The Opel Calibra turns 25

When Opel unveiled the Calibra at the 1989 Frankfurt Motor Show, nobody could have imagined the impact and success it would enjoy long after production had ended.

It continued the winning streak of earlier models such as the Manta, the Opel GT and the Monza. Ahead of its time, the Calibra had the best aerodynamic coefficient (0.26) of any production car. Thanks to this and other features, it was enough to win the “Golden Steering Wheel” in 1990, Germany’s most prestigious motoring award.

Its entry-level engine was a 2.0-litre with 115 CV that reached a top speed of 203 km/h, while the 150 CV version reached 223 km/h. Despite these figures, the Calibra was able to keep its consumption down to just 7.7 l/100 km.

If the legendary Manta once benefited from the technology of the Ascona, the Calibra was going to do something similar with the Vectra. The result was a combination of sportiness, economy and reliability that made these coupés highly sought-after cult cars.

Although it had a stylish, aerodynamic design, it in no way compromised everyday practicality or interior space, comfortably accommodating four occupants thanks to its generous wheelbase. The large tailgate gave access to a 980-litre boot.

Equipment was generous, with power steering, a five-speed gearbox, a six-speaker audio system and tinted windows. Options included air conditioning, a four-speed automatic gearbox and an electric sunroof.

In terms of safety, the rounded edges, hidden windscreen wipers and concealed roof drainage channels set the design guidelines for vehicles in the future. It also featured an ABS system and headlights with a wide, high-contrast beam and little light scatter that improved active safety.

When it was launched in 1990, it was available with four-wheel drive alongside the front-wheel-drive variant for both 2.0-litre petrol engine configurations. Production had to be increased from 20,000 to 60,000 units to meet demand.

The Calibra 4X4 impressed with its refined handling, excellent stability under braking and, above all, its strong traction. Opel felt these qualities deserved a more powerful engine, and in 1992 it launched the new Calibra Turbo. It came as standard with four-wheel drive, a six-speed manual gearbox, sports seats and 16″ lightweight alloy wheels. All this equipment combined with the 2.0-litre Turbo engine delivering 204 CV.

Before its debut in the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) in 1993, Opel introduced a new 2.5-litre V6 engine producing 170 CV. Both this engine and the 2.0-litre wore the white and yellow colours of Opel in their DTM guise.

In 1996, customers who chose the “Cliff Motorsport” edition would enjoy the same paint scheme as the Class 1 car that won the ITC (International Touring Car Championship), the successor series to the DTM, that same year. Behind the wheel was driver Manuel Reuter.

The road version, the “Cliff”, had a chassis that lowered the ride height by 20 millimetres and was fitted with ultralight 16″ BBS wheels. Another special edition of the Calibra available to buy was the “Keke Rosberg” edition, named after the father of Formula 1 driver Nico Rosberg.

In 1997 the Calibra entered the final stretch of its production. With 220,000 units sold since 1990, Opel launched a limited version called the “Last Edition”. It featured a sport chassis, BBS wheels, leather trim and air conditioning. The engine chosen for this version was the 2.5 V6 or the four-cylinder 2.0 in its 136 CV configuration.

After seven years, on 29 August 1997 production of the Calibra officially came to an end. In total, 238,647 units were produced at the main plant in Rüsselsheim and at Valmet (Uusikaupunki, Finland).

The last Calibra to leave the assembly line was a black “Last Edition” with a 2.0 engine, and it is the one that Opel Classic currently displays at various classic car events.

Source | Opel