The trend of sporty coupes and convertibles is on the rise. With the introduction of the Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S a few years ago, followed by the new-generation Mazda MX-5 and the introduction of the new Fiat 124, a whole demographic is being offered new options in the realm of less powerful but more emotional rides. This time, the next two-seater to show up on the market and join the lineup might be American.

The German division of GM has unveiled the first pictures of their Geneva-bound concept: the Opel GT. The nameplate is nothing new, the model having quite the history between a late 60s sex symbol and a late 2000s failed revival (and rebadging as Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky for North American markets). Bearing the Opel badge, the new concept picks up a few pieces from its past, like the distinct silhouette, and packs everything in a modern ensemble that’s almost too shocking to be true.

The bold grey, black and red design looks like a piece of modernist Italian furniture with red front tires inspired by the Opel Motoclub 500, mirror-tinted windows integrated into the doors for uniform side panels and stripes that resemble an Adidas jumpsuit. The look of the GT Concept follows the same direction as the Monza concept introduced in 2013, a sign that the brand has been trying to renew and rejuvenate its image.

Under the black glossy hood of the rear-wheel-drive concept is Opel’s 1.0L three-cylinder turbo engine rated at 145 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, a powertrain already available on production vehicles. At less than 1,000 kg, these numbers go right up the Mazda MX-5’s alley. And when there’s talk of Opel, there is also talk of Chevrolet and that’s where our interest truly lies: the possibility of seeing a small American-branded two-seater go up against the very successful little Japanese. At this time, the concept is but the image of a possible future, set to be unveiled at the Geneva auto show in March. But what if?

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