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Photo of a Opel Calibra

Opel Calibra

Researched November 9, 2026 from 27 sources

Also called

  • CaliUsed as shorthand in descriptions of lowering, widening and adding spoilers.1
  • Aerodynamik-WeltmeisterGerman for aerodynamic world champion, earned by the Calibra's Cd 0.26 among production cars.2

At a glance

0150300
113–201 hpPower
07.515
6.8–12 s0–100 km/h
0125250
200–245 km/hTop speed
0150300
170–280 N·mTorque
07501,500
1,120–1,405 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.2

Engine
2.0 L I4: 8V, 16V or 16V Turbo; 2.5 L 24V V63
Gearbox
5-speed manual; Turbo F28 6-speed; optional 4-speed automatic3
Built at
Opel Rüsselsheim, Germany; Valmet Uusikaupunki, Finland (sole from Nov 1995)3
Units built
About 240,000 total; 93,978 at Valmet27

The story

The Vectra-based Calibra replaced the Manta to challenge Japanese coupes, starting with front-wheel drive and Cd 0.26 for the 8V. Abroad it wore Vauxhall badges in the UK, Holden in Australia and New Zealand, and Chevrolet in South America.34

1989: IAA debut and the Cd 0.26 crown19891990: UK launch, then viscous-coupled 4x4 · 16V beats Corrado G60 and 200 SX19901992: Turbo 4x4 brings a six-speed first19921993: Valmet and EDAG explore a cabriolet19931994: The badge moves into the grille19941996: ITC double crown with Manuel Reuter19961997: Last Edition, then the line stops19972019: The hidden Calibra II breaks cover2019 Opel Manta A (A): 1970–1975AOpel Manta B (B): 1975–1988BOpel Vectra A (A): 1988–1995AOpel Calibra (85): 1989–199785Opel Astra Coupé (G): 2000–G 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones371017181920
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1970–1975Opel Manta A (A)
1975–1988Opel Manta B (B)
1988–1995Opel Vectra A (A)
1989–1997Opel Calibra (85)
2000–Opel Astra Coupé (G)
1989IAA debut and the Cd 0.26 crown
1990UK launch, then viscous-coupled 4x4
199016V beats Corrado G60 and 200 SX
1992Turbo 4x4 brings a six-speed first
1993Valmet and EDAG explore a cabriolet
1994The badge moves into the grille
1996ITC double crown with Manuel Reuter
1997Last Edition, then the line stops
2019The hidden Calibra II breaks cover
  1. 1989

    IAA debut and the Cd 0.26 crown

    Named by Manfred Gotta, the Calibra debuts at the IAA. Its 8V version sets the production-car drag benchmark at Cd 0.26.24

  2. 1990

    UK launch, then viscous-coupled 4x4

    UK sales start in June as the Vauxhall Calibra. Cavalier-based hardware gains a viscous-coupled 4x4 option in the fall.25

  3. 1990

    16V beats Corrado G60 and 200 SX

    The 16V beats Nissan and VW while using 9.6 L/100 km. Independent testing in Ford's wind tunnel measures Cd 0.29.16

  4. 1992

    Turbo 4x4 brings a six-speed first

    Its KKK K16 turbo is built into the exhaust manifold. The flagship reaches 245 km/h and brings the first production six-speed for a transverse engine.25

  5. 1993

    Valmet and EDAG explore a cabriolet

    Around 1993, Valmet and EDAG develop open-top prototypes; neither reaches series production. Body stiffness and cost sink Valmet's plan.78

  6. 1994

    The badge moves into the grille

    A summer facelift moves the badge from the hood into the grille, with new upholstery, instrument faces and wheel designs.2

  7. 1996

    ITC double crown with Manuel Reuter

    Manuel Reuter wins the drivers' title as Opel takes the manufacturers' championship with the Calibra V6 4x4.9

  8. 1997

    Last Edition, then the line stops

    Last Edition brings leather and Irmscher suspension with 2.0 16V or revised X25XE V6 power. Calibra production ends in June.2

  9. 2019

    The hidden Calibra II breaks cover

    The Calibra II design study, built in 1997, is finally shown after more than 20 years out of sight; GM had shelved the project.7

Every generation

  • Opel Manta A
    A1970–1975
  • Opel Manta B
    B1975–1988
  • Opel Vectra A
    A1988–1995
  • Opel Calibra
    851989–1997
  • Opel Astra Coupé
    G

Power over the years

From 113 hp to 201 hp in 3 years.

0100200300 198819901992199419961998 hp 1989 · 113 hp · C20NE 2.0i; 170 Nm1989 · 148 hp · C20XE 2.0 16V; 196 Nm1992 · 201 hp · C20LET Turbo 4x4; 280 Nm1993 · 168 hp · C25XE 2.5 V6; 227 Nm1994 · 134 hp · X20XEV Ecotec 16V; 185 Nm1997 · 168 hp · X25XE 2.5 V6; 230 Nm 201 hp C20LET Turbo 4x4; 280 Nm 113 hp C20NE 2.0i; 170 Nm
231011
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1989113C20NE 2.0i; 170 Nm
1989148C20XE 2.0 16V; 196 Nm
1992201C20LET Turbo 4x4; 280 Nm
1993168C25XE 2.5 V6; 227 Nm
1994134X20XEV Ecotec 16V; 185 Nm
1997168X25XE 2.5 V6; 230 Nm

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Performance

    2.0i 16V Redtop

    1990–1994

    150 hp

    61,042 built

  • Standard

    2.0 16V Ecotec

    1994–1997

    134 hp
  • 2.5 V6

    Standard

    2.5 V6

    1993–1997

    168 hp

    12,015 built

  • Turbo 4x4

    Performance

    Turbo 4x4

    1992–1997

    204 hp

  • Special

    Young / Classic / Classic II

    1995–1997

  • UK SE1–SE9

    Limited

    UK SE1–SE9

    1993–1997

  • Special

    Color Selection I–VII

    1992–1995

  • Cliff Motorsport Edition / Last Edition

    Limited

    Cliff Motorsport Edition / Last Edition

    1996–1997

  • Limited

    Turbo Limited Edition (UK)

    51 built

  • Limited

    Tickford

    1991

    26 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • Low wedge silhouette with a long tail.15
  • Exceptionally slim ellipsoidal headlights, only 7 cm tall.3
  • Frameless side windows leave no metal rim around the door glass.16
  • Angled taillights punctuate an otherwise plain rear end.1

Year by year

  1. Summer 1994

    The nose badge moved from the hood's leading edge into the grille.3

  2. Summer 1994

    New wheel designs and model lettering came with white or gray dials and lighter pillar trim.2

  3. 1994

    VIN moved from the seat/slam-panel area to the windshield base; after the year letter, 9 means Valmet and 1 Rüsselsheim.212

  4. 1992–1993

    Color Selection I: Caribic Blue, Oct 1992–Feb 1993; II: Nautilus Blue, Mar–May 1993; III: Rioja, Jun–Aug 1993.310

  5. 1993–1994

    Color Selection IV: Solar Yellow, Sep–Oct 1993; V: Tech Violett, Nov 1993–Jul 1994.310

  6. 1994–1995

    Color Selection VI: Bermuda Green, Oct 1994–Feb 1995; VII: Magnetic Blue, Mar–Jun 1995.310

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Opel Calibra
    Calibra
    Photo of a VW Corrado
    VW Corrado

    VW Corrado

    The Calibra is roughly 40 cm longer overall; look for its more stretched silhouette.6

  • Vectra A

    The Calibra compresses the Vectra A's facial features into flatter, tighter proportions.7

Against its rivals

  • Calibra vs VW Corrado G60

    Test fuel use lower is better

    Calibra9.6 L/100 km
    VW Corrado G6012.2 L/100 km
    6
  • Nissan 200 SX

    Calibra vs Nissan 200 SX

    0–100 km/h lower is better

    Calibra8.7 s
    Nissan 200 SX8 s
    6
  • BMW 318is coupe

    Calibra vs BMW 318is coupe

    Price lower is better

    Calibra20,950 £
    BMW 318is coupe17,000 £
    5

Prices

Value today $3.6K–$7.6K414

Price when newAuction saleValue todayPrices on a log scale
$1K$10K$100K 19901995200020052010201520202025 Value today: $3,600–$7,600 1990 · $21,607 · Germany base 2.0i; DM ≈ $0.621990 · $24,676 · Germany 16V; DM ≈ $0.621992 · $31,923 · Germany Turbo 4x4; DM ≈ $0.641996 · $26,879 · Germany Young 2.0i; DM ≈ $0.661996 · $39,452 · Germany DTM Turbo; DM ≈ $0.661996 · $39,815 · Germany Classic Turbo; DM ≈ $0.661997 · $24,021 · Germany Young 16V; DM ≈ $0.581997 · $32,364 · Germany Last Edition V6; DM ≈ $0.58 2024 · $7,544 · 1991 Red Top, 48,052 mi; GBP≈$1.27, fees incl., Bonhams|Cars Online2024 · $7,722 · 1991 Calibra, Bonhams Cars Online2024 · $13,904 · 1995 Calibra DTM, Manor Park2025 · $3,605 · 1996 SE6, 59,940 mi; GBP≈$1.34, fees incl., Bonhams|Cars Online2025 · $6,747 · 1996 Calibra SE6, Bonhams Cars Online2026 · $1,248 · 1997 Calibra SE9, Anglia Car Auctions2026 · $4,680 · 1994 Calibra 8V, Mathewsons2026 · $4,225 · 1996 Calibra SE5, Mathewsons2026 · $5,616 · 1994 Calibra 16V, 35,800 miles, Anglia Car Auctions2026 · $5,054 · 1990 16V turbo conversion, project, 94,808 miles, Anglia Car Auctions $13.9K Manor Park, 2024
246101416252627
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1990Price when new$21,607Germany base 2.0i; DM ≈ $0.62
1990Price when new$24,676Germany 16V; DM ≈ $0.62
1992Price when new$31,923Germany Turbo 4x4; DM ≈ $0.64
1996Price when new$26,879Germany Young 2.0i; DM ≈ $0.66
1996Price when new$39,452Germany DTM Turbo; DM ≈ $0.66
1996Price when new$39,815Germany Classic Turbo; DM ≈ $0.66
1997Price when new$24,021Germany Young 16V; DM ≈ $0.58
1997Price when new$32,364Germany Last Edition V6; DM ≈ $0.58
2024Auction sale$7,5441991 Red Top, 48,052 mi; GBP≈$1.27, fees incl., Bonhams|Cars Online
2024Auction sale$7,7221991 Calibra, Bonhams Cars Online
2024Auction sale$13,9041995 Calibra DTM, Manor Park
2025Auction sale$3,6051996 SE6, 59,940 mi; GBP≈$1.34, fees incl., Bonhams|Cars Online
2025Auction sale$6,7471996 Calibra SE6, Bonhams Cars Online
2026Auction sale$1,2481997 Calibra SE9, Anglia Car Auctions
2026Auction sale$4,6801994 Calibra 8V, Mathewsons
2026Auction sale$4,2251996 Calibra SE5, Mathewsons
2026Auction sale$5,6161994 Calibra 16V, 35,800 miles, Anglia Car Auctions
2026Auction sale$5,0541990 16V turbo conversion, project, 94,808 miles, Anglia Car Auctions
2026Value today$3,600–$7,600

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 12 stories from its legend
    • “0.26 for the 8v; Ford measured the 16V at 0.29”
    • “Manta B: a CC hatchback and 240 Manta 400s”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 27 sources
  1. Opel Calibra kaufen: Ratgeber autozeitung.de
  2. Opel Calibra – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  3. Opel Calibra - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. 1991 Vauxhall Calibra For Sale by Auction themarket.co.uk
  5. Coupé Climax September 1992 - Motor Sport Magazine motorsportmagazine.com
  6. Coupé-Triell: Opel Calibra gegen Nissan 200 SX & VW Corrado autozeitung.de
  7. Opel Calibra (Studie/Cabrio/Serie): Classic Cars autozeitung.de
  8. Special: Opel Calibra autoblog.nl
  9. LEGENDS OF A PASSION - Opel POST opelpost.com
  10. opel-infos.de opel-infos.de
  11. Calibra-Team.de - Die Community des Opel Calibra calibra-team.de
  12. ClubCalibra.net | UK's ONLY Official VBOA Registered Calibra Club & Forum - View topic - Bit of help please with some info clubcalibra.net
  13. Opel Calibra: Das Sportcoupé der 90er-Jahre im Test - AUTO BILD KLASSIK autobild.de
  14. 1996 Vauxhall Calibra SE6 For Sale by Auction themarket.co.uk
  15. Opel Calibra Kaufberatung: 30 Jahre und immer noch modern auto-motor-und-sport.de
  16. Opel Calibra (1990-1997) - AUTO BILD autobild.de
  17. Opel Manta A – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  18. Opel Manta - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  19. Opel Manta B - Autocade autocade.net
  20. Wayne Cherry - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  21. #TouringCarMadness – ITC and the stillborn 1997 Zakspeed Opel Calibra. – Historic Motor Sport Consulting. historicmotorsportconsulting.com
  22. Gran Turismo 5 - List of featured cars gran-turismo.com
  23. Gran Turismo 6 - List of featured cars gran-turismo.com
  24. Opel Calibra (1990–1997): Neupreis, Marktwert, Unterhalt, Kfz-Steuer, Typklasse, Wertprognose | arcabon arcabon.com
  25. Vauxhall Calibra For Sale & Price Guide | The Classic Valuer theclassicvaluer.com
  26. 1994 VAUXHALL CALIBRA 16V | Sat 31 January & Sun 1 February | Anglia Car Auctions angliacarauctions.co.uk
  27. 1990 VAUXHALL CALIBRA 16V | Sat 31 January & Sun 1 February | Anglia Car Auctions angliacarauctions.co.uk
  • autozeitung.de
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • themarket.co.uk
  • motorsportmagazine.com
  • autoblog.nl
  • opelpost.com
  • opel-infos.de
  • calibra-team.de
  • clubcalibra.net
  • autobild.de
  • auto-motor-und-sport.de
  • autocade.net
  • historicmotorsportconsulting.com

Photo credits

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