Opel Chronos: Pininfarina and Opel’s Vision of a High-Performance Concept

Engineered Imagination - Before the name “Chronos” became associated with European performance experiments, it had already made an impression through the Chrysler Chronos Concept—a futuristic luxury sedan that showcased American ambition in design and advanced technology. Chrysler’s Chronos represented a vision of premium comfort and modern elegance, emphasizing innovation over outright speed. That earlier concept set a creative precedent, proving that the name “Chronos” could serve as a canvas for forward-thinking automotive ideas. Not long after, the same name resurfaced in a very different form, this time shaped by Italian craftsmanship and German engineering—the Opel Chronos.

In 1991, Pininfarina introduced the Opel Chronos as a groundbreaking concept car at several major auto expo in Detroit and Geneva. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

Revealed in 1991 at major automotive exhibitions in Detroit and Geneva, the Opel Chronos was introduced as a research prototype rather than a production proposal. It was the result of a collaboration between Pininfarina and Opel, blending experimental design with serious mechanical intent. Unlike its Chrysler namesake, which leaned toward luxury futurism, the Opel Chronos aimed to explore how extreme performance and innovative materials could coexist within a refined, open-top format. The foundation of the Opel Chronos came from the Opel Lotus Omega, a car that already held legendary status at the time, and known as the Vauxhall Carlton in the UK.

The Opel Chronos featured a distinctive glass roof embedded with liquid crystals, utilized Kevlar bodywork, reducing the car's weight by a significant 200 kilograms. (Picture from: Autocar)

At its heart sat a turbocharged 3.6-liter inline-six petrol engine carried over from that platform—an exceptional powerplant equipped with twin turbochargers. It delivered a maximum output of 382 PS (377 bhp or 281 kW) at 5,200 rpm, alongside an imposing peak torque of 568 Nm (418 lb-ft). This energy was channeled exclusively to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, reinforcing a purist, driver-focused character that was rare even among the supercars of its era.

The Opel Chronos posed along with its donor, the Opel Lotus Omega (the Vauxhall Carlton in the UK) known also as the world's fastest sedan at that time. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

Pininfarina reinterpreted this mechanical powerhouse into a low-profile cabriolet with unmistakable supercar proportions. To enhance performance, Kevlar body panels were employed, reducing the vehicle’s weight by approximately 200 kilograms. This significant weight saving, combined with the Omega’s formidable engine, suggested a theoretical top speed nearing 190 mph—placing the Chronos firmly in supercar territory despite its unconventional origins.

The Opel Chronos pinned an innovative technology allowed the glass to darken instantly when an electrical current was applied, providing shade and privacy to the occupants. (Picture from: CarsThatNeverMadeItEtc)

One of the most memorable innovations of the Opel Chronos was its advanced glass roof technology. Embedded with liquid crystals, the roof could instantly darken when an electrical current was applied, offering shade and privacy without physical sunshades. This feature was remarkably ahead of its time and underscored the concept’s role as a testbed for technologies that would only become mainstream decades later.

The Opel Chronos housed a turbocharged inline-six petrol engine, generating an impressive maximum power of 382 PS (377 bhp - 281 kW) at 5200 rpm and a maximum torque of 568.0 Nm (418 lb.ft) at 5200 rpm. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

The interior philosophy followed Pininfarina’s long-standing expertise in crafting refined yet engaging convertible cabins. While detailed specifications were never fully disclosed, the focus was on driver immersion, comfort, and visual harmony with the exterior design. The open-top layout reinforced a sense of freedom, aligning performance with elegance rather than raw aggression.

The Opel Chronos boasted exceptional road holding, precise handling, and a comfortable ride, thanks to its well-engineered chassis. (Picture from: Blog.goo.ne.jp)

Beyond aesthetics and innovation, the Chronos was engineered to perform as a complete vehicle. Its chassis delivered strong road grip, balanced handling, and a comfortable ride despite its performance credentials. Equipped with powerful braking systems at both ends, the car demonstrated that safety and control were integral to its design, not afterthoughts added for show.

Although the Opel Chronos never reached production, its legacy remains quietly influential. It stands as a reminder of a time when manufacturers were willing to explore bold ideas without immediate commercial pressure. In today’s automotive landscape—where lightweight materials, smart glass, and cross-border collaborations are once again gaining importance—the Opel Chronos feels less like a forgotten experiment and more like an early chapter in a story the industry is still writing. *** [EKA [17072023] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOCAR | CARSTYLING.RU | BLOG.GOO.NE.JP ]

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