Close to two decades after the demise of the Calibra, Opel (and consequently its British Vauxhall arm) will test the public’s reaction at the Frankfurt motor show in September with the Monza study, a coupe that may preview a future Audi A5 and BMW 4-Series rival.
According to a report from Auto Bild, the Opel Monza study will feature a sharp design and, surprisingly, a rear-wheel drive setup. The name Monza was also used by a RWD Opel coupe in the 1970s and 1980s.
The rear-wheel drive setup means Opel won’t be able to use one of GM Europe’s platforms for the production version of the Monza, but instead the Cadillac ATS architecture. This would mean that the engines will be the same from the premium American sedan, ranging from 2.0-liter four-cylinder units to a 3.6-liter V6. The Monza may also use diesel engines in Europe. In other markets, such as China and the U.S., the RWD coupe could be badged as a Buick.
According to AutoExpress, Opel wants the Monza to be an eco-friendly car, so a plug-in hybrid system is likely to find its way onto the platform.
As for the design, the Monza will feature an evolution of Opel/Vauxhall’s current language. Expect a low muscular stance with thin headlights and oversized air intakes underneath, plus a large grille featuring a chrome bar.
If Opel decides to build the Monza, the car is not likely to reach production earlier than 2016.
By Dan Mihalascu
Note: Pictured below is the 2007 Opel Gran Turismo Coupe Concept as well as the original Monza
PHOTO GALLERY
