13.11.2001
New Opel Vectra aims at top of midsize segment
The distinctive new Vectra styling shows the way of the future Opel design. The new model range features particularly spacious interior, comprehensive comfort and safety equipment as well as the innovative IDS chassis (Interactive Driving System) with ESPPlus.
The all-new Vectra is a completely new, driver-oriented design with pioneering technology, high comfort and a particularly spacious interior. The distinctive new styling will characterize the appearance of Opel cars in the future. The new Vectra will make its world premiere next March at the Geneva Motor Show. Sales will start shortly after.
Opel's new midsize model will be available first as a four-door sedan with four-cylinder ECOTEC engines, ranging in power output from 90 kW/122 hp to 108 kW/147 hp (gasoline) and from 74 kW/100 hp to 92 kW/125 hp (diesel). Opel will offer a five-speed automatic transmission with Active Select (manual-shift function) on the Vectra. The particularly sporty Vectra GTS is powered by a 155 kW/211 hp 3.2-liter V6. The coupé-like GTS will join the line-up in summer 2002.
The new Vectra model range will be extended in the next two years with the introduction of additional innovative body-styles, engines and gearboxes.
Highlights
The all-new IDS chassis system is one of the highlights of the third-generation Vectra. Featuring a new multi-link rear axle, Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering with electronic map-control, and aluminum components for reduced unsprung weight, IDS provides significantly improved handling and ride comfort.
Active safety is increased further by ESPPlus, an all-new electronic stability program.
The body of Opel's new midsize contender meets the highest demands in its class for stability, safety, comfort and quality, thanks to lightweight, high-grade materials such as aluminum, magnesium, and high-strength, as well as boron-alloy steel. Compared with the previous model, the torsional rigidity of the new Vectra has thus increased by 74 percent and the bending rigidity by 62 percent.
The new Vectra's clear-cut contours emphasize the larger dimensions: Thanks to the longer, 2.70-meter wheelbase, wider tread and the higher roof, the new model offers significantly more interior space than its predecessor. The aerodynamic form (drag coefficient: 0.28) and sophisticated sound-attenuation measures make the new Vectra especially quiet, both inside and out.
The Vectra's ambitions are reflected in the design and selection of the interior materials, and above all in the variety of equipment aimed at improving the comfort and safety of the driver and passengers. For example, the new Vectra features an all-new integrated electronics system, intelligent Electronic Climate Control with air quality sensor, a wide range of communication and entertainment systems, eight-way adjustable front seats, a tire-pressure monitoring system, a rain sensor and Park Assistant.
The passive safety equipment includes as standard front, side and Full-Size Curtain Head Airbags, Opel's patented Pedal Release System, and further improved Active Head Restraints for protection from whiplash injuries.
Owners benefit from minimal running costs. Opel has paid special attention to such areas as strict quality control in the plants, easy-to-repair design and achieving moderate insurance classification. These measures are backed up by a two-year warranty with unlimited mileage, extensive galvanization of the body (12-year anti-perforation warranty), extended service intervals (24 months/30,000 km gasoline engines; 24 months/50,000 km diesel).