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| Vauxhall Monza Concept. |
After 110 years as one of the UK’s leading automotive innovators, Vauxhall – and sister company, Opel – is set to reveal a groundbreaking concept ahead of its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.
Known as the Monza Concept, and partially unveiled today by Opel/Vauxhall’s CEO, Karl-Thomas Neumann, the car represents a vision of the company’s future, while crucially giving an indication of its design targets. ‘It covers a whole range of subject areas and elements,’ said Karl-Thomas. ‘It carries them forward in a visionary fashion, expressing them with fresh inspiration and clarity. This car is a study that will have a long-term impact on the next generation of Vauxhall and Opel models.’
Monza Concept: Beginning the next generation of Opel/Vauxhall vehicles
The Monza Concept shows what Vauxhall customers can expect to see in the future. It focuses on two major themes – efficiency and connectivity – which will be top priorities for the 6,000-strong team of engineers, technicians and designers developing the next generation of models. The Monza Concept demonstrates outstanding efficiency through its architecture and use of materials, as well as in its aerodynamics and ground-breaking powertrain solution. In terms of connectivity, it offers possibilities that are a quantum leap in the development of infotainment systems.
Representing a styling evolution of Vauxhall’s ‘sculptural artistry meets technical precision’, the Monza Concept develops a new theme which conveys a sense of lithe athleticism, rather than pure muscle power.
This design emphasis is immediately apparent in the vehicle’s frontal styling. A low stance with flowing lines, the clearly defined bonnet and striking headlamp treatment all combine to give the car an extra dose of self-confidence. Further developed signature Vauxhall themes are embedded in the overall look: the typical crease on the bonnet appears more three-dimensional and prominent, while the chrome grille bar carrying the brand logo now sweeps up with winglets at its tips. Two characteristic blades under the headlamps add to the appeal. Overall, the Monza Concept has a light, athletic look designed to convey efficiency, excitement and great driving fun.
While the name ‘Monza’ harks back to an Opel production model, which was first sold in the UK in the late Seventies, Vauxhall’s mirror-image version was the better-known Royale, built from 1978 to 1982. The Monza and Royale combined fresh and rakish styling with clever, functional solutions for drivers and passengers. Similarities between the Concept and original Monza/Royale are visible in some design elements, such as their large, glazed surfaces and low belt line.
The original Monza/Royale was the first car on the market to feature a digital dashboard display and the Monza Concept continues this innovative theme. It introduces ground-breaking technologies for future infotainment and connectivity, showing how next-generation Vauxhall cars will address the needs of a more closely connected and communications-savvy society. They will enable future individual mobility that’s more than simply a driving experience alone.
XVR – The start of Vauxhall’s concept car heritage
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| Vauxhall XVR. |
The Monza Concept is the latest of a long line of influential design studies that Vauxhall has created to illustrate its future styling direction. Nearly 50 years ago, the XVR took centre stage at the 1966 Geneva Salon. Largely the work of Vauxhall’s head of design, David Jones, the concept was remarkably prescient, with its wide, low-profile tyres aping the visual change in contemporary Formula One cars, which required more grip to cater for the power produced by the new 3-litre engine formula. And like the Monza Concept, the XVR provided hints to design cues on future production models, such as the unique, ultra-slim tail-lights of the Viva HC. As well as the XVR show concept, a driveable car was built and tested by Vauxhall.
“With the Monza Concept, we make our automotive future tangible today,” said Karl-Thomas. And fueling curiosity about Rüsselsheim’s newest study ahead of its world premiere, he added: “I can’t yet go into detail about how the Monza Concept’s interior design – and especially its trend-setting technologies – will change the driving experience. However, I can guarantee that viewed from any angle, its innovative body design and perfect proportions will turn heads. But they are just a visible expression of the great substance you will find under the bodywork. Everyone should visit us at the Opel/Vauxhall stand at the IAA to get a look at our exciting future!”
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