Signum²—the "wagon-coupe"

Signum2 mixes coupe and station-wagon styling and closely follows the Signum concept seen at previous motor shows.

Merging body styles in a bid to produce something approaching a "car for all reasons" can be a risky business. But Opel simply believes it can be successfully achieved, and to make the point, it unveiled its square-cut, 2830-mm (111.5-in) wheelbase Signum² concept powered by a new, transversely mounted, direct-injection gasoline V8.

Opel Chairman and Managing Director Carl-Peter Forster said that it "hints at the ideas and styling cues to be seen on future Opel models." Opel regards it as combining the lines of a coupe with station-wagon practicality (it calls the vehicle a "wagon-coupe"), and it bears a strong resemblance to the Signum concept, first shown in 1997, which presaged some Astra design cues. All this seems to point to a Signum² production vehicle similar to the design revealed at Frankfurt—at least as far as its exterior is concerned. The high-technology interior may be another matter altogether. A particularly significant element is the use of indirect ventilation in the form of hidden slits in the instrument panel support and footwell. The slits eliminate the need for conventional ventilation grilles or nozzles, which have long been a serious constraint on designers.

Airliner-style yoke and shielded instruments and screen are features of the Signum2.

The concept vehicle's front seats swivel to aid entry or egress as the door is opened, while the steering wheel—which looks more akin to an airline pilot's yoke or F1 steering wheel—is lowered into the instrument panel. Once the driver is in place, the steering wheel returns to its normal position. The driver gets two screens: one to provide information on essential functions such as speed, fuel level, and engine temperature; the other, revealed when a shield rises after engine start (there is something of Starship Enterprise about this), provides information about air-conditioning, navigation, communication, and audio status. Like BMW, Opel has a twist-and-push knob to select some menus in the concept car. Gear selection is also via a rotary switch positioned on the center console. In park it activates an electronic park brake. The front passenger has use of a PC with Internet access, the monitor of which folds flat and tucks away when not in use. There is an infrared keyboard. Rear-seat passengers get DVD monitors with headphones.

Rear-seat cushions and backrests can be folded upward to the height of the belt line to create a level surface. The seats can also be folded forward in conventional wagon style. Storage boxes on rails can be slid between the center console and rear seats.

Opel is attempting to achieve new levels of ergonomic efficiency and operational simplicity with Signum2.

The most interesting mechanical element of the front-wheel-drive Signum² is its all-new, transversely mounted prototype gasoline-direct-injection 4.3-L, 220-kW (305-hp) V8 engine. Designated Global CV8 and developed by GM Powertrain in the U.S., its twin camshafts are integrated centrally into the engine block. Cylinder bank angle is 75°. For other applications, the engine can be installed longitudinally. Its technology includes air-assisted fuel injection and deactivation of up to four cylinders on light load. Three valves per cylinder and variable-valve timing are other features.

Signum² gets ceramic front disc brakes with a mass of 5.5 kg (12 lb) compared to 11 kg (24 lb) for conventional steel, bringing benefits in unsprung weight reduction and durability. They would not need to be changed throughout a car's life, according to GM.

Multiplex for new small Citroën

Citroën's new C3 has matured from a late 1990s concept. Short overhangs underline the C3's urban role.

Citroën's new little C3, which slots into the range between Saxo and Xsara, is built on a new platform and technology that includes diesel engines developed by PSA Peugeot Citroën and Ford. The C3 has emerged directly from the Lumiére concept, shown at the 1998 Paris Salon. It has variable, electric power steering and incorporates a multiplex system. The BSI (built-in systems interface) and BSM (built-in supply module) make up the main components of the vehicle's multiplex system. They process the data from the networks and send it out to specific items of equipment. The multiplex networks apply two communication protocols: VAN (vehicle area network) and CAN. VAN Comfort specifically looks after the instrument cluster, radio, and navigation; VAN Body is responsible for airbags and the upper part of the steering column. CAN looks after engine management, electric power steering, and the headlights.

Automatic air-conditioning, a large powered glass sunroof, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, black-panel instrument lighting, and hazard warning lights that trigger under heavy braking are unusual features to be offered in the C3's segment. Designed by Citroën's Styling Center, emphasis has been placed on packaging and the use of glazing. The softly curved car is only 3.82 m (12.5 ft) long, but is relatively wide and high, at 1.67 m (5.5 ft) and 1.52 m (5 ft), respectively. Six airbags are fitted (including two side-window bags) and the antilock braking system incorporates EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) and EBA (emergency braking assistance).

The PSA/Ford second-generation, common-rail, direct-injection, turbo-diesel engine (used in the new Ford Fiesta) has a capacity of 1.4 L and produces either 50 kW (67 hp) in eight-valve form or 66 kW (88 hp) with 16 valves. The more powerful unit uses a variable geometry turbocharger. The engine management incorporates specific control laws that are applied to complement driving patterns. The C3 will also be available with 1.1-, 1.4-, and 1.6-L gasoline engines. An auto-adaptive gearbox with sequential manual shift mode is offered for the C3.

A convertible based on the C3 is expected for 2002. It will be a multi-role car capable of being quickly converted into a baby pickup. A concept of the car, called Pluriel, was seen at the 1999 Frankfurt Show.

Peugeot Moonster

Peugeot Design Competition winner Marko Lukovic with the Moonster—built full scale for the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Even in the sometimes macabre world of concept and "dream" cars, Peugeot's Moonster—the winning entry in a Peugeot online design competition—stands out as being something exceptionally offbeat. The company promised it would build a full-scale version for the Frankfurt Motor Show—and it did. Peugeot describes its styling as "fluid, almost hydrodynamic."

Constructed in aluminum, it is 4 m (13.1 ft) long and has two seats in tandem. Windows are polycarbonate. Peugeot Styling Director Gérard Welter said the company wanted to look outside the automotive sector for design inspiration. Yugoslav designer Marko Lukovic came up with the Moonster with wheel-mounted power units. Not surprisingly, there are no plans for production, but Peugeot was plainly impressed by the original thought that created the design.