Opel’s new high performance sports model Insignia OPC has premiered at the Barcelona International Motor Show.
Packing 325 horsepower, a sophisticated four-wheel-drive chassis, and a six second 0 to 100km/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.
It is available in hatch, saloon, and (later in 2009 ) sports tourer body styles, and 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 high performance strut front suspension system, adaptive 4X4 with electronic limited slip differentia, 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: To reduce torque-steer and also 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 325bhp (65bhp up on the Elite V6 ), the engine uses a single, twin-scroll turbocharger and variable valve control for quick throttle response, and accelerates from 0-100km/h in six seconds, achieving an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.
Styling features include a deeper bumper, incorporating twin mesh grilles both sides of the main grille, 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 prices for the Opel Insignia OPC will be announced in the near future.
