Last week, automotive publication AutoBild released renderings of the upcoming Opel (Vauxhall) Monza concept car expected to bow at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Today, the accuracy of the renderings were confirmed as Opel officially released the first photos of the Monza Concept.
Opel is billing the Monza concept as a vision if its own future, as well as that of the next-generation of the Opel design philosophy.
“DRIVE!2022 is a clear strategy for the future of Opel as a company and a brand,” says Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “It covers a whole range of subject areas and elements, and in terms of the future of our models, we’ve bundled all our targets together in the Opel Monza Concept. It is our vision of Opel’s future and stands for our fundamental values: German engineering and precision, combined with enthralling design and innovations suitable for everyday use. The Monza Concept carries these elements forward in a visionary fashion, expressing them with fresh inspiration and clarity. This car is a study that will have a long-term impact on the next generation of Opel models.”
Opel says that the Monza Concept demonstrates what Opel customers can expect to see in the future, with the design study focusing on two major themes that will be top priorities for the more than 6,000 engineers, technicians and designers in Rüsselsheim developing the next generation of Opel models: efficiency and connectivity.
According to Opel, the Monza Concept features outstanding efficiency through its architecture (we’re guessing Alpha) and use of materials (aluminum?), as well as in its aerodynamics and ground-breaking powertrain. On the connectivity front, the concept brings forth new possibilities that “are a quantum leap in the development of infotainment systems.”
The Monza exhibits further development of Opel’s design language, with an evolution of Opel’s overall design philosophy of “sculptural artistry and German precision”. The car’s body lines transmit a sense of “lithe athleticism rather than pure muscle power”.
The front end features a “low stance with flowing lines, the clearly defined hood and a striking headlamp treatment all combine to give the car an extra dose of assertive self-confidence.” The hood crease has a more three-dimensional appearance that looks more prominent, while the chrome grille bar with the Opel logo sweeps up with winglets at its tips. Meanwhile, the prominent blades under the head lamps build on the sporty appeal.
“With the Opel Monza Concept, we make our automotive future tangible today,” says Opel CEO Neumann. And fueling curiosity about Rüsselsheim’s newest study ahead of its world premiere, he adds: “I can’t yet go into detail about how the Monza Concept’s interior design, and especially its trend-setting technologies, will change the driving experience. However, I can guarantee that viewed from any angle, its innovative body design and perfect proportions will turn heads. But they are just a visible expression of the great substance you will find under the bodywork. Everyone should visit us at the Opel stand at the IAA to get a look at Opel’s exciting future!”
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Comments
Bring it here as a Buick but do not call it a Grand National or Riviera as it is not that kind of car.
This is the kind of product that can break Buick our of their preconceived image and launch them into the future. This is what will appeal to the 30 and 40 year olds and get them to really look at Buick for what they are not what they were.
Looks to share some similarities with the new Riviera concept in the front fascia
It is similar but in a more realistic production like way.
This one looks closer to a production car vs. the Riv.
Agreed, I noticed this too, however, Monza is a little too understated. I would love too see Buick revive the tradition of a model range: varients of the same car offered to different demos at different prices. I don’t see this happening in NA with Buick selling 200,000 but this is a viable option for China.
A united Opel-Vaux-Buick hybrid brand will need to choose a direction. I suggest the Riv study be passed down to Chevy which needs help anyway. Toyota and Lexus has a lot in common so this isn’t so radical.
I think GM is worried about Caddy as a Global Brand. If Opel moves upmarket, so does Buick and in this lies GMs answer to Audi. With Opel and Buick merged, the company now has a third core global brand somewhat in line with VW. Also, by spreading our R&D, the company will quickly find Opel in the black.
Opel deserves this kind of boost, and unfortunately Opel does not deserve to be saddled with Buick… Opel should be able to define its own destiny and identity. If Opels become rebadged Buicks then so be it but Buick should be Buick and Opel should be Opel, plain and simple. Buick design language should have absolutely no impact on Opel… While I like the idea of Astras, Adams and Cascadas becoming Buicks, at the same time Buicks should be Buicks and branded appropriately. I am all about seeing Buick become even more exciting with a range of new products and reenergized design language, but they should represent Buick and the future of Buick ect…
Your thinking more in the lines of a pipe dream……..GM doesn’t have the funds to be making opel only platform and opel doesn’t have the funds either…..so for now look at them in how toyota does business…….some lexus models here in the states are nothing more then toyotas in their home country……..even though they are the same car……..people in europe don’t like buick and little more of chevy…..so if they offer opels it will bring more people in their country to buy. …….but still offering up to date models, fresh designs, and engines…….even though some shared with buick……utitlizing the alpha platform. ………it is a start which opel needs so just wait for them to get back on their feet….
“people in europe don’t like buick” — no, people in Europe simply do not know Buick. The do not even know how to pronounce that word.
Exactly…….what brand do you think would do better……buick the brand people don’t know…..or opel the brand people at least have a bases on……..GM knows that……I mean look hown long it took cadillac to even be recognized as a vial brand against the big german 3………
Whoa, hold on here. No where in my post do I mention anything about platforms… I was specific in my reference to design language…
Perhaps it would help your case if you mentioned exactly what a Buick is supposed to be. In my opinion what a Buick used to be has no place in the present market. There is simply no room for it. On the contrary, I believe there is room for what it is that they are trying to do with it now. I don’t understand what you mean by Opel being “saddled with Buick”. Since Buick is a known brand in the US and China and Opel is a known brand in Europe and the Middle East, then there is no reason to not share platforms or design language. A Buick Regal will perhaps never be driven past an Opel Insignia and will perhaps never share the same space in a showroom or a forecourt. I see no problem with the philosophy that is being used now.
How well is the Regal selling how was that again, oh wait you say its selling lousy… I personally really like the Regal and would buy one right now if I had $$$, but I dont, unfortunately. My point is simple Opel needs vehicles that begin to better define its future. We are hearing that Opel and Buick will become more linked together, great I have no quarrel with that… But when you do this who becomes the dominant design language Opel or Buick, Well of course Opel would be you say. Really, is that really the best option for Buick is it huh… I am all about Buick becoming more Europeanesq in design language, but does Opels future design language play into this, Uhhh I dont know about that. Now what if Buick future design language begins to influence Opel design language, at the end of the day you have marketing staff in the US and China fighting for their version of Buick as well. So here lies the problem 2 brands one wanting one direction and the other wanting another. Absolutely rediculous, share platforms and allow Opel to be Opel and Buick to be Buick, share body styles only if absolutely necissary. To heck with it all and begin to make both brands international brands. I should be able to get an Opel as the new excitment brand from GM and soft luxury as the Buick brand… Plain and simple cut the BS…
You are assuming that the reason for the poor sales of the Regal have to do with the design. That’s not the case. One of the biggest reasons for the poor sales is a little vehicle called the Verano. With the same engines but with less weight and cost the Verano represents rather good value when compared to the only slightly larger Regal. The Regal is a much better looking car, but when I took a friend to a Buick dealership in FL she loved the looks of the Regal and felt nostalgia towards it (having owned one in the past) but said she felt more comfortable in the Verano and, believe it or not, the Encore. And this is a woman who is 5’9″ and weighs over 200 lbs. Another simplistic recommendation that you are suggesting would run GM into the ground. Designing a different look is not as simple as using an eraser-and-pencil on paper or cut-and-paste on screen. Different panels have to be designed to fit the same mounting points. Stampings have to be designed and built. Build procedures have to be recreated for the new bits and pieces. So on, so forth. That costs MILLIONS of dollars that will likely not be recovered in the generation of that vehicle. It simply makes no economic sense.
Yep no economic sense, except when it’s China; which less we forget – is the ONLY reason we still have Buick in the US. Buick didn’t even sell as we’ll as Pontiac before the GOV re-org of GM.
Buick also has many modified platforms unique to China only. The ONLY reason Buick is still being sustained here in the US is because its seen as historically significant car to own and aspire to in China. And it would be pretty pathetic for such a brand to cease to exist in its home market yet still sell abroad – wouldn’t it?
Opel hasn’t done so well on its own and has a far better chance of survival as a global hybrid brand. GM can not afford to design for both brands in 2013–no should they.
Why the Buick hate?
Buick design ques already grace Opel cars designed by Adams. We see the spear on the side of Adam and Cascada. In the 1970s, Buick also used an invertes hockey stick character line and this adorns Insignia and Astra. Cascadal means waterfall in Spanish which should be a pretty big hint.
Buick is the stronger brand and has been saddled with Opel. Together they can adopt a One Ford mentality and serve as the General’s cash cow–even here where Buick bests Infinity, Acura and Lincoln.
Opel hasn’t done so well on its own and has a far better chance of survival as a global hybrid brand. GM can not afford to design for both brands in 2013–no should they.
Why the Buick hate?
Buick design ques already grace Opel cars designed by Adams. We see the spear on the side of Adam and Cascada. In the 1970s, Buick also used an invertes hockey stick character line and this adorns Insignia and Astra. Cascadal means waterfall in Spanish which should be a pretty big hint.
Buick is the stronger brand and has been saddled with Opel. Together they can adopt a One Ford mentality and serve as the General’s cash cow–even here where Buick bests Infinity, Acura and Lincoln.
Oh and the concept, what I can see of it looks great… Go Opel, Go GM…
I like this. It could make a nice Buick if they did it right.
Watch this video and listen to Opel CEO K.T. Neumann explaining the Monza Concept. Site is “Opel TV”.
The video has, of course, already spread all over Youtube in many instances. Just search for “Opel Monza Concept”.
Thanks Much for the Link. 🙂
10/10 would drive.
Looks like a future buick to me I dunno if this is good or bad
If it is an Opel it also will be a Buick as most models from here forward in this kind of segment will be shared.
While this is a concept is it a strong hint at things to come.
The way Opel is losing money they will need all of China’s Buick sales to make a car like this profitable and to pay off the tooling.
First I will mention that I am well aware of the fact that GM intends to allign Opel with Buick, with Chevy as the sub-brand to Opel in Europe. Now, I’m just putting it out there, isn’t it interesting that this Opel concept is called the Monza? It sure brings back memories of a buddy’s old Chevy Monza.
And by the way, I know we can’t see much of it, but that car so far is beautiful! Buick or Chevy, I think it’s my 2018 Monza. 🙂
It is interesting to note that the rendering of the Monza Concept placed on a road as published by Auto Bild shows a car with outside rear-view mirrors while the real thing (as its present stage) shown in the photo with K.T. Neumann does have none.
The Buick Riviera Concept shown at the Shanghai motor show also missed such rear-view mirrors on the outside.
Mark Adams was responsible for the design of the Monza Concept.
This was confirmed by the moderator of the German language Opel Blog.
I view Adams as one of the best designers ANYWHERE. I felt he would do great things with Caddy but am glad to see him at the helm of this new Hybrid Brand.
I can’t help but wonder if GM is having second thoughts about a rapid Caddy expansion–risky, the Chinese dislike the brand and it lacks dealer networks. Bumping Buick upmarket in China and Europe gives GM a second premium marque with a built in base.
Too bad Adams can’t design the next gen Malibu, too.