A CONCEPT FOR THE '90'S

A General Motors design study for a smaller car called the Opel Junior is described. This futuristic design concept has a low aerodynamic drag factor. It has smooth, sloping front, flush-fitting headlights, combined spoiler and flexible plastic bumper with an air inlet, a single, recessed windscreen wiper and other features which aid uninterrupted air flow. The car's roof offers a number of possible variations. It also has a new type of hatch door. The interior incorporates numerous new design ideas to provide a functional and easily variable interior, which could be used for different purposes. The instrument panel is of unconventional design and consists of two molded plastic shells that fit together. The car's standard equipment items are listed. Details are also given of the instrument modules. The front seats consist of two contoured, extra-strength plastic parts that are mounted on the frame. They have quick opening buckle type latches. The rear seats and release mechanisms also incorporate new design elements. A new system for opening and closing doors increases storage space. Comments are also made on the front suspension and on the front-wheel-drive engineering.

• Corporate Authors:

  Southern Africa Commercial Travellers Association

  Box 828
  Cape Town,   South Africa 
• Publication Date: 1983

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 7-10
• Serial:
  • On the Road
  • Volume: 6
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: Southern Africa Commercial Travellers Association

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aerodynamics; Automobiles; Compact automobiles; Drag; Innovation; Vehicle design
• Identifier Terms: General Motors Corporation
• Old TRIS Terms: Drag reducing devices; Future concepts; Small car
• Subject Areas: Design; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00389172
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-036 641
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Sep 28 1984 12:00AM