18.6.2002
Vectra GTS - Sporty driving style and form

This exceptionally dynamic version of the new Vectra continues the tradition of sporty Opel models. Incorporating several new technical innovations, the new GTS successfully combines its exceptionally sporty character with the full functional efficiency of a modern sedan.

"Opel builds the cars that modern people dream of: cars that meet their many and varied needs," Opel's Brand Director, Alain Uyttenhoven, describes Opel´s philosophy. The Vectra GTS is the latest example. It is an innovative automobile that combines the dynamism and character of a coupé with the comfort and space of a regular sedan – all at an extremely competitive price. While the classic sedan is for traditional customers, the GTS willl appeal to sportier and younger buyers. "The new Opel Vectra GTS is a unique offer in the mid-size segment and will win over new customers for Opel," Uyttenhoven says.

With its attractive combination of modern engines, dynamic driving ability and suitability for everyday driving, the Vectra GTS re-interprets the tradition of classic Opel 'grand touring' models that began in the 1970s and 1980s with the Commodore GS/E and Monza, and culminated in 1992 with the 125 kW (170 hp) Calibra V6. All these models were highly successful in their day and matured into much sought-after classic automobiles. The new Vectra GTS is built at the Ellesmere Port plant in England, which underwent an extensive modernization program at a cost of 300 million Euro. With its emotive character and ultra-modern technical features, the GTS adds new sparkle to this sporty, exclusive automobile heritage.

In coming years, new vehicle types and highly expressive 'niche' models will determine Opel's character to an increasing extent. Dynamism, versatility and creativity as well as the use of innovative technologies will define the brand's individual appeal. The new Vectra generation is the best example of this approach: in addition to the elegant sedan already available, the sporty GTS now interprets the new Opel slogan "Fresh Thinking for Better Cars" in a most convincing way. The ultra-versatile Signum and the extremely spacious, functional station wagon that will join the Vectra family in 2003 are signs of what will come in the future.

Design individuality with dynamic proportions and highlights
Striking, unmistakable front-end styling identifies it immediately as a member of the new Vectra family, but the GTS emphasizes its individual character and its exceptional position as the most sporty member of the Vectra model program. Examples of this are the deep front air dam with its large air inlet and integral circular fog lamps, and the darkened headlamp surrounds. The trapezoidal grille with a black honeycomb mesh is integrated into the engine hood. Its vertically oriented structure corresponds to the air intake and to the dynamic look of the GTS.

The front end is not the only section of the car that displays the sporting spirit of the GTS. Opel's designers have taken an already dynamic four door sedan and put it through a workout that has given it a sporty yet elegant look from every angle. The coupe-style roof, the short overhangs, the bold shoulder line and the dynamic wedge-shaped styling create an unmistakable, compact image when viewed from the side. The body rides lower on the suspension, so that the Vectra GTS appears to crouch close to the road. From the rear too, the GTS shows that it can flex its muscles: there is a subtle spoiler lip where the airflow breaks away from the body, a chrome decor strip with integrated model insignia between the dark-glass rear lights and an oval stainless-steel exhaust tailpipe that has been left exposed on this car in contrast to the regular sedan. The rear of the Vectra GTS 3.2 V6 with its larger, more powerful engine has two exhaust tailpipes, left and right. The overall effect of sporting style is completed by two optional, special 17-inch alloy wheel designs.
Like the classic Vectra sedan, the Vectra GTS uses the new Opel design concept as a means of communicating its high product quality to the onlooker. Both models represent a highly expressive blend of tension and motion, for example in the characteristic side line rising to the rear, the boldly shaped wheel arches and the high waistline, creating an unmistakable, timelessly elegant visual effect.

GTS Interior with Sporting Accent
Inside the new Vectra GTS, a sporting sense of style matches the car's dynamic performance. A series of high-quality details emphasize the individuality of this new sport sedan. The driver and front passenger enjoy the comfort of the sport seats, which provide excellent lateral support even when cornering fast. Special cloth upholstery or optional two-color combinations of cloth and leather are matched by metallic trim available in three different chrome finishes ("Matt chrome", "Sterling", "Platinum") which cross the fascia and run along the insides of the doors at the same height.

The three-spoke sport steering wheel with its perforated leather cover will appeal to the enthusiastic driver in the same way as the well-placed gear lever. Both have been accentuated with chrome inserts. The aluminum interior door handles with chrome finish underscore the high quality yet sporty appearance. The sport-style instruments add a further element of pure GTS character to the interior: their black dials with italic figures are surrounded by matt chromed rings. The elegance and the quality of workmanship to be found inside the GTS are of the very highest standard. To appeal to the sense of touch as well as the eye, all surfaces have been designed to provide a most attractive 'feel'.

Streamlined Body for Low Drag Coefficient and Minimum Wind Noise
As with the sedan, Opel's designers attached great importance to the Vectra GTS's aerodynamic efficiency as well as its good looks. From the very start of development, the specification called for further aerodynamic and aero-acoustic refinement. With the aid of 3D computer simulations, the development time was kept to a minimum and an outstandingly good aerodynamic drag coefficient (cD) of 0.28 was achieved. This figure puts both Vectra models among the most aerodynamically efficient cars in their class.

Extensive wind-tunnel testing and increased use of virtual design techniques also enabled Opel's engineers to optimize the car's aero-acoustic qualities. In addition to the exceptionally stable body shell, much fine detailing of the outer skin took place, so that noise levels are now on a par with a large luxury model and the new Vectra leads the way in its segment in this important respect. Among the numerous individual measures that help to improve the airflow are the sophisticated door and window sealing systems, the shape and positioning of the windshield wipers and the design of the outside mirrors and A-pillars.