Given that IMP has a new Flagship to present, it was only natural to celebrate the 30th Birthday of our most successful Flagship sedan. Welcome to the 1987 IMP Opera.
The 1987 second generation of the Opera was one of the most ambitious projects of IMP. Considerably smaller than its predecessor, it nevertheless was a giant technological step forward for the nameplate and IMP in general. The first IMP to be designed using the latest computer technology, with perfected aerodynamics (a cd of just .29 and 75db of interior noise at 80mph) and intelligent weight savings without sacrificing any torsional rigidity (The car was 300kg lighter than its predecessor). It also meant highly complex electronics with anti-lock brakes, an early form of traction control and even an onboard diagnostics system. The engines equally used the latest in computing tech to deliver far better economy and drivability than before. The engine options were the 3.0L J-130E I6, the legendary 3.8L H-138E I6, the 4.5L R-145F V8 (a development of the 1960s G3600), but the standout was the VT-56E, a new 5.6L V8 with 330hp and 510Nm of torque. The 5.6L engine option also included an electronically controlled 4-speed Automatic transmission with adaptive shift ferocity, allowing for super fast shifts or butter smooth shifting on the fly, air suspension with adjustable ride height and self adjusting springs as well as four-zone automatic climate control. The 560i was capable of 165mph and could accelerate to 60mph in 5.9s.
Thanks to these innovations the Opera managed to earn strong sales and something of a cult following. It was also the most successful generation to date with an estimated 250.000 sales over an eight year production run. The 1987 model was so far ahead of its time that the 3rd generation of 1995 only needed updates to the basic chassis and technology and a restyling to stay competitive in its market.