SAY hello to the next Vauxhall Vectra. Honestly, we haven't got the photographs mixed up, this super-coupe brings with it the essential ingredients of the next generation Vectra.

Unveiled this week at the Geneva Motor Show, the General Motors GTC (Grand Tourismo Coupe) is not only a big hint as to the way that next year's Vectra will look (and suggests a return of the Vauxhall Calibra) it also debuts the new GM platform that will underpin the Vectra and other models in the family.

Key features are the 2,727mm wheelbase and the aggressive front-end with large aluminium vertical intakes that intersect the headlights, a styling cue that is repeated in the rear exhausts.

Although shown as a four-seater coupe (generating the Calibra rumours), Vauxhall executives were unofficially confirming the speculation that this will transform into a five-seat hatchback and saloon in the very near future. And there was no hesitation in admitting that the GTC cabin is very close to production with plenty of sculpted surfaces and a large flat load space that will take up to 1,020 litres of luggage space.

The show model is powered by an enhanced version of the current Vectra VXR's 2.8-litre V6 turbo engine and has electronically controlled four-wheel drive - expect to see a variety of engines on the production model although four-wheel drive is likely to be limited to the coupe only.

Bigger than the current Vectra, the GTC has a more athletic and complex shape, one that will hopefully make it all the way through to the showrooms.

Some cynics viewed the GTC's surprise arrival (in a designer matt silver finish) as a spoiling tactic for the new Ford Mondeo, and it did take some of the shine off the blue oval unveiling.

Nonetheless, the new Mondeo (featured in last week's Wheels) looks as good in the metal as it does in the photographs, particularly the high class interior.