Opel Signum Design Study

• Innovative Ideas For New Body-Style Concept

• Simple To Operate, Easy To Adapt

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Opel Signum2

Photo: Opel/GM

Rüsselsheim/Warren - At a special preview of General Motors concept cars for the 2001 motor show circuit, Opel is presenting the Signum2, the study of a new automobile body-style concept. The name refers to the Signum, a premium-segment prototype last seen at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show. The Signum2 features several details of this road-going development vehicle while combining dynamic design with an innovative interior. The concept and the unusual ideas underline Opel's reputation as the leading manufacturer of versatile cars.

The relationship between the two concept cars is easy to recognize in the styling. Thanks to the long wheelbase (2830 millimeters) and the short rear-overhang, the Signum2 looks exciting even while standing still. This impression is enhanced by the muscular wheelarches filled by large 19-inch wheels. Typical Opel styling features are the prominent C-pillars and the wide, continuous shoulders.

The designers and engineers rejected a B-pillar above the belt line. Hans Seer, Opel's Director of Design: "From the side, this makes the Signum2 look like a coupé, especially when the four frameless side-windows are fully retracted." A glass panorama-roof extending to the windscreen ensures a spacious, airy feeling in the interior, which can accommodate up to four occupants in "business class" comfort. The large tailgate is also made of glass.

The front is dominated by the Opel-typical, trapezoidal grille and the three-dimensional, vertical headlamps. Like the new Corsa and Speedster, the Signum2 features a crease in the center of the engine hood.

The synthesis of good looks, versatility and ease of use is the objective with the Signum2. Totally new is the idea of folding the rear seat cushion and backs up to the height of the belt-line, thus creating a level surface - just by pushing a button. From the outside, the Signum2 then looks like a two-seater, while luggage can be stowed out of sight under the seats, where it cannot endanger the occupants under heavy braking.

Getting into the Signum2 is very comfortable, especially at the front. Pull the door handle and the front seats swivel automatically towards the doorways. At this stage the steering wheel is lowered into the instrument panel, which makes access even easier. When the driver has turned the seat towards the front, the steering wheel moves out at the push of a button. This also reveals a clear view of the display behind. This shows important information about the car and simple route instructions from the navigation system. More detailed road maps are displayed on the monitor in the center console. The front seat passenger is equipped with a special screen; when not in use, it folds flat and disappears in the instrument panel above the glove-box. Equally futuristic is the rear infotainment system, where the passengers can watch films in cinema quality, thanks to special video glasses and DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) players.

As with the Signum, the engineers at the International Technical Development Center (ITDC) in Rüsselsheim have not used a conventional center tunnel with shift and handbrake lever for the new front-wheel drive concept car. Instead, the gears are selected via a rotary switch in the center console. This leaves space for a new system of variable storage boxes between the seats. Several small containers can be moved on a rail in the floor and fixed in any position between the center console and the rear seats. Children's toys, a coolbox with cup-holders, the equipment for a mobile office or even an Espresso bar can be positioned within reach of any occupant, stowed in the trunk or removed, for example, for a picnic.

(Nov. 8, 2000)