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Motor Authority - blog Tag: Insignia

  • Opel Boss Carl-Peter Forster Calls It Quits

    Opel Boss Carl-Peter Forster Calls It Quits November 6th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, November 6th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 4 Comments

    Opel Boss Carl-Peter Forster Calls It Quits

    Carl-Peter Forster, GM group vice president and president of Opel, will be leaving his role as head of the European operation and will advise the company during the transition to find a new CEO, it was announced today.

    With the departure of Forster, GM will initiate an immediate external search for a new CEO for Opel. Expected to replace him, believe it or not, is GM's Bob Lutz.

    The move comes just days after GM decided to keep Opel rather than selling it to a consortium of buyers led by Magna International and Russia's Sberbank.

    No other management changes to the Opel organization are being considered at this time, and that all key...

    Carl-Peter Forster, GM group vice president and president of Opel, will be leaving his role as head of the European operation and will advise the company during the transition to find a new CEO, it was announced today. With the departure of Forster, GM will initiate an immediate external search for a new CEO for Opel. Expected to replace him, believe it or not, is GM's Bob Lutz. The move comes just days after GM decided to keep Opel rather than selling it to a consortium of buyers led by Magna International and Russia's Sberbank. No other management changes to the Opel organization are being considered at this time, and that all key management roles remain while the search for a new CEO continues. Perhaps most telling in the whole fiasco, GM still has plans for Opel cars here in the U.S. Although Saturn was previously the primary outlet for re-badged Opels in America, Buick recently confirmed a redesigned Insignia to be sold as the Regal. For more on what may be in store for that car, read up on our preview story here. [General Motors] Read More

  • Buick Confirms Regal Will Be Next Sedan

    Buick Confirms Regal Will Be Next Sedan October 14th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, October 14th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 4 Comments

    Buick Confirms Regal Will Be Next Sedan

    The 2010 Buick LaCrosse has been widely hailed as a strong entry into the mid-level luxury segment, besting even Lexus' ES 350 in many respects. But a single car does not make a brand, and so Buick has announced its next vehicle will be the widely-rumored Regal.

    The announcement of the rebirth of the Regal nameplate at Buick came during a Buick-GMC dealer business meeting, though no details of the upcoming car's features or design were released. We've been tracking the potential of a Regal for the U.S. for many months now, however, so we can offer some insight into what may be coming.

    With the exeunt of Saturn and its models from the...

    The 2010 Buick LaCrosse has been widely hailed as a strong entry into the mid-level luxury segment, besting even Lexus' ES 350 in many respects. But a single car does not make a brand, and so Buick has announced its next vehicle will be the widely-rumored Regal. The announcement of the rebirth of the Regal nameplate at Buick came during a Buick-GMC dealer business meeting, though no details of the upcoming car's features or design were released. We've been tracking the potential of a Regal for the U.S. for many months now, however, so we can offer some insight into what may be coming. With the exeunt of Saturn and its models from the national brand stage, Buick is expected to get a re-designed Opel Insignia-based sedan--the car that will be branded the Regal. A version of that car, already branded as the Buick Regal, is currently on sale in China. Like the LaCrosse, the Regal will be based on the Epsilon II front-wheel-drive platform, though the Regal will save costs and position itself just below the LaCrosse by forgoing some of the more premium elements, such as acoustic laminated glass, sound insulation in the underbody and the perimeter engine bay sound seal. The Regal is also expected to come in about four inches shorter in wheelbase than the LaCrosse, and about seven inches shorter in overall length. Powertrain offerings will likely stick to the 180-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder due to be added to the LaCrosse later this year, with a possible upgrade option in the form of the 3.0-liter V-6 also found in the LaCrosse, leaving the LaCrosse with a further step above the Regal in the form of the 3.6-liter V-6. For more on the strengths and weaknesses of the Epsilon II platform, as well as Buick's new take on luxury, style and materials, check out our first drive review of the 2010 Buick LaCrosse. Read More

  • Opel Insignia-based Buick Regal coming in late 2010

    Opel Insignia-based Buick Regal coming in late 2010 July 20th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, July 20th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 7 Comments

    Opel Insignia-based Buick Regal coming in late 2010 General Motors may be in the process of offloading its Saturn brand but a replacement for one of its more popular models, the Aura midsize sedan, will eventually arrive in North America – only it will be wearing a Buick badge. The stylish Opel Insignia sedan was destined to serve as the replacement for the Saturn Aura but with the brand’s sale, GM executives have decided to sell it as a Buick Regal sometime in late 2010 or early 2011.

    The Insignia is already sold in China as a Buick Regal and now it has been tentatively confirmed for the North American market. The information comes from GM vehicle performance integration manager... General Motors may be in the process of offloading its Saturn brand but a replacement for one of its more popular models, the Aura midsize sedan, will eventually arrive in North America – only it will be wearing a Buick badge. The stylish Opel Insignia sedan was destined to serve as the replacement for the Saturn Aura but with the brand’s sale, GM executives have decided to sell it as a Buick Regal sometime in late 2010 or early 2011. The Insignia is already sold in China as a Buick Regal and now it has been tentatively confirmed for the North American market. The information comes from GM vehicle performance integration manager Roger Knoebel, who revealed to Automotive News that the Regal would be positioned below the new 2010 LaCrosse and to reflect this positioning will be priced several thousand dollars less. The LaCrosse is priced from $27,835. Both the Regal and LaCrosse, however, share the same Epsilon II FWD platform and basic body structure. To separate the two, the Regal will miss out on the LaCrosse’s sound deadening features such as acoustic laminated glass, premium absorption material under the car and a perimeter seal for the hood. Furthermore, the Regal’s wheelbase will also be four inches shorter than the LaCrosse at 107.7 inches, while its overall length will be 6.9 inches shorter. The Regal is part of Buick's plan to add several models over the next 24 months and attract buyers who also consider Lexus and Acura, Knoebel explained. Another important feature of the Regal is that its Insignia cousin is available in multiple bodystyles including the standard sedan, a five-door hatchback and a long-wheelbase wagon, and any of these may also be offered for sale in North America.2009 Opel Insignia Sedan Read More

  • Opel adds 'Sports Tourer' body to Insignia OPC line

    Opel adds 'Sports Tourer' body to Insignia OPC line May 19th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, May 19th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 3 Comments

    Opel adds 'Sports Tourer' body to Insignia OPC line Following last month’s reveal of the 325hp (242kW) Opel Insignia OPC comes the wagon or ‘Sports Tourer’ version, which is set to go on sale in Opel and Vauxhall showrooms in the second half of the year. Like its sedan counterpart, the OPC Sports Tourer comes packing the same twin-turbocharged powerplant, sophisticated AWD chassis and a sub-six second 0-60mph time.

    For the uninitiated, 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 models are rebadged... Following last month’s reveal of the 325hp (242kW) Opel Insignia OPC comes the wagon or ‘Sports Tourer’ version, which is set to go on sale in Opel and Vauxhall showrooms in the second half of the year. Like its sedan counterpart, the OPC Sports Tourer comes packing the same twin-turbocharged powerplant, sophisticated AWD chassis and a sub-six second 0-60mph time. For the uninitiated, 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 models are rebadged as VXRs when sold under the UK’s Vauxhall brand. The only discernable difference between the sedan and Sports Tourer is the extra storage space of the wagon body, which offers 540L of load space with the 40:60 split rear seats up and 1,530L when folded down. The Insignia OPC is the first model from the performance division to be offered with AWD and is available in sedan, hatch and Sports Tourer wagon bodystyles. Highlights are a ‘HiPerStrut’ (High Performance Strut) front suspension system, an adaptable AWD system with an electronic Limited Slip Differential and a 10mm reduction in ride height over the standard Insignia. The HiPerStrut system is unique to the OPC model and serves two primary functions: firstly, to reduce torque-steer, but also to maintain negative camber during cornering, thereby improving ultimate grip levels in wet or dry conditions. Drive comes from a 2.8L V6 turbocharged engine rated at 325hp (242kW), which is enough to send the car from 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds and an electronically controlled top speed of 155mph. Complementing these features are standard 19in alloy wheels (20in lightweight forged alloys are optional), revised bushing and damper settings on both axles, and Brembo brakes with color-keyed calipers and vented and cross-drilled discs. The sporting theme continues inside with Recaro front seats, a new steering wheel, gearknob and unique moldings, as well as different instrument graphics and sill plates.2009 Opel (Vauxhall) Insignia wagon2010 Opel Insignia OPC (Vauxhall Insignia VXR)2010 Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer (Vauxhall Insignia VXR) Read More

  • Preview: Opel Insignia 'GTC' Coupe

    Preview: Opel Insignia 'GTC' Coupe May 11th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, May 11th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 2 Comments

    Preview: Opel Insignia 'GTC' Coupe We’ve already seen Opel expand its Insignia lineup with the Hatchback and Sports Tourer, as well as the more recent OPC performance variant, but there’s one more model in the works that’s destined to be the most exciting and extreme. The model in question is a new coupe variant based on 2007’s stunning Gran Turismo Coupe (GTC) concept car.

    This computer generated rendering gives us a good indication as to what the new model will likely look like, suggesting the dramatic styling of the original GTC concept will be toned down significantly. Don’t despair, as some of the concept’s aggression will be... We’ve already seen Opel expand its Insignia lineup with the Hatchback and Sports Tourer, as well as the more recent OPC performance variant, but there’s one more model in the works that’s destined to be the most exciting and extreme. The model in question is a new coupe variant based on 2007’s stunning Gran Turismo Coupe (GTC) concept car. This computer generated rendering gives us a good indication as to what the new model will likely look like, suggesting the dramatic styling of the original GTC concept will be toned down significantly. Don’t despair, as some of the concept’s aggression will be reserved for a high-performance OPC version of the Insignia Coupe packing the same 325hp (242kW) turbocharged 2.8L V6 engine as the Sedan. Another cool feature will be Opel’s new ‘HiPerStrut’ (High Performance Strut) front suspension system, as well as an electronic limited slip differential. The HiPerStrut system will be unique to the OPC model and serves two primary functions: firstly, to reduce torque-steer, but also to maintain negative camber during cornering, thereby improving grip levels in wet or dry conditions. Lesser models will borrow other powerplants from the Insignia range, including four-cylinder and V6 options. Diesel engines may also be offered, as well as an EcoFLEX version, though this latter option is unlikely to make production due to low demand. Given its current ‘sale’ status, Opel’s priorities right now lie in finding a suitable buyer for the brand but once the dust settles work on the new Insignia Coupe will continue. Expect its launch to fall late in 2011 or early 2012.2009 Opel InsigniaOpel Insignia Coupe preview Read More

  • Future Vauxhall range may feature rebadged Daewoos instead of Opels

    Future Vauxhall range may feature rebadged Daewoos instead of Opels April 30th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, April 30th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 0 Comments

    Future Vauxhall range may feature rebadged Daewoos instead of Opels General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson has confirmed that the Vauxhall brand will stay on whether or not its sister brand Opel is sold off. If Opel was sold off, however, the move would cause significant problems for Vauxhall, which sources a majority of its vehicles from GM’s German subsidiary.

    In order to keep Vauxhall in business, GM is assessing importing South Korean cars for the British brand, according to Autocar. GM's South Korean subsidiary, GM Daewoo Auto & Technology (GM DAT), produces several relatively inexpensive models across many segments and these could provide a possible alternative for Vauxhall’s future lineup.

    ... General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson has confirmed that the Vauxhall brand will stay on whether or not its sister brand Opel is sold off. If Opel was sold off, however, the move would cause significant problems for Vauxhall, which sources a majority of its vehicles from GM’s German subsidiary. In order to keep Vauxhall in business, GM is assessing importing South Korean cars for the British brand, according to Autocar. GM's South Korean subsidiary, GM Daewoo Auto & Technology (GM DAT), produces several relatively inexpensive models across many segments and these could provide a possible alternative for Vauxhall’s future lineup. One possible scenario could see Vauxhall models such as the Corsa, Astra and Insignia replaced by Daewoo-produced models such as the Kalos, Lacetti and Epica. The case is not so simple, however, as GM already uses its Chevrolet brand to sell the Daewoo-sourced models in the UK. If Vauxhall were to start importing these vehicles then the Chevrolet brand would likely have to be disbanded for its British operations, or incorporated into Vauxhall. To complicate matters further, Vauxhall could also source vehicles from Holden, GM’s Australian subsidiary which specializes in large rear-wheel-drive cars such as the VE Commodore. Holden already has some experience with the situation Vauxhall finds itself in - it wasn't long ago that Holden replaced its Opel-sourced vehicles with Daewoo-source vehicles due to cost issues. Should Vauxhall begin sourcing vehicles from Daewoo and Holden, we could see its model lineup change dramatically in a relatively short time. Whether or not consumers warm to the idea is a different matter. Read More

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