Opel Calibra: specifications, photos and reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

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

About model

This is a coupe (it could be either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive), which was based on the famous Opel Vectra model. The design of the car was developed at the General Motors European Design Center. Wayne Cherry was its manager at the time. And the exterior is interesting. The main feature of the design is an understated, sporty, swift silhouette. There are some similarities with its predecessor (the Manta model), namely the shape of the tailgate.

Despite the fact that the first generation Vectra became the basis for the Opel Calibra model, the rear suspension was not copied (unlike engineering solutions and main components). The suspension was more complex. The rear one has become completely independent.

This car was published until 1997.

Design

In more detail it is worth telling about the appearance of the Opel Calibra model and its features (in technical terms). The design team, led by Erhard Schnell, brought the drag coefficient to 0.26. It was an achievement at the time. Record low! Another feature of the novelty of the late 80s.

A characteristic feature was the shape of the C-pillar. But besides it, optics also caught my eye. The new Opel had narrow headlights that were absolutely uncharacteristic 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 it had very comfortable sports seats. There was also power steering, power mirrors and a small tinted interior glass. If the buyer wished, then as an option, the Opel Calibra was equipped with air conditioning, fog lights, an electric sunroof on the ceiling, and an on-board computer. The basic version cost approximately DM 37,000. If we take into account the exchange rate that would be now, then the price of such an Opel was about three million rubles.

Powertrains

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

And the use of such modern technology has made it possible to increase returns. By as much as 37 percent (when compared with the performance of an 8-valve engine). This unit made it possible for the car to accelerate to hundreds in just 8.5 seconds. And the speedometer needle reached a maximum of 223 km / h! All this made the Opel Calibra car, the photo of which is provided above, a desirable car for lovers of speed and dynamic driving. By the way, a few words about economy. The engine consumes about 9.5 liters per 100 kilometers in mixed mode. By the way, he worked either with a 5-speed “mechanics” or a 4-band “automatic”.

Interestingly, it was decided to start equipping the top modifications of Kadet E, Astra F and even Vectra A 2000 with the C20XE engine.

Powertrain range

Continuing the topic started above, we need to talk about all the engines that were placed under the hoods of Opel Calibra cars. There were four 2.0-liter engines in total: 115-, 136-, 150- and 204-horsepower. With acceleration to hundreds in 10, 9.5, 8.5 and 6.8 seconds, respectively. The most powerful version is the Opel Calibra Turbo. This car could accelerate to a maximum of 245 kilometers per hour! It is not surprising that the model was one of the most popular andfrequently bought. It was published for exactly four years - from 1992 to 1996.

The above units are 4-cylinder. Now a little about the 6-cylinder. There were only two of them, and both - with a volume of 2.5 liters. The first became known as the C25XE. And the second one is X25XE. Both engines have the same displacement, horsepower (170) and top 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 performance of the Opel Calibra is quite powerful, especially if it is the “Turbo” version. And she is of particular interest.

In 1992, Opel released a new flagship. They became the car "Caliber 16V Turbo 4x4". About the 204-horsepower engine has already been said. But it is worth adding that four-wheel drive and a Getrag 6-band manual transmission have become a distinctive feature of these models. This version cost about 50,000 marks in Germany. Now it would be 4,100,000 rubles.

The turbo novelty had no external differences from other models of this Opel. Unless she had 16-inch wheels on 5-bolt hubs. And, of course, Turbo badges. On some cars of this version, the steering wheel did not have the Opel logo, but the Turbo inscription.

Post 1993

So, the Opel Calibra car, the technical characteristics of which were discussed earlier, changed in 1993. At that time, environmental standards were tightened andsecurity. The design of the model has changed somewhat. Airbags (both the driver and his front passenger) are included as standard. Welded pipes began to be installed in the doors. Due to them, it was possible to provide better safety in a side impact. They also strengthened the window pillars, as well as made a new type of fastening (and updated seat belts).

The developers decided to make the operation of the machine safer. The motors have reduced the content of harmful emissions, and the paintwork has begun to be water-based. In air conditioners, in turn, less aggressive refrigerants appeared.

Packages

Potential buyers of that time were offered two fixed configurations. In one, as is customary, standard equipment. And in the second - an extended list of equipment. The standard set was still different for cars with different engines. So, an example: a model with a C20NE engine had mechanical windows and a clock instead of an on-board computer (plus 2 airbags). But cars with 6-cylinder engines had power windows, an electric sunroof and a leather-trimmed interior. There was air conditioning too. And versions with a turbocharged engine, in addition to the above, also had an on-board computer.

There was also a top-end package. And the set of equipment was also different. In general, there was such a trend: the younger the power unit, the wider the equipment. The older models (Turbo or V6) had an advanced Philips radio, white leather interior andmetallic paint.

Interesting information

It's interesting that this Opel was officially exported to Japan. And these models had differences from European cars. In particular, the turn signal repeaters on the front fenders, the electric folding mirrors and the catalyst temperature sensor were different. Plus, right-hand drive cars were not made for Japan. On the contrary, it was considered prestigious to have a left-hand drive Opel.

More manufacturers thought to release "Opel" in the convertible version. They even hired an external firm to create experimental models. But one crashed during safety tests, while the second was placed in the Finnish Museum in Uusikaupunki. The convertible never saw the light of day.

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

Only need to carefully choose the car. Because after all, she is many years old, and there is a high probability of malfunctions. So before buying it is better to check the car at the service station. Otherwise, later, in case of major breakdowns, you will have to invest well.