2009 Opel Insignia

Press release

A new name, a new car, a new ambition. With its groundbreaking design and sophisticated technology, the Insignia makes a quantum leap toward rejuvenating the brand and providing the perfect opportunity to discover Opel. The styling of the new 4.83 meter five-seater clearly expresses Opel’s strategy to make advanced technology and attractive design affordable.

The Insignia boasts a flowing, powerful silhouette with a coupé-like roofline. The body’s sculpted shape is accented by a distinctive radiator grille with a newly-designed Opel emblem. Unmistakable design elements include a sweeping front and rear light “wing” signature and a “blade” side contour that begins directly behind the front wheel and glides through the entire side of the body. Both details give the Insignia’s a muscular but graceful allure.

“With Insignia we are introducing an exciting new sophisticated design vocabulary, which combines sculptural artistry with German precision,” says Mark Adams, Vice President Design, GM Europe. “Our aim was to develop a confident look which compels the world to experience for themselves the superb driving dynamics the Insignia radiates.”

Echoing the exterior, the interior shapes and surfaces, which articulate this promise for exciting mobility, are crafted with high quality materials. The dashboard wraps around from the instrument panel to the door in a very sophisticated way, embracing the occupants. This wing theme will be echoed across all Opels. Red ambient lighting, which also will be featured in future Opel models, vibrate a warm, luxurious aura. A lot of emphasis too has been put into the seating, which set the highest standards in ergonomics, comfort and safety.

Opel’s pioneering role and unique expertise in lighting technology continues in the Insignia with the latest generation AFL Adaptive Forward Lighting system: Nine different light beam settings automatically adjust themselves to cater to various driving conditions, simultaneously enhancing safety and driving excitement. Another new element on the AFL system is the LED daytime running lights, which consume considerably less energy than a conventional system featuring halogen lamps, thereby lowering CO2 emissions from 6 g/km to nearly zero.

“As each feature demonstrates, the Insignia is the result of our quest to develop a car that combines striking design, excellent driving dynamics and innovative technology” says Hans H. Demant, Managing Director, Adam Opel GmbH.

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 Opel Insignia sets new standards in technology and innovation — this will be obvious right from the launch. But we are keeping several cards up our sleeves when it comes to environmental compatibility, excitement and safety, which we will play strategically overtime” says Alain Visser, Chief Marketing Officer, GM Europe.

The Insignia notch- and hatchback will debut July 22, 2008 at the London Motor Show and hit showrooms starting in November. The Insignia was developed at GM Europe’s International Technical Development Center in Rüsselsheim, Germany, which also is home to its production. The Rüsselsheim facility is one of the most advanced car plants in the industry.

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Design

The design of the newInsignia signals a paradigm shift for Opel by adding emotion back to the brand.Both the notch and hatchback of Opel’s new car feature a flowing, muscularsilhouette with a sporty roofline. The designers created a powerfully sculptedshape for the body and used the same design cues in the interior, giving theInsignia a premium feel.

Opel has a long successful tradition ofbuilding very aerodynamic cars. Just remember the spectacular 1990 Calibra andits Cd of 0.26. With a drag coefficient of 0.27, the Insignia is morestreamlined than competitors with underbody shields. The Insignia’s fuelconsumption and driving dynamics benefit from its sleek, flowing styling whichwas optimized during more than 650 hours in the wind tunnel.

In additionto its slipstream body shape and sporty roofline, the Insignia boasts numerousdetails that were fine-tuned for even better aerodynamic performance. Theseinclude the front bumper corners, trunk lid spoiler edge, the exteriormirror’s wing form and the profiled rear axle’s lower control arm.The future ecoFLEX version designed to produce low CO2 emissions alsowill benefit from further developments.

Redefined design vocabulary

Like the signature crease on the hood, a blade form has beenchiseled into the side, signposting a styling element that becomes anotherdefining characteristic of future Opel cars. Other unmistakable design elementsinclude a distinctive radiator grille with a newly-designed Opel emblem as wellas sweeping front and rear light forms. The dynamic tapered shape of the winglighting signature is another Insignia DNA detail.

“We haveredefined our design vocabulary. Our philosophy behind the new Insignia is’sculptural artistry meets German precision,’” says Mark Adams, VicePresident of Design for GM Europe. "We have created beautiful, sculptural, fluidshapes, which are accented by crisp intersecting lines. This makes the Insigniamuscular, sporty, yet very elegant and graceful. It was designed to add emotionback into the Opel and Vauxhall brands.”

Echoing the exteriordesign, the shapes and surfaces of the interior also articulate this promise ofexciting mobility and are crafted with high quality materials. The newcar’s dashboard wraps around from the instrument panel to the door in avery sophisticated way, embracing the occupants. The bold exterior“blade” graphic is echoed in the shape of the interior door grabhandle, the steering wheel or the central gear-shift lever.

Thedesigners focused on painstakingly refining the surfaces, carving the crispintersecting lines and colors; testing the textures, feeling the materials andensuring all the surface finishes were of the highest quality. At the same time,practical needs – such as good ergonomics and numerous storagecompartments – also were given top priority. The orangish-red ambientlight that warms the interior also will be found in future Opel models.

The new European Design Center

The Insignia was designedin Rüsselsheim, Germany. Opened two years ago, the new European DesignCenter there provides state-of-the-art technology and facilities required forproduction and advanced vehicle design. Some 400 people work in the growingdesign function, creating the new products for Opel/Vauxhall and Saab.

The new facility utilizes the highest technology, including the newstate-of-the-art Virtual Reality Center with massive high definition screensthat allow designers to “build” and test designs and examine them invarious environments. Computer programs help designers explore a not-yet builtinterior and exterior with a 360° view from any level and any perspectiveincluding 3-D visualization.

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Powertrain

The new Opel Insignialaunches today with a exceptionally broad range of seven engines that all meetEuro 5 emissions standards. The four gasoline engines range from 115 to 260 hpcompleted with three new 2.0 liter turbo-diesels featuring power outputs of 110,130 and 160 hp. In the coming months, the powertrain range will be expanded withnew, more powerful motors. In addition, an ecoFLEX version with especially lowCO2 emissions will join the lineup. In each of their respective poweroutput category, these engines are among the best or the best in fuelconsumption and CO2 emissions.

The three diesel and four gasolineengines all come with a six-speed manual gearbox. The top diesel and gasolineunits also are available with a six-speed automatic transmission.All-wheel-drive (see chassis chapter) versions, too, can be ordered with the 2.0Turbo and 2.8 V6 Turbo gasoline engines and later with the more powerful dieselengines.

Overview Insignia Gasoline Engines:

The 2.0-literturbo is new in the Opel mid-size class segment. The 220 hp direct-injectionengine is closely related to the sporty unit in the Opel GT. The all-aluminumengine is a powerhouse generating 350 Nm of torque from 2000 to 5200 rpm, withtwin balancer shafts to ensure smooth running. Offering strong power allied toeconomic fuel consumption, it makes a perfect partner for the dynamic,comfortable Insignia. This engine also illustrates the downsizing policy at GMas this 2-liter 4 cylinder can compete with the competitors 5- and 6 cylindersin performance but with lower fuel consumption and emissions.

The entrylevel gasoline engines are the 1.6 ECOTEC (85 kW/115 hp) and 1.8 ECOTEC (103kW/140 hp) recently introduced on other models of the Opel range. The top of theline gasoline engine is the 2.8 V6 Turbo developing a generous 191 kW (260 hp)and 350 Nm of torque between 1800 and 4500 rpm.

All gasoline enginesfeature camshaft phasing – on both intake and outlet sides for the fourcylinder units, and on the intake side for the V6. Variable valve timingincreases torque at low rpm and plays an important role in reducing fuelconsumption as well as meeting new Euro 5 emissions standards.

Overview Insignia Diesel Engines:

Thenew-generation Opel diesel engines in the Insignia feature 2.0-literdisplacement, more power and torque, as well as excellent fuel economy. TheInsignia will launch with 3 versions of the 2.0 CDTI engine developingrespectively 81 kW/110 hp, 96 kW/130 hp and 118 kW/160 hp. This last enginevariant will also power the Insignia ecoFLEX with lower fuel consumptions andCO2 emissions. All versions come with a maintenance-free diesel particulatefilter as standard and meet Euro 5 emission levels.

The engines have twooverhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and common-rail, multiple fueldirect injection, together with a variable geometry turbocharger for a rapidthrottle response at low rpm. Thanks to the large 70-liter tank, the dieselmodels boast a driving range of over 1200 km between visits to the gas station.

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Chassis

Together with the option oftailoring the riding experience for added fun, the new Opel Insignia’schassis concept offers more comfort for all. Drivers can individualize theirchassis and suspension setup in one of two ways: Either with a generally stiffersuspension available in combination with the sport equipment package or with thenew generation fully-integrated adaptive suspension control, FlexRide.

Atthe press of a button, FlexRide, developed by GM Europe engineers inRüsselsheim, Germany, allows the driver to choose a dynamic and sporty rideor a relaxed and soft setup in addition to the standard mode, which adaptsitself to all driving styles. This provides optimal stability in all drivingconditions. The FlexRide alters the characteristics of the dampers, gas pedal,ESP and steering, and, if applicable, also changes set up of the all-wheel driveset up, the curve light function of the AFL and automatic transmission, addingemotion to the driving experience.

An all-new chassis serves as aplatform for this more advanced customization option. The McPherson strut frontsuspension has dual path top mountings in the body structure turrets, separatingthe transfer of spring and damper loadings. To reduce unsprung weight, thecombined steering knuckle and strut carrier is made from aluminum, and thestabilizer bar in hollow section steel.

Steering and lower suspensionA-arms are attached through two mountings to a substantial front sub-frame,which is bolted via four bushings to the front structure’s longitudinalmembers. This isolated mounting technique helps reduce the transfer of roadshocks and noise to the cabin. The hydraulic damping of the rear A-arm mountingalso adds to ride comfort. The rear suspension consists of an independent,four-link layout, with the second lower link in aluminum. For all-wheel-driveapplications, a lower H-arm is used. To enhance handling characteristics andride comfort, the suspension geometry and the tuning of the bushingsstrategically is designed to optimize the different levels of lateral andlongitudinal compliance required. The rearmost bushings of the A-arms also arehydraulically damped to help prevent road shocks and vibrations from beingtransmitted to the steering wheel.

FlexRide: Customizable mechatronicchassis

The new FlexRide system enables drivers to choose a chassissetup that matches their own particular driving style. In addition to thecomfortable Standard ride setting, FlexRide enables the driver to select arelaxed (Tour) or a firmer, more crisp suspension set-up (Sport) by pressing twobuttons on the instrument panel. Deactivating the Sport or Tour mode returns theride setting to the Standard mode. In all modes, the chassis management systemautomatically adapts damping in real time to the driving and roadconditions.

In Sport mode, FlexRide provides a spirited drivingexperience. With the push of a button, the dampers stiffen and the acceleratoroffers a swifter pedal response. Moreover, it increases Variable Effort Steering(VES), raises the shift-points of the automatic transmission to a higher rpm andadjusts the Adaptive 4X4 system for more rear-wheel drive. In sport mode, theAFL system reacts more quickly. In addition, the lighting on the instrumentpanel changes from white to red to add to the driving experience.

In thecustomization menu, accessible via the infotainment display, the driver canpersonalize the Sport mode by specifying which functions are activated when theSport button is pushed. For instance, the electronically controlled dampers,VES, and all-wheel drive can be added or switched off.

The core of thenew chassis is the Driving Mode Control (DMC), This unit oversees and executesFlexRide selections allowing the car to react to sudden changes in driving styleor emergency situations. For example, if an obstacle must be avoided when thecar is in ‘Tour’ mode, various chassis sensors convey this to theDMC and the dampers are adjusted within a split second. The mode requests arenot only based on the driver’s selection via the buttons and thecustomization menu; they can also be automatically optimized according tovehicle state —including accelerating, braking, or cornering — and drivingstyle which DMC determines from vehicle dynamics information.

With theexception of the entry level gasoline and diesel variants, all Insignia modelscan be ordered with the new FlexRide system, which comes as standard with theSport equipment package and the V6 gasoline engine.

Adaptive 4X4: Moretraction, exciting driving dynamics

Both of the Insignia’sturbocharged gasoline engines are available with the newest-generation advancedall-wheel-drive system. The all-wheel drive system also will be available onfuture, more powerful diesel versions. Called Adaptive 4X4, it is designed tooptimize handling and driving stability in all conditions, as well as increasetraction at take-off and on slippery surfaces. Under electronic control, theHaldex hydraulic rear clutch unit continuously adjusts and optimizes drivetorque distribution between the front and rear axles.

The Adaptive 4X4control unit is fully networked with the Insignia’s other control systems.It consists of a Power Take-off Unit (PTU) in the front final-drive thattransmits engine torque through a prop-shaft to the Rear Drive Module (RDM),which includes a Torque Transfer Device (TTD) and the optional rear Limited SlipDifferential (eLSD).

Adaptive 4X4 processes signals from the ESPsensors, the steering angle sensor and accelerator pedal position to adapt powerdistribution to the prevailing driving situation. While offering better tractionin low friction conditions, the sophisticated operation of the Adaptive 4X4improves stability in all situations. In this way, it adds a further dynamicdimension to the driving experience by increasing the scope for closer driverinvolvement.

In the Sport variant, Adaptive 4X4 is coupled with anelectronically-controlled eLSD. Chassis control is taken a step further with theoptional rear eLSD. It is installed alongside the RDM and operates viapressurized clutch plates on a principle similar to the larger TTD. In icy orwet split-friction conditions, for example, it uses input from the rear wheelspeed sensors and can transfer up to 50% of torque between the drive shafts, towhichever wheel has more grip.

The eLSD also gives the driver enhancedcontrol when cornering hard or completing a high speed maneuver, such as a lanechange, by momentarily applying more or less torque to either of the wheels tohelp the rear of the car more closely follow the direction of the front wheels.That way, the eLSD can keep the Insignia better balanced and more tightlycontrolled without requiring ‘outside’ intervention from ESP.

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Innovative Features 

Innovative features in the newOpel Insignia are designed to increase safety and comfort as well as enhancedriving excitement. The Insignia offers leading technology in driver assistancesystems. Moreover, the latest generation of lighting provides nine differentlight beam settings to help drivers adapt to diverse driving conditions. There-designed seats are good news for sore backs.

“Opel has a longtradition of innovative engineering. We honor that past and highlight our futurewith the new features offered in the Insignia,” says Hans Demant, ManagingDirector of Adam Opel GmbH.

New Generation Lighting: Broadfunctionality caters to diverse driving conditions

Following theunique knowledge acquired since summer 2003 when the first generation AdaptiveForward Lighting (AFL) was introduced on the Signum, Opel now presents in theInsignia, the latest generation AFL system with powerful bi-xenon headlamps.Using sophisticated algorithms developed in Rüsselsheim, the light beamdistribution of the headlamps automatically adjusts to the road profile andprevailing visibility conditions. The Insignia offers nine light beam settings— town, traffic-restricted road, country, highway, adverse weather, staticcornering, dynamic curve, high beam and daytime running light – increasingvisibility and making driving safer.

Another new element in the Insigniais the front LED daytime running lights, which consume considerably less energy,and thereby fuel, than using normal headlamps. The wing-shaped signature lightgraphics in the front and the rear give the Insignia a distinctive look both dayand night.

Opel Eye: Reads road signs, warns sleepy drivers andimproves safety

Opel offers another leading technology in theInsignia: The Opel Eye, a camera that aids drivers in two different ways. TheTraffic Sign Recognition function reads speed limit and no-passing signs anddisplays them on the instrument panel. The Lane Departure Warning alerts driverswhen they unintentionally veer out of their lane. Together, these two integratedsystems improve driving safety, reduce stress and can even prevent costlyspeeding tickets.

The Insignia can detect road signs and lane markingsthanks to a high-resolution wide-angle camera mounted on the windshield, whichtakes 30 pictures per second. Those images are then filtered by two signalprocessors with the help of proprietary GM software. If a match occurs, thespeed limits and no-passing road signs are displayed as a symbol in the centerof the instrument panel between the main round dials. The information can berecalled with the push of a button situated on the steering wheel.

Thecamera also checks whether drivers stay in their chosen lane on the highway.This helps prevent a dangerous situation such as drivers falling asleep at thewheel by warning them with a gong sound and a blinking signal on the instrumentpanel. The Lane Departure Warning and Traffic Sign recognition systems can bedeactivated via a button on the steering wheel.

These new featuresenhance driving excitement by informing drivers without intervening in thedriving experience.

New Seats: More comfort and optimalergonomics

GM Europe engineers in Rüsselsheim have used the mostup-to-date technology to develop new front seats for the new Opel Insignia,improving safety as well as comfort and posture — an area often neglectedalthough it plays a major role in the occupant’s health. Petite and largedrivers alike will find Insignia’s seats safe and comfortable thanks tothe extended range of settings. They have a height adjustment range of 65 mm.Moreover, at 175 mm, the seat back is two centimeters thicker than previous Opelcars, adding a plushier feel.

On Sport seats, occupants with long legscan extend the length of the front seats cushion up to three centimeters by apull-out front section. They can also tilt the cushion by three degrees. Afour-way lumbar support is standard in the sport seat, while power adjustmentand fan ventilation are optional. Engineers have greatly enhanced theventilation operation helping to lower noise level and improved performance froma suction-based design. The new Opel also features newest-generation active headrestraints as standard, providing front occupants with highly effectiveprotection against whiplash injuries.

The orthopedic benefits of thesport seats were awarded a much coveted seal of approval from AktionGesunder Rücken e.V – an independent panel ofergonomics experts and doctors in Germany.

The Insignia’s heavilycontoured rear seats also offer excellent lateral body support. For the firsttime in an Opel, the outer rear seat backs can be optionally fitted with sideairbags for additional passengerprotection.

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Equipment 

With innovative features like the Opel Eye camera system as well as a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art infotainment and communication systems, the new Opel Insignia is designed to bring excitement back to the driving experience. Customers can tailor the new car to their needs and desires with four different trim levels and a wide palette of options.

With its four equipmentvariants — Essentia, Edition, Sport and Cosmo — the new Opel Insignia meetsevery comfort level. In addition to extensive standard equipment thatconcentrates on safe driving, many options are new or represent an Opel“first” in this class.

The new Adaptive Forward Lighting(AFL) generation with nine light beam settings allows driving with ease indiverse conditions. Rear side airbags and two driving safety devices - TrafficSign Detection and Lane Departure Warning - called the Opel Eye make drivingsafer.

The new infotainment generationincludes a seven-inch color monitor, 3-D map view, digital travel guide andimproved scroll and zoom functions. In addition, all trim levels include asstandard iPod or MP3 USB ports with the navigation system in the center console.The monitor gives improved access to MP3 files and directories and the iPodinterface uses iPod functions such as track list.

Accessing thesefunctions is easier through a multi-function controller, also new for theInsignia. In conjunction with the CD 500 Navi and DVD 800 Navi systems, thecontroller uses a turn/push selection action that is located on the centerconsole between the front seats (in combination with the electric parkingbrake). It is a particularly convenient alternative for tall drivers who sitwell back in their seats. All the functions are the same as those on the lowerrotary knob in the audio unit.

Four trim levels to meet everytaste

High quality begins with the Essentia entry level trim.Here you will find chrome features with real metal feel. The metallic decor iscalled Rapid Cool; the Jet Black fabric has a calm, classic labyrinth pattern.The Essentia offers generous standard equipment, including front, side andcurtain airbags, Isofix on all three rear seats as well as ABS and ESP. Comfortitems include manual air conditioning, an audio CD 300 system, power outsidemirrors, split rear seat back (60/40), a board computer, electrical seat heightadjuster for the driver as well as reading spots in the front and rear.

The Edition is available in two seat trim colors, Jet Black orLight Neutral. Dune fabric features a pattern inspired by organic graphics inhome interiors. Optional leather seats are available in Black or Light Neutral.Metallic decor Rapid Cool contains a subtle pattern that harmonizes with thefabric. This version features additional standard items like single-zoneelectronic climate control or cruise control. On the Edition execution, theInsignia rests on 17” structure wheels with 225/55 tires, compared with16” steel wheels and 215/60 tires on the Essentia.

Piano Blackdecor in the Sport trim level creates a stark, modern Black/Silvercontrast for an eye on sophistication. The Vitesse fabric elicits a strongstructured impression. Sport seats have adjustable leg extension. A sportsteering wheel and alloy-covered pedals are standard. Optional Sport Leatherseats with ventilation are stylized, giving a very detailed and tailored look.The Sport version gains a sport chassis that is 15 mm lower than other trimlevels, the FlexRide adaptive suspension, 18” alloy wheels with 245/55tires and speed sensitive steering.

Top level Cosmo is availablein two seat trim colors of Jet Back or Light Neutral. Avenue fabric is a softflock yarn, very tailored and trimmed with Morrocana. The décor is calledKibo Wood and is a modern approach to a sophisticated classic wood. Optionalleather seats in Black or Light Neutral are available. User friendly dark carpetinterior color lay-out creates a modern look for a non-traditional warminterior. Standard on this top of the line execution are dual-zone electronicclimate control, power rear windows, electricpark brake, a leather steering wheel and 18” alloy wheels with 245/45tires.