Less than a month out from its world debut at the London Motor Show, the Opel Insignia has been spotted once again testing at the Nurburgring and this time the prototype is thought to be a new high-performance variant. The car is expected to fall under General Motors’ OPC performance division and will likely be powered by a new twin-turbo V6 petrol engine.
OPC, which stands for ‘Opel Performance Center,’ is the name given to models developed through by GM’s official in-house tuner in Europe. The 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 that this is a new performance variant of the standard Insignia. The latest images aslo reveal the car will feature a Brembo developed brake package. A V6 badge at the rear of the car, 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 to levels beyond 300hp (225kW). One final clue is the heavily masked front-end, which is likely hiding a set of new intakes.
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 the car’s track performance. The AWD system is the same torque-splitting electronic differential used by Saab for its 9-3 Turbo X.
Opel Insignia OPC spy shots September 2008
Opel Insignia OPC spy shots August 2008
Reader Comments
Tue Aug 19 2008 11:32 AM
Chris says
bring it here.. call it the malibu... give ford a reason to get the fusion RS out faster.
Tue Aug 19 2008 8:58 PM
NoNameDenton says
Fusion GT it will be called and if it comes, probably come as a Saturn Aura Red Line.
Tue Aug 19 2008 9:20 PM
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
Tue Aug 19 2008 10:23 PM
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 6:43 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 7:32 PM
NoNameDenton says
Other then the XF being designed by a former Aston Martin designer and rwd?
Thu Sep 4 2008 2:30 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.
Leave a Comment
Login or register to leave comments.
Please keep your comments on topic. Your involvement is governed by our Privacy Policy and Terms.