Opel reveals the GTC Paris concept car

Opel has revealed the first photos of GTC Paris, the concept car that the German brand will be presenting at the Paris Motor Show 2010. The show car has some traits of the new generation Astra Sports Tourer, also debuting in Paris, and is described by Opel as the next bold step of a newly shaped Opel line-up.

A quote from Richard Bach’s famous novel, Jonathan Livingston Seagull   “…and the speed was pure beauty” was the starting point for the team to get inspired for the concept. According to Opel the phrase is embodied throughout the car with dynamic sweeping lines, beautiful sculptural surfaces, and a wide muscular stance.

“We wanted to express the most emotional side of the Opel brand and we believe this vehicle creates an appropriate visual impact to reinforce our dynamic sporty character,” said Opel’s Vice President of Design Mark Adams.

With 4.46 meters, the ideal size for a compact, sporty car, the GTC Paris is still able to offer room for five passengers. In profile designers have worked in order to maximize tension by limiting the amount of lines in the GTC Paris.

Like in the Insignia, the Opel signature blade of the GTC Paris is introduced in the same direction. From the door handle to the rear comes a second line that emphasizes the vehicle’s attitude. A third line follows the silhouette of the roof and ends in the brushed aluminum that accentuates the window graphic and guides the look to the integrated spoiler.

The GTC has received a special designed chassis with extra-wide stance. It features a compound crank with an Opel-exclusive Watt’s link in the rear, a new, updated execution of the adaptive mechatronic FlexRide suspension and a front electronic limited slip differential. The GTC Paris is planted to the ground with dynamic 21-inch wheels.

The GTC Paris concept car is powered by a four cylinder, 2.0 liter Turbo engine, with direct injection. It is fitted with Start/Stop technology in order to prove that it is possible to combine high performance with maximum fuel efficiency in urban driving conditions.