MotorAuthority

Spy shots: Barely disguised Opel Insignia OPC

Posted Mon Mar 30 2009 10:15 AM by James Martinez

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

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.

Story Tags:

• 2009 Opel Insignia
• 2010 Opel Insignia OPC
• General Motors
• GM
• Insignia
• OPC
• Opel
• Opel Performance Center
• Sedans
• Spy shots
• Vauxhall
• Vauxhall Insignia VXR
• VXR

Reader Comments

• Tue Aug 19 2008 2:32 PM

  Chris says

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

• Tue Aug 19 2008 11:58 PM

  NoNameDenton says

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

• Wed Aug 20 2008 12:20 AM

  dcasr says

  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

• Wed Aug 20 2008 1:23 AM

  NoNameDenton says

  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.

• Wed Aug 20 2008 9:43 PM

  Edward says

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

• Wed Sep 3 2008 10:32 PM

  NoNameDenton says

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

• Thu Sep 4 2008 5:30 PM

  Rick says

  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.

• Mon Mar 30 2009 4:29 PM

  54chevyman says

  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!

• Mon Mar 30 2009 10:57 PM

  NaBUru38 says

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

• Tue Mar 31 2009 1:18 AM

  gazzed says

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

• Wed Apr 8 2009 9:34 PM

  taksan says

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