Opel Adam looking to get dirty with friends

Wed, 06 Feb 2013

If there's a single phrase in the automotive lexicon that makes us want to obliterate our delicate middle ear organs with a pickaxe, it's "lifestyle car." Opel has taken the unfortunate step of dropping the company's Adam into that phylum, which is a shame since the little runabout looks downright dashing in rally guise. Opel has just announced that it will show off its new FIA R2-spec Adam at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show next month. Expect to see the little competitor go through homologation and final development early this year, with privateer teams able to purchase their own shortly thereafter.

With a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that provides 185 horsepower and 140 pound feet of torque in rally spec, the Adam should be reasonably quick. A five-speed sequential transmission and limited slip differential put that muscle down, and four-piston Brembo front brakes help bring the party to a stop. The driver also gets the luxury of a hydraulic handbrake and the cabin is fitted with Sparco competition seats, an LCD gear indicator and a MONIT trip computer. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Opel is also set to show off its Adam ROCKS Concept. The design study is an "urban mini-crossover" that's both wider and taller than the current production Adam. Check out out in the associated gallery, and be sure to take a peek at the quick press release.

NEW LIFESTYLE CAR ADAM BOUND FOR INTERNATIONAL RALLYING

04/02/13

Geneva world premiere of concept study in FIA-based R2 specification

ADAM is important part of Opel motorsport program

Development and homologation during 2013

Admissible for all national championships in Europe

Geneva/ Rüsselsheim. Opel returned to motorsport with the ADAM Cup in November 2012. At the Geneva Motor Show the brand now presents another star in the firmament: a new concept study of the recently introduced ADAM lifestyle car, built based on FIA R2 regulations. Its final development and homologation are planned during 2013. With the ADAM R2, Opel takes another step in its new motorsport strategy by offering a top-class vehicle for international customer rallying which will be eligible for every national championship in Europe.

Chic, classy, eye-catching: this applies to the ADAM in general, as well as its R2 rally variant. Special body components from the sporty Opel OPC product line, quick release catches on the hood and tailgate, as well as under-ride guards front and rear, emphasise the sporty format of this athletic asphalt and gravel specialist. Its unique shell also harbours pure high-tech.

The ADAM R2 is powered by a 1.6-litre ECOTEC 16V engine with variable camshaft phasing that develops around 185 hp and maximum torque of about 190 Nm in its competitive configuration. Power is transmitted through a Sadev sequential five-speed gearbox and a limited-slip differential with a multi-disc lock. The chassis set-up, including asphalt and gravel settings, guarantees maximum traction and dynamic handling. Excellent deceleration is provided by a braking system with a hydraulic 'fly-off' handbrake, Brembo 4-piston front brake calipers and braking pressure regulation for the rear axle.

The R2's cabin features all the attributes of a professional competition vehicle, and many details are already part of the specification to be homologated this year by FIA, the world motorsport association. Equipment includes: an integrated safety structure; SPARCO Competition racing seats compatible with the HANS driver safety system; a cockpit with an LCD gear indicator, control light and MONIT trip computer; a central control panel; a map reading light and an electric fire extinguisher.

The ultra-compact R2 is based on the new ADAM Cup variant. This already marks the first step in Opel's new, European-focused program to promote customer rallying, which will enable talented young drivers to gradually progress to the pinnacle of European competition. From the 2013 season, up to 40 ADAM Cup vehicles will compete for brand trophies in Germany and France. In the German ADAC OPEL RALLYE CUP, the winner of a special "Rallye Junior" rating (for drivers up to 27 years of age) will advance into the R2 class, with special support in the next season from Opel and the ADAC.

ADAM CONCEPT ROCKS UP TO GENEVA

Vauxhall's ROCKS concept raises ADAM to the next level of individualisation

Industry first urban mini-crossover has fierce design and muscular proportions

Open air freedom thanks to fabric cabrio roof

World Premiere at Geneva Motor Show next month

Luton/Geneva– Vauxhall is set to wow Geneva show-goers next month with its ADAM ROCKS concept, an urban mini-crossover that could open a new segment in the industry.

Compared with the production ADAM, ROCKS is taller, wider, tougher yet more compact in appearance, while offering a cabrio roof. It showcases how ADAM's unique personalisation – the current production model has over a million different specification and trim combinations – could be taken one step further.

"With even bolder design than any other ADAM, the ROCKS shows the vast potential for personalisation our stylish urban-chic newcomer offers. It combines the toughness of a crossover with the coolness of open air driving," said Malcolm Ward, Vauxhall/Opel Lead Design Director. "As a symbol for fashion-led, active drivers wanting to stand out from the crowd, ADAM ROCKS is just one possible answer to the question of how new development paths for this unique car could be forged."

ADAM ROCKS' new crossover body style is supported by a chassis that is raised 15mm with a 20mm wider stance. Agile parkour athletes, who move from one place to another, negotiating urban obstacles in between, were the inspiration for this sporty crossover concept.

The ADAM ROCKS concept will be on the Opel/Vauxhall stand in Hall 2 of the show.

By Zach Bowman