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The Opel GTC (Gran Turismo Coupe) concept is significant as the first concept developed under the leadership of Bryan Nesbitt at Opel and Anthony Lo as manager of advanced design. It also represents the next chapter of Opel's brand identity and introduces a new signature style for Opel in Europe, according to GM. Essentially a larger version of the GTC Geneve concept from 2003 that previewed the Astra GTC three-door, it introduces a few new elements that are nicely-resolved but it's hardly the showstopper it needs to be for such a mission statement. The side view is characterized by an interesting line that turns down into the lower door rather than continuing into the front wheelarch and indexes back into the rear bumper. Opel has a long history of coupes and there's a bit of the old Monza GSE about the rear DLO shape too.
Most interest centers on the new front face with its pair of vertical intakes that at first sight appear to be merely graphical. Speaking with Car Design News, Anthony Lo explained the thinking behind the front graphic: "The idea is it shows a new way to indicate performance without resorting to traditional motifs such as larger lower side grilles and chin spoilers. It has a functional basis to it - it provides cooling for the intercooler for instance and allows extra lights to be contained within the frame." The vertical element is mimicked in the rear stacked exhausts too, giving a powerful look to the rear, offset by matte silk gray paint that helps to read the subtle surfacing. But, given that the idea is to create a new signature style for Opel, that lower inverted trapezoid up front looks remarkably similar to Ford's new grille...
The interior introduces a new 'Flex4' seating system that allows the backs of both rear seats to be docked separately to the front seats by remote control, creating a spacious three or two-seater with a big flat trunk.
Dodge Demon Concept
The Demon is a traditional front engine rear wheel drive sports car in the idiom of the Mazda MX5 and BMW Z4, or more specifically the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky that GM produce.
The exterior, by Jae Chung, was shown off to good effect in its yellow gold metallic paint and is notable for several finely defined, subtle creases. The line sweeping back from atop of the front fender and running down the side flank - in a similar way to that of the BMW Z4 - is the most obvious of these, but the way some of these creases intersect each other below the front lights and at the rear of the car is also interesting.
Classic Dodge headlamp graphics and grille shape integrate well with the rest of the car and there are some interesting new design details: the carbon fibre trimmed windshield surround and seat backs, the bespoke small door handles, rear side air intakes (for the brakes apparently) and the unusual wheel arch shape.
The interior by Dan Zimmermann heavily references classic 60s European roadsters such as the MGB and Alfa Romeo Duetto with a near upright flat IP into which four round air vents sit, and that is separate to the centre console. Dressed soberly in black leather the interior is more understated than the exterior but helps the impression that this concept is a spoiler for a very similar production car from Dodge.
Related stories:
Saturn Sky - Detroit Auto Show 2005
Renault Twingo
At the Paris show last year Renault presented the Renault Twingo concept that previewed the production car that now debuts in Geneva. We said then that it "shows how Renault are now content to follow where once they led" and this still stands as our summary of the final production design.
Of the many designers we spoke to at the show, every one of them lamented the lack of originality in the new design, not least because the first Twingo was so innovative, but also because people - including many car buyers - have come to expect Renault to offer leading solutions and not meekly follow a direction established by a competitor.
The Twingo differs most from the show car preview in its interior, where there are many impressive design elements. However, It is thematically weaker than its predecessor and does without that car's sense of space, achieved then through a monospace profile and low scuttle that pedestrian impact legislation now prevents. Compact HVAC controls sit within a cut-out section of the IP, the door speakers have a spiral pattern to their holes, even the gear shift surround has been finely resolved. These elements and the overall attractive and easily-acceptable design shall contribute to its sales success as will a low price point afforded by clever design solutions.
But this second generation Twingo is such a missed opportunity. Not only are the sensibilities of car designers offended by its mediocrity, so too will be the majority of the 47% of Twingo owners in France and Germany who are on their second or third Twingo - an exceptionally high level of loyalty for an individual model (and one which only had one engine option). Whilst there will be a broader base of people who may consider buying a Twingo now than the more polarizing previous design, there will be fewer people who really desire a Twingo. Surely this is far from a "low risk" design direction?
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Renault Twingo Concept - Paris 2006
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