Vauxhall CEO Finds Sports Cars ‘A Challenge’; Better Stick To SUVs Then

Opel/Vauxhall used to offer its fair share of sports cars in the past, but after the second-gen GT, essentially a badge-engineered Pontiac Solstice that was produced from 2007 to 2010 and wasn’t that well received, shied away from the segment.

Thus, right now, those looking for a sports car have to look elsewhere, because the automaker doesn’t have one in its lineup anymore.

Instead, they’re focusing on the development of a new flagship SUV, which will join the current Crossland X, Mokka X and Grandland X in 2020.

Their small car family is doing well, too, including the Karl, Adam and Corsa, and so are the compact Astra and D-segment Insignia. Besides these, the lineup includes the electric Ampera-E, which is basically a rebadged version of the Chevrolet Bolt, the Zafira MPV, and Movano and Vivaro vans.

So, what about a new sports car? After all, Opel teased us with the beautiful GT Concept in 2016, which however hasn’t still made it into production – nor is their any indication whatsoever that it will, for that matter.

Speaking to Autocar, the new Vauxhall CEO, Michael Lohscheller, simply said: “I love sports cars, but they are a challenge. Maybe they might become a little easier for us, as part of a bigger group [PSA], but we would have to find intelligent solutions.”

Also Read: Opel Should Definitely Build The GT Concept

Electrification, on the other hand, is something that Opel/Vauxhall is interested in, as “all Opel and Vauxhall cars will have electrified versions by 2024”, according to Lohscheller.

As for the partnership with GM-owned Buick, the Vauxhall official said that it “will continue for maybe two or three years”. “We still have a contractual relationship. We produce cars for them and we take cars from Korea.”

Despite being acquired by PSA, Opel/Vauxhall will continue to function as separate brands, and won’t eventually morph into Peugeots or Citroens. “We are finding a new face right now”, answered Lohscheller when asked how future Opel and Vauxhall vehicles will be set apart from their PSA counterparts.

“Today, we are talking engineering, but our very firm intention is to keep the Opel and Vauxhall brand values separately, and we are working on that right now. In three or four months, we will make our intentions very clear.”

Note: Opel GT Concept pictured