The Opel Monza Concept has been unveiled ahead of its debut at the 2013 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show next month. Designed as a study, the concept shows what people can expect from Opel in the future, both in terms of design language and technology.
“The Monza Concept represents the Opel car of tomorrow”, says Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “On one hand, it embodies everything that already characterizes Opel – German precision combined with innovative technologies wrapped in captivating design. In addition, it addresses the themes that will be the development-focus of the next generation of Opel cars: maximum connectivity and optimum efficiency.”
The Monza Concept is powered by an electric drivetrain with a CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbo engine providing extended range when required.
The four seat coupe features a unique design with expansive “gull wing” doors that enables easy entry and egress for front and rear-seat passengers, thanks to the absence of a B-pillar.
The interior of the Monza Concept highlights the first use of LED projection technology in the compartment of a passenger car. Drivers no longer find the conventional individual, separate monitors that display different information; instead, they face a wide, sculpted dashboard that sweeps from door to door, and is used as a single projection surface. Information and decorative elements are displayed on the surface, which the driver can customize according to his needs, taste or mood. A total of 18 LED projectors create a continuous, adaptable multi-functional display.
The Opel Monza Concept also aims to showcase a new kind of in-car smartphone connectivity. With three worlds of connectivity – called ME, US and ALL – drivers can focus solely on their driving experience, or get in touch with friends and family or even connect to the whole internet community.
With ME the infotainment system virtually disconnects the drivers’ smartphone and prioritizes the information relevant for the driving experience. US enables the passengers of the Monza Concept to connect with a group of selected people such as friends and family members: these can log-in to the car’s infotainment system with their own communication device and exchange information, music and images, chat and make appointments, etc. ALL goes beyond US. It allows the driver and virtually the whole outside world to connect. Drivers can for example spontaneously share their planned route online over a tablet or smartphone so that people can catch a ride with them along the way – enabling a new kind of instant car-sharing.