Opel Chronos: A Remarkable Collaboration Between Pininfarina and Opel
ForgottenONES - Following our previous discussion on the Chrysler Chronos Concept, we now shift our focus to another remarkable vehicle sharing the same name. In 1991, Pininfarina introduced the Opel Chronos as a groundbreaking concept car at several major auto expo in Detroit and Geneva. This research prototype was a result of the collaboration between Pininfarina and Opel, based on the mechanical components of the Opel Lotus Omega, which held the title of the world's fastest sedan at that time. Let's delve into the details of this exceptional vehicle and explore its unique features.
In 1991, Pininfarina introduced the Opel Chronos as a groundbreaking concept car at several major auto expo in Detroit and Geneva. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
The Opel Lotus Omega, also known as the Vauxhall Carlton in the UK, showcased exceptional engineering with its powerful 377 horsepower twin-turbo 3.6-liter straight-six engine and a six-speed manual gearbox, driving the rear wheels. This impressive performance made it an ideal candidate for Pininfarina to transform it into a high-performance supercar, leading to the birth of the Opel Chronos concept.
The Opel Chronos featured a distinctive glass roof embedded with liquid crystals, utilized Kevlar bodywork, reducing the car's weight by a significant 200 kilograms. (Picture from: Autocar)
One of the key highlights of the Opel Chronos was its lightweight construction. Pininfarina utilized Kevlar bodywork, reducing the car's weight by a significant 200 kilograms. This weight reduction, combined with the Omega's potent engine, allowed the Chronos to potentially reach a top speed of 190 mph, solidifying its status as a true supercar.
The Opel Chronos posed along with its donor, the Opel Lotus Omega (the Vauxhall Carlton in the UK) known also as the world's fastest sedan at that time. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
Adding to its allure, the Opel Chronos featured a distinctive glass roof embedded with liquid crystals. This innovative technology allowed the glass to darken instantly when an electrical current was applied, providing shade and privacy to the occupants. This remarkable feature further enhanced the practicality and aesthetics of the vehicle.
The Opel Chronos pinned an innovative technology allowed the glass to darken instantly when an electrical current was applied, providing shade and privacy to the occupants. (Picture from: CarsThatNeverMadeItEtc)
Pininfarina's vision for the Opel Chronos was to pay homage to their collaboration with General Motors while creating a convertible that seamlessly blended exceptional performance with unique styling. This concept car stayed true to Pininfarina's legacy of designing sports cars that set new benchmarks for high-volume manufacturers.
The Opel Chronos housed a turbocharged inline-six petrol engine, generating an impressive maximum power of 382 PS (377 bhp - 281 kW) at 5200 rpm and a maximum torque of 568.0 Nm (418 lb.ft) at 5200 rpm. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
Under the hood, the Opel Chronos housed a turbocharged inline-six petrol engine, generating an impressive maximum power of 382 PS (377 bhp - 281 kW) at 5200 rpm and a maximum torque of 568.0 Nm (418 lb.ft) at 5200 rpm. The power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a speed gearbox, offering an exhilarating rear-wheel drive experience.
The Opel Chronos boasted exceptional road holding, precise handling, and a comfortable ride, thanks to its well-engineered chassis. (Picture from: Blog.goo.ne.jp)
The Opel Chronos boasted exceptional road holding, precise handling, and a comfortable ride, thanks to its well-engineered chassis. The braking system, equipped with powerful brakes at the front and rear, provided efficient stopping power, further enhancing the car's performance capabilities. As a cabriolet model, the Opel Chronos exemplified Pininfarina's expertise in crafting convertible vehicles. We're sorry, because we couldn't find a proper video about the Opel Chronos, so here's a video about the donor car, the Vauxhall Carlton.
Although the Opel Chronos never entered mass production, it remains a remarkable concept car that pushes the boundaries of design and performance. Its powerful engine, lightweight construction, and striking design make the Chronos a symbol of automotive excellence and a glimpse into what could have been a truly exceptional supercar. The collaboration between Pininfarina and Opel resulted in a concept that embodies innovation, creativity, and the pursuit of automotive perfection. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOCAR | CARSTYLING.RU | BLOG.GOO.NE.JP ]
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The Opel Lotus Omega, also known as the Vauxhall Carlton in the UK, showcased exceptional engineering with its powerful 377 horsepower twin-turbo 3.6-liter straight-six engine and a six-speed manual gearbox, driving the rear wheels. This impressive performance made it an ideal candidate for Pininfarina to transform it into a high-performance supercar, leading to the birth of the Opel Chronos concept.
Although the Opel Chronos never entered mass production, it remains a remarkable concept car that pushes the boundaries of design and performance. Its powerful engine, lightweight construction, and striking design make the Chronos a symbol of automotive excellence and a glimpse into what could have been a truly exceptional supercar. The collaboration between Pininfarina and Opel resulted in a concept that embodies innovation, creativity, and the pursuit of automotive perfection. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOCAR | CARSTYLING.RU | BLOG.GOO.NE.JP ]
