Opel Calibra

Opel Calibra is a two-door sports coupe produced from 1989 to 1997, based on the Opel Vectra A platform. It was designed with a strong focus on aerodynamics, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.26, which was one of the best figures for a production car at the time. During its production run, approximately 240,000 units were manufactured.

The Calibra was offered with a range of four-cylinder engines, including 2.0-liter naturally aspirated versions producing between 115 and 150 horsepower. A 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 204 horsepower was introduced, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and available all-wheel drive, making it the most performance-oriented variant. Later, a 2.5-liter V6 engine was added, offering smoother power delivery and improved refinement.

The chassis was tuned for balanced handling, with front-wheel drive in most versions and an optional 4x4 system for turbo models. Suspension design followed the Vectra layout, with MacPherson struts at the front and a rear torsion beam setup. The interior emphasized a driver-focused layout while maintaining practical rear seating and a relatively large trunk for a coupe.

In user reviews, the Opel Calibra is praised for its distinctive design, strong turbo performance, and good aerodynamics. Enthusiasts appreciate its tuning potential and comfortable ride for a coupe of its era. However, common criticism includes rust issues, aging electrical components, limited rear headroom, and the complexity of the early all-wheel-drive system in turbo versions.