I don't mean in the "is it good for GM" sense, I mean why should I care.

What can Opel offer that would appeal to me?

Not too much, I suspect.

Opel is the future of GM. How Europeans drive today, we Americans will be driving tomorrow. Europe leads the way in diesel technology and as GM's European brand, Opel and to a lesser extent Saab will be pulling the rest of GM in that direction too. I don't think Hybrids are the answer, but I have great hope for diesel power in our future. Opel is using various engines on different Opel models from the 1.3 - 1.9 CDTi ECOTECs.

All we need is one small Geo-Political crisis or a natural disaster to make gasoline go to 4, 5, even 10 bucks a gallon, then you will see the true value of diesel and Opel to all of General Motors.

You and I are relics from the past who both enjoy V8 power, but where we differ is, you are firmly rooted in the past, where I look towards the future and to me, that future is Opel and diesel engines not big honking V8's from OZ.

Edited August 6, 200718 yr by Pontiac Custom-S

You haven't answered my question yet.

And I own a GM diesel now.

Opel, for the reasons PCS pointed out, offers the future financial security that will allow GM to continue to produce low-margin niche models for enthusiasts.

Opel, for the reasons PCS pointed out, offers the future financial security that will allow GM to continue to produce low-margin niche models for enthusiasts.

A valid point, but not exactly what I meant.

I don't mean in the "is it good for GM" sense, I mean why should I care.

What can Opel offer that would appeal to me?

Not too much, I suspect.

If you're asking is there a RWD V8 coming from Opel, then the answer is no. But if Opel's existence and it's technology lowers CAFE enough that GM can still make RWD V8's, then you tell me the answer to your question.

While I prefer RWD V8s, other powerplants can have their appeal in the right package.

What I'm asking is does Opel have anything in the way of product that might make the cut?

I bought a Maserati Biturbo afterall.

Vehicularly, Opel is pretty much the European interpretation of basic Chevy, just transportation, they just do it without the fringe stuff like the Camaro and Corvette. They play to the heart of the market, so you're not going to find much you would want to buy from Opel, unless you like the GT.

Opel GT... no wait...

Opel Ome.... em.. no

Opel Anta.....hmmmm

Opel Vect.... Astra?

Vehicularly, Opel is pretty much the European interpretation of basic Chevy, just transportation, they just do it without the fringe stuff like the Camaro and Corvette. They play to the heart of the market, so you're not going to find much you would want to buy from Opel, unless you like the GT.

About what I thought, I was hoping that I missed something along the way.

I do like the GT just fine, but it's more Pontiac than Opel.

The funny thing is, if I moved to Europe, I probably would buy a GT.

You know what they say about a picture is worth a 1000 words, well does this do anything for you?

About what I thought, I was hoping that I missed something along the way.

I do like the GT just fine, but it's more Pontiac than Opel.

That and you can pick one up with a Saturn badge at your local Saturn dealer.

To me Opel offers GM NA their knowhow in European ride and handling, which the new Vue is being praised for, and they also gave Saturn styling that didn't suck for the first time in its life.

It's not the godsend that PCS makes it out to be, but it is a valuable devision that will help GM NA out here just like Holden is a valuable devision for different reasons.

You know what they say about a picture is worth a 1000 words, well does this do anything for you?

I like the look.

Hardware?

Still pics?

Or this?

Edited August 6, 200718 yr by Pontiac Custom-S

More in depth.

I like it a bit less after the second video.

Not bad in profile, but front and rear need tweaking.

I really have to fix the sound on my computer.

Was that presentation in English or German?

English

Crap!

In that case I missed it all- no sound.

What's the story on the seats?

It looked like an interesting system in the first video.

Rear seats move forward to create a flat load space of 1.8 meters long.

That could be a good feature if done right.

I rarely need the rear seats in the GTO.

So does this peek your interest? There is much more to come, but I never kiss and tell.

So does this peek your interest? There is much more to come, but I never kiss and tell.

It really depends on the drivetrain - but there is a bit to like about it.

Pics

Edited August 6, 200718 yr by Pontiac Custom-S

Interior looks a bit like my GTO (a good thing)

Overhead view: best angle yet.

That interior is horrible. I like the gauges...that's about it.

Oh, and congratulations Opel on making headlights with the worst beam pattern ever.

Shoot, Camino, you may as well buy a G6 GTP coupe, the Opel's an Epsilon, right?

It's a hardtop so that's good.

I do NOT beleive hybrids are the future, more of a marketing ploy....

at least def. not crap like the Prius. Diesels on the other hand will pay a role.

The Opel GTC is just a 2 door version of the next Vectra/Aura is it not?

Shoot, Camino, you may as well buy a G6 GTP coupe, the Opel's an Epsilon, right?

Shhhh!

I was trying really hard to like it (and convince myself that it could be RWD). :AH-HA_wink:

I do love the rear quarter with its flared wheelwell and well-fitted rolling stock. The rest is an almost for me (stylingwise).

Tweak the front and rear, make it RWD, give it a potent powerplant, and I would drive it.

As an Epsilon, no.