Concept cars

2003 Opel Insignia Concept

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October 05, 2003

Of course this executive sedan as a sports car as a hatchback most likely won't become a future road-going Opel, especially in its current dramatic style. Yet again, with nothing more said to the press or public other than it simply being a concept car, it shows a future direction that Opel could follow. It almost seems like the designers, who may feel recently liberated by the successful efforts of BMW's Chris Bangle, want to stretch a little, to show what they're made of as well as separate the Opel brand from the masses. After all, Cadillac's recent resurgence in sales has a great deal to do with the leap of faith GM took in design. Opel can hardly afford to continue with its status quo conservatism.

With Cadillac's recent success with radical design change, Opel might be more willing to stretch their legs and test their limits. (Photo: General Motors)

In the end power, luxury, styling and class are all demonstrated with this concept. Which of these details are we most likely to see in future Opels? Tobacco leather and zebra-stripe wood accents are certainly appealing, as is the high-output Corvette engine (unless filling it at a European station), but as reality beckons the chosen detail is said to be the pantograph door. When? Opel says sooner, rather than later, proving that concept cars yield more than just dreams. Of course, it will most likely show up in the brand's Zafira minivan than anything quite so 'out there' as the Insignia.

But will the Opel brand ever show up in North America again? That's difficult to say, but word has it there is discussion on the subject in Detroit. While the General hardly needs an additional brand to market stateside, Opel could prove to be the import fighter that Saturn never became. But that in mind, there's probably a better chance of the Insignia getting produced.

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