The coupe-style Vectra GTS – the second model in Opel's new Vectra range – takes to the road in September. The GTS appeals especially to customers who value sporty looks paired with dynamic handling and performance. The top-of-the-range 3.2 V6 ECOTEC engine with 211 hp (155 kW) is available exclusively in the Vectra GTS, making the elegant sports sedan – with a top speed of 248 km/h – the fastest Opel volume production car of all time. Two additional gasoline engines and a turbocharged direct injection diesel complete the ECOTEC line-up at launch. Opel engineers have adapted the IDS chassis (Interactive Driving System) in tune with the car's sporting character. Even more responsive power-steering and a lowered body give the Vectra GTS the handling and driving characteristics of a sports car. In addition, it offers all the technological innovations, comfort, convenience and quality finish of the third-generation Vectra.
The Vectra GTS is targeted at younger buyers than the Vectra sedan, which has been available in Germany since April 27. Carl-Peter Forster, Opel's Chairman and Managing Director, says: "The Vectra GTS adds a new dimension to the midsize segment and will win over new customers for Opel. It is fully representative of our brand message 'Opel. Fresh Thinking – Better Cars' and supports our claim to a leading position in this class."
Design: Dynamic, Even at a Standstill
The exterior styling of the Vectra GTS expresses its purposeful, dynamic character. The design combines self-assured athleticism with casual elegance. Seen from the side, the low windshield and flowing coupe-like roofline stretch in a elongated arc over the large glass surfaces. At the front, the Vectra GTS shows its sports-car aspirations through darkened headlamps, a large air inlet in the bumper, honeycomb radiator grille and round fog lights. The impression is rounded off at the rear by a tailgate spoiler, the oval tailpipe (twin tailpipes with the 3.2 V6) in the rear apron and darkened tail lights. With its large wheels and lowered body, the GTS conveys a sense of urgency even when standing still. Attention to detail is evident in special GTS design features such as the "gills" at the sides of the front bumpers, body-colored door sills and the triangular third side window ahead of the elegant C-pillar.
Engines: Exclusive 211 hp ECOTEC 3.2 V6
The new Opel Vectra GTS is powered by a choice of four lively, state-of-the-art ECOTEC engines. The top-of-the-range engine is a powerful and refined 155 kW (211 hp) 3.2 liter V6 developing peak torque of 300 Nm at 4000 rpm. The Vectra GTS 3.2 V6 sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in only 7.5 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 248 km/h. The other ECOTEC gasoline powerplants are the 1.8-liter (90 kW/122 hp) and 2.2-liter (108 kW/147 hp) units. All of them comply with the stringent Euro 4 emissions standard and combine high power output with low fuel consumption.
The ECOTEC 2.2 DTI (92 kW/122 hp) offers very good fuel economy and impressive performance – thanks to ample torque of 280 Nm all the way from 1500 to 2750 rpm. Two counter-rotating balance shafts provide additional smoothness for this turbo-diesel with direct injection, four valves per cylinder and variable turbine geometry. The Vectra GTS 2.2 DTI reaches a top speed of 206 km/h and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 10.8 seconds. Yet despite this impressive performance, it consumes only 6.5 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (MVEG combined cycle). The newly developed adaptive five-speed automatic transmission with "ActiveSelect", introduced for the first time in the Vectra sedan, is available on all engines except the 1.8.
Chassis: Sporty Tuning for the Vectra's New Interactive Driving System (IDS)
The IDS chassis (Interactive Driving System) in the third-generation Vectra sets new benchmarks in ride comfort and roadholding. For sportier driving, the GTS body has been lowered by 20 millimeters and the special sport suspension features modified spring and damper rates. The electronically controlled electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) has a more direct feel. Like the sedan, the Vectra GTS employs McPherson strut front suspension with hydroformed subframe and sophisticated multi-link rear suspension – both with aluminum components. It also features ABS with Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) as well as TCPlus Traction Control. ESPPlus , the latest-generation Electronic Stability Program is standard and makes a major contribution to active driving safety. In critical situations its keeps the car on course by selectively applying the brakes to up to three wheels.
The GTS' distinctly sporty handling also benefits from the high rigidity of the new Vectra's body with its excellent aerodynamics (cD = 0.28) and very low noise levels.
Interior: Sporty Styling, Comprehensive Safety and Convenience Features
Exclusive interior trims echo the dynamic character and sporty performance of the Vectra GTS. The ambience is emphasized by exclusive sport seats (featuring special fabric/leather upholstery on the GTS Elegance), a three-spoke steering wheel with perforated leather, metallic trim on the instrument panel, door panels and steering wheel, and matte chrome instrument rings. The Opel design team even created a special, sporty typeface for the dials themselves. GTS buyers will appreciate the same quality finish already seen on the Vectra sedan. For especially discerning customers, Opel has an extensive range of options that will satisfy every wish. These include intelligent two-zone electronic climate control with air quality sensor as well as high-end audio systems, an integrated GSM telephone and the latest generation of GPS navigation. Xenon headlamps, a tire pressure monitoring system, "Park Pilot" (front and rear), auxiliary heating and a rain sensor are also available.
As with all Opel vehicles, engineers at the International Technical Development Center (ITDC) attached special importance to safety when developing the new Vectra range. In addition to the new Interactive Driving System (IDS), a complete network of protective systems helps to minimize the risk of injury to the occupants in the event of an accident. The standard safety package consists of full-size front and front side airbags, full size curtain airbags front and rear, three-point safety belts for all five seats (equipped with height adjustors, tensioners and force limiters on the four outer seats), Opel's patented Pedal Release System and further improved Active Head Restraints on the front seats, to reduce the risk of whiplash injuries.
Easy-to-repair design, extensive galvanization of the body (with a 12-year anti-perforation warranty), a service inspection reminder, extended service intervals (up to 24 months or 30,000 km for gasoline engines, 50,000 km for diesels) and rigorous quality checks will ensure that owners of the new Vectra GTS and the Vectra sedan benefit from low running costs and high residual value.
Source: Opel
