After 110 years as one of the UK’s leading automotive innovators, Vauxhall – and sister company, Opel – is set to reveal a new 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.”
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.
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.
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. 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.
“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!”
