.
Performance
Pricing
Don't expect any pricing figures any time soon because the Monza Concept is still a concept with no immediate plans of production.
Competition
Acura NSX
Conclusion
We can't stop gushing about the Monza Concept because the way it was designed isn't what you'd expect from a brand like Opel. So excuse the blushing because we have nothing but high marks for the Monza Concept.
The only problem we have, and it's a problem with no immediate resolution, is its production future.
We're crossing our fingers that Opel has the capabilities to move forward with a production version but at this point, hope is all we have.
We'd love to see it, though, as would many other folks in the industry. That much we can tell you.
Opel Monza
Back in the late 70's all the way to early 80's, Opel proudly sold a model bearing the "Monza" name. Back then, the Monza - and Vauxhall's version, the Royale - were trendsetters in such a way that they were the first models to come with a digital dashboard display.
In addition to that, the old Monza also catered to the more athletic and sportier side of Opel, particularly with its fresh and rakish styling that made the car an attractive piece of eye candy during those times.