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Spy shots: Barely disguised Opel Insignia OPC

Spy shots: Barely disguised Opel Insignia OPC

James Martinez March 30th, 2009 James Martinez By James Martinez Author March 30th, 2009
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December 31st, 1969 We’ve seen a number of prototypes for the upcoming OPC Opel Insignia sedan and Sports Tourer wagon in the past 12 months but this is the first time that we have seen the car in its almost production ready state. OPC, which stands for ‘Opel Performance Center,’ is the name given to models developed by GM’s official in-house tuner in Europe, and in the past has been used for cars like the Astra and compact Corsa hatchbacks. OPC cars typically feature minor engine and handling mods as well as styling and performance upgrades such as bigger wheels and sporty bodykits. In the UK, the car will likely be known as the Vauxhall Insignia VXR. The oversized wheels and cross-drilled brake discs of this latest prototype suggest there will be some serious performance modifications implemented by Opel’s engineers this time around. A V6 badge at the rear of previous prototypes, meanwhile, confirms that the 260hp (194kW) 2.8L engine from the standard model will also be used in the OPC, however, the addition of a turbocharger system could boost power levels beyond 300hp (225kW). Previous reports suggest that a new AWD system will be fitted to the car to improve handling, while stiffer suspension and an uprated steering system will also improve track performance. The expected AWD system is the same torque-splitting electronic differential used by Saab for its 9-3 Turbo X. With rumors the Insignia could be heading Stateside as the 2010 Buick Regal, there’s now a chance that this high-performance OPC model could be offered in the U.S. as well - let’s keep our fingers crossed.Opel Insignia OPC with Brembo brakes spy shots2010 Opel Insignia Sports Tourer OPC
The new OPC Insignia sedan and Sports Tourer wagon are expected to debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show

The new OPC Insignia sedan and Sports Tourer wagon are expected to debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show

Enlarge Photo

We’ve seen a number of prototypes for the upcoming OPC Opel Insignia sedan and Sports Tourer wagon in the past 12 months but this is the first time that we have seen the car in its almost production ready state. OPC, which stands for ‘Opel Performance Center,’ is the name given to models developed by GM’s official in-house tuner in Europe, and in the past has been used for cars like the Astra and compact Corsa hatchbacks.

OPC cars typically feature minor engine and handling mods as well as styling and performance upgrades such as bigger wheels and sporty bodykits. In the UK, the car will likely be known as the Vauxhall Insignia VXR.

The oversized wheels and cross-drilled brake discs of this latest prototype suggest there will be some serious performance modifications implemented by Opel’s engineers this time around. A V6 badge at the rear of previous prototypes, meanwhile, confirms that the 260hp (194kW) 2.8L engine from the standard model will also be used in the OPC, however, the addition of a turbocharger system could boost power levels beyond 300hp (225kW).

Previous reports suggest that a new AWD system will be fitted to the car to improve handling, while stiffer suspension and an uprated steering system will also improve track performance. The expected AWD system is the same torque-splitting electronic differential used by Saab for its 9-3 Turbo X.

With rumors the Insignia could be heading Stateside as the 2010 Buick Regal, there’s now a chance that this high-performance OPC model could be offered in the U.S. as well - let’s keep our fingers crossed.
Opel Insignia OPC with Brembo brakes spy shots
Gallery
  • 2010 opel insignia opc spy shots march 005
  • 2010 opel insignia opc spy shots march 004
  • 2010 opel insignia opc spy shots march 003
  • 2010 opel insignia opc spy shots march 002
  • 2010 opel insignia opc spy shots march 001
  • opel insignia opc spy motorauthority 001
  • opel insignia opc spy motorauthority 003
  • opel insignia opc spy motorauthority 004
  • opel insignia opc spy motorauthority 005
  • opel insignia opc spy motorauthority 006
2010 Opel Insignia Sports Tourer OPC
Gallery
  • 2010 opel sport tourer opc spy shots march 006
  • 2010 opel sport tourer opc spy shots march 005
  • 2010 opel sport tourer opc spy shots march 004
  • 2010 opel sport tourer opc spy shots march 003
  • 2010 opel sport tourer opc spy shots march 002
  • 2010 opel sport tourer opc spy shots march 001

Tags: VXR, OPC, Insignia, GM, vauxhall, Opel, General Motors, Spy Shots

Posted in: Spy Shots, Sedans


Comments (11 total)

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  1. By Chris #1, Posted: 8/19/2008

    bring it here.. call it the malibu... give ford a reason to get the fusion RS out faster.

  2. By NoNameDenton #2, Posted: 8/19/2008

    Fusion GT it will be called and if it comes, probably come as a Saturn Aura Red Line.

  3. By dcasr #3, Posted: 8/19/2008

    I bet it will come to the US as a Buick. The Aura isn't selling well and this car seams more like a buick. Saturn doesn't have an identity and I get the feeling that GM doesn't know what to do with that division

  4. By NoNameDenton #4, Posted: 8/19/2008

    That is because they do not know what to do with the division. Buick would be a good choice, this can replace the V8 LaCrosse Super.

  5. By Edward #5, Posted: 8/20/2008

    WOW!!! The competition to the Jag XF and at half the cost! What difference is there between the 2 designs?

  6. By NoNameDenton #6, Posted: 9/3/2008

    Other then the XF being designed by a former Aston Martin designer and rwd?

  7. By Rick #7, Posted: 9/4/2008

    Nice. Too bad the Saturn we get dumped with WILL NOT have those gorgeous wheels and WILL NOT have that sporty ride height. And GM wonders why these re-badged imports don't sell here.

  8. ma_54chevyman avatar by 54chevyman #8, Posted: 3/30/2009

    Case in point do not sell Opel. Keep it for the long haul! Saab is dispensable but they certainly bring a lot to the development table!

  9. ma_NaBUru38 avatar by NaBUru38 #9, Posted: 3/30/2009

    The Insignia's rear seats are incredibly tight for such a big car. Amercicans hate 2+2 mid-size sedans.

  10. ma_gazzed avatar by gazzed #10, Posted: 3/30/2009

    It's the equivalent of Chevrolet's Cruze sedan and better looking.

  11. ma_taksan avatar by taksan #11, Posted: 4/8/2009

    the black insignia looks great. the rear remind of z4 somehow

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