opel / scale 1/43 | thebiggarage

Opel traces its roots to a sewing machine manufacturer founded by Adam Opel in 1862 in Rüsselsheim am Main.

Opel Automobile GmbH usually shortened to Opel, is a German automobile manufacturer which is a subsidiary of Stellantis since 16 January 2021. It was owned by General Motors from 1929 until 2017 and the PSA Group, a predecessor of Stellantis, from 2017 until 2021. Opel vehicles are sold in the United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Channel Islands under the Vauxhall brand. Some Opel vehicles were badge-engineered in Australia under the Holden brand until 2020 and in North America and China under the Buick, Saturn, and Cadillac brands.

Headquarters Rüsselsheim, Germany

KAD

Opel's top-ranging models were traditionally the Admiral and Kapitän, introduced in 1938 and 1937 respectively. In 1964, these models were joined, in the so-called "KAD" (Kapitän, Admiral, Diplomat) range, by the new Opel Diplomat. In most respects the three were badge-engineered versions of the same vehicle.

"The Big Three" were available with 2.6-litre and 2.8-litre six-cylinder petrol engines or a V8-Chevrolet small-block engine (4.6-litre). The Opel Diplomat is a luxury car manufactured by Opel from 1964 to 1977.

kapitän 1951-1953

The 1951 Kapitän, introduced in March 1951, was a stylistically slightly modernized version of the old model; technically it was much the same. The engine's compression ratio rose from 6.0:1 to 6.25 to 1, its output from 55 PS to 58 PS.

From the outside the car was readily distinguished from the first post-war Kapitäns, thanks to an abundance of chrome and a US style grill at the front. This was the most modern large mass-produced car in Europe during the immediate pre-and postwar years. Competitive Mercedes models with flat, upright, one piece windscreen and external headlamps seemed from another age in spite of their greater prestige value.

The result was that this solidly built and comfortable car lost rapidly in value and maintenance effort, with few second-hand buyers being able to afford to tax and insure a 2.5-litre engine at the time.

Power later increased to 60 PS, as better petrol quality allowed manufacturers to increase compression ratios.

From March 1951 up to July 1953, Opel built 48.562 cars of this series.

Opel Kapitän (youtube.com)

p2 1959-1963

The P2 Kapitän came to market in August 1959 and while it still had the panoramic windscreen, it gained a new grille and a revised body with a more angular roof and a new rear. It was driven by a stronger new, oversquare 2.6-liter-inline six, still of OHV and pushrod design. Carried over were the 3-speed and 4-speed overdrive transmission; the latter was replaced from December 1960 by a version of GM´s 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic.

The P2 climbed to a top speed of 150 km/h, reached 100 km/h in 16 seconds.

From August 1959 to December 1963, Opel built 145.618 units of this Kapitän series. No other Opel Kapitän model, before or subsequently, achieved such a high production level.

The large Opels were never dominating players in their market segment on the same scale as the smaller Rekord and Kadett models, possibly due to the strength of Mercedes-Benz in the big car sector. Nevertheless, the highpoint for the big Opels was 1960 when together the Kapitän and Admiral were Europe's top-selling six-cylinder saloons, with nearly 48.000 sold.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qeq6Aiw8XUI

kapitän a 1964-1968

In 1964, Opel introduced the completely new KAD (Kapitän, Admiral, Diplomat) models; the Kapitän served as the base model of this three-tier model range.

It was powered by the same engines as the contemporary Opel Admiral, namely a 2.6-L-inline six or a 2.8-L-six; a few Kapitäns even received the Chevrolet-sourced 4.6-liter V8. For the Austrian market, 580 Kapitän and Admiral models received the 2.5-liter version of the CIH six with an output of 112 PS in 1966 and 1967.

Like its more expensive brethren, the Kapitän was reworked in late 1967 and received rub strips, a new ZF steering and a collapsible steering column. At the same time, a new HL (Hochleistung = high-performance) version of the 2.8-liter six became available that put out 140 PS.

Sales of the Kapitän A fell sharply off; up to its discontinuation in November 1968, a total of 24.249 cars left the factory.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZttxme7r_k

kapitän b 1969-1970

The Kapitän B was introduced in 1969 and was the last car bearing the Kapitän name. Engine options included a 1-bbl 2.8-liter inline-six or a 2-bbl version of same, coupled with a 4-speed manual or Opel's 3-speed automatic transmission.

Production ended in May 1970. The Admiral and Diplomat lived on for another seven years until they were replaced by the Senator in 1978.

Only 4,976 Kapitän B models were built in 15 months.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-sKBcQo6V8

The Opel Kadett is a small family car produced by the German automobile manufacturer Opel from 1936 until 1940 and then from 1962 until 1991 (the Cabrio continued until 1993), when it was succeeded by the Opel Astra. The first Opel car to carry the Kadett name was presented to the public in December 1936 by Opel's Commercial-Technical director, Heinrich Nordhoff, who would in later decades become known for his leadership role in building up the Volkswagen company.

set of kadet sedan and coupe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXS8W10eZ6Y

kadett a 1962-1965

The first Opel car to carry the Kadett name was presented to the public in December 1936 by Opel's Commercial-Technical director, Heinrich Nordhoff, who would in later decades become known for his leadership role in building up the Volkswagen company.

The Opel Kadett A was introduced in 1962, with deliveries beginning on 2 October, a little more than 22 years after the original model was discontinued in May 1940. Like the original Kadett, the new car was a small family car, although it was now available in 2-door saloon, 3-door Car-A-Van (estate) and coupé versions.

The new four-cylinder, oversquare one-litre water-cooled Opel OHV engine weighed only 96 kg and was the first all-new engine developed by Opel since before the war. The engine came with a choice from two power levels. For the standard 10N engine maximum output was listed as 40 PS at 5000 rpm, and in October 1963 the high compression "1.0 S-Motor" (10S) was added, sharing the 993 cc capacity of the original power unit, but offering a maximum 48 PS of power at 5400 rpm.

The Kadett featured a more modern design than the Volkswagen Beetle that then dominated the market for small family cars in West Germany and various surrounding countries. The Kadett offered more passenger space, more luggage capacity, and better visibility for the driver. Its water-cooled engine provided effective heating for the passenger compartment. However, by the mid-1970s the Kadett's weakness was already apparent as the car's bodywork was not well protected from corrosion.

A total of 649.512 Kadett "A"s were built at the company's new Bochum factory by the time it was replaced by the Kadett "B" in July 1965. 126.616 of the cars produced were Car-A-Van bodied estate models, while the remaining 522.896 comprised a small number of coupés and approximately half a million sedans/saloons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q9iPwIyw7I

kadett b 1965-1973

The Opel Kadett B is a car that was launched by Opel at the Frankfurt Motor Show in late summer 1965. The Kadett B was larger all-round than the Kadett A: 5% longer both overall and in terms of the wheelbase, 7% wider and 9% heavier (unladen weight), albeit 10 mm lower in basic standard "Limousine" (sedan/saloon) form.

Production ended in July 1973, with the successor model introduced a month later following the summer shut-down, in August. Unlike its predecessor, it had no relationship with the Vauxhall Viva, which had moved to its own platform for its corresponding second generation.

The range of bodies was widened with the Kadett B. The entry level model, priced in September 1965 at 5.175 Marks, was the two-door "Limousine" (sedan/saloon). In addition, for the first time since 1940, it was again possible to buy a four-door Kadett "Limousine". In September 1967 a fast back "Limousine" model, designated as the "Kadett LS" and offered with two or four doors, joined the range.

A three-door "Car-A-Van" (kombi/estate/station wagon) was offered from the 1965 launch, with a five-door "Car-A-Van" added to the range in 1967.

At launch, and for the next two years till September 1967, all Kadett Bs were fitted with an OHV four-cylinder "over-square" water-cooled engine. The unit followed the architecture of the 993 cc engine first seen in the 1962 Kadett A, from which it was a development. There were two levels of power: stated output for the standard engine was 45 PS, while the "high-compression" engine, listed as the "1100 S" motor, produced 55 PS. Both engine versions were fitted with a Solex carburetor.

By the time the Kadett B was replaced in 1973 there had been no fewer than six differently sized engines available for it from Opel: by far the most popular was the 1078 cc motor that powered 89% (2.3 million of 2.6 million) of the Kadett Bs produced.

Opel Kadett B Caravan (youtube.com)

c 1973-1978

The Opel Kadett C is a small family car which was produced by the German automobile manufacturer Opel from 1973 to 1979. The Kadett C, which was the third generation of the Opel Kadett, was released in August 1973, and was Opel's version of the General Motors' "T-Car". It was the last small Opel to feature rear-wheel drive, and remained in production at Opel's Bochum plant until July 1979, by which time Opel had produced 1.701.076. Of these, 52% had been exported outside West Germany, most of them to markets in other parts of western Europe. In other world markets however, various badge engineered versions of the Kadett C remained in production as late as the mid 1990s under other GM brand names.

Despite being out of mainstream production since 1979, in Europe the Kadett C retains something of a cult following (along with its Vauxhall Chevette sister) largely due to its popularity in the sport of drifting where its conventional rear wheel drive layout is valued, and its ability to be easily upgraded with engines from larger Opel cars.

Most customers opted for the "Limousine" bodied saloon/sedan car which came with two doors. A four-door "Limousine" was produced mostly for export to markets where cars of this size with only two doors encountered customer resistance.

The Kadett C was launched in Germany with the 1.2 litre engine that had become an option for the Kadett B in 1971. The unit had a maximum output of 60 PS. The unit powered 1.389.940 of the European Kadett Cs, equivalent to almost 82% of the Kadett Cs produced by Opel in West Germany and at their daughter plant in Belgium.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Av25-wwfXO0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q-zd3vHpEE&ab_channel=thebiggarage

d sr 1979-1984

The Kadett D was introduced in the middle of August 1979. There were also two- and four-door sedans featuring separate boots/trunks, which shared the silhouettes of the hatchbacks. For the first time since 1965, there was no coupé-bodied Kadett in the range: the previous Kadett C coupé was indirectly replaced by the three-door 1.3 SR sports model.

Technologically, the Kadett D was part of a major investment for Opel (and General Motors as a whole) in a new front-wheel drive architecture, with an all-new family of engines and transmissions which would later be applied in the larger Ascona C and the smaller Corsa A in 1981, and 1982, respectively. It was also the first application of the Family II engine design, with a single overhead camshaft, aluminium-alloy cylinder head, hydraulic valve lifters, with capacities of 1297 cc (producing 60 PS and 75 PS).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Su5m4NS3GOk&ab_channel=thebiggarage

e 1984-1995

The Kadett E was introduced in1984, and was voted the 1985 European Car of the Year. The 1984 model was also developed into a more conventional three-box design with a boot. The car was noted for its advanced aerodynamics and distinctive "teardrop" shape - mirroring the trend in the mid 1980s for swooping aerodynamic styling - with the front end styling taken directly from the Opel Tech 1 concept car of 1981, although some styling cues from the Kadett D were retained for continuity such as its 'Kamm tail' and oversized C-pillar extraction vent.

A convertible version was also available, for the first time in 1987, built by Bertone of Torino, Italy, bringing it to line with competitors, such as the Ford Escort and Volkswagen Golf. For the 1988 model, capacities were raised from 1.3 to 1.4 litres. In the fall of 1986 a new 1,998 cc engine replaced the 1.8 hitherto used on the GSi and Vauxhall Astra GTE in many markets, although the 1.8 continued to be sold in some places.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm9Ew8l-kXA

The Opel Rekord is a large family car which was built in eight generations by the German car manufacturer Opel. Between 1953 and 1986, approximately ten million were sold. In 1986, the Rekord nameplate was replaced by the Opel Omega. The Rekord name evolved into the main name of the model; at first the name was used in close relationship with the Opel Olympia name, which pre-dated the Rekord but was also reinstated in a separate model in 1967.

p1 1957-1960

The Opel Rekord P1 (branded for its first two years as the Opel Olympia Rekord P) was a large family car introduced in August 1957, in time for the Frankfurt Motor Show, by Opel as a replacement for the previous year's Opel Olympia Rekord. It was larger than its predecessor and featured an eye-catching US-style wrap-around windscreen and rear window, reminiscent of its General Motors Luton-built cousin, the Vauxhall Victor F, which had appeared in England a few months earlier.

The Opel Rekord P1 sold very well, consistently achieving second place in the West German sales charts, beaten to the top slot only by the smaller and cheaper Volkswagen Beetle.

Unlike the modern bodywork, the 1488 cc OHV four-cylinder water-cooled engine was very little changed since it had first been offered in the Opel Olympia back in 1937.

Claimed power output at launch was unchanged from the previous model's 45 PS at 3900 rpm. However, from July 1959 the compression ratio was increased, so that the 1488 cc engine offered a claimed 50 PS of maximum power.

Customers could also specify a larger 1680 cc engine for which the published maximum power output was 55 PS at 4000 rpm.

The 1957–60 Opel (Olympia) Rekord P1 came with different names, depending on date and type. At the 1957 launch it was called the "Opel Olympia Rekord", or, sometimes, the "Opel Olympia Rekord P". The next year a reduced specification 1,196 cc powered version was introduced called simply the "Opel Olympia".

In July 1959 the standard model, at the same time as receiving more power, became simply the "Opel Rekord". The cut-price "Opel Olympia" was now stripped even of its former name, being branded from 1959 simply as the "Opel 1200". This stripped down, cut-price version continued to be produced with the Rekord P1 body for over two years after the mainstream model had migrated to the Rekord P2 body. The Opel 1200 was only available with two-door sedan bodywork.

It was also offered as the Opel 1500 with a 1.5 litre engine.

During the three-year period between 1957 and 1960 Opel recorded production of 817.003 Olympia Rekords. It was still produced at about half the rate of the Volkswagen Beetle, but it was repeatedly West Germany's second best seller. During the same three years Ford recorded production of 239.978 Ford Taunus 17Ms.

Opel Rekord P1

a coupe 1963-1965

The Rekord A line-up was a repeat of the Rekord P II (two- and four-door saloon, two-door estate and delivery van, two-door coupé with 1500 or 1700 or 1700 S engines), but the bodies were completely new and the wheelbase stretched. March 1964 saw the introduction of the Rekord L-6 with the Opel Kapitän's 2.6-litre inline-six. Top speed was130 km/h to 167 km/h.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0msKAX82bg&ab_channel=thebiggarage

c oupe 1966-1971

The Opel Rekord Series C is an executive car that was introduced in August 1966, as a replacement for the short-lived Opel Rekord Series B. It was slightly larger all round than its predecessor, from which it inherited most of its engines. It continued in production until replaced by the Opel Rekord Series D at the end of 1971.

The Rekord C's 4+1⁄2-year production run was longer than that of any previous generation of Opel Rekord, and during that period 1,276,681 were produced.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1WnC41hWRI

d caravan 1972-1977

About 1.1 million Rekord Ds were made. Because the name Rekord D was easily mistaken to connote a diesel-powered car, the name Rekord II was often used in sales literature.

The engine types available were 1897 cc or 1698 cc CIH four-cylinder gasoline engines. There was also a 2068 cc diesel version. The diesel engine was higher than gasoline variants, so diesel model hoods have a raised midsection.

Some models were also assembled in Iran (before revolution) from 1974 till 1977 under the local brand-name by Iran General Motors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-u1aW1QLlw

commodore a 1967-1971

The Opel Commodore is an executive car (E-segment) produced by Opel from 1967 to 1982. It is the six-cylinder variant of the Rekord with styling differences. The Commodore nameplate was used by Opel from 1967 to 1982. However, its nameplate/lineage continued until 2020 with the Australian Holden Commodore.

Opel launched the Commodore as a faster up-market version of the Rekord. The Commodore was initially available with the known 2.2-litre six or a larger 2.5 L engine developing 115 PS with a single carburettor. Body styles comprised a two-door or four-door notchback saloon and a two-door hardtop/fastback coupé. In September 1967 the sporty Commodore GS offering 130 hp from a dual-carburettor 2.5 L-six was introduced.

For the 1969 model year, the carryover 2.2-litre six was dropped and the optional 2-speed Powerglide automatic was abandoned in favor of Opel's new 3-speed automatic transmission.

Opels didn't have the reputation for performance cars in the period and they had seen the positive impact on sales for other race winning manufacturers on having performance models in their range of cars. Opel wanted to be in this area of the market and the results of this desire was the Commodore GS/E.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pv_3c-6SGU

manta a 1970-1975

The Opel Manta is a rear-wheel-drive sports coupé, built in two generations from 1970 to 1988. The Manta was a mildly sporting coupé based on the Ascona family car. The Manta remained rear-wheel drive for both generations and also saw certain competition success. Its name comes from the Manta ray.

The Manta was normally equipped with a 1.6 or a 1.9-litre CIH engine, although in continental Europe, a small, 1.2-litre, motor was also offered. The Manta was known to be one of the best-handling cars in its class and went on to win a large number of rallies in Europe and the United States.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsWarc59kBk&ab_channel=thebiggarage

ascona a 1970-1975

The Opel Ascona is a large family car (D-segment in Europe) that was produced by the German automaker Opel from 1970 to 1988. It was produced in three separate generations, beginning with rear-wheel-drive and ending up as a front-wheel drive J-car derivative. The Ascona was developed to fill the gap in the Opel range as the Opel Rekord was gradually growing in size.

The Ascona took its name from the lakeside resort of that name in Ticino, Switzerland, and already in the 1950s a special edition of the Opel Rekord P1 was sold as an Opel Ascona in Switzerland.

The Opel Manta coupé was launched on September 9, followed by the Opel Ascona on October 28 in two- and four-door sedan forms, plus a three-door station wagon called the Caravan or Voyage. These models were positioned between the existing Opel Kadett and the Opel Rekord, and unlike later Asconas - there was no Vauxhall sister model.

The Ascona was developed as a replacement to the Kadett, but late in the car's development Opel chose to instead develop a new, smaller Kadett and instead positioned the Ascona as a competitor to the successful Ford mid-sized Taunus range. The Opel Ascona A stayed in production until 1975. By that time, almost 692.000 vehicles of the first series had been produced.

The range featured petrol engines from 1.2 L to 1.9 L, with power between 60 PS and 90 PS. Tuner Steinmetz developed a special version of the Ascona SR, lifting power to 125 PS.

Opel Ascona A (youtube.com)

monza a1 1978-1982

The Opel Monza is an executive fastback coupe produced from 1978 to 1986. It was planned as a successor for the Commodore Coupé.

The internals consisted of parts mainly borrowed from the Rekord E1 and later the E2, which meant cloth seats, and much plastic on the dashboard and inner doors. Even the rev counter and the tachometer was taken directly from the Rekord E models,

With the 3.0-litre engine, the Monza was at that time the fastest car Opel had ever built. Being capable of speeds as high as 215 km/h, and the 0–100 km/h mark went in just 8.5 seconds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlykSqKfqks&ab_channel=thebiggarage

The Opel Corsa is a supermini car engineered and produced by the German automobile manufacturer Opel since 1982. Throughout its existence, it has been sold under a variety of other brands owned by General Motors (most notably Vauxhall, Chevrolet, and Holden) and also spawned various other derivatives.

At its height of popularity, the Corsa became the best-selling car in the world in 1998, recording 910,839 sales with assembly operations in four continents and was sold under five marques with five different body styles. By 2007, over 18 million Corsas had been sold globally.

corsa a 1982-1993

The rear-wheel drive Opel Corsa was first launched in September 1982. It went on sale first in France, Italy, and Spain - markets where small cars represented from 34 to 43 percent of overall automobile sales. Built-in Zaragoza, Spain, the first Corsas were three-door hatchback and two-door saloon models, with four-door and five-door versions added in 1984.

Power first came from 1.0 L 45 hp, 1.2 L 55 hp, and 1.3 L 70 hp petrol engines. (The first engines were all equipped with carburetors; fuel injection came later, but never for the 1.0.).

The design was freshened in September 1990, with new bumpers, headlights, grille, and interior, but it was clearly recognisable as a gentle makeover of an early 1980s design when it had to compete with the latest two all-new superminis in Europe – the Peugeot 106 and the Renault Clio.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0ejmZAx-6k

corsa c 2000-2006

The Corsa C was revealed in 1999, and introduced to the European market in October 2000, and the facelift arrived in August 2003. General Motors dubbed the new chassis Gamma, and intended to use it for a number of other models. A saloon version was also offered in Latin America, South Africa and the Middle East. In 2002, the Corsa chassis spawned a mini MPV called the Opel Meriva, development of which began under Opel in Rüsselsheim.

The 1.0 L and 1.2 L Ecotec Family 0 engines are carry overs from the Corsa B; the 1.4 L Family 1 engine was replaced with a new 1.4 L Family 0 model. The 1.8 L Family 1 engine is an upgrade for the previous 1.6 L 16 valve engine and produces 125 PS. The edition with the 1.8 L engine was named Corsa GSi and was the predecessor of the new Corsa OPC.

In 2003, Opel introduced updated versions of Family 0 engines with TwinPort technology, and the 1.2 L engine gained 30 cc, giving it 80 PS.

The Corsa D was introduced in 2006.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPg5vRoA5w0&ab_channel=thebiggarage

corsa d 2006-2014

The Corsa D was created using a new version of the SCCS platform, which was co-developed by General Motors/Opel and Fiat, and is also employed by the 2005 Fiat Grande Punto.

The first official pictures of the Corsa D were released by Opel in May 2006. In the United Kingdom, What Car? awarded it 2007 Car of the Year. The Corsa D placed second in the European Car of the Year for 2007, only behind the Ford S-Max.

The Corsa D is available in both three and five-door versions. The same engines sizes from the Corsa C were available at launch, although the 1.3 L CDTI and 1.7 L CDTI engines were upgraded, with power ranging from 75 PS to 125 PS.

The 192 PS OPC/VXR version went on sale in the beginning of 2007, with a 1.6 L turbocharged petrol engine powering the front wheels.

In November 2010, a facelift was announced. A revised front end was the most dramatic difference over its predecessor, consisting of a new grille, a restyled front bumper and new 'Eagle Eye' headlamps (introduced on the Insignia) which contain daytime running lamps, standard across the refreshed Corsa range.

Opel Corsa D (youtube.com)

corsa-e f 2019-present

The original project of Corsa F was initially planned to be released in the third quarter of 2017 on a GM platform, however, the project was cancelled due to Groupe PSA's acquisition of Opel and Vauxhall. Development was then restarted after switching to the PSA platform in 2017. The Corsa is thus the first of the Opel/Vauxhall models developed under the PSA ownership.

The Corsa-e has the same drivetrain as the e-208. The electric motor produces 136 PS and a 0–100 km/h acceleration takes 8.1 seconds. Output is restricted in the Normal (109 hp) and Eco (81 hp) modes.

Compared to the conventionally-powered Corsa, the Corsa-e is 345 kg heavier at a kerb weight (for the base model) of 1455 kg; the center of gravity is lower by 57 mm for the Corsa-e. Boot space shrinks from 309 to 267 L for the electric version as well.

Externally, the standard Corsa F is almost identical to the electric version, with the exception of different alloy wheel designs and the lack of exhaust. The interior will include a touchscreen infotainment system with two set-ups available; seven-inch Multimedia Navi system or 10-inch Multimedia Navi Pro (exclusive to the top-level Elite Premium trim).

Opel Corsa-e F (youtube.com)

The Opel Calibra is a coupé, engineered and produced by Opel between 1989 and 1997. In the United Kingdom it was marketed under the Vauxhall brand as the Vauxhall Calibra. It was also marketed as the Chevrolet Calibra in South America by Chevrolet, and the Holden Calibra in Australia and New Zealand by Holden.

1989-1997

The Calibra was introduced to belatedly replace the Manta and to counter the Japanese sporting coupés of the period. It employs the running gear of the first generation Opel Vectra, which had been launched in October 1988. Calibra production was based in the Opel factory in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and the Valmet Automotive factory in Uusikaupunki, Finland, where production was consolidated in November 1995. The Calibra was initially only available with front-wheel drive, but from November 1990, four wheel drive became available.

The Opel Calibra was styled by GM's designer Wayne Cherry, and German designer Erhard Schnell. As a front-wheel drive three door hatchback coupé based on the Vectra A chassis, its ride and handling are not significantly better than that of the large family car from which it grew.

When launched in 1989, the Calibra was the most aerodynamic production car in the world, with a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.26.

In July 1990, after General Motors bought a stake in Saab, it was reported the Calibra would be badged as a Saab in the United States, but these plans did not materialise. There were also plans for a cabriolet version to be produced, but these too failed to materialise.

Power was initially from 2.0 litre 8 valve 117 PS C20NE, and a Cosworth designed 16 valve fuel injected 152 PS C20XE four cylinder redtop petrol engines.

For 1992, a turbocharged 2.0 litre 16 valve engine 207 PS C20LET (turbocharged version of the C20XE) was added to the range. With four wheel drive, a six speed Getrag manual transmission and a claimed top speed of 245 km/h.

There are different data available about production numbers: 238.164 or 238.647 or 239.118 have been built in total. 93.978 have been built in Valmet, Finland. Nearly 130.000 were fitted with 8V, 83.000 with 16V, 14.000 with Turbo and 12.000 with V6 engine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZfBJg3vsk8&ab_channel=thebiggarage

v6 4x4 dtm 1996

The Calibra V6 DTM race cars, while still being four wheel drive, had the engine mounted longitudinally instead of transversely. Early DTM cars were using a naturally aspirated Opel Cosworth V6 engine. Power climbed from 420 to 480 PS during the years (1993–1995).

In 1996, due to changes to the regulations of FIA, a newly developed engine was used : the all aluminium Cosworth V6 engine, based on the Isuzu Trooper/Amigo V6. This V6 was capable of revving up to 15,000 rpm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIi2oQl6Juc

vectra c 2002-2010

The Opel Vectra is a mid-size car (large family car) that was engineered and produced by the German automaker Opel from 1988 until 2010. Available in saloon, hatchback and estate (from model year 1997 onwards) body styles, the Vectra was also sold by the Vauxhall marque in the United Kingdom as the Vauxhall Cavalier from 1988 to 1995 and then as the Vauxhall Vectra from 1995 to 2008, and it was also sold by Holden in Australia as the Holden Vectra, by Chevrolet in Latin America as the Chevrolet Vectra.

The Vectra was introduced in October 1988 as a replacement for the Opel Ascona, and was itself replaced in November 2008 by the new Opel Insignia, the nameplate spanning three generations and almost twenty one years.

Built on the new GM Epsilon platform, the Opel Vectra C, released in March 2002 for the 2003 model year was initially available as a four-door notchback saloon and a five-door hatchback, known as the GTS. A five-door estate was added in October 2003.

The engine range was substantially modified to account for the increased curb weight of the Vectra C. The 121 hp 1.8 litre Family 1 Ecotec engine was reserved for the base model, with the main petrol engine for the Vectra C, making up the vast bulk of production, being the Ecotec 2.2 litre chain driven unit producing 145 hp; along with a new range topping 3.2 litre 54-Degree V6, with 208 hp.

In 2003, a 2.0 litre turbocharged Ecotec engine with 173 hp was also notionally offered. Being a main engine for another GM brand, Saab, it was only ever sold in small numbers in the Vectra.

The 248 hp version was available for the Vectra later in 2006. Opel also introduced – for the first time – an OPC version of the Vectra, using the VXR name in the United Kingdom. These high performance variants were only available as hatchbacks and estates. In the United Kingdom the power of the High Feature V6 engine was increased to 252 hp, giving a maximum speed approaching 250 km/h.

Opel Vectra C (youtube.com)

signum 2003-2008

The Opel Signum is a large front-engine, front-wheel drive, five-passenger, mid-size car manufactured and marketed by the German car manufacturer Opel from 2003 to 2008, exclusively over a single generation, derived from the Opel Vectra. Marketed almost exclusively in Europe, a rebadged Signum was marketed in the United Kingdom as the Vauxhall Signum. The Signum used the long wheelbase version of the GM Epsilon platform also used by the Opel Vectra Caravan.

As a very large hatchback with a nearly vertical tailgate, its dimensions placed it between traditional large family cars and executive cars. In most markets, it was also priced accordingly (more expensive than the Opel Vectra, but less than e.g. Audi A6). The Opel Signum was intended to capture a new market segment.

General Motors, Opel's then parent, executed a similar concept in North America of a large hatchback with the related 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, also derived from the Epsilon platform.

The Signum was offered with a wide range engines it shared with the Vectra.

After March 2008, RHD production ended, and both the Opel Signum and the Opel Vectra were replaced with the new Opel Insignia in October of the same year. From the end of 2005, Pierluigi Collina starred in adverts across Europe for the Signum, as well as the Vectra.

Production of the Signum and Vectra C ended in July 2008 for Mainland Europe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzW3aVrFYOk&ab_channel=thebiggarage

The Opel Astra is a compact car/small family car (C-segment) developed and produced by the German automaker Opel since 1991, currently at its sixth generation. It was first launched in September 1991 as a direct replacement to the Opel Kadett. As of 2022, the car slots between the smaller Corsa supermini and the larger Insignia large family car.

h a04 2004-2009

The Astra H was launched in March 2004 as a five-door hatchback, whilst a five-door estate launched late 2004 and a sporty three-door hatchback, designated the GTC (Gran Tourismo Compact) for European markets.

The GTC has the option of a windscreen called "panoramic windscreen" (unique for a production car at the time of its launch) which extends into the roof area. Based on an updated version of GM's T platform, its size was increased compared to the previous version. Production came until the end of 2009, excepting the TwinTop which continued to be manufactured until November 2010.

At the end of 2012, the Astravan was replaced by the new Opel Combo D (where the production of the Astra H had already ended).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uufhiPaht90

j p10 gtc opc 2012-2015

The Astra J is based on the General Motors' Delta II platform and debuted in 2009. The car has taken most of its styling from the new Opel Insignia, with many of the higher options fitted as standard.

The Opel Astra came third in the European Car of the Year award in 2010.

The station wagon version of the Astra - dubbed the 'Sports Tourer' by Opel, debuted in 2010. The adoption of the "Sports Tourer" name finally brought to an end Opel's traditional "Caravan" designation for its station wagon derivatives.

A 3-door version dubbed Astra GTC was introduced in July 2011. Externally, it retains very few design elements of the old 5-door model. In late 2013, a new 1.6 Turbo EcoTec engine with 200PS output replaced the older 180PS engine of the same capacity, meaning the 1.6 Turbo replaces the BiTurbo Diesel as the fastest non-OPC model in the range.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGr0Vbml-zY&ab_channel=thebiggarage

k b15 hatchback / b16 estate 2015-2022

Opel launched the Astra K at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015 for the 2016 model year.

The Astra K is smaller (5 cm), and lighter (up to 200 kg) compared to Astra J. Although it is smaller on the outside, Opel claims it is bigger on the inside than the previous Astra J. Depending on the model and trim level it is up to 200 kilograms - at the very least 120 kilograms - lighter than its predecessor. The completely new vehicle architecture plays a major role in the weight reduction.

Available engines at launch were 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engines or 1.6-litre diesels. It will be available with new full-LED front light techniques, A screen in the dash which connect to Android or iPhone comes as standard. This system is already available, in both the Corsa E and Adam.

A facelift of Opel Astra K released around the summer of 2019. Changes were minimal, both inside and outside; however the facelifted Astra sports a new front grille, new rear lights, as well as a new windscreen wiper mechanism, where both wipers are individually controlled as opposed to a linked setup as before.

The last Astra to be produced in Ellesmere Port rolled off the assembly line on April 6, 2022. The last Astra to be produced in Gliwice factory rolled off the assembly line on November 30, 2021.

Opel Astra K (youtube.com)

Opel Astra Estate K (youtube.com)

l c02 2021-present

The sixth generation Astra was unveiled on 13 July 2021 and it went on sale on 12 November 2021. As the first Astra developed by PSA Group, it’s based on the third-generation of the EMP2 platform which made its wheelbase grow by 55 mm. Launched ten months after the merger of FCA and PSA to form Stellantis, the vehicle has been offered as a hybrid for the first time and will unveil a 180-horsepower engine. The 225 horsepower version, taken from the Peugeot 508 and Peugeot 3008, is also available on the GSe version.

The new Opel Astra is also a design statement for the brand. Dynamic as never before, with sheer, taut surfaces, detoxed of superfluous elements and with the new brand face – the Opel Vizor. This shows at first glance that the Astra is ready to define a new era.

Like its predecessor launched in 2015, the newcomer brings innovations to the compact class that customers previously only knew from more expensive vehicles. For example, the Astra can turn night into day: the latest evolution of the adaptive Intelli-Lux LED^® Pixel Light comes straight from Opel's flagship Insignia and, with 168 LED elements, leads the way in the compact and midsize market sectors.

Opel Astra L (youtube.com)

The Opel Insignia is a large family car (D-segment in Europe) developed and produced by the German car manufacturer Opel from 2008 to 2022. Taking its name from a 2003 concept car, the model line serves as the flagship model, slotted above the Astra and Corsa in size. The Insignia serves as the successor to both the Signum and Vectra model lines, replacing both vehicles under a single nameplate. Currently in its second generation, the model line is offered in four-door sedan/saloon body styles, five-door liftback, and as a five-door station wagon/estate.

Opel Insignia A (youtube.com)

set of insignia sedan and tourer Opel Insignia A Set (youtube.com)

A G09 2008-2017

The Insignia debuted as the Vauxhall Insignia in 2008 in London. It then went on sale in European dealerships in October 2008 for the 2009 model year as a five-door liftback and five-door estate dubbed Sports Tourer – a departure for Opel which traditionally used the "Caravan" name to denote the estate bodystyle. It was the first production car to be based on the Epsilon II platform, which was also used on other models such as the 2010 Saab 9-5 and the Chevrolet Malibu.

Design wise, the Insignia offers 30 mm more knee room than the Vectra. The saloon and liftback variants have the same 4.83 m length and wheelbase of 2.73 m. The estate version is slightly longer at 4.91 m on the same wheelbase.

The Insignia was the first car to debut redesigned badges for both the Opel and Vauxhall brands.

From launch, the Insignia was offered with four petrol engines: 1.6 L 115 PS; 1.8 L 140 PS; 2.0 L Turbo 220 PS; 2.8 L V6 with 260 PS. Thjere were three diesel engines available (all derived from the Fiat/GM JTD engine), all displacing 2.0 litres.

A major facelift was introduced in June 2013, with new exterior and interior styling, new engines, and new safety features. Alongside the facelift of 2013 came a new range of engines – some existing, some tweaked, and some brand new.

The new Insignia had its public debut at the International Motor Fair in Belgrade in March 2017.

Opel Insignia A (youtube.com)

A G09 sports tourer 2009-2017

After the introduction of the Insignia, Opel quickly came up with the station wagon variant of the Insignia. In October, it shone at the Paris Motor Show and in the spring of 2009, a few months after the arrival of the sedan and hatchback, the Sports Tourer is at the dealership.

The Sports Tourer has the same wheelbase (2.74 m) as the Insignia sedan, so this time Opel does not choose to give the station wagon a longer wheelbase. This is the case with the Vectra station wagon, for example. Still, the Insignia Sports Tourer measures 8 centimeters more than the sedan, at 4.91 meters it is a big boy. There is room for 540 litres in the boot when the cover is unfurled, which is 10 litres more than can be held in an Opel Vectra station wagon with a 2.83-metre-long wheelbase.

The designers have given the rear of the Sports Tourer a unique, but cohesive appearance given by the 'wrapped' tailgate far into the flanks and accentuate them with the large, distinctive and Fully integrated rear lights.

When the Insignia Sports Tourer arrives at dealerships, Opel will also introduce two new engines for the Insignia, bringing the number of power units to 9.

According to Opel, it's a compact turbo engine and new diesel. So the 1.6 turbo with 180 hp, which will also be used in the new Saab 9-5, the Opel Astra already has that block. The auto-ignition is likely to be GM's new 2.9 V6 diesel.

Opel also offers the Insignia Sports Tourer with the FlexRide system, where the dampers are electronically adjustable. 4x4 can also be combined with the station wagon body.

Like the sedan and hatchback models, the Insignia Sports Tourer developed at GM Europe's Design and Engineering Center in Rüsselsheim. It will also be built at the factory in Rüsselsheim.

Opel Insignia A Sports Tourer (youtube.com)

set of insignia sedan and tourer Opel Insignia B Sedan & Tourer (youtube.com)

B Z18 2017-2022

Sold worldwide, the Insignia is marketed under multiple nameplates. Under Opel tradition, the model line is marketed by Vauxhall in the United Kingdom, taking on the Vauxhall Insignia name. Both generations of the model line have been marketed in Latin America and North America as the Buick Regal (sales of the Regal continue in China). GM Australia marketed the second-generation Insignia as the Holden Commodore through 2020 (until discontinuing both the model line and the Holden brand).

The Z18 model is based on a moderately updated version of Epsilon II platform and was wholly developed by General Motors. After the sale of Opel to PSA Group and later Stellantis, it is continued to be produced under license. The production of the Insignia will end in 2022 and therefore ending the company's tradition of the executive and flagship cars.

From launch, the Insignia was offered with four petrol engines: 1.6 L 115 PS, 1.8 L 140 PS, 2.0 L Turbo 220 PS, 2.8 L V6 with 260 PS.

And three diesel engines (all derived from the Fiat/GM JTD engine), all displacing 2.0 litres: 2.0 L 110 PS, 2.0 L 130 PS, 2.0 L 160 PS.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xOzclSnw04

B Z18 sports tourer 2017-2022

The Insignia mkII is based on a moderately updated version of Epsilon II platform and was wholly developed by General Motors. After the sale of Opel to PSA Group and later Stellantis, it is continued to be produced under license.

After a 2020 facelift, only the 2-liter four-cylinder petrol engine remained available in Europe, while a new 1.5-liter three-cylinder and a 2.0-liter four cylinder diesel replaced the earlier 1.6 and 2.0.

In 2022, Vauxhall discontinued the Insignia from their model range as the result of the brand would moving towards a fully electric lineup and the decline of the D-segment in Europe which also lead to the discontinuation of the Ford Mondeo and the saloon version of the Volkswagen Passat.

Opel also ended production of the Opel Insignia in 2022. PSA later reverted course and said that the Insignia nameplate will be resurrected as a Crossover SUV in 2024 for both Opel and Vauxhall brands.

Under Stellantis' corporate umbrella, the Citroën C5 X and the DS 9 now cover the D/E segments in Europe.

Opel Insignia B Sports Tourer (youtube.com)