Opel Calibra: specifications, photos and reviews

Opel Calibra is a car that was launched in 1989 by a well-known German company. The model quickly gained popularity - it began to be exported to the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South America. True, there this car was known by other different names. But the model was a success. And this is worth telling.

About the model

This coupe (could be either with front or all-wheel drive), based on the well-known model of the Opel Vectra. The design of the car was developed at the European Design Center "General Motors". Its head was then Wayne Cherry. And the exterior was interesting. The main feature of the design is an understated, sportingly fast silhouette. There are some similarities with the predecessor (model Manta), namely, the shape of the rear door.

Despite the fact that the base for the Opel Calibra model was Vektra of the first generation, the rear suspension was not copied (in contrast to the engineering solutions and main units). The suspension was more complicated. The rear and completely became completely independent.

This car was released before 1997.

Design

In more detail it is worth to tell about the appearance of the Opel Calibra model and its features (in technical terms). The group of designers, led by Erhard Schnell, brought the coefficient of aerodynamic resistance to 0.26. It was an achievement at that time. Record low score! Another feature of the novelty of the late 80's.

A characteristic feature was the shape of the rear pillar of the roof. But apart from it, optics was still in the eye. The new Opel had completely uncharacteristic narrow headlights for it. By the way, they were equipped with elliptical lenses. Many said that this form of optics gives the German car a somewhat "Japanese" character.

The model stood on 15-inch alloy wheels, and inside had very comfortable sports seats. There was also a power steering, electric mirrors and a small toning of the saloon glasses. If the buyer wanted, then as an option in Opel Calibra put air conditioning, fog lamps, electric sunroof, as well as an on-board computer. The basic version cost about 37,000 DM. If you take into account the rate that would be now, the price of such "Opel" was about three million rubles.

Powertrains

Now we should talk about the engines of Opel Calibra. So, initially machines were equipped with two units. The first one is basic, 8-valve, 2-liter. It was called C20NE and produced 115 horsepower. This motor was borrowed all from the same "Vektra" of the first series. The second engine is more powerful - 16 valves, 150 "horses", called the C20XE. It is interesting that this motor was the first most large-scale production of "Opel" power units with 4 valves per cylinder and two camshafts.

And the use of such modern technology has made it possible to increase the return. For as much as 37 percent (if compared with the 8-valve engine). This machine allowed the car to accelerate to a hundred in only 8.5 seconds. And the speedometer needle reached a maximum of 223 km / h! All this was done by the Opel Calibra car, the photo of which is provided above, a welcome car for fans of speed and dynamic driving. By the way, a few words about the economy. The engine consumes about 9.5 liters per 100 kilometers of track in mixed mode. He worked, by the way, either with a 5-step "mechanics", or with a 4-band "automatic".

It is interesting that the C20XE engine was decided to begin to complete the top modifications of "Cadet E", "Astra F" and even "Vektru A 2000".

Range of power units

Continuing the topic started above, it is necessary to tell about all the engines that were put under the hoods of Opel Calibra cars. 2.0-liter engines were four in all: 115-, 136-, 150- and 204-strong. With acceleration up to hundreds in 10, 9.5, 8.5 and 6.8 seconds respectively. The most powerful version is Opel Calibra Turbo. This car could accelerate to a maximum of 245 kilometers per hour! Not surprisingly, the model was one of the most popular and often purchased. It was published exactly four years - from 1992 to 1996.

The above units are 4-cylinder. Now a little bit about the 6-cylinder. They were only two, and both - a volume of 2.5 liters. The first became known as the C25XE. And the second one is X25XE. Both engines have the same working volume, the number of horsepower (170) and the maximum speed with acceleration (237 km / h and 7.8 seconds). Only the first engine was equipped with models produced from 1993 to 1996, and the second - from 1996 to 1997. In general, there is absolutely no difference.

Turbo

The Opel Calibra car is quite powerful, especially if it's a Turbo version. And it is of special interest.

In 1992, Opel released a new flagship. They became a car "Caliber 16V Turbo 4x4." About 204-horsepower engine has already been said. But it should be added that the distinguishing feature of these models was the full drive and the 6-band gearbox Getrag. This version cost in Germany about 50 000 marks. Now it would be 4 100 000 rubles.

External differences from other models of this "Opel" turbo-novelty was not. Unless she had 16-inch wheels on 5-bolt hubs. And, of course, the nameplates with the inscription Turbo. Still on some cars of this version on the steering wheel was not the logo "Opel", but the inscription "Turbo".

After 1993

So, the car Opel Calibra, whose technical characteristics were considered earlier, in 1993 changed. Then the standards of environmental friendliness and safety were toughened. The design of the model has changed somewhat. As a standard, the airbags (both driver and front passenger) are included. Welded pipes began to be installed in the door. Due to them, it was possible to provide better security in case of a side impact. Still strengthened the window racks, and also made fastenings of a new type (and updated seat belts).

The developers decided to make the operation of the car more safe. The motors have reduced the content of harmful emissions, and paintwork began to perform on a water basis. In air conditioners, in turn, not such aggressive refrigerants appeared.

Packages

Potential buyers of that time were offered two fixed configurations. In one, as usual, standard equipment. And in the second - an expanded list of equipment. The standard kit was still different for cars with different motors. So, an example: the model with the C20NE engine had mechanical window lifters and a clock instead of an on-board computer (plus 2 airbags). And here cars with 6-cylinder engines had electric windows, an electric hatch and a leather interior trimmed with leather. Air conditioning was also. A version with a turbocharged engine, in addition to the above, also had an on-board computer.

There was also a top equipment. And the set of equipment was different too. In general, this tendency was traced: the younger the power unit, the wider the equipment. In older models (Turbo or V6) there was an advanced radio tape recorder from Philips, a white leather interior and a metallic paint.

Interesting information

Interestingly, this "Opel" was officially exported to Japan. And these models were different from European cars. In particular, the followers of turn signals on the front fenders, the electric folding mirrors and the catalyst temperature sensor were different. Plus, for Japan, right-hand drive cars were not made. On the contrary, it was considered prestigious to have the Opel with the left rudder.

Still the manufacturers thought to release "Opel" in the version of the cabriolet. Hired even an external firm to create experimental models. But one crashed during the tests for safety, the second one was placed in the Finnish museum in Uusikaupunki. The cabriolet never came out.

Very good about Opel Calibra reviews. Owners note the dynamic acceleration, excellent noise insulation, excellent stability on the road. In addition, the machine is simple and unpretentious in servicing. If there is a breakdown (which is rare) - the details are cheap, and they can be bought anywhere. In general, a smart car for little money. For 150-250 thousand rubles you can buy in good condition.

Only you need to carefully choose the machine. Because all the same it is many years, and the probability of presence of malfunctions is great. So before buying it is better to check the car on the SRT. Otherwise, then, in the event of major breakdowns, you will have to invest a lot.