Opel is introducing its third body type to the 2009 Insigna line-up, a wagon. Known as the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer, this wagon is an important car for Opel considering the popularity of wagons in Europe. While this will be considered a lager family car in Europe, it would be consider a mid-sized wagon in the U.S. There is no confirmation yet that this model will also make the trip to these shores when its sedan sibling replaces the Saturn Aura possibly in 2010.
There are nine total engines expected for the Insigna family. Choices include five gasoline — naturally aspired and turbo charged four cylinders as well as naturally aspired V6s. Also expected are four turbo-diesels. Power over the entire range should be from 110 to 260 hp. The wagon will also get the same optional all-wheel drive system as the rest of the Insignia line.
The Sports Tourer is expected to make its official debut at the Paris Auto Show in October, and it should be in European showrooms along the sedan and hatchback variations by early 2009.
Press release after the jump.
Full story
Opel just gave us another reason to want the Insignia in the U.S. The OPC version (or Vauxhall Insignia VXR in UK) is set for a September debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Before then the styling model should be seen at Geneva Motor Show in March.
There are no official details yet on the car, but rumors have it powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine making around 320 hp. The car should also make use of the all-wheel drive system for a stable ride and benign handling. Reports from testing at the Nürburgring have the car completing the circuit in a little over eight minutes (the Nissan GT-R does it in 7 minutes and 29 seconds.)
The 2009 Insignia made its world debut in July 2008 at the London Motor Show. The Insignia offers three centimeters more kneeroom than the Vectra. The car also proves to be particularly efficientaerodynamically with a spectacular Cd of 0.27 which positively influences theeconomic, dynamic and acoustic qualities of the car. Both body variants haveidentical 4.830 mm length and share the same wheelbase of 2,737 mm.
The Insignia is offered from the start with front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The “Adaptive 4X4” system’s proactive, instantaneous torque distribution not only ensures optimal traction but also enhances driving stability and dynamic handling performance. In the all-wheel drive Insignia, the FlexRide mechatronic chassis system with its Adaptive Stability Technology helps the car adjust to prevailing driving conditions and allows the driver to select settings to match his mood. FlexRide is also available in the front-wheel version.
The Insignia will launch with an exceptionally broad range of seven engines. All meet Euro 5 emissions standards and come with either manual or automatic six-speed transmissions. The four gasoline engines range from a four-cylinder 115 hp unit to a V6 with 260 hp. The three new direct-injection diesels feature a displacement of 2.0 liter and outputs spanning from 110 to 160 hp. Subsequently the Insignia engine line-up will be expanded with an EcoFLEX version offering very low CO2 emissions in addition to other, more powerful variants.
The entry-level model – the four-door sedan with the 115 hp 1.6 ECOTEC gasoline engine – costs just 22,700 euros. Compared to the competition, pricing for the diesels is also extremely reasonable in Germany, with the 110 hp 2.0 CDTI starting at 24,300 euros. Standard equipment is extensive, with the entry-level models boasting air conditioning, CD-radio, on-board computer, electric height adjustment for the driver’s seat, as well as ESP and traction control.
Full story
Opel may have touched on a winner with the new Insignia. After all, there weren’t a whole lot of tuners getting in line for the last executive sedan, the Vectra.
One example of what can be done with the Insignia was assembled by the German tuner Steinmetz. The modification package includes a body kit, more rigid suspension, improved brakes and ST7 20" alloy wheels in a choice of white or black. The body pack consists of a front lower spoiler, a rear spoiler, a custom grill, and new side sills. A little extra power should also be added to the Insignia through a high-flow exhaust system, which accents a two-branched twin-rear first-rate steel muffler.
The only thing wrong with this set up is Saturn still hasn’t been confirmed to get it own version of the Insignia yet. So it’s still anyone’s guess when the Insignia will make it Stateside.
Opel Insignia has barely hit the market and already Irmscher, the well-known Opel tuner for over 40 years, has got a kit out for the sedan.
The kit for the stylish sedan includes a new front lip spoiler, new side sills, a rear trunk spoiler and a new rear air diffuser with integrated 4-pipe exhaust system. Also a new set of 20 inch alloy wheels were added in order to improve the looks but also the handling of the vehicle. We don’t yet know the price, but that’s ok...We’re still waiting (hoping) for the Saturn version.
