Opel Insignia OPC breaks cover
By Andrew C., 27 Aug, 2010. 0 Comments
Opel Insignia OPC
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 high-performing Insignia, based on the successful 2009 European Car of the Year, and which comes in hatch, saloon and Sports Tourer body designs, will be the company's first VXR model to take on a 4X4 technology with the utilization of a custom chassis developed through a wide-ranging test program at the taxing German Nurburgring circuit.
Among the features are High Performance Strut (HiPerStrut) front suspension system, adjustable 4X4 that is equipped with an electronic Limited Slop Differential (eLSD) and a 10mm ride height reduction in contrast to the Insignia Sri. Unique to the VXR is the HiPerStrut system which has to basic roles: one, to assist in reducing torque-steer and two, to maintain negative camber during cornering, thus enhancing final levels of grip in both dry and wet settings. Harmonizing these elements are regular 19-inch alloys, with a cost option 20-inch lightweight forged alloys, with custom tires, modified bushing and damper settings on both axles, and brakes from Brembo fitted with color-keyed calipers and vented or cross-drilled discs.
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. It comes with a deeper bumper, integrating bold, twin mesh grill on both sides of the main grill, that dominates the front face of the vehicle, and at the back, hatch and saloon versions receive a rear spoiler, while all VXRs have a custom bumper molding integrating an exhaust system in dual matt chrome.
The cabin also receives the same sporting theme with Recaro front seats, a fresh VXR steering wheel, gear knob and special moldings are standard on all cars together with various instrument graphics, sill plats and a black headlining. All VXRs come with a color palette including Arden Blue, Carbon Flash Black, Olympic White, Power Red, Technical Grey and Silver Lake. The VXR is an important addition to the VXR family and it will be positioned at the top of the Insignia range. The VXR brand, since its launch in 2004, has been supported by the remarkable success of the VX Racing team, which hold all three British Touring Car Championship titles for the 2008 season including Drivers', Manufacturers' and Team.
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