Opel Enigma Concept
GM’s main European arm of Opel isn’t doing so hot at the minute. Declining sales due to the poor economic situation, as well as fierce competition from other manufacturers mean its kinda the weak link in the GM chain at the moment.
However that isn’t going to stop designer David Cardoso from imagining what a Camaro-based Opel-branded GT coupe model would look like. Cardoso sees the Enigma as being essentially an Insignia Coupe, although it could equally be a new version of the now-extinct Calibra coupe.
It##Q##s no secret that Opel and sister company Vauxhall are currently weathering a severe crisis with rumors of plant closures both in Germany and the UK as the economic turmoil across Europe is taking its toll on most automakers.
That said, any plans Opel might have had for a two-door coupe will most likely be put on ice for the time being if not canned altogether.
But it never hurts to imagine what a sporty coupe with an Opel (or Vauxhall) badge would look like. Enter the world of an old acquaintance of ours, designer David Cardoso, who sent Carscoop these renderings of the Opel Enigma concept study.
The GT coupe model was designed to use the rear-wheel drive platform of the Chevrolet Camaro, but we##Q##ll let Dave do the rest of the talking on the Enigma:
“The Opel Enigma is a sporty 4-seat coupe based on the platform of the Chevrolet Camaro. This concept could be considered as an Insignia coupe, but I would rather see it as the new “Calibra”.
The rear is inspired by the Insignia, while the side and front have design features of the Astra GTC and the Flextreme concept.”
As the Opel Enigma was designed to utilize the Chevrolet Camaro’s platform it would naturally retain the RWD layout. But whether it would (if hell froze over and GM decided to put it into production) keep the Camaro’s not-exactly-European-friendly V8 engine option would be debatable.
What do you think?