Currently reading: Vauxhall-Opel design boss on future look of the brand

British director of design Mark Adams tells us about the GT X Experimental concept

Vauxhall-Opel has unveiled an electric, compact SUV concept called GT X Experimental, which showcases the future design of the marque. We spoke to director of design Mark Adams on the concept and what it means for Vauxhall styling in the coming years.

More details on the GTX

What’s the most important function of the GT X?

“This is our first move, now that the company is under new ownership, at reinventing the face of our forthcoming cars, and showing what the future customer experience will be like inside them.”

Why did you choose a B-segment SUV?

“We decided it was vital to choose a car already popular in the contemporary market, to show Vauxhall’s approachability. GT X is fresh, but it’s also genuine and has a clear connection with our history. We believe it’s ‘us’.”

How soon before we see a car like this in production?

“We’re not suggesting production for this car, but you’ll see plenty of big-picture features on our cars of the future: the Visor, the purity and simplicity of the surfacing, a sense of structure beneath them, and the wing signature lights. That’s for starters.”

Opinion: Vauxhall begins the rest of its life

Will we see GT X’s low-profile wheel cover in production?

“It’s a bit of an experiment, meant to combine the need for a big tyre with the look of a low profile. We’d need to do a lot of additional work with our tyre partner, but the idea’s a good one.”

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Title: Editor-in-chief

Steve Cropley is the oldest of Autocar’s editorial team, or the most experienced if you want to be polite about it. He joined over 30 years ago, and has driven many cars and interviewed many people in half a century in the business. 

Cropley, who regards himself as the magazine’s “long stop”, has seen many changes since Autocar was a print-only affair, but claims that in such a fast moving environment he has little appetite for looking back. 

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catnip 22 August 2018

Manufacturers are quite happy

Manufacturers are quite happy to produce 2-door concepts, but its a shame they deprive us of the superior looks of this bodystyle in the real world. And, no, concealed rear door handles do not make any difference in this respect.

jagdavey 22 August 2018

& the BMW design director is not a w********?

Why say that about Mark Adams???? His job must be one of the most difficult jobs in thje industry at the moment!!!!!!

BigMitch 23 August 2018

Because he does nothing but

Because he does nothing but talk exaggerated flowery waffle about things that do not warrant it. plus every time I've met him, i thought he was a twat. Does that answer your question?

FMS 28 August 2018

BigMitch wrote:

BigMitch wrote:

Because he does nothing but talk exaggerated flowery waffle about things that do not warrant it. plus every time I've met him, i thought he was a twat. Does that answer your question?

 

Having read the content of your posts, it would seem that having met this man (every time?), you may have been mistaken as to which one of you is the "twat". He, obviously thought the world of you...

BigMitch 22 August 2018

I see Adams is still a wanker

I see Adams is still a wanker then.