Last week, Opel’s new high performance sports model Insignia OPC (Opel Performance Center ) premiered at the Barcelona International Motor Show.
Packing 325 horsepower, a sophisticated four-wheel-drive chassis and a six second 0-100 km/h time, Opel’s new Insignia OPC is set to take the mid-size performance saloon market by storm when it goes on sale this summer, with a level of dynamic prowess which aims to raise the bar in its class. It is a pity that this OPC model is born into a different car market than when it was conceived.
It is available in hatch, saloon and (later in 2009 ) Sports Tourer body styles, the high-performance Insignia will be Opel’s first OPC model to adopt 4X4 technology, using a bespoke chassis developed through an extensive test programme at the gruelling Nürburgring circuit in Germany.
Highlights of this new version are a ‘HiPerStrut’ (High Performance Strut ) front suspension system, Adaptive 4x4 with electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD ) and a 10 millimetre reduction in ride height over the Insignia SRi.
The HiPerStrut system is unique to the OPC 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.
Complementing these features are standard 19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch lightweight forged alloys are a cost option ) with bespoke tyres, revised bushing and damper settings on both axles, and Brembo brakes with colour-keyed callipers and vented/cross-drilled discs.
At the heart of the Insignia OPC is Opel’s advanced 2.8-litre V6 Turbo ECOTEC engine, with its micro-alloy forged steel crank, classic 60-degree cylinder angle and die-cast alloy oil sump – all features found in many a race engine. Producing 325 bhp (65 bhp up on the Elite V6 ), the engine uses a single, twin-scroll turbocharger and variable valve control for quick throttle response, and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6 seconds, achieving an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Styling features include a deeper bumper, incorporating twin mesh grilles either side of the main grille, dominates the front of the car, and at the rear, hatch and saloon models gain a rear spoiler, while all OPCs have a bespoke bumper moulding incorporating dual matt chrome exhausts.
This sporting theme continues in the Insignia OPC’s cabin. Recaro front seats, a new OPC steering wheel, OPC gearknob and unique mouldings are standard on all cars, along with different instrument graphics, OPC sill plates and a black headlining.
Opel says that prices for the Opel Insignia OPC will be announced in the near future.
