The Opel GT Concept Arrives With a Classic Look and a High-Strung Three-Cylinder

Opel GT Concept (Credit: © Opel)

Just days ago, we passed on news about Opel soon revealing a new model bearing the retired GT nameplate. Though this new sports car will never grace showroom floors, given it is just a concept, it is still exciting. Today, ahead of its official debut at the Geneva Auto Show, Opel revealed the first images and details of this small-displacement sports car.

To call this concept badass would be quite the understatement. After seeing both Toyota and Honda reveal so-so compact sports car concepts, this is a breath of fresh air. The GT concept features a very traditional 1960’s sports car look with plenty of modern features and shapes to go with it. Its long, pointed nose and stubby backside hark back to the GT of yesteryear while the ridges and character lines all look like they belong in today’s sports car world.

Opel GT Concept (Credit: © Opel)

Up front is a pair of red tires that pay homage to Opel’s Motoclub 500 motorcycle. These tires flow nicely into the red stripes that swoop up the A-pillar and back down the rear of the greenhouse. Hidden in this line is a button that opens the uniquely designed electric doors that swing into the wheel arches, giving passengers plenty of room to slide into the cockpit.

Opel went a step further in uniqueness and integrated the glass with the doors, making it almost impossible to distinguish where the door ends and the glass begins. A panoramic glass roof and mirrorless doors round out the awesomeness of the GT concept’s design.

Like the original GT, this concept is a delicate balance of speed and agility, thanks to its low curb weight and tiny engine. The concept checks in under 1,000 kg (2,204 pounds), which is just right for the turbocharged 1.0-liter three-pot engine that injects 145 PS (143 horsepower ) and 205 Nm (151 pound-feet) of torque. This little powerplant mates with a six-speed sequential transmission. All told, the Opel GT concept hits 60 mph in fewer than eight seconds and tops out at 134 mph. Sure, it’s no rocket, but I am willing to bet it’s a hell of a lot of fun to drive.

Opel GT Concept (Credit: © Opel)

Now or the best part—according to the press release, this concept will serve as the inspiration for future production sports cars from both Opel and Vauxhall. Whether or not the design will carry over in some form remains unknown, but just knowing that these brands will head back in this direction is great news.

Stay tuned for additional information, which is sure to come when the concept has its official debut in Geneva.