Unique ONES - Discussing the realm of innovation in the automotive industry, let us embark on an enthralling journey into the world of concept cars. Today, our focus shifts towards the captivating Opel Slalom, a mesmerizing mid-size luxury sports wagon concept that emerged from the fruitful collaboration between Opel and the renowned design company, Bertone.
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| The Opel Slalom was envisioned for individuals of high social-cultural standing; those with an adventurous spirit, a thirst for change, and a love for sports and dynamic leisure activities. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani) |
The Opel Slalom was envisioned for individuals of high social-cultural standing; those with an adventurous spirit, a thirst for change, and a love for sports and dynamic leisure activities. This car was meant to be more than a mere mode of transportation; it was an embodiment of lifestyle and passion.From a design standpoint, the Slalom dared to challenge conventions with its audacious treatment of volumes. Bold lines gracefully intersected with transparent surfaces, defining its form and functionality in a seamless "Slalom" fashion. Opel mechanics provided a strong foundation, resulting in a sporty, high-performance, and remarkably versatile saloon with the added advantage of four-wheel drive.
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| The Opel Slalom boasted a striking exterior design that played with proportions, creating an intriguing slalom effect between various panels and glazing. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani) |
Positioned between a modern coupé, a station wagon, and a people-carrier, the Slalom boasted a striking exterior design that played with proportions, creating an intriguing slalom effect between various panels and glazing. Elements that seemed to be skillfully brushed onto the car accentuated these lines, giving the vehicle a unique and eye-catching appearance.
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| The interior of the Opel Slalom mirrored the innovative design philosophy of the exterior, offering a comfortable and inviting atmosphere adorned in grey leather with vibrant orange inserts. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani) |
At the front, the traditional Opel radiator grille was reworked to perfection, giving birth to large headlamps that gracefully ran along the bonnet, providing excellent lateral illumination and adding to the car's distinctive character.
The interior of the Opel Slalom didn't disappoint either. It mirrored the innovative design philosophy of the exterior, offering a comfortable and inviting atmosphere adorned in grey leather with vibrant orange inserts. But the most original feature was the ingenious organization of space: thanks to an innovative system for moving and fixing the back seats, the baggage compartment could be extended remarkably, breaking away from the typical layout of a 2+2 coupé.
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| Bold lines gracefully intersected with transparent surfaces, defining its form and functionality in a seamless "Slalom" fashion. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani) |
Under the hood, the Opel Slalom was powered by a robust 2.0-litre turbocharged 16-valve inline-four engine, churning out an impressive 204 horsepower (152 kW). This same engine was also featured in the production Opel Calibra, a car that garnered popularity from 1989 to 1997.
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| The Opel Slalom made its grand debut at the prestigious 1996 Geneva Motor Show, dressed in a striking intensive orange hue, reminiscent of Bertone's favorite champagner "Veuve Clicquot." (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani) |
The Opel Slalom made its grand debut at the prestigious 1996 Geneva Motor Show, dressed in a striking intensive orange hue, reminiscent of Bertone's favorite champagner "Veuve Clicquot." The Slalom boldly challenged traditional notions of a functional car and coupé, capturing attention with its cursory appearance similar to the Fiat Enduro, which was also unveiled that year at the Turin Motor Show.
In essence, the Opel Slalom stands as a remarkable example of creative fusion between Opel's engineering expertise and Bertone's avant-garde design vision. Its daring and sporty character, combined with unparalleled versatility and comfort, positions it as a concept car ahead of its time. Although not destined for mass production, the Opel Slalom continues to captivate and inspire automotive enthusiasts, serving as a vivid reminder of the boundless possibilities that arise when artistry and engineering unite in perfect harmony. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | WIKIPEDIA | MADLE.ORG | CARBODYDESIGN ]
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