The first official photos of Opel's high-performance Insignia OPC are finally out in the open. The new sports sedan from GM's European unit that will be sold in the UK under the name Vauxhall Insignia VXR has been designed to compete against the likes of the Audi S4 and its ilk. However, it is expected that the Insignia OPC will be priced lower than most of its rivals. The top-grade Insignia comes with a specially modified version of GM's 2.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces a satisfying 325HP that is channeled to all four wheels.

Opel Insignia OPC - Vauxhall Insignia VXR CarscoopThe first ever four-wheel drive Opel OPC model also benefits from a new electronically controlled, rear limited slip differential (eLSD) which can transfer up to 40% of torque to whichever (rear) wheel has more grip. This is the same system that is used on the Saab 9-3 Turbo X.

Four-wheel drive system and eLSD aside, Opel's engineers have also fiddled around with the Insignia's suspension system as well as with the brakes. Stopping power is now provided by a set of Brembo vented and cross drilled discs.

Opel claims that it's hot Insignia can accelerate from standstill to 60mph (96km/h in 5.8 seconds (0 to 100km/h in 6.0 seconds) and reach an electronically limited top speed of 155mph or 250 km/h. In comparison, the Audi S4 with its 333HP 3.0 TFI V6 goes from 0 to 62mph (100km/h) in 5.1 seconds, almost a second faster than the OPC.

If you liked the standard Insignia's appereance -and we don't see any reason why you shouldn't- then you're going to love the OPC. Without going haywire, the German manufacturer's styling team beefed up the Insignia's looks with a new front bumper with tear-like air scoops at both corners that is directly inspired from the GTC coupe concept, side sills, a discreet boot lid spoiler and a new rear bumper that houses two large matte chrome tailpipes. The package is rounded off with newly designed 19-inch alloys while buyers will also be able to opt for 20-inch wheels.

Inside, the OPC gains a set of Recaro front seats, a new three-spoke leather steering wheel and a different gearknob for the six-speed gearbox plus a redesigned instrument cluster.

Sales of the new Opel Insignia OPC are scheduled to begin in Europe this summer.

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2....html

 

Not bad at all. The exterior is kind of Acura TL-esq but better executed IMO.

If they're still around it would make a nice Saturn performance sedan.

 

Such a nice looking vehicle that should be the next Saturn Aura. A shame that they probably won't make it.

 

That is an amzing car. I have to say another reason GM failed is because they give the europeans cars with this level of design class and quality, and for the US we get the Malibu. Give me a break. Its like tey assume that Americans are morons who dont like fine cars with class. For europe they need to produce cars of this caliber , even for the masses, because the market is saturated with high quality well designed euro cars. Its cars like tis that would restore the image of American cars here in America. I dont see why this is so unclear or hard to understand for them. This car would sell well in the US

 

I'm in the market for a mainstream car after the company lease on my E230 expires and the regular Opel Insignia is a contender. It's well-designed product with a quality interior (both from a material and visual build quality perspective) and the value-for-money is just about right too. The engine options are adequate for my needs including a great diesel. This performance version sounds impressive and I am pleased that it is AWD, too.

However, I am seriously interested in the Citroen C5 which I will very likely go for. In my humble opinion it is the most beautiful European mainstreamer at the moment.




Other contenders are:

-Opel Insignia (as mentioned above)
-Renault Laguna
-Honda Accord

Again, the Citroen C5 will probably be my next car. Absolutely gorgeous vehicle.

 

I absolutely LOVE this car!!!
I still remember the first time I fell in love with it.

 

GM....bring this one to the US. I know its probably going to be difficult since it goes against the GM philosophy of making very very poor business desicions and assuming that the US consumer is a big fat moron, BUT please try.


Just copy the Japanese and Germans like they used to copy you. Seems pretty simple to me.

 

I'd be curious to see if they bring this to Mexico as they usually get the European models we don't get.

 

I have read many articles about the great GM cars that goto Europe or Australia. Better fit and finish, performance, and economy and they keep them all away from us.

 

car is very well put together!

 

I think its fantastic all the way around!