21 August 2002: Showing that concept cars increasingly make it into production with relatively few changes, the new Opel Signum due for launch in the spring of next year has just had its first pictures and specifications released. Among other things, the Signum will have Opel’s first direct petrol injection engine.

Under the term ‘innovative business class’, the Signum follows a developing automotive trend for large, comfortable and flexible-in-use cars which use ideas gained from the increasing market acceptance and demand for MPVs.

Although the overall length of 4636 mm is only 40 mm more than the Vectra saloon, the 2830 mm wheelbase is a full 130 mm longer. The rear overhang is correspondingly short and the height only slightly greater.

Iede Aukema, Opel Ireland’s Managing Director, expects a lot from the new model. "The Signum is the Business Class Opel – a unique car, tailor-made for demanding drivers who expect a lot in terms of dynamics, design, quality and presence, and who want to express their individual personalities and lifestyles,” he says. “We’re convinced that the new Signum will appeal to those who currently drive other makes of car and so far would not have considered buying an Opel."

Thanks to the long wheelbase, the Signum provides the rear-seat space and comfort of a large luxury car. If they wish, the occupants of the two individual rear seats can slide them back by up to 130 mm and thus obtain the maximum possible legroom. The seat back can be inclined to an angle of 28 degrees and is then as comfortable, for example, as any business class aircraft seat.

The three rear seats can also be folded forward to create a completely flat load surface. In this configuration the load carrying capacity is more than 1400 litres. With five seats load space amounts to as much as 480 litres, depending on the rear seat position.

When the seat cushion is folded forwards and flipped over, a practical storage console is created. The upper section of the upholstered seat back can then be folded down if necessary to provide a comfortable armrest for those occupying the two outer rear seats.

Those who wish to work – or play a game – in the rear, or enjoy a snack or a drink, will welcome the innovative ‘Travel Assistant’. This is mounted between the two outer rear seats and conceals two fold-out trays, a cold-store box, a refuse container, cup-holders, an electric power outlet, and a holder for a portable DVD player, as well as separate rear-seat controls for the audio system.

All these solutions are similar to the ones found in a modern aircraft – just like the idea of stowing small items in overhead lockers. The Signum has a roof-mounted console, which includes reading lamps for rear passengers, with five compartments that provide a lot more storage space while at the same time giving the interior a new, distinctive appearance.

Among the many other innovations to be premiered in the Opel Signum are three new ECOTEC engines. Opel’s first petrol direct injection unit, with a displacement of 2.2 litres and a power output of 114 kW (155 hp); a new 2.0-litre turbocharged engine developing 129 kW (175 hp) and a 3.0-litre V6, common-rail diesel that develops 130 kW (177 hp) (which will not be offered in Ireland). Additional engines to be available here include the 1.8 ECOTEC engine with 90KW (122 hp) and the top of the line 3.2V6 ECOTEC engine with 155 KW (211 hp) which will be premiered on the Vectra GTS.

There are additional pioneering new features such as Adaptive Forward Lighting with bi-xenon headlamps and an orthopedically optimized and air-conditioned driving seat that can be adjusted in eight different ways.

Iede Aukema points out that this third member of the Vectra family will play an important strategic role. In future, up to 40 percent of our models will be based on innovative vehicle concepts that break down barriers between conventional segments or define entirely new ones. With the Signum, as the name implies, we are sending out a powerful signal to the automobile world."