DO YOU REMEMBER the Opel Calibra, the very precise handling and fast balanced Opel coupe – and the winner of the German DTM racing series, when is was in the winner-lane? The Calibra name is on its way back to the streets.

The base for the new Vectra is GM’s all-new Epsilon chassis, which will also be used for the up-coming replacement of the new Saab 9³, an all-new top-class Fiat and a wide range of U.S.-models. Epsilon was designed to offer better crash protection; it includes Multiplex- and CAN-Bus electronic systems and allows Opel a drastically lengthened wheelbase of 2.73 metres for the new Vectra.

The new Vectra comes in various body versions. First will be the conventional three-box sedan which will be unveiled at the springs Geneva show. Following in summer 2002 will be the fastback version GTS – presented at sportscartesting.com by the end of 2001.

Yet in autumn 2002 will come the Vectra Caravan estate version, available with all engines offered for the saloon and with an estate-typical equipment such as roof racks, loading space cover and strengthened rear axle and dampers. Only a couple of months later, in summer 2003, Opel wants to release the most interesting version of this new Vectra range, the so-called Vectra Signum which seems to be the German answer to the Renault Avantime: a cross-over between station wagon and MPV.

And finally, be prepared to see the successor of the Calibra on the roads in spring 2004. Opel has finally given the car the green light. We suspect it to be available with a choice of four- and six-cylinder engines up to about 260 HP. And one can well say: It looks nothing but elegant – and has a typical Opel design.

FACTS
· All-new Vectra Sedan, Geneva, March 2002
· Vectra GTS – summer 2002
· Vectra Caravan – autumn 2002
· Vectra Signum – summer 2003
· Vectra coupe called Calibra – spring 2004

Images
1. Vectra coupe – V6 and 260 hp
2. Vectra Signum – exciting design
3. Vectra Caravan – ready next autumn

Photo: AutoMedia