Calibra History
From Calibra Wiki - Vauxhall, Opel and Holden Information and Technical Resource
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General History
The Opel Calibra (badged as a Vauxhall in the UK, Holden in Australia and New Zealand and Chevrolet in South America) was launched in 1989, a front-wheel drive coupé based around the running gear of the Opel Vectra A, (Cavalier under the Vauxhall name), but with a different rear suspension, which had been launched the year before.
The Calibra, styled by the American head of GM design Europe, Wayne Cherry (retired), is considered by some the most stylish Vauxhall/Opel ever, but being based on the Vectra chassis its ride and handling were not significantly better than that of the family car from which it grew. It was, however, the most aerodynamically efficient Opel everTemplate:Fact, with a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.26 <ref>UKCAR, "Coefficient of Drag Factors", UKCAR. Accessed 9 Dec 2006 [1]</ref>. It remained the most aerodynamic mass production car for the next 10 years, until the Honda Insight was launched in 1999 with a Cd of 0.25.Template:Fact
Calibra Production and Manufacture
Calibra production was based in two Opel factories, Rüsselsheim in Germany and Uusikaupunki in Finland. Determining which plant any specific Calibra was produced at is possible by checking the VIN. On the Calibra the VIN is as follows <ref>Max Boost, "Invaluable Resources", Max Boost. Accessed 9 Dec 2006 [2]</ref>:
WOL 0000 85 [K to V] [1 or 9] XXXXXX
If '1' it was made at Rüsselsheim
If '9' it was made at Uusikaupunki
Calibra Rivals!
During its lifetime, the Calibra was much more popular than its nearest rival, the Ford Probe, which was considered to be underpowered and too American for most European drivers but it didn't manage to outsell the Rover 200 Coupe which offered similar speed at a lower cost and at the time, Rover, had a better image.
In 1995, the Vectra A was replaced, but Calibra production proceeded until it was discontinued at the end of 1997. Although a smaller coupe (the Tigra) was available, the marque was left without a mid-sized coupé until the Astra Coupé was launched in 2000.
As of 2006, the world's fastest accelerating street-legal car has been determined to be a 1993 Vauxhall Calibra, owned by Steve Pateman, boasting a 1.25 second 0 to 60 mile per hour time, and an 8.14 second quarter-mile time. However, the car has been heavily modified, including a big-block Chevrolet V8 and a steel tube chassis.[3]
Racing
The Opel Calibra has featured in many racing series/events around the world, the highest level however would most probably be the DTM (or Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft) championship. The Calibra was fitted with an all wheel drive Naturally Aspirated V6 engine.
Manuel Reuter won the 1996 DTM championship in the Joest Racing Calibra. Klaus Ludwig finished 3rd in the 1994 DTM season in the Team Rosberg Calibra.
Calibras in Popular culture
- In the 1999 PlayStation video game Gran Turismo 2, the Team Opel DTM Calibra can be driven.
- In the 2001 PlayStation 2 video game Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec, the Team Opel DTM Calibra is available once again.
- In the 2003 film Veronica Guerin, a red calibra is driven by Cate Blanchett throughout the film.
- In the 2004 film Banlieue 13/District 13 (film), a green heavily modified calibra is featured.
- In the 2005 film 7 Seconds, a calibra is seized by Wesley Snipes and driven throughout the movie.
- In the 2005 film 'Ma quando arrivano le ragazze', a black calibra is briefly featured parked up in the background by the beach.
