The Opel Frogster, introduced in 2001 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, was a concept car that pushed the boundaries of small car design and functionality. Embracing a playful and unconventional approach, the Frogster featured a unique transformation capability, allowing it to convert from a roadster to a convertible or even a pickup truck. The key to this versatility was a built-in Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), mounted between the two front seats, which could control various functions of the car.
This compact and innovative vehicle aimed primarily at younger buyers showcased advanced technologies not yet seen in production automobiles. The Frogster's standout feature was its PDA, enabling users to seamlessly switch between different body styles with just the touch of a button. The absence of a conventional roof was compensated by an electrically powered roller blind that served as weather protection. This element, made of robust aluminum profiles connected by rubber inserts, functioned both as a convertible top and a load-area cover.
The Frogster's interior design reflected a weather-proof approach, utilizing neoprene for the electrically adjustable seats, similar to the material used in surfers' wetsuits. The center console featured a detachable PDA, providing drivers with a portable device that served as a car key, remote control for various functions, and a display for radio, navigation, and climate control systems.
Powered by Opel's ECOTEC 1.0 12V gasoline unit and equipped with the Easytronic automated manual gearbox, the Frogster offered a fun and eco-friendly driving experience. The vehicle's dimensions, measuring 3715 x 1680 x 1530 millimeters (length x width x height), reflected its compact nature, suitable for urban environments.
The Frogster's name paid homage to Opel's historical "Laubfrosch" (Tree Frog) model from the 1920s, known for its bright green color. In the spirit of this heritage, Opel aimed to capture the excitement of the younger crowd with the Frogster's vibrant and unconventional design.
While there were no immediate plans for production, the Frogster served as a platform to test the acceptance of new ideas, particularly among the targeted younger audience. Opel envisioned the Frogster as a creative and proof that practical cars could be anything but boring, showcasing the ingenuity of the brand's engineers and designers.
Source & Images: GM
