Opel Insignia: Prematurely Leaked on the Web

While Opel was busy handing out camouflaged images of the Insignia, the guys at Dutch magazine AutoWeek managed to get there hands on the first official images of Opel’s forthcoming mid-size sedan. As you can see in the pictures, the Insignia, which will most probably be sold in the States as a Saturn (Aura) and in Australia and New Zealand as a Holden, is far more tasty in and out than the outgoing Vectra.

We don’t have the official details on the mechanics yet, but in Europe expect the range to kick off with 1.8-liter petrol (140 Hp) and 1.9-liter turbo-diesel engines. There will also be a top-of-the line Insignia OPC model equipped with GM’s 2.9-liter V6 turbo engine pumping out approximately 300 Hp to all four wheels. 

Opel Insignia: Engine Range To Include 1.6 and 2.0 Turbo Units

We still have a few days left before Opel officially unveils the new Insignia, but since a whole set of images were leaked into the net the other day, there’s no point for hiding anymore. Apart from the pictures without watermarks, we also have initial details on the Insignia’s engine range.

Starting off with gasoline models, the Vectra’s successor will be offered with five petrol units: 1.6-liter with 115 Hp; 1.8-liter with 140 Hp; 1.6-liter Turbo with 180 Hp; 2.0-liter Turbo with 200 Hp and 2.8-liter V6 Turbo with 260 Hp. The Insignia’s diesel engine range will include four units: 2.0-liter available with 110, 130 and 160 Hp and a top notch 2.9-liter V6 with 250 Hp.

In 2009 Opel will enhance the Insignia’s range with the addition of an OPC version that will be equipped with a 300 HP 2.8-liter V6 Turbo engine combined with an all-wheel drive system. The Insignia will go on sale in Europe this summer and although this is not official yet, it is expected that it will also come to the States as the successor to the Saturn Aura.

Opel Insignia: Image Gallery Update

This will probably be our last “unofficial” post on the 2009 Opel Insignia sedan as the German carmaker is slated to release all official images and data on the Vectra’s successor over the next couple of days. The gallery that we’ve included after the jump consists of eight new pictures of the Insignia that is schedule to arrive in European dealerships this fall 

Opel Corsa OPC 202Hp by Steinmetz

Due to make its first public appearance at the German tuning show “Tuning World Bodensee 2008” that runs from May 1 to 5, the Steinmetz prepped Opel Corsa OPC has been mildly enhanced with minor mechanical and cosmetic upgrades.

The smallest member of the Opel OPC family has gained an extra 10 Hp -thanks to the use of the new left/right silencer system, raising the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine’s output to 202 Hp. The tuning firm has also added a lowering kit that brings the Corsa OPC 30 mm nearer to the tarmac

In terms of aesthetics, the Corsa OPC by Steinmetz is distinguished by the new honeycomb grille, a 2-piece front spoiler, the side strips in silver or anthracite and the aluminum filler cap complemented by a new set of 16 to 19-inch alloy wheels. Finally, the interior is enhanced by the stainless steel 

Official: Opel Vectra Successor To Be Named Insignia

Opel today announced that their next-generation mid-size car which will succeed the current Vectra will bear the name “Insignia” after the concept that broke cover at the 2003 Frankfurt Show in Germany. Furthermore, GM’s European subsidiary revealed that the Insignia will make its public debut at the at 2008 British Motor Show next July. The new Insignia family, which will be built at Opel’s home plant in Rüsselsheim, will be inspired from the GTC concept car (click here for the video) that we first saw at this year’s Geneva Show in March.

“Dynamic performance is one of the Opel brand’s core values. In the new Opel Insignia, this defining characteristic is realized by sophisticated powertrain technology, active safety and the interface between driver and car. The Insignia’s level of comfort and environmental friendliness is unrivaled even among considerably more expensive competitors,” says Alain Visser, Chief Marketing Officer, General Motors Europe.

When it comes to the new car’s design, Visser says, “A closer look at our groundbreaking GTC concept car gives a good idea of how exciting Opel’s new design language will be.”

Konigseder Opel GT 300 PS

On the other side of the Atlantic, the Saturn Sky goes by the name Opel GT. Same car, different badges. So now that we’ve got that clear, let’s see what the tuning firm Konigseder has readied for the GT starting of with the engine. The Austrian tuner announces that the 2.0-liter turbocharged unit has been enhanced to deliver 300 PS (standard car: 264 PS), and no they didn’t say how they did it in the press release. A KW coilover suspension along with custom made Brembo brake system, complete the mechanical upgrades

Konigseder has dressed the GT with a front spoiler, a rear wing, chrome detailing and fire stripes on the side of the car –we could have done without that. The GT sits on the shiny, 20-inch “Las Vegas” alloy wheels combined with Yokohama tires. Finally, Konigseder has added a set of… hand made wooden floor mats.

Geneva Preview: Opel Meriva Minivan Concept

GM’s German subsidiary Opel has released a colored rendering along with extra details on its Geneva Motor Show Meriva Concept that previews the company’s next generation compact minivan expected sometime in 2009.

The prototype’s most prominent feature is the rear-hinged rear doors on both sides of the car called FlexDoors. While many other manufactures like Mazda and MINI have already presented suicide type rear doors in the market, in the Meriva concept they can open independently from the conventionally designed front doors. However, we must note that we question the functionality of suicide type doors in tight parking spots. 

PRESS RELEASE

MERIVA CONCEPT: NEXT LEVEL OF FLEXIBILITY

World premiere: FlexDoors make monocabs more comfortable, versatile and safer

Design: Dynamic lines with no concessions in practicality

Lifestyle: Exit the rear of the car in style

With the dynamically styled Meriva Concept, Opel/Vauxhall presents the next level of monocab flexibility at the International Motor Show in Geneva (March 6 – 16, 2008). The concept car features rear-hinged rear doors on both sides of the car called FlexDoors. While the front doors are conventionally designed with front hinges, the rear doors swing open towards the back of the car. Another feature of the family-oriented Meriva Concept is that the front and rear doors can open independently of each other. Rear-hinged rear doors already on the market can only be opened after the front door has been opened, which severely limits their practicality.

GM’s patented FlexDoors innovation offers a wide range of benefits:

Greater functionality: entering and exiting the vehicle is more convenient as the rear doors open to a 90-degree angle, creating a much wider aperture than standard car doors. Thanks to the high roofline, rear passengers also have more headroom when getting in and out of the car. The interior is much more accessible, so stowing a briefcase behind the front seat, for instance, is considerably easier.

Higher level of safety: securing children in the back seats is much easier. The

rear-hinged rear doors also improve control over children exiting the car, as they can be better seen from the different seating positions. The “safety zone” created between both doors also makes it much more difficult for them to step out into traffic than with conventional doors.

More style: entering and exiting the rear of the vehicle not only looks cool and elegant, but also feels much more natural.

FlexDoors’ smooth operation is backed up by an array of patented innovations developed by GM engineers. A safety system ensures the doors can only be opened from the inside or outside when there is no risk to the passengers. The Meriva Concept also features an automatic electronic child lock, which supplements the conventional mechanical system. The concept car also has B-pillars not only for independent opening but also for side-impact safety reasons.

The Meriva Concept’s design is distinguished by its attractive combination of practicality and spaciousness with very dynamic and cool styling. The concept car’s distinctive window line, arched roof, wide track and impressively sculpted body give a good indication of what is to be expected from future Opel/Vauxhall production monocabs.

“The Meriva Concept clearly illustrates how our new Opel/Vauxhall design language can be adapted to create bold, fresh design solutions for the monocab segment,” says Mark Adams, Vice President of Design, General Motors Europe. Especially eye-catching is the dynamic ‘wave’ of the window line just behind the B-pillars, which provides an excellent all-round view for rear passengers. This also enabled designers to create a dynamic and unique silhouette and still provide good visibility for children in the rear. The body also boasts the distinctive “blade” bodyside form, which was a design element of the GTC Coupé and Flextreme. Another feature is the U-shaped windshield, which stretches up and back over the rear passengers’ heads. Rear section elements – in particular the rear lights – echo the Insignia, Opel/Vauxhall’s new upper mid-size class car due to be unveiled in the summer. The monocab’s roof slopes gently downward towards the rear, underlining its dynamic character.

“The FlexDoors concept is a logical enhancement of our monocabs’ flexibility,” explains Alain Visser, Chief Marketing Officer, General Motors Europe. “With the Zafira’s Flex7® seating system and the Meriva’s FlexSpace concept, we took on a similar pioneering role in interior flexibility.”

Opel/Vauxhall is enjoying great success with its monocab designs: in 2007, almost 335,000 Zafira and Meriva models were sold. And with the new Agila, monocab experts Opel/Vauxhall now also offer an entry-level monocab in the mini-car segment. Every fifth Opel/Vauxhall model sold today is a monocab, while in the total market it is just every eighth car.

Opel Meriva Concept Official Images

The first official images of Opel’s forthcoming Meriva Concept made their way into various internet forums this morning giving us a full-blown view of the compact mnivan. The concept previews the next-generation Meriva and it features rear-hinged rear doors on both sides that open to a 90-degree angle. Weirdly enough –for a prototype that is, it retains the B-columns. As for the interior, the Meriva Concept’s cabin design looks like its two steps away from production. 

Geneva Preview: Opel Tigra TwinTop "Illusion" In Soft-Top Look

For some weird reason Opel believes that a number of buyers would like a hard-top convertible with the soft-top look of a classic fabric-roofed cabrio. While the new Tigra Illusion retains the the electro-hydraulic retractable steel roof, it is covered in a Bordeaux red canvas.

Customers can choose between a 1.4 (66 kW/90 hp) or 1.8-liter (92 kW/125 hp) gasoline engine. Both come with a five-speed manual transmission, while the 1.4 TWINPORT can also be ordered with an automated Easytronic five-speed manual gearbox. As with all Tigra TwinTops, the changeover from coupé to cabrio in the “Illusion” takes place at the touch of a button and requires about 18 seconds.

Officially Official: Opel Meriva Concept

Following a leakage on the net last Tuesday, Opel released five official images and yet another teaser press release containing initial information on its upcoming Meriva Concept that will debut at the Geneva Show next week. The compact minivan concept previews the second generation Meriva and possibly, a future Saturn model that could compete against the Honda Jazz. Apart from its more bold design language compared to the current generation Meriva, the concept also features rear-hinged rear doors that swing open toward the back of the car

Press Release:

Meriva Concept: Dynamic Design And Innovative FlexDoors System

-FlexDoors make monocabs more versatile, comfortable and safer

-Design: New level of dynamics and improved practicality

Rüsselsheim. The Opel Meriva Concept, due to be unveiled next week at the 78th International Motor Show in Geneva (March 6 – 16, 2008), illustrates how the new Opel design language can be adapted to create bold, fresh design solutions for this segment.

The Opel Meriva Concept takes flexibility to new heights with its innovative FlexDoors system, which consists of rear-hinged rear doors that swing open toward the back of the car. As the B-pillars have been purposely retained for passive security reasons, the Meriva Concept’s front and rear doors can also be opened independently of each other. Other rear-hinged rear doors already on the market can only be opened after the front door has been opened. This innovation makes access to the car interior much easier and also offers a range of safety benefits over conventional car doors. In the Meriva Concept, this innovation is combined with the highly variable FlexSpace rear seating system familiar from the production Meriva.

The FlexDoors system also enhances comfort and functionality, as the highest point of the roof – just behind the B-pillars – is exactly where the passengers enter and exit the vehicle. This architecture enabled designers to create a very dynamic and unique silhouette, with the arched roof line sloping down to the C-pillars.

Especially eye-catching is the dynamic “wave” in the window line just behind the B-pillars, which provides an excellent all-round view for rear passengers, particularly for children. The body also boasts the distinctive ”blade” bodyside form, which was a design element of the GTC Coupé and Flextreme. Another feature is the U-shaped windshield, which stretches up and back over the rear passengers’ heads – echoing the Astra GTC’s panorama windshield. The slim A-pillars and windshield pulled far down ensure plenty of light and a spacious interior atmosphere. Both elements contribute to the outstanding all-round visibility for the occupants.

Opel Vectra: New Spy Pictures Emerge

First of all let us give our props to Opel execs for allowing the next-generation Vectra designers to stay as close as possible to the Geneva Show GTC Concept. By doing this we have the impression that the new Vectra –and subsequently Saturn, will have one of the best looking mid-size sedans in the market. We just hope that its underpinnings prove an equal match to its spicy design in-and-out.

From what we’ve gathered, the Vectra will be based on GM’s all-new mid-size platform which will allow the use of a 4WD system for the very first time. The engine range will include a 1.6-Litre petrol motor (probably available in 150 and 180Hp guises), along with GM’s updated 280Hp 2.8-Liter V6 Turbo and 180Hp 1.9-Liter Turbo Diesel that were recently introduced in the revised Saab 9-3. There’s a slight chance that Opel will present the new Vectra in Frankfurt, but we’ll get back on you as soon as we confirm it with our insiders.

New Buick Regal GS: GM Rebadges Opel Insignia OPC But Replaces 325HP V6 Biturbo with 255HP 2.0-liter Four-Pot

Leave it to GM to take out all the fun even when it comes to re-badging its own vehicles… See, while the General took the decision to reveal a North American version of the Opel Insignia OPC in the form of the Buick Regal GS showcar in Detroit, unfortunately, the European model’s 325HP 2.8-liter twin-scroll turbo V6 has been replaced with a lighter but more puny 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing an estimated 255HP.

Officially, the Detroit automaker says that the Regal GS was designed “to explore the appeal of a high-performance variant of the Regal”, but chances are that it will make it into production in the very near future.

“We designed the Regal GS to explore the appeal of a high-performance variant of the Regal,” said Craig Bierley, product marketing director for Buick. “Like the Regal, the Regal GS is based on the award-winning Opel Insignia, and we believe it will reinvigorate Buick’s storied Gran Sport legacy.”

The Regal GS showcar uses a modified version of the 220HP 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot that will be offered on Regal CXL models later this summer tuned to deliver greater boost pressure. The engine’s output is estimated at 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm).

Furthermore, whereas the Regal CXL comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Regal GS’s engine is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox that directs torque to an adaptive all-wheel-drive system.

As with its German counterpart, the GS is equipped with an electronic, limited-slip rear differential to reduce wheelspin.

General Motors says that the 255HP Buick Regal GS is expected to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds, which sounds a bit optimistic considering the fact that the 325HP Opel Insignia OPC reaches 60mph in 5.8 seconds.

The Regal GS also benefits from a tuned four-wheel-independent suspension, a revised steering wheel system and a high-performance Brembo brake system with 14 x 1.2-inch (355 x 32 mm) cross-drilled rotors; four-piston, high-strength aluminum calipers, and high-performance pads.

There’s also Opel’s Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) chassis technology that allows the driver to chose from three different operating modes (normal, sport and GS) for the suspension settings, throttle response and steering sensitivity.

Other than that, the Buick Regal GS gets the same tasty bodykit, sexy 20-inch alloy wheels and interior upgrades including a pair of Recaro front seats and flat-bottom steering wheel as its European counterpart.

New Opel Meriva: First Official Photos and Details on GM's Mini MPV with Suicide Rear Doors

While GM’s U.S. division was unveiling the new Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, on the other side of the pond, the automaker’s UK arm Vauxhall, and consequently Opel, pulled the covers off or shall we say, opened up the doors, to the all-new Meriva. Critically, the new mini-MPV is the first Opel to feature GM’s FlexDoor technology, showcased on the 2008 Meriva concept model.

And by FlexDoors we mean the rear-hinged back doors that swing open towards the back of the car at an angle of nearly 90 degree. Even though the Meriva still uses a central B-pillar, the company said that the Flexdoors “vastly improve the ease with which occupants enter and leave the cabin”.

Opel also highlighted the fact that, unlike other suicide-door applications such as on the Mazda RX-8 and Rolls Royce Phantom and Ghost, the Meriva’s front and rear doors can open independently.

The Meriva’s exterior styling has remained relatively close to the concept model keeping many features like the unique glasshouse design that incorporates a downward kink at the back doors just behind the B-pillar, unchanged, while it also shares many styling cues with both the Insignia and Astra.

While Opel did not release any pictures of the interior, the company said that the cabin will be heavily influenced by the Insignia and Astra both in terms of styling and perceived quality of the materials.

The mini-MPV’s interior versatility will be boosted by the improved FlexSpace system that allows easier fold-down of the three individual rear seats that can also be mounted back independently to create more boot, leg or shoulder room.

A new feature for the 2010 Meriva is the FlexRail system that incorporates a dual-rail base on the lower center console allowing owners to attach a variety of modular storage bins.

The second-generation model of Opel’s mini-MPV rides on a new platform with a longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks, thus promising to improve the car’s ride and handling qualities.

Power will come from a lineup of six turbocharged diesel and gasoline units with outputs ranging from 75 to 140PS. Opel said that average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions will be down 15 per cent across the range while a high mpg/low CO2 ecoFLEX model will also be offered.

The new Meriva, which will compete against other mini-MPVs like the Citroen C3 Picasso, the Kia Venga as well as the Honda Jazz (Fit in the States), will be formally introduced at the Geneva Motor Show next March.

Astras Hit the Road Today in Britain

General Motors’ UK arm Vauxhall is celebrating the retail launch of the all-new 2010 Astra today as the first customers who placed their orders soon after the model went on sale in September received the keys to their cars.

In Britain, the new Astra hatchback is available with five petrol engines ranging from an 87PS1.4-litre to a 1.6-litre turbocharged unit producing 180PS, while diesels span from 110 to 160PS in either 1.7 CDTi or 2.0 CDTi form. Prices start from £15,675.

The company said that initially, Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant will build the new Astra for all European markets. The UK will take the biggest share with around 25 per cent of all production headed to British buyers.

It is believed that the still under development four-door sedan version of the new Astra will come to North America as a Buick within the next two years.

Opel / Vauxhall Corsa gains More Powerful and Fuel Efficient Engines and Chassis Improvements

General Motors’ European division Opel and its sister company Vauxhall have revealed the revised 2010 Corsa that’s scheduled to go on sale in mainland Europe early next year and in the UK, from April. If you’re looking at the photos to discover what’s new about the 2010 Corsa, you’d better stop because Opel/Vauxhall didn’t change a thing on the vehicle’s exterior and interior design. Instead, the firm’s engineers focused on improving the subcompact hatch’s powertrains and handling characteristics.

The company claims the it has managed to reduce average consumption by 13.2 per cent across the range (excluding the OPC / VXR model) with 5 out of 6 engines emitting less than 125g/km.

The most fuel efficient model of the range is the new 1.3 CDTI 95HP diesel ecoFLEX model, which achieves 76.3mpg UK (63.5mpg US or 3.7lt /100km) on the combined cycle and 88.3mpg (73.5mpg US or 3.2lt /100km) on the extra urban cycle).

The diesel range also comprises of a 75HP version of the same 1.3 CDTi that emits 114g/km of CO2, and a more powerful 1.7 CDTi which now produces 130HP, yet drops 12g/km in CO2 emissions.

The tweaked 1.0-litre petrol engine gains an additional 5HP for a total of 65HP while CO2 emissions drop to 117g/km. The 1.2-litre petrol also gets a 5HP boost to 85HP while the 1.4-litre petrol now produces 100HP instead of 90HP and returns 51.4mpg (42.8mpg US or 5.4lt /100km), up from the current model’s 46.3mpg.

In addition, most models in the range get a new eco gearshift indicator housed within the instrument cluster.

Complementing the powertrain upgrades is a revised chassis with new set-ups for the steering and suspension systems.

The automaker’s engineers added softer springs in the front suspension, mated to an anti-roll bar with new bushes and an increased diameter to improve ride and control characteristics. Furthermore, the 2010 Corsa also gets revised damper settings all round, an optional re-tuned ESP system and enhanced steering geometry.

As far as the Vauxhall-badged version of the Corsa is concerned, the new model gains additional standard features such as cruise control and an on-board computer on the SE, SXi and SRi trim levels while the SRi, which starts at a lower price point, gets revised suspension settings, air conditioning, 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, and a VXR styling kit fitted as standard.

On-the-road prices for the 2010 Corsa in the UK start from £10,285 for the 1.0-liter 65HP ecoFLEX model and top off at £17,155 for the sporty 1.6-liter Turbo VXR.

2011 New Eral: Official Photos and Details of U.S.-Spec Model, gets 182HP 2.4L and 220HP 2.0 Turbo Engines

The wait for the all-new 2011 Buick Regal is over as General Motors has released official photos and information on its new mid-size sedan ahead of the car’s first public appearance to customers in the L.A. area on Thursday, November 12. As predicted, the U.S. market Regal is virtually a rebadged Opel Insignia with the only visible differences concerning the integration of Buick’s waterfall-style grille on the outside and some trim variations such as the specific leather seats on the inside.

General Motors avoids the German competition pitting the new 2011 Regal against the likes of Acura TSX and the soon-to-be-replaced, Volvo S60.

In the States, the initial range will include two gasoline units, a 2.4-liter Ecotec direct injected engine rated at a 182 horsepower with an estimated highway fuel economy of 30mpg and a 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecotec rated at 220 horsepower with an estimated highway fuel economy of 30mpg.

Both engines will be combined with a standard six-speed automatic transmission with driver-shifting control. The automaker said that the 2.4L engine will return an estimated

The new Regal will initially be offered in the States in premium CXL trim only, with additional trim levels to be made available in the 2012 model year. Sales of the 2.4-liter model are scheduled to start in the second quarter of 2010, with the 2.0-liter Turbo model following in the summer of the same year.

No word if GM will also market a five-door liftback and station-wagon versions of the Regal in the future as it does with the European Insignia, nor if it is considering the introduction an sportier model based on the European Insignia OPC that gets a 325HP turbocharged V6 and all-wheel drive.

More details about the 2011 Buick Regal sedan in the press release below.