Although Opel and Vauxhaull's parent company GM may be having some financial problems, Opel and Vauxhall are still moving ahead with the unveiling of the 325 horsepower Insignia.
The Vauxhall version of the hot Insignia is dubbed the Insignia VXR and the Opel version is dubbed the Insignia OPC. No matter which name the Insignia receives, both models feature the same turbocharged V6 and Nurburgring-proven chassis.
Under the hood there is a turbocharged 2.8L V6 that puts out 325 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. That's 25 more horsepower than in the Saab 9-3 Turbo-X, which uses the same engine. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual that puts the power to the ground via all four wheels. According to the automaker the car reaches 0-62 mph in 6 seconds.
Deliveries are expected to start this fall.
PRESS RELEASE:
Opel Insignia OPC: Hot Chili Premiere at the Barcelona Motor Show
- 239 kW/325 hp and 400 Nm; 0 to 100 km/h in six seconds
- Specially developed mechatronic chassis with all-wheel drive
- First deliveries this fall
Rüsselsheim. The high performance version of the Car of the Year 2009 will be unveiled on May 7, when the Opel Insignia OPC premieres at the Barcelona Motor Show, ten years after the launch of the first OPC model (Opel Performance Center).
The heart of the Insignia OPC is its 2.8 V6 Turbo engine. Derived from the powerful gasoline engine already available on the top-of-the-line Insignia, this version reaches an output of 239 kW/325 hp. The increase in power was obtained by a special engine development and by reworking the exhaust, significantly reducing the counter pressure. And because sound is so important in the appreciation of an engine, the acoustic specialists worked on the exhaust of the V6 by adopting specific center and rear mufflers.
The Insignia OPC is available with a six-speed manual gearbox. The strong torque of 400 Nm ensures abundant pulling power even at lower engine speeds. With this engine performance, the Insignia OPC reaches a top speed of 250 km/h (restricted) and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in six seconds.
The already very well performing Insignia chassis was further fine tuned for the OPC variant which ride height has been reduced by 10 mm compared to the Insignia (AWD Sport version). The newly developed mechatronic chassis also receives a new front axle. The front suspension architecture of the Insignia OPC retains a so called McPherson strut, however the engineers at the Opel Performance Center came up with an evolution called HiPerStrut (for high performance strut). Benefits are an improved steering feel, reduced steering disturbances due to the high torque and an enhanced feeling in the handling for the driver.
The Insignia OPC also comes with the adaptive FlexRide suspension which not only adapts to driving situation and driving style but also to the driver’s preferences. While on the Insignia the system offers the choice between a standard adaptive setting, a more comfortable mode and a sport mode, the OPC is definitely addressing those enjoying a sportier ride. OPC drivers can choose between three different sport modes: the standard mode as the high comfort setting, a special Sport mode and the OPC mode, for optimal performance.
For the first time also in the OPC portfolio, the Adaptive 4×4 system and its electronic rear limited slip differential (eLSD) are standard. The four-wheel drive management unit has been recalibrated to adapt torque distribution to the sporty philosophy of the OPC. Taking the higher performances of the OPC into consideration, significant development efforts were put into further improving the brake system. Connoisseurs will immediately spot the Brembo calipers and the perforated 355 mm disc on the front axle.
“I was personally involved in the development of the Insignia OPC and I very much enjoyed extensive testing on the most demanding race track of the world, the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Our target was to rival the “best of the best”,” said Hans Demant, Managing Director Adam Opel GmbH.
Distinctive looks are a clear statement on dynamic ambitions
The top-of-the-line body style dressed in an elegant sports outfit is inspired by the GTC concept car which starred in 2007, but still remains true to the Insignia’s design philosophy of sculptural artistry meets German precision.
Compared to less powerful versions of the Insignia, the OPC shows a spectacular new front end with two large vertical intakes and a specific rear bumper with dual integrated exhausts. The 19-inch wheels (tires: 245/40) are standard and give the car the stance it deserves. New 20-inch lightweight forged wheels (with 255/35 tires) are available as an option.
The dynamic sportiness of the exterior is also mirrored in the cockpit. When opening the door, the OPC is immediately impressive, from unique Recaro seats to a flat-bottomed sporty steering wheel and specific gear knob. The OPC also presents distinctive instrument graphics.
“The Insignia OPC marks the beginning of a new era for our OPC portfolio; still bold, but also more mature and refined, and more ambitious than ever. The OPC epitomizes the Insignia experience: dynamic and refined”, says Alain Visser, GM Europe Vice President Opel.
Comments (16)
Looks like a very nicely styled car. Even Accura-like trunk/boot does not appear as ugly as on TL. Too bad it won't be sold in US.
Posted by DuDe | April 15, 2009 10:22 AM
Posted on April 15, 2009 10:22
GM would make a killing if this was available in the us. Also, notice how the center console is similar to that of the Volt. It might not get GM out of the hole there in, but it might help.
Posted by CJack | April 15, 2009 11:07 AM
Posted on April 15, 2009 11:07
GM would make a killing if this was available in the U.S. Also, notice how the center console is similar to that of the Volt. It might not get GM out of the hole there in, but it might help.
Posted by CJack | April 15, 2009 11:07 AM
Posted on April 15, 2009 11:07
It actually will be sold here. The 2010 Buick LaCrosse is a rebadged Insignia, though I don't think Buick will be getting an 'R' or 'GX' version.
Posted by Avatar | April 15, 2009 11:30 AM
Posted on April 15, 2009 11:30
Is GM purposely sabotaging the acceleration times of their new cars? I had a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP with the Supercharged 3800 Series 2. It had 240 bhp and and 280 lb/ft of torque and it weighed about 3400lbs and front wheel drive with a 4 speed automatic and it went from 0 to 60 in 6.2 according to Car and Driver. So in order to get than extra .2 seconds it needs 65 more bhp?
Or could it be that the Torque curve is too steep at the top end and there is too much parasitic drive line loss since it is all wheel drive.
I would love to get it on a dyno and see what is actually reaching the ground
Posted by Mark | April 15, 2009 11:32 AM
Posted on April 15, 2009 11:32
@Avatar
"It actually will be sold here. The 2010 Buick LaCrosse is a rebadged Insignia"
Ok, true -- but the LaCrosse takes away the good styling and I'm willing to be doesn't have as much power as the Insignia either (not to mention build quality....).
Posted by Totenglocke | April 15, 2009 11:56 AM
Posted on April 15, 2009 11:56
Which is why I stated their most likely won't be an 'R' version or 'GX' version. Buick isn't sporty.
As for styling, subjective. I happen to like the look of the 2010 LaCrosse more. Interior wise, they are the same, one uses black plastic, the other wood trim.
Mark, GM tends to under rate acceleration times. Its not uncommon for people and magazines to get quicker times. This is because GM lists what the average person can do. They use to under rate horsepower as well, but SAE certifications have changed and its much harder to do. The old SRT4 for example was under rated because the intercooler was hot when certification was done. It was actually putting out somewhere between 250-260 hp.
Posted by Avatar | April 15, 2009 12:16 PM
Posted on April 15, 2009 12:16
Now this is what GM needs in America, a superb styled car. American designed cars are ugly and comes in weird shapes its no wonder they are going down. So why can't GM bring all their European designed cars here? Why do we get all the ugly ones? I just don't get this business at all.
Posted by Johnny | April 15, 2009 2:14 PM
Posted on April 15, 2009 14:14
Good looking car, and the interior looks decent aside from the actual gauges themselves. I would have to say this and the G8 are the best looking GM cars in a long time (yes, I know they're rebadged from AU and EU...which is why they look good lol).
Posted by Noya | April 15, 2009 5:43 PM
Posted on April 15, 2009 17:43
Yeah, it has to be underrated and with AWD, it's going to seem less. 325hp and 295lbft is easily overweight BMW 335i territory, which some people can get down to 4.9seconds to sixty stock. With AWD, I could see this thing hitting 5.4-5.6 easy.
I like the interior... not too busy.
Posted by Joan of Arc | April 15, 2009 8:22 PM
Posted on April 15, 2009 20:22
See..that's what I've been saying.
GM has access to a great engine, and what do they do with it...leave it in Europe.
Just makes my blood boil...
Posted by Brian | April 16, 2009 2:11 AM
Posted on April 16, 2009 02:11
Great engine that's not here? Okay, first the engine is the LP9 engine found in the Saab 9-3 Aero, so yes, we have had it here for a long time. Now as for the great part, not so much. It get's 16/26 for mileage in the 9-3 with a 6 speed auto. The LS3 in the LaCrosse Ultra gets 16/24 with more weight and a 4 speed auto. Give it the 6 speed and it will match the LP9. The LS3 makes 300 hp and 323 lb-ft of torque, with a wider, flater torque curve then the LP9.
Posted by Avatar | April 16, 2009 4:59 AM
Posted on April 16, 2009 04:59
This might come as a Buick GNX
Posted by muscleoverrice | April 16, 2009 7:29 AM
Posted on April 16, 2009 07:29
Godammit, I keep hearing the same thing over and over again. Why don't they bring this car to the USA?!?!?!? Ditto for some of the Euro Fords.
I'll tell you why...the European market is COMPLETELY different, and folks across the pond are willing to pay $45k for a car like this. Here, it would be a miserable failure due to the mindset of the market.
Like it or not, there is a simple reason these cars aren't here. They wouldn't sell.
Posted by J B | April 18, 2009 1:08 PM
Posted on April 18, 2009 13:08
I like it. I drive a Subaru 3.0R SpecB, and this Insignia makes about 70 more HP than my car. Mine is a blast to drive, and hopefully GM makes the car a true AWD, not with some 90/10 torque split.
I would give it a serious look if it were available here.
Posted by vJ in Okinawa | November 16, 2009 1:42 PM
Posted on November 16, 2009 13:42
Does anyone have a power and torque curve for this car?
Posted by Tim Harrop | February 9, 2010 12:38 AM
Posted on February 9, 2010 00:38