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Opel adds 'Sports Tourer' body to Insignia OPC line

 
3 5,404 views May 19, 2009

opel insignia touring motorauthority 003

The Insignia Sports Tourer OPC matches the sedan in performance but offers up to 1,530L of storage space

The Insignia Sports Tourer OPC matches the sedan in performance but offers up to 1,530L of storage space

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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 wagon
2010 Opel Insignia OPC (Vauxhall Insignia VXR)
2010 Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer (Vauxhall Insignia VXR)

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HI-RES GALLERY: 2010 opel insignia opc vauxhall vxr 006

HI-RES GALLERY: 2010 opel insignia sports tourer opc 008




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Comments (3)

  1. ma_gazzed avatar gazzed Posted: 5/19/2009 9:24pm PDT

    Next best thing if you can't afford an Audi RS4 Avante... hope to see a comparo test.
     
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  2. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 5/19/2009 9:42pm PDT

    Make it a Buick
     
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  3. ma_HECTOR avatar HECTOR Posted: 5/20/2009 3:38am PDT

    I like the interior but that front looks like it was designed by Acura. That's not a good thing, by the way. From the rear it looks like a Hyundai. Then again so does the BMW 1 series.
     
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