- Pioneering vehicle concept defines a new class -
New Opel Signum: Versatile, Innovative, Unique

        Rüsselsheim. The Opel Signum’ s unique overall concept moves beyond conventional segment borders to create a new car segment all its own: the “ Signum Class” . The innovative trendsetter with its long wheelbase and stretched body-style embodies a synthesis of elegant appearance, high driving refinement and exceptional interior flexibility, along with individual comfort.

        In addition to the driver and front passenger, the new Signum offers especially generous space and comfort for the two passengers on the outer rear seats, combined with a variety of storage and work possibilities. The innovative FlexSpace concept, a special highlight of the Signum, makes it possible – depending on the need – to choose between maximum leg room or more cargo space, to shift the two outer rear seats lengthwise by 130 millimeters, and to adjust the angle of the rear seat-backs from an upright position to a 30 degree angle, for an especially comfortable seating position. The center rear seat, thanks to clever kinematics, can also be folded down and turned into an armrest with two integrated cup holders. Folding all three rear seats down flat produces a maximum cargo area of 1410 liters.

        The basis for the Signum’ s intelligent FlexSpace concept and spacious interior are its extraordinary proportions. With a length of 4636 mm it is only 40 mm longer than the Vectra sedan, while its 2830 mm long wheelbase is a full 130 mm longer, with a correspondingly short rear overhang. At 1466 mm it is only a few mm higher than the sedan, visually underscoring the Signum’ s dynamic construction.

        When it comes to comfort and refinement, the new Signum profits from its long wheelbase and the Interactive Driving System (IDS), which is already in the award-winning Vectra sedan and the Vectra GTS. The Signum meets the highest demands for road-holding, handling and active safety. The latest generation ESP-Plus electronic stability program is a standard feature.

        The Opel Signum is powered by a seven-strong range of gasoline and turbo-diesel ECOTEC engines, with 100 to 211 hp, three of which are new developments. With the 3.0-liter V6 common-rail turbo-diesel, Opel is offering for the first time a direct-injection diesel with six cylinders in a V-arrangement. The refined V6 CDTI ECOTEC provides 130 kW_ (177 hp) and develops a maximum torque of 370 Newton meters. Pulling power output and smooth running are also strengths of the new 2.0-liter ECOTEC turbo engine, which has maximum torque of 265 Newton meters. The four-cylinder is based on the proven 2.2 ECOTEC aluminum unit and has 129 kW (175 hp). The third new power unit in the series is also a descendant of the 2.2 ECOTEC aluminum engine generation, introduced approximately two years ago, and is the first gasoline direct injection engine from Opel. The 114 kW (155 hp) four-valve unit uses approximately six percent less fuel than a conventional manifold injection engine, yet it has 10 percent more torque at lower rpm and six percent more power.

        The new V6 CDTI ECOTEC diesel and the 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine both come with a new, compact and lightweight six-speed gearbox. The 2.2 direct ECOTEC unit has a manual five-speed transmission as standard equipment. Alternatively a five-speed transmission with “ ActiveSelect” manual-shift function is available with various engines.

        Among the many technical innovations and optionally available for the Signum is the Bi- Xenon headlamp Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) system, the first dynamic curve light with a static bending light for intersections and turning situations, which will be available starting from the fall of 2003. Opel is also offering an orthopedically recommended Multi- Contour driver’ s seat with electronic climate control and various adjustment possibilities.

        In the rear, the multi-functional “ Travel Assistant” ensures more versatility and comfort. It is located between the two outer rear seats and offers rear passengers two folding tables, a cooler, a trash can, cup-holders, a 12-volt power outlet, a holder for a DVD player, as well as an optional “ Twin Audio” module for separate audio programs in the front and rear.

        The new Opel Signum comes with a comprehensive range of comfort and safety features as standard equipment including: air conditioning, front and rear power windows, central locking with remote control, full-size front and side airbags, full size head curtain airbags, and active head restraints for all front and rear outer seats. Opel is the first car manufacturer to offer active head restraints for the rear seats. The new Opel Signum will be available at dealerships starting on May 9, 2003.

        After the classic sedan and the GTS sports sedan the Signum is the third model based on the latest generation of the Opel Vectra. A station wagon variant will be introduced in the fall of 2003 as the fourth independent Vectra model.