The Family Traits
Despite their unique characteristics, all ADAM family members have three things in common:
1. Individuality
Every ADAM wants to be unique, which is how ADAM began by offering a diverse range of colors, seats, and wheels. The ADAM ROCKS also adopted this and took on a crossover look. The ADAM S is a more sporty model and so needed a matching sporty look. Now every ADAM can take what he likes from the family gene pool and become even more individual.
2. The very best finish
Looks are important to all of the family members. That doesn’t just mean that they like to have a unique style; the fact is, they place great value on perfectly-fitting attire of exquisite quality.
3. Connectivity
One hobby that everyone shares is technology. They especially know their way around IntelliLink. Relatives such as Corsa or KARL benefit from this too.
The ADAM family has grown once again. After ADAM, R1, R2, ROCKS, S, and Open Air, a new member has arrived: the ADAM ROCKS S. On 16 April he celebrated his birthday at the Amsterdam International Motorshow (AutoRAI). Dieter Metz, Chief Engineer ADAM, and Thomas Schut, Marketing Manager, are true genealogists when it comes to the ADAM. They have extensive knowledge of the family tree and can provide an insight into the individual members’ characteristics.
ADAM ROCKS S – THE NEWCOMER
Dieter Metz and Thomas Schut are in agreement: “He was what we were missing.” After launching the ADAM ROCKS and the ADAM S, marrying the two was a logical next step. The ADAM ROCKS S completes the family. He combines the comfortable SUV feel with a good measure of sportiness. Schut explains: “We’re sure that there are customers who want the ADAM ROCKS but with even more power.” Or perhaps the ADAM S with a more adventurous streak. It doesn’t matter the specific combination, because ADAM fans will receive this special package with a length of 3.75 meters, a powerful, confident appearance, and an ECOTEC 1.4-liter turbo engine. The powerful ECOTEC engine with 110 kW/150 hp has a CO2 emission of 139 g/km. The ROCKS and S are not the only parents here, and the youngster now is part of the entire extended family.
A Glimpse at the Family Album:
IT STARTED WITH ADAM
During the three-year development phase, the ADAM was presented internally to Opel employees as “Junior,” according to Dieter Metz. Yet the working title was scrapped during redevelopment in 2012. Thomas Schut was also happy about this: “Opinions were initially quite divided on the name ADAM, but it ended up establishing itself fairly quickly. It’s universal, short, and easy to remember.” Just as the Insignia before it, the ADAM was a milestone in the new Opel design philosophy. “It’s opened up a completely new segment for Opel, which is another reason why the name is so well suited.”
ADAM R1/R2 – THE CRAZY ONE
The ADAM R1/R2 is the family member that sometimes gets forgotten, but this hp speedster is busy stirring up interest in a whole new field. To celebrate a successful motor racing comeback, Opel presented an international rally program with the new ADAM, the ADAM R1, at the end of 2012. The ADAM R2, a concept designed in accordance with the FIA R2 rally regulations, was launched in 2013 at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. This was then accepted for the European Rally Championship. The Opel ADAM R2 has since competed against Peugeot, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Ford, Skoda, Citroen, and Renault.
ADAM ROCKS – THE DAREDEVIL
One year later, Opel launched the ADAM ROCKS concept at the Geneva Motor Show. In order to convey the SUV feel, the vehicle’s body shell was raised by 15 millimeters, making for a more comfortable chassis. Dieter Metz explains, “We made the decision to send ADAM ROCKS into series production at the show itself.” One year later, back in Geneva, the ADAM ROCKS standard version made its debut with the new 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo engine, a completely new transmission, and a reworked chassis.
ADAM S – THE SPORTING ACE
Strictly speaking, the ADAM S is derived from the successful ADAM rally version 2013/14. Shortly after Geneva 2013, it was decided to make the sportiest version of the ADAM suitable for use on the road. Featuring a 1.4-liter turbo ECOTEC engine and 150 hp, its launch was celebrated the same year in Paris, France. “We have completely reworked the chassis and adopted the rear axle and the braking system from the Corsa OPC,” explains Metz. The vehicle has been designed with a focus on sportiness and handling. Thomas Schut has already had the pleasure of driving the ADAM S and gushes, “It was so much fun to drive this sports star.”
ADAM OPEN AIR – THE COOL KID
“There are many customers who would like to drive a convertible but find the larger ones too impractical. This is where the ADAM Open Air comes in,” says Thomas Schut, explaining the reasons behind ADAM Open Air. This ADAM is very similar to the original ADAM. The design was taken from the family gene pool and the swinging soft-top roof from ADAM ROCKS was added. In fact, the swinging soft-top roof is no longer exclusive to the ADAM ROCKS and can now be installed for every ADAM family member.
Text: Dorothee Frey, Photos: Andreas Liebschner (Asterion), Opel