Opel GT
Overview
ManufacturerOpel
Production1968–1973
2007–2009

The Opel GT is a front-engine, rear-drive two-seat sports car manufactured and marketed by Opel in two generations — separated by a 34-year hiatus.

The first generation Opel GT (1968[1]–1973) debuted as a styling exercise in 1965 at the Paris and Frankfurt motor shows.[2] The production vehicle used mechanical components from the contemporary Opel Kadett B and two-door hard top bodywork by French contractor Brissonneau & Lotz. The styling of the GT was often cited as similar to the 1968 Chevrolet Corvette which went on sale in September 1967.[3]

Opel marketed a second generation GT (2007-2009) as a rebadged variant of the Saturn Sky two-seater convertible (which was based on the Pontiac Solstice), manufactured in Wilmington, Delaware, USA.

In 2016, Opel introduced the GT Concept at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show as a lightweight, turbocharged, rear-wheel drive two-seater.[4]

GT (1968–1973)

GT
Overview
Production1968-1973
AssemblyWest Germany: Bochum
DesignerErhard Schnell, Clare MacKichan
Body and chassis
ClassSports car
Body style2-door coupé
LayoutFront mid-engined, rear-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine
  • 1,078 cc (65.8 cu in) OHV I4 (gasoline)
  • 1,897 cc (115.8 cu in) CIH I4 (gasoline)
Transmission4-speed manual
3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,415 mm (95.1 in)
Length4,113 mm (161.9 in)
Width1,580 mm (62.2 in)
Height1,225 mm (48.2 in)
Curb weight845 kg (1,863 lb)–940 kg (2,072 lb)
Chronology
SuccessorOpel Manta (indirect)
The reduced specification GT/J (for "Junior") introduced in 1971 represented an attempt to broaden the appeal of the Opel GT.
Rear view
GT interior
Opel GT with headlights turned up
When raising or lowering, both headlights turn in the same direction

The Opel GT was equipped with a base 1.1 L OHV inline-four engine, which produced 67 hp (SAE) at 6,000 rpm. However, most buyers chose an optional 1.9 L camshaft in head engine, which produced 102 hp (SAE) at 5200 to 5400 rpm. Some of the early 1968 models also came with a slightly higher compression "H" code cylinder head. In 1971, due to emissions regulations, Opel reduced the compression ratio of the 1.9 L engine used in the US and output fell to 83 hp (SAE). There was also a GT/J model, which was a less expensive version of the 1900-engined GT which was sold only in Europe. Standard transmission was a manual four-speed. A three-speed automatic was available with the 1.9 L engine. The model run of the Opel GT was from 1968 to 1973.

The Opel GT uses a steel unibody and a front mid-engined, rear-wheel drive layout. The engine is mounted far back in the chassis to improve weight distribution. Front suspension consists of upper A-arms and a lower transverse leaf spring — aside from the Opel's styling, the unusual use of a transverse leaf-spring in the suspension was another remarkable commonality with Chevrolet's Corvette. A live axle and coil springs are used in the rear. The power-assisted braking system uses discs in the front, drums in the rear. Steering is unassisted.

One unusual feature of the Opel GT is the operation of the pop-up headlights. They are manually operated, by way of a large lever along the center console next to the shifter. Unlike most pop-up headlights, they both rotate in the same direction (counterclockwise from inside the car) about a longitudinal axis.

Designed by Opel stylist Erhard Schnell,[5] the GT is a fastback, that has neither an externally accessible trunk nor a conventional hatchback. There is a parcel shelf behind the seats that can only be accessed through the main doors. Behind the parcel shelf is a fold-up panel that conceals a spare tire and jack.

During 1968 to 1973, a total of 103,463 cars were sold. The most collectible GTs are probably the first few hundred cars hand-assembled in 1968 and the 1968–1970 models with the 1.1 L engine, which totaled 3,573 cars. Of the later cars, 10,760 were the cheaper model (GT/J), which lacked nearly all chrome parts and offered fewer standard features. In some markets, items like a limited slip differential, front and rear anti-sway bars, heated rear window, and engine bay light were standard, although most cars were shipped without them.

In North America, the GT was sold at Buick dealerships.[6] Reasons for ending production were the need to redesign the car to remain competitive with up-and-coming sports models, such as the Datsun 240Z, as well as the termination of Brissonneau and Lotz' bodybuilding contract. Unusually for the period, there was no Vauxhall equivalent model to the GT sold in the United Kingdom.

The Opel GT was also used by Italian coachbuilder Sergio Coggiola to create the Opel Sylvia GT, an angular design of the folded-paper school. The 1973 Sylvia was also designed with an eye to safety.[7]

Automotive magazine Road & Track reviewed the GT in their June 1969 issue, recording 0–96 km/h in 10.8 seconds and a top speed of 182 km/h. Road & Track also found the car to have strong understeer, suggesting the 165x13 tires to be too small, although the ride was comfortable.

GT (roadster) (2007–2010)

GT (roadster)
Overview
Also calledSaturn Sky (USA & Canada)
GM Daewoo G2X (South Korea)
Production2007–2009
Model years2007–2010
Assembly
DesignerFranz von Holzhausen
Body and chassis
ClassSports car (S)
Body style2-door roadster
LayoutFR layout
PlatformKappa platform/GMX024
RelatedPontiac Solstice
Powertrain
Engine1998 cc I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,415 mm (95.1 in)
Length4,091 mm (161.1 in)
Width1,813 mm (71.4 in)
Height1,276 mm (50.2 in)
Curb weight1,325–1,406 kg (2,921–3,100 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorOpel Speedster

The new Opel GT was produced from 2007 to 2010. It was a badge engineered variant of the Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky and was available solely with the 2.0 L, 260 hp (194 kW; 264 PS) direct injection turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder engine. It had 18-inch alloy wheels. The car replaced the Opel Speedster in the European lineup however it was not sold in right-hand drive in the UK, thus there was no replacement for the Vauxhall VX220. The Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice were produced at a North American plant which did not have the necessary tooling for producing right-hand drive vehicles.

Production by model year

Model Year Total Opel GT (Roadster) Production[8]
2007 2,365
2008 4,851
2009 301
2010 2
Total 7,519

GT Concept (2016)

Opel GT Concept rear view
2016 concept
Body and chassis
Body style2-door coupé
LayoutFMR layout
Powertrain
Engine1.0 L LDB I3 (turbo gasoline)
Transmission6-speed semi-automatic
Dimensions
Curb weight2,200 lb (998 kg)

The 2016 Opel GT concept debuted on 27 January 2016.[9] Built on an all-new compact rear-wheel-drive platform, the GT has a lightweight construction and stripped down interior. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine producing 145 hp with a 6-speed semi-automatic gearbox.

The concept features historic design cues associated with Opel's past products; the twin tailpipes with the GT wordmark in the middle are reminiscent of those on the original 1965 GT prototype.

The car made its first public debut on March 1 at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.[10] A production version was being conjectured to follow in 2018, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the original Opel GT's unveiling in 1968,[11] and Opel didn't rule out the possibility.[12]

However, the production Opel GT concept was cancelled not only due to a shrinking market for sports cars, but also the brand's acquisition by Groupe PSA.[13]

References

  1. ↑ "Opel Announces New Sports Car". The Guardian. 27 September 1968. p. 6.
  2. ↑ "Opel GT Corvette for Europe?". Autocar. 129 (3790): 55. 3 October 1968.
  3. ↑ "Opel GT". How Stuff Works. 5 June 2007. Archived from the original on 23 January 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  4. ↑ Stoklosa, Alexander (January 2016). "Opel GT Concept: The German Mini-Corvette Returns". Car & Driver.
  5. ↑ "Opel GT designed by Stylist Erhard Schnell". 30 June 2014.
  6. ↑ Scherr, Elana (March 2019). "Ode to an Opel". Road & Track. 70 (7): 80.
  7. ↑ World Cars 1975. Pelham, NY: L'Editrice dell'Automobile LEA/Herald Books. 1975. p. 19. ISBN 0-910714-07-X.
  8. ↑ "General Motors: Investors: Sales and Production Reports: Historical Production". GM. 10 July 2009. Archived from the original on 9 February 2010. Retrieved 1 November 2009.
  9. ↑ Vijayenthiran, Viknesh (27 January 2016). "Rear-Wheel-Drive Opel GT Sports Car Concept Revealed". Motor Authority. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  10. ↑ Joseph, Noah (20 January 2016). "GM has a new Opel GT concept in store for Geneva". Autoblog. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  11. ↑ Meiners, Jens (21 January 2016). "The Opel GT—It's Coming Back [UPDATE]". Car and Driver. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  12. ↑ Gnaticov, Cristian (22 March 2016). "Opel GT Concept Might Gain Production Version, Use Mokka's AWD System". Carscoops. Retrieved 14 June 2016.
  13. ↑ Szymkowski, Sean (1 February 2016). "Opel GT Concept Has Little Production Intent". GM Authority. Retrieved 16 August 2019.

Further reading

  • Henrion/Müller (1997). Opel GT Projekt 1484. Podszun. ISBN 3-86133-170-5.
  • road test article compilation (n.d.). Opel GT Gold Portfolio 1968–1973. Brooklands Books. ISBN 1-85520-326-X.
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