Car Evolution: Official: Opel Insignia OPC technology revealed

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Official: Opel Insignia OPC technology revealed

The new Insignia VXR from Vauxhall (a.k.a. Opel Insignia OPC), which comes with a total of 325hp, a complex 4-wheel drive chassis and a sprint rate from 0-60mph in under six seconds, is ready to be introduced to the mid-size performance saloon market when it becomes available for sale early this summer.

The new adaptive 4-wheel drive system with an electronic limited slip differential, which provides the Insignia OPC...sorry, the VXR, with plenty of grip and a smooth transfer of power from the drivetrain to the bespoke chassis to the road. The chassis was developed with testing at the Nurburgring track in Germany and lets the VXR sit 10 millimeters lower than the SRi Insignia. The HiPerStrut front suspension keeps torque-steer down and pushes the load back to maintain cornering grip in both wet and dry conditions.

At the core of the Insignia VXR is the advanced 2.8-liter V6 Turbo ECOTEC powerplant from Vauxhall, with a crank made from micro-alloy forged steel, typical 60-degree cylinder angle and die-cast alloy oil sump, features that exist in many racing powerplants. The engine can generate 325PS (up by 65PS compared to the Elite V6) utilizing a single, twin-scroll turbocharger and adaptable valve control for speeding throttle reaction, and has a sprint rate of 0-60mph in just 5.8 seconds, and a maximum electronically limited speed of 155mph. The Insignia VXR�s design was inspired by the Vauxhall/Opel GTC with many of it styling cues familiar to those who have seen the groundbreaking concept at the Geneva in 2007.

The Insignia VXR will come as a 4-door sedan, 5-door hatch or Sports Tourer model.

Pricing details are not yet available.

So, let the British feel good that the Vauxhall marque is still around. Sure, go ahead.