2001 Opel Signum 2 - AllCarIndex

Premiere at the IAA 2001 in Frankfurt

Signum2 Concept Car – A Glimpse into Opel's Future

Dynamic good looks, versatility, convenience and in-car communications

Rüsselsheim. Signum² is the name Opel has given to the innovative concept car that will be shown to the public for the first time at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) from September 13 – 23, 2001. The name underlines its relationship with the Signum prototype first seen at the Geneva Motor Show in 1997. The goal for the Opel team developing the 4.64-meter long Signum² was to achieve a synthesis of good looks, comfort, convenience and versatility. The front wheel drive Signum² combines the elegant lines of a coupé with the practicality of a station wagon and, with a number of surprising designs for the interior, underlines Opel's reputation as the leading European manufacturer of attractive, versatile vehicles. Carl-Peter Forster, Chairman and Managing Director of Adam Opel AG, says: "The Signum2 hints at the ideas and styling cues that will be seen on future Opel models."

The Signum² embodies the new Opel brand character. With its stunning, progressive design, it radiates a high level of dynamism. The infotainment systems feature numerous high-tech functions and ergonomic controls, illustrating how Opel's experts envisage the future of in-car communications. An innovative seating concept and a movable storage box system are just two examples of the car's outstanding versatility. At the push of a button, the rear seat cushion and backs can be folded up to the height of the belt-line, creating a level surface and an even larger trunk. From the outside, the Signum² then looks like a two-seater, while luggage can be stowed out of sight under the seats where it cannot endanger the occupants under heavy braking. A glass panorama roof extending to the windscreen ensures a spacious, airy feeling in the interior. An on-board espresso machine has been ingeniously integrated into one of the storage boxes to provide freshly brewed coffee during the journey.

Thanks to the long wheel base (2380 millimeters) and the short rear-overhang, the Signum² looks exciting even while standing still. This impression is enhanced by the muscular wheel arches filled by large 19-inch wheels fitted with 245/35 R19 tires. Typical Opel styling features are the prominent C-pillar and the wide, continuous shoulders. The designers and engineers omitted a B-pillar above the belt line in order to give the car a coupé-like appearance. The front is dominated by the typical Opel trapezoidal grille and the three-dimensional vertical headlamps. Like the new Corsa and Speedster, the Signum2 features a crease in the center of the engine hood.

In the interior, natural materials and friendly colors make for a comfortable, up-market atmosphere. Getting into the Signum² is very comfortable, particularly for the driver and front-seat passenger. Pull the door handle and the front seats swivel automatically towards the doorways. At this stage, the steering wheel is lowered into the instrument panel, which makes access even easier. When the driver has taken his seat and is facing the front again, the steering wheel, which is designed like the controls of an airplane, automatically moves up towards him. This also reveals a clear view of the customized display behind it, which shows important information about the car and the pictogram-like route instructions from the navigation system. More detailed road maps are displayed on the 7" monitor in the center console (16:9 format). The front-seat passenger is provided with a full-blown computer with Internet access, operated via an infrared keyboard. When the mobile office is not in use, the color monitor of the PC folds flat and disappears into the instrument panel. A touch of the finger is all that it takes for the display to emerge from its hide-away. Rear seat passengers will find themselves in a world of relaxation and entertainment. There are two DVD players with headphones and special video glasses in the center armrest for listening to audio CDs or watching films in cinema quality.

The Signum² is powered by the prototype of an eight-cylinder direct injection gasoline engine. The so-called 'Global XV8' aluminum concept unit was developed by GM Powertrain in the United States. It has a capacity of 4.3 liters and generates around 220 kW/300 hp with maximum torque of 400 Nm.

source: Opel