Vauxhall / Opel GT Concept revealed

According to Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, “The GT Concept shows what Opel [and therefore Vauxhall] stands for now. We are confident, ambitious, innovative and we want to win over more customers with every new car.”

And that's exactly what a concept car should do. Unfortunately, the chances of a production version are looking very slim at the moment, not least because a business case for such a niche vehicle must be difficult to justify.

Vauxhall GT Concept (2016) Front Side

Nevertheless, the GT Concept is surely going to attract a lot of attention when it appears in public for the first time at the Geneva International Motor Show in March.

The styling, which Opel describes as sculptural and avant-garde, incorporates classic long nose / short tail proportions and an almost complete lack of ornamentation. Cameras and monitors replace traditional door mirrors, for example.

Beneath the skin, a turbocharged 1.0 litre three-cylinder petrol engine sits well behind the front axle line to aid handling balance. Its output – a relatively modest 143 bhp (107 kW / 145 PS) with 205 Nm (151 lb/ft) of torque – is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential transmission.

Combined with a weight of less than 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs), performance is brisk rather than rapid. The GT Concept can apparently post a sub-eight second 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time before going on to reach a top speed of 133 mph (215 km/h).

Vauxhall GT Concept (2016) Rear SideVauxhall GT Concept (2016) Side

Opel GT Concept (2016) Front SideOpel GT Concept (2016) Rear Side

Related posts:
Opel creates the Vivaro Surf Concept
2016 Vauxhall / Opel Astra first view

Images © General Motors.

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