Opel India :: Heritage

They built Adam Opel's first cars a century ago. At the hands of these dedicated craftsmen, the Opel Motorwagenfabrik in Russelsheim, Germany became a symbol for pioneering performance. For in those days, every part of these cars presented a new challenge. Car builders had to be inventors, designers, production experts and mechanical engineers, all in one. Days often stretched into nights, with Fritz and Wilhelmvon Opel working side by side with their employees. There were no assembly lines, of course: every car was virtually handmade. But skill and an unwavering faith in the

In the summer of 1899 an Opel proved its stamina during a test drive to the Feldberg summit of the Taunus Mountains. And two years later, an Opel was victorious in one of Germany's first car races: the mountain rally across the Konigstuhl, near Heidelberg. Unforgettable moments for the pioneers at Opel

The Opel Kapitan became a status symbol of Germany's postwar "Economic Miracle". Fast and powerful, rising to every challenge - a car of character. The Kapitan had a long pedigree, going back to the early thirties - a best-seller year after year and each new version expressed the spirit of the times.

In the thirties, Kapitan's elegant and ergonomic design reflected the Bauhaus influence. In the fifties, its pontoon body style was all the rage. Tail fins and panorama windows were high style in the sixties. And finally, well-proportioned functionality marked the Kapitan's design, well into the seventies. With its out-standing performance and unfailing dependability, the Kapitan won hearts of generations.

The comfort elegance and power of a sedan, yet spacious and economical, too. With enough room for the whole family (including Fido) - and their baggage. Small wonder Opel estate cars have become so popular. In fact, Opel is Europe's largest manufacturer of estate cars. And the Astra Caravan is the best-selling estate car on the Continent.

The Zafira carries this special know-how another giant step forward. Seven seats intelligently configured in four meters of space. A large, multipurpose storage compartment, without removing seats. The wide-track stance and dynamic design that give the Zafira its sporty look and "feel". Ultra practical and fun to drive, the Zafira moves smartly into one of today's fastest growing automotive segments.

At the end of the 19th Century, entrepreneurs in many countries were planning to build the new "horse-less carriages" - basically, expensive toys for the rich. The Opel brothers had a different vision. They saw that the automobile could be the means to new mobility for millions of people, everywhere. But only if it could be affordable and reliable - two conditions that have guided Opel engineers throughout the company's history.

In 1924, Opel became the first German car manufacturer to introduce production line assembly, which significantly lowered prices. A decade or so later, Opel introduced the first unitary steel body, a major advance in safety and handling. Innovation has followed innovation, helping to fulfill the automobile's destiny, just as the Opel brothers foresaw it.

Technical breakthroughs are a long Opel tradition the unique talent of Opel engineers for affordable innovation is a key factor in the brand's enduring popularity. Such Opel classics as the Laubfrosch, the P4, the Olympia and the Kadett climbed high on the best-seller lists. The Regent Admiral and Kapitan were also winners in their category. The Rally Kadett, Commodore GS and the legendary GT kicked up dust on both the track and sales curves.

A car with a rocket engine? A daring experiment for that year 1928, one that demanded extraordinary courage. Fritz von Opel's bravery and pioneering spirit were rewarded: the vehicle's 24 solid-fuel rockets catapulted him to an amazing 238 Kilometers an hour, and a New World record. This courage to create, to dare, to blaze new trails, have marked Opel progress since the company's very beginnings.

"Before the GT, it was not flattering for a young designer to be called eccentric. After the GT it was a compliment," notes Erhard Schnell, who styled the 1968 GT. Today the GT seems anything but eccentric. Despite its more than 30 years, it is still superbly modern. The pop-up headlamps, long hood, its sleek and sporty detail, from steering wheel's polished spokes to the GT's chrome-plated fuel cap. Added to the excitement. But the greatest thrill of all was the way the GT handled. Rear-wheel drive, low center of gravity, bucket seats and that blood-tingling sound of the throaty exhaust.

The GT was, as Opel advertising claimed, better than flying - even though its wheels were planted solidly on the ground. Car Interiors, like fashion in clothes or cosmetics, are in constant change. From the opulence of the twenties, complete with flower vases, to the ivory colored steering wheels and generous chrome of the fifties and sixties. Cool sporty designs dominated Opel cockpits at the beginning of the seventies. The gear shift lever on the steering wheel returned to the centre console. Matte black replaced boudoir pastels. In the eighties, however, the changes became more functional then merely decorative.

The instrument panel evolved into a user interface. Radio frequencies, time and outdoor temperature in one display became standard in many Opel models. Interiors took another turn for the better in the nineties as well, with still greater focus on functionality and comfort. And the future? Look for Opel designers to come up with a new panoply of advanced yet affordable features and tasteful styling.

Racing fans have been waiting for it, asking for it - and now it's here. The Astra kit car: the car to put Opel back, strong, on Europe's circuits and rally tracks. Conceived in just four months, it comes with front-wheel drive and 270 horsepower. Together with Opel's successful ITC and STW racers, the Calibra and the Vectra, it highlights a century-old tradition of motor sport. Shining example: the 12 liter racing car that Opel driver Carl Jorns piloted to his many victories.

As far back as 1914 it featured four-valve cylinder heads. Today's Opel cars are dramatic examples of lessons learned in this relentless pursuit of performance.

A true sports car works better in perfect rapport with its driver, responding immediately to his commands, almost as if it anticipated them. A tap on the throttle delivers a hefty thrust of torque, accompanied by the rich, resonant purr that is music to the ears of any sports car fan. Steering too responds at the flick of a wrist. The Chassis hugs the curves and the brakes bite without a hint of fading - from 100 to zero in less than 40 meters.

With all this a sports car must be light, like the Opel Speedster, its aluminum body assures an excellent weight to performance ratio, with moderate consumption and an exhilarating driving experience. Pure driving pleasure is what the speedster - like any true sports car - is all about.

A push button on the steering wheel and a display on the dash. They are the only "controls" needed for the Onstar, Opel's new and ultra-efficient travel assistance system. With a touch of the button the driver can receive route recommendations and related information through an extensive network of satellite technology, call centers and cell phone communication.

Available on most Opel models, Onstar can advise drivers on the best route to their destination and how to avoid traffic-jams. It can tell them where to find the nearest gas station, hotel or restaurant. And it provides assistance if problems such as breakdowns arise. Typically Opel Onstar is practical and easy to use.

Sports cars with ultra-low centers of gravity. Minivans whose full length is devoted to cabin space. Fuel cell technology will usher in a whole new era of radical design solutions. Not quite yet , of course, as today's fuel cell power units take up a lot of room.

But Opel engineers except to solve that problem before long. And it's well worth the effort. Fuel cell technology can not only provide a reliable and efficient power source; it assures zero emissions, minimizing environmental impact. To reach this exciting goal as rapidly as possible, Opel Operates one of the worlds largest development centers foe fuel cell technology, in Mainz-Kastel, Germany. More than 100 Opel engineers are at work perfecting the power source that will drive us into the future.