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Under the name OPEL Calibra presented the Adam OPEL AG on the IAA 1989 a "in 2+2 interpretation", which starting from March 1990 with the dealers. The Calibra was the successor in the autumn 1988 adjusted OPELs Manta. Contrary to the Manta, which ordered over along inserted engines and rear propulsion, the Calibra was front-propelled according to standard and the engines was crosswise inserted. The construction was based on the OPEL Vectra. While in the Vectra however a rigid group steering wheel rear axle was used, there was a rear independent suspension in the Calibra already. Particularly outstanding was at that time the low cw-value of 0,26, which made the Calibra over many years the "aerodynamics world champion". Also today there are not many vehicles, which undercut this value. The rear flap of the Calibra resembled that of the Manta CC. The Calibra so e.g. exhibited some stylistic characteristics, the only seven centimeters high front light units. They were made possible by the use of ellipsoid headlights, with which the light withdraws by a lens (similarly a still-picture projector). Power steering, ABS, Airbags (starting from 1993), sport seats, sounded disks and light alloy wheels belonged to the standard. The basic price amounted to 33,900, - DM.

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Available the Calibra was first with two different 2-Liter OHC engines. The basis motorizing consisted strong 2 l.des omega, which was available in connection with an automatic transmission of that 85 kW/115 HP (C20NE). A 5-Gang-Getriebe was standard. Second engine in the offer was the 2 l 16 V, it carried out 110 KW /150 HP (C20XE). This engine was the first Serienmotor of OPELs with four-valve technology and two obenliegenden cam shafts (DOHC), if one refrains from earlier competition engines. The engine applied at the time of its introduction as the petrol engine with the highest efficiency. The 16-Ventiler was used also in the OPEL cadet E GSi 16V. 110 KW 16 V brought by 196 Nm maximum torque to the Calibra after 8,5 s to 100 km/h. Middle consumption was also owing to the favorable cw-value about 9,2 l/100 km. The maximum speed was according to vehicle registration with 223 km/h, those 2 of the l-model about 205 km/h. Both engines were equipped, the engine management by a bosch Motronic were taken over with a three-way catalyst.

1990 came also the four-wheel-driven Calibra on the market. It was the first OPEL passenger car with all-wheel drive. The remainder acted to the rear wheels around a permanent system, during normal load on dry road went approx. to 75% of the driving power on the front wheels. With arising slip at an axle a transfer gear with Visco clutch could variable give engine performance up to 100% to the other axle, so that was provided for optimum traction always. The all-wheel drive was first in connection with both engines available, however not with automatic transmission. The Calibra 2,0i 4x4 reached a maximum speed of 198 km/h and an acceleration of 0 100 km/h in 11 seconds, the maximum speed of the 16V lay with 215 km/h and the base price with 44.215, - DM.

In March 1992 the Calibra turbo 4x4 came as a new top model to the dealers. In it the 2,0-Liter-16V-Motor (C20LET) was used, which with a KKK turbocharger (K16) and an intercooler carried now 204 HP/150 KW out. With the turbocharger it concerned a new development, it was not flanged on, but integrates into the exhaust elbow union. The turbo engine was not in series combined an automatic transmission with a 6-Gang-Getriebe and an all-wheel drive, gave it for the turbo. The maximum torque was with 280 Nm, which already fitted with 2.400 rpm. The Calibra turbo was the fastest of its kind: Were indicated a maximum speed of 245 km/h and an acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. It cost 1992 49,880, - DM. Outwardly it differed from the other Calibras only by 16-Zoll-Leichtmetallfelgen (five-hole rims) in special turbo-Design and appropriate signatures. The Calibra 16V 4x4 was void in this year.

Starting from model year 1993 for the Calibra also a six cylinder engine was offered: The 2,5-Liter-V6 (C25XE, late X25XE), which in the Vectra and omega B was offered, carried out 170 HP/125 KW and offered a maximum torque of 227 Nm with 4.200 rpm. Thus the Calibra reached maximally 237 km/h and accelerated in 7.8 seconds on 100 km/h. The V6 was available also with automatic transmission, but not with all-wheel drive. The 2,0-16V-Motor (C20XE) replaced by a again developed and the strict exhaust standard D3 adapted 2,0-16V-Motor (X20XEV), now carried out it 136 HP/100 KW. Entrance engine was still the 2,0i with 115 HP.

To model year the Calibra a minimum Facelift received 1995. The front OPEL emblem was now no longer on the hood, but in the radiator grille, which got an easily changed form. The signatures were changed, the interior experienced an easy revision with new pad-openly and new armature scales. Also the rims got a new Design. In November 1994 the Calibra 2,0i cost 40,835 DM, the Calibra 16V 43,495 DM, the Calibra V6 51,070 DM and the Calibra turbo 54,345 DM. The all-wheel drive was only available for the Calibra turbo.

Model year 1996 brought a new external color program with itself, the engine offer remained unchanged against it. As new entrance model the "Calibra Young" supplemented the model pallet. It was to be had first only with the 2,0i-Motor and in four different lacquer finishes and corresponded otherwise to the Calibra basic equipment. It stood in January 1996 for 40.725 DM with the dealers. Further special models were the "Calibra Classic" with air conditioning system, leather equipment, system of sound of Bose I and sun roof (60,325 DM than turbo) as well as the "Calibra DTM edition" (59,775 DM as turbo). This model was particularly sportily laid out with broader light alloy wheels in the DTM Look, set lower chassis and DTM signatures. Both special models could be ordered with all available engines.

In April 1996 the special model appeared "Calibra Cliff engine haven edition", with which OPEL its at the DTM (German route cars championship) 1994 and 1995 as well as at the ITC (international Touring Car Championship) 1996 celebrated successes with the Calibra. It had an easily changed tail apron and lateral strips painted a changed front apron by Irm with additional air intakes. In addition air conditioning system, as well as a system of sound of Bose II and a Irmscher package with BBS light alloy wheels came into 16 tariff and a 30mm deeper sport chassis. This model at the "Cliff" was well recognizable - emblems, with whatever the DTM and ITC Calibras were provided. With end of model year 1996 the production of the Calibra turbo and with it concomitantly ended the all-wheel drive in the Calibra, since an adjustment of the engine would have been too to new exhaust regulations. The 2,0i-Motor with 115 HP was void likewise.

Starting from August 1996 the Calibra was only in the equipments "Young", "Cliff engine haven edition" and "Classic" orderable, starting from January 1997 as "Calibra Young". The last limited 984 copies with the name "Calibra load edition" could roll starting from March 1997 to the new owners. Were available the 2,0-16V as well as the revised 2,5-l-V6-Motor (X25XE with better exhaust standard), which could be ordered in both models. The equipment "load edition" corresponded to the rich combination of the variants "Cliff engine haven edition" and "Classic". The prices lay between 41.415 DM (Calibra Young 2.0 16V) and 55,800 DM (Calibra load edition 2.5 V6).

In June 1997 the production of the Calibra finally ended. There is not a successor with independent body until today.

Altogether 236,647 vehicles became certified.

Dimensions of the Calibras (original):