Opel has shown off its much-anticipated new concept car, called simply the Opel Experimental. It's a medium-sized crossover coupe, similar in size to the current Astra hatchback and is, of course, electric. The Experimental will get a public outing at the upcoming IAA motor show in Munich in September.
An outlook on upcoming models and technologies
"The Opel Experimental gives an outlook on upcoming models and technologies, on the future design, even on a new era and the future of the brand. This stunning concept car represents a guiding light and showcases once again Opel's pioneering spirit," said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.
While it's not a total departure from Opel's current look - you can see some elements of the current Mokka and Astra in there - the Experimental does preview a cleaner, smoother look for future Opels, and it kind of does away with the company's blank, black, 'Vizor' grille.
This was originally designed to house the big forward-facing cameras and sensors needed for advanced driving aids, but those components have become smaller and more easily concealed in the years since, so the Experimental gets a more open glass-like grille treatment, with backlit bars and a light-up Opel badge. That's something which will, at long last, become legal on cars within the EU from 2025 onwards.
By then, Opel will be gearing up to launch the new Grandland SUV and the revived Manta - as a four-door crossover, not a coupe, alas - and they will both get this new grille design and the light-up logo. It's less certain that the little illuminated crease line that runs down the bonnet and into the front bumper will make it to production, though - imagine the wiring.
No more chrome
Mind you, Opel needs something to replace its chrome. As with many brands, Opel will be phasing out the use of chrome in response to concerns about carcinogenic chemicals used in the chrome-plating process, as well as other pollutants. Instead, Opel says it will use "exterior lighting and bold contrasting graphics" to replace chrome.
The Experimental also does away with door mirrors and uses wide-angle 180-degree cameras instead, mounted on the rear pillars. "Our new Opel Experimental gives a more extreme interpretation of our Bold and Pure design philosophy. It gives shape to our vision of the future. Many of its design elements and the mindset behind it will be visible in future production vehicles. The exterior design delivers an optimised aerodynamic performance in combination with a stunning silhouette while the interior offers an immersive and emotional user experience," said Mark Adams, Vice President of Design.
The whole shape is very clean and aero-friendly, and Opel says that while the concept is not a runner, the Experimental has been designed around the dimensions of Stellantis Group's new all-electric STLA platforms. There are aero-flaps at the front and rear, which are said to increase aerodynamic efficiency, as does the rear diffuser. It extends or retracts depending on how much you need it. Elsewhere, the tyres, developed in cooperation with Goodyear, are made from recycled rubber and sit on three-zone Ronal wheels, which get their own aero tricks.
Clever sat-nav
Inside, the cabin has been designed to be minimalist and spacious. The steering is a steer-by-wire system which allows the steering wheel to fold away when you don't need it. There's no instrument panel or touchscreen - instead, you get a big heads-up display and holographic projections on the dashboard. Most of the controls are by gesture or voice, but thankfully there are still a few proper buttons. Those are on the floating, transparent 'Pure Pad' that sits ahead of the front armrest. It can be configured according to the driver's preferences, allowing instant access to the most frequently used controls.
There are some neat tricks, too. If there's a car in your blind spot, not only does the screen for the mirror light up but so does the whole door panel. Also, instead of arrows to guide you through the sat-nav instructions, the system instead uses the heads-up display to project a digital version of Opel's 1970s electric Manta coupe restomod, and you just follow that...
While the Experimental won't go into production itself, it will heavily influence the next generation of Opel products, so expect to see a very similar, pared-back look on the Grandland, the Manta, and the next Astra and Mokka.