Opel/Vauxhall’s ground-breaking Monza Concept, the first car to feature cutting-edge LED projection infotainment and an evolution of the Ampera’s revolutionary powertrain, is set for its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.
“The Monza Concept represents the Opel/Vauxhall car of tomorrow,” said Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, Opel/Vauxhall CEO. “On one hand, it embodies everything that already characterises Opel/Vauxhall – precision engineering combined with innovative technologies wrapped in captivating design. In addition, it addresses the themes that will be the development-focus of the next generation of Opel/Vauxhall cars: maximum connectivity and optimum efficiency.”
“Connectivity is demonstrated by a trailblazing LED projection technology for instrument and infotainment displays. Efficiency comes in many ways, with lightweight design, optimal use of interior space, and advanced powertrain technology. The Monza Concept is based on increasing electrification of the automobile in everyday driving, from range-extender to fuel cell. And as far as styling is concerned, we are expressing pure efficiency in a new, lean and athletic interpretation of our typical sculptural shapes. The Monza Concept is nothing less than our vision of the automotive future.”
The original Monza made its world premiere at the IAA back in 1977 for Vauxhall’s sister company Opel: it was a large coupé with a silky smooth-running six-cylinder engine. It went into production as the Vauxhall Royale in the UK, and was sold until 1982.
The new Monza Concept has a beautifully shaped bonnet with the distinctive centre fold continues the tradition of the Monza front with the typical Vauxhall crease. The large boomerang-shaped air intakes in front of the wheel arches complement the elegant chrome bar that holds the Griffin badge.
With the Monza Concept, the designers in Brit, Mark Adams’ team introduce a new interpretation of the sculptural design that first went into production with the Insignia. Distinctive lines, high-precision design and perfect sweeping contours remain the core of the evolving design philosophy.
The sculptural surfaces of the 4.69 metre-long, four seat Monza Concept are modelled after ocean waves lapping on the shore. These flowing surfaces give a look of lightness, dramatically underlined by the side-sills that taper off in front of the rear wheel arches. This unique styling element is inspired by the lean physique and slim waist of a greyhound dog, running as if on tip-toes with powerful elegance. The design of the Monza Concept’s body sides enables easy entry and egress for front and rear-seat passengers, while underscoring the prominent, sporty rear wheel arches, which share the same width as those at the front.
The Monza Concept’s roof line is particularly sophisticated. At first it runs in a semi-circular form like a classic coupé’s, but then just before reaching the tailgate it sweeps slightly upwards. In spite of its sporty look and flat silhouette with a height of just 1.31 metres, there is neither loss of space in the luggage compartment – 500 litres in volume – nor constrained headroom for the passengers. This is due to the fact that the whole cockpit structure is around 15 centimetres lower than in conventional models. The Monza Concept offers the same airy passenger compartment as a mid-size car.
The expansive doors provide maximum functionality with spectacular views when opening. They swing up like the outstretched wings of a condor and offer an unobstructed view of the spacious, open passenger cabin (or the surroundings from the inside) thanks to the absence of a B-pillar.
