Opel gives a closer look at Experimental Concept

12 July 2023

With the right foot on the gas (are we still calling it gas?) and a focus on innovation, Opel presents the latest chapter in its evolution story - the Experimental Concept. With the release of a series of teasers, the company is holding the curtain a little higher to reveal glimpses of this design venture.

The Experimental Concept is, in essence, a crystal ball that offers a peek into what Opel envisions as the future of its design language. Emphasizing aerodynamic efficiency, responsible resource utilization, and distinctive design, the concept is an epitome of Opel's ‘Bold and Pure’ design philosophy, though admittedly in a slightly more extreme and technical flavor.

Now, let's talk aesthetics. The vehicle presents an illuminating display of Opel's fresh Blitz emblem embedded into a transparent grille. The innovative LED design encircling the emblem, playfully named the Opel Compass, is another intriguing feature that showcases the company's attention to detail. The same graphic design will also grace the rear end of the vehicle, creating a consistent visual identity.

The peculiar roofline pointing towards the rear end might be hinting at a fastback silhouette. And if we dare to connect the dots, the Experimental Concept might be a harbinger of the next-gen Opel Insignia or - and we would prefer this one obviously - the rebirth of the iconic Manta, but now with a green heart pumping electrons instead of gasoline.

While we're at it, let's appreciate the finer points - aero-friendly wheels and revolutionary ergonomic seats with integrated headrests crafted from now obligatory sustainable materials. There's also a whiff of a streamlined dashboard design that seems to eschew the conspicuous infotainment touchscreen, perhaps hinting at a cleaner, minimalistic approach.

So, when do we get to witness this marvel in all its glory? The company plans to pull the covers off the Experimental Concept at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich on September 5. But knowing Opel, we might get to savor more tantalizing tidbits before the grand reveal.

As Opel CEO Florian Huettl put it, the Experimental Concept "marks the start of a new chapter for our brand." So, are we standing at the cusp of a dramatic shift in Opel's design language? Can we expect future production models to emulate this concept's unique styling and philosophy? Or is it just another hyped-up marketing exercise and the finished product will look nothing like the concept?

Opel has always been exploring the more adventurous ends of automotive design, and with the Experimental Concept, it's clear that they're trying really hard to align itself with a future that is more in tune with the modern world's needs. And that means walking away from many things that Opel currently is. Opel tried this many times before, and many times it faltered just before the finish line and served us warm noodles instead of the promised spicy-hot Jalapeños. Don’t blame us for a healthy pinch of skepticism.

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