Opel will offer a glimpse into the future of the estate car at this year’s Paris Motor Show with the world premiere of the new Sports Tourer eXperimental Concept, or STX Concept. The fully electric study previews the next evolution of Opel’s ‘Bold & Pure’ design philosophy and, more importantly, provides some clues as to what future Opel production models could look like. It also continues a long association with the estate car for Opel, with the ST designation providing a clear link to today’s Astra Sports Tourer.
The STX introduces a further evolution of Opel’s familiar Vizor front end, with a bolder appearance and a new lighting signature created using vertical angled blades. The illuminated Opel Blitz remains at the centre of the familiar Opel Compass design. Aerodynamics also play a major role, with an active system using movable elements at the rear to adjust airflow according to the driving situation. Even the distinctive three-section alloy wheels have been designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind.
While very much a concept car, Opel says the STX is intended to preview the evolution of the estate body style and already incorporates design and technology elements destined for future production models. “We were pioneers of the estate in Europe as early as the 1950s,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl. “With the STX Concept, we want to show our vision for the future of this body style.”
There will be plenty more from Opel in Paris, with the company’s increasingly important GSE performance range taking centre stage. The 800hp Opel GSE 27FE GEN4 Formula E racer will appear in its final competition livery, alongside the new 281hp Corsa GSE and Mokka GSE. The new Astra GSE Line will also make its debut, introducing the GSE look and feel to customers across a wider choice of powertrains.
Completing Opel’s Paris line-up will be the Grandland Electric AWD and the Extended Range version of the Frontera Electric. With everything from an 800hp Formula E machine and electric hot hatches to affordable family SUVs and a futuristic electric estate, Opel certainly intends to cover plenty of ground when the doors open in Paris from October 12 to 18.
