Decades ago, when Opel was really cool, it offered a two-door coupe called the GT. Based on a compact rear-wheel-drive architecture, it wowed the automotive world with its sensual lines—which to some gave it the appearance of a mini Corvette. It was affordable and quick, with a top speed of 115 mph on the top-of-the-line model. It remained in production from 1968 until 1973, and was even sold in the States. In 1975, Opel showed the stunning GT2 concept, with a digital cockpit, sliding doors, and advanced aerodynamics, but it was never put into production. The GT badge reappeared in 2007 on the Saturn Sky, which was sold as the Opel GT in Europe with very limited success. Now Opel is attempting to exploit the appeal of the GT nameplate once again.
In a video launched last week, Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann urges us to “take a look at Opel with a fresh pair of eyes,” while the text announces an Opel GT Concept. No details are available yet, but we suspect the concept will be based on the brand-new Astra’s front-wheel-drive architecture (called D2XX), and it will likely make well over 250 horsepower. Alternately, Opel could use GM’s rear-drive Alpha platform, which underpins the Cadillac ATS, the Chevrolet Camaro, and the recent Buick Avista concept.
The video doesn’t let us see much yet, except for the concept’s logo, and its wheel design—projected into Neumann’s left eye.
If Opel were to put a new sports car into production, it could come to the market by 2017 or 2018. Opel has announced more information to come out later this week as the brand builds up tension up to the concept’s debut at the Geneva auto show.
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