Opel Insignia OPC with 325 HP Twin-Turbo V6 AWD: First Photos

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.

The 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.
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tango - 4/15/2009 4:16:00 AM

0 Boost

Gorgeous. Typical of current GM trends, in that it has looks to kill, but has arrived a tad late to the game. I think by now we can give up on there being any room for this car in the US-lineup because the plan to make Saturn the Euro-chassis arm is certainly a thing of the past, what with Saturn being folded up. Oh well.

inspirion7 - 4/15/2009 10:19:15 AM

+5 Boost

That would work!

JUGNU - 4/15/2009 6:48:48 AM

+4 Boost

Seems very nice car. Very original design and good engine.

JUGNU

roundwego - 4/15/2009 7:40:28 AM

+4 Boost

Killer car, yet another beautiful GM design that outdistances the competition.

dumpsty - 4/15/2009 8:50:34 AM

+6 Boost

Agreed. This AWD OPC is slick.

Sad though, to see that once again, a GM European subsidiary is preparing to release an excellent vehicle which indicates GM's capability of making good & exciting cars. It's like GM should've been shipping Holdens, Opels, Buicks (Chinese designed) to the US for immediate sale. So disappointing.

1evlaudi - 4/15/2009 9:25:02 AM

+2 Boost

this is nice...

_43LE - 4/15/2009 10:24:58 AM

+2 Boost

This is great, why is this not sold in North America?

roundwego - 4/15/2009 11:09:02 AM

+2 Boost

Hopefully it will be under a different name.

commander104 - 4/15/2009 8:47:58 PM

+1 Boost

isn't it coming here as the new LaCrose?

golfer38 - 4/15/2009 10:49:23 AM

+1 Boost

Wow, this car looks great at all angles. I put money on the fact that it will do better than the suggested 6.0 0-100km/h. I love the interior design as well.

Whelan - 4/15/2009 12:14:45 PM

+1 Boost

Don't worry, they will bring it to the US, with heavier sheet metal, less suspension work and a turbo-less engine. Opel's are being brought over at Saturns currently, so this would be the next Aura. Of course Saturn has not made a Redline car in some time, a Redline VUE, Aura, and Astra would be nice. Put them on the line with Mazda/Mazdaspeed. And offering AWD is logical given most of the other American cars have them in this size.

Someone needs to drop a note to Honda, Toyota, Nissan to start throwing AWD options in more of their cars, and maybe some actual power to boot.

david959 - 4/15/2009 2:29:05 PM

-1 Boost

Side profile clearly was inspired by the BMW 5 series

richardposluszny - 4/15/2009 2:05:47 PM

+1 Boost

I have always thought the Insignia was a good looking car.

Now? I'd love to drive one. Looks fantastic with great numbers.

tom43 - 4/15/2009 3:41:42 PM

+1 Boost

Please bring these german GM-cars to the US !!! Now !

Htay7500 - 4/15/2009 4:16:27 PM

+1 Boost

This looks cool.

Type707 - 4/15/2009 8:23:59 PM

0 Boost

Looks better than an Acura

woood - 4/16/2009 1:02:28 AM

+2 Boost

The Pontiac brand could have this. Pontiac is a niche brand right?

woood - 4/16/2009 1:06:23 AM

+1 Boost

This proves that GM is on the road to putting out nice exciting products. If only their manufacturing in the US were to shape up, there is no doubt that GM can regain its former glory as the world's biggest automaker with exciting products. Not just volume. Then again, this vehicle is the work of GM Europe which is autonomous in most cases from its US parent company.

SHOWTIME - 4/20/2009 4:23:03 PM

+1 Boost

That is beautifullllllllllllllllllll!