15.6.2005
Opel and Vauxhall present new Vectra and Signum

Today, the first details and photos of the new Vectra and Signum were released to the media. Highlights include a completely reworked front, an extensively modified engine range as well as many new innovative technical features. Start of sales for both models is scheduled for September 2005.

Dynamic new design and updated interior
The most distinctive feature of the new four and five-door Vectra sedan, Vectra station wagon and Signum is the newly designed front end. Together with the characteristic shoulder line, the front looks very dynamic and sporty. Further distinctive characteristics are the typical Opel crease in the engine hood, sharper tapering of the front bumper and, most notably, the new headlamps, which stretch into the newly-formed fender and hood. With their cylindrical, chrome-colored lamp units behind clear glass, the headlamps are the eye-catching highlight of the front of the Vectra and Signum. A wide chrome crossbar with large Opel emblem is the dominant feature of the grille. A black honeycomb structure and large side air-intakes with integrated fog lamps emphasize the wide appearance of the new front end.

The interior of the Signum and Vectra is more defined by high quality look and feel. The top sections of the instrument panel and door trim have a new, leather-look grain. The cockpit makes a lighter, more elegant impression, thanks to the new contours of the instrument panel, the rounded corners of air vents and the chrome-colored controls. This is all complemented by newly designed, dual-color décor trim with large inlays in wood or aluminum-look and a sweeping dome over the instruments. All versions of the new Vectra and Signum feature a sporty, three-spoke steering wheel.

To visually underline Signum’s position in the line-up, designers set additional accents in the front design. Metallic-grey fins in the grille, a central air-intake surrounded by a U-shaped chrome frame and chrome-ringed fog lamps emphasize the vertical lines and look very elegant.

New top-of-the-line 2.8 V6 turbo engine, extended diesel range, DPF standard
A wide range of modern ECOTEC engines will be available– five gasoline engines and four CDTI common-rail diesels, which are equipped with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter as standard. All engines comply with the Euro 4 emissions standard.

Depending on the engine, either a five or six-speed manual or automatic transmission will be available. Apart from the 1.6 and 1.8-liter entry-level gasoline units, all engines are equipped as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, while a six-speed automatic with ActiveSelect is available for the 2.8 V6 Turbo, the 150 hp 1.9 CDTI and the 3.0 V6 CDTI.

Overview*:

Improved handling and better comfort
The enhanced IDS chassis (Interactive Driving System) provides even better vehicle control while offering enhanced comfort. New tuning of the front and rear suspension, as well as of the electro-hydraulic steering, improves straight-line stability and enables more sensitive steering response in the straight-ahead position.

Range of innovative technical features further extended
Beside the sophisticated IDSPlus chassis with Continuous Damping Control (CDC) additional highlights include AFL bi-xenon headlamps with dynamic curve light and static cornering light, and the climate-controlled, orthopedically recommended MultiContour driver’s seat.

New options are the Trailer Stability Assist, the Quickheat heating system, and a cellular phone portal with Bluetooth interface and voice control.