Opel delivers sportiness in the Vivaro VPC
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In Europe, no niche remains unaddressed, it seems. Business owners looking for a hottish-looking ride in their delivery vehicles were offered the Transit SportVan earlier this year by Ford. It combined the utility of the Transit with the optics of a Focus ST, what with its Performance Blue paint, snowflake-pattern rims, and Le Mans stripes. We're sure the 500 owners who scored one of the limited-edition trucks are pleased with their selections. Ford isn't alone in addressing this segment, however.
In the Netherlands, Opel has gotten into the game with the Vivaro VPC. The Vivaro is, like the Transit, a panel van. Apparently, GM sees an opportunity to sell 100 tricked-out versions (at € 34,900 each) to Dutch commercial customers who wish to make their delivery rounds in something more sporty-looking than the average panel. It comes in the same blue paint used on the Opel OPC cars, rolls on OPC wheels, and wears a full appearance package including color-matched everything, an aggressive front fascia with intrgrated foglights, and dual, trapezoid-shaped exhaust exits in the rear. The VPC moniker is the final, and most obvious, hat tip to the OPC performance wing of the car division. A 2.5L CDTi turbodiesel with 143 horses supplies the power, and it's mated to a 6-speed manual. As for the driver, the cab's no penalty box either, as evidenced by two-tone leather and Alcantara Recaro sport seats that look as if they've been pilfered from a GT1 car. Delivering goods has never been so good.
[Source: Opel via Autoblog Spanish]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ilya 10:38AM (11/03/2007)
I can't believe I'm saying that, but that is a pretty good looking van, both on the outside and inside.
However, I don't see the point of those Recaro seats, as they are designed for holding the driver in place during fast driving, what this van (or any other stock van) isn't capable of doing.
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Eldiablo 7:16AM (11/04/2007)
You've not seen British van drivers then? They're able to take their vans pretty close to the speed of sound, even on residential streets. And if they're highly trained Royal Mail drivers, beyond the speed of sound.
DKB_SATX 11:37AM (11/03/2007)
"...with the optics of a Focus ST..."
Optics? A Ford Focus has optics? What, like a telescope for stargazing when you're stuck in traffic? Or a microscope to examine the food you just bought at McDonald's?
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toronado455 2:54PM (11/03/2007)
"a microscope to examine the food you just bought at McDonald's"
BAH! LOL!!!
MemphisNET 12:40PM (11/03/2007)
This ties in with the Ford van that was released with similar styling, and the onslaught of negative posts to come...
The whole point is that it is a little fun for those who have a small business. It's not meant to lap a track, drag race or anything other than deliveries. I have an '03 Ram fullsize van for my work, and I lowered it, new 17'' wheels and a good clean paint job. Why?! Because I have to use it every day - I may as well have some fun with it. But that doesn't mean I'm going to drive it like a sports car.
Anyway, no market for it here. 130+HP and probably close to 250/torque makes this a very comfortable, practical vehicle. But since it IS diesel, and kinda small'ish for our shores... nothing like it will make it here anytime soon. You also have a market dominated by Econolines and Savanah's, and to a lesser extent, Dodge/MB Sprinters.
Still neat :D
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TriShield 4:33PM (11/03/2007)
Saturn Vivaro Red Line anyone?
Stop laughing.
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Spule 4 11:57PM (11/03/2007)
No laugh, thought the exact same thing!
toronado455 2:58PM (11/03/2007)
I like the halogen? lighting and black headliner. But the wood floors would get chewed up with any regular use. I'd rather see the wood on the sides of the interior instead. Though, I realize this is probably just a concept.
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James 3:14PM (11/03/2007)
Slap a GMC Safari badge on any model in this range and lets see how it fares in the USA.
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Mattias 4:21PM (11/03/2007)
Just 146hp? AFAIK Renault (the Vivaro essentially is a rebadged Renault Trafic) uses the larger engine of the IVECO SOFIM family, a 3.0l common rail that is capable of at least 180hp. 150hp is base, however.
I really like the responsiveness of the larger SOFIM engines, so 146hp is not a problem, but the sporty look could handle a more powerful engine.
BTW, dear american friends: These Vivaros, Sprinters, Vitos and other european vans have such good aerodynamics that it is not uncommon that -- when cruising on the autobahn at 100mph -- the van drivers try to overtake you.
BTW(2), if this car is brought to the US it might be under the Nissan badge, maybe as "Nissan Primastar".
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Harrison 8:28PM (11/03/2007)
I have a feeling the ungodly torque figures help too. :D
JeepDad 12:49AM (11/04/2007)
Part of feeding my family requires me to drive a full size Chevy Express. Albeit purposeful and reliable, not near as cool as this or the Ford. I dare say there would be a significant number of Dads who'd drive (mini)vans if they looked anything like these two. Certainly we can design in some side glass and 1 or 2 skylights? Why is it that GM and Ford can turn out gutsy, probably well liked designs like this on the other side of the pond, but not here? Hello, anyone in Detroit listening??
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ideon 11:49AM (11/04/2007)
my father owns a long wheelbase 5 seater vivaro, and that car is a blast to drive! i drove through western norway with it and it handles quite well, no body roll and tons of grip.
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somedude56 11:59PM (11/04/2007)
Mini-Sprinter!
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