The Vauxhall Monza Concept has been revealed as the future direction for Vauxhall and Opel and featuring a range extender powertrain.
The Vauxhall Monza Concept (pictured) has been revealed
We sort of expected the new Monza from Vauxhall and Opel to be a modern take on the last Monza/Royale Coupe. Which it is. But isn’t.
In fact, although we’re not really sure how to view the Monza, we’re not sure GM are either.
It starts off at the front looking like a more flowing version of the design language in the Insignia, and looks like it’s going to flow in to a classic coupe.
But despite a chrome arch taking traditional coupe lines as it runs across the top of the side glass, the roof above tips up at the rear to turn the Monza almost in to an estate car. And it’s got gullwing doors too – and they’re enormous.
And the new Monza isn’t as big as the old Monza – it’s actually about the size of an Audi A4 Avant – so it fits in to the mould of a mainstream car in size. Perhaps Vauxhall/Opel have plans to build it using the new Cascada platform, which seems about the right size?
Inside, although Vauxhall aren’t really showing us, is as left field as the exterior design with the entire dash a blank screen that uses LED projection to deliver whatever information, entertainment or design you wish.
Under the bonnet is actually an updated version of the range-extender powertrain found in the Ampera, but instead of using a 1.6 litre ICE to provide power when the batteries deplete, the Monza uses a 1.0-litre turbo engine, which perhaps previews the future for the Ampera drivetrain?
Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, GM Europe CEO, said
The Monza Concept represents the Opel/Vauxhall car of tomorrow.
On one hand, it embodies everything that already characterises Opel/Vauxhall – precision engineering combined with innovative technologies wrapped in captivating design. In addition, it addresses the themes that will be the development-focus of the next generation of Opel/Vauxhall cars: maximum connectivity and optimum efficiency.
The Monza is a pretty bold statement of future intent from Vauxhall, although whether it will actually turn in to a production model or its drivetrain, LED projectors and new design themes are simply used in future Vauxhalls, remains to be seen.
The Vauxhall/Opel Monza Concept will get its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
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