2010 Opel Insignia OPC

Opel Insignia OPC: Hot Chili Premiere at the Barcelona Motor Show

• 239 kW/325 hp and 400 Nm; 0 to 100 km/h in six seconds
• Specially developed mechatronic chassis with all-wheel drive




The high performance version of the Car of the Year 2009 will be unveiled on May 7, when the Opel Insignia OPC premieres at the Barcelona Motor Show, ten years after the launch of the first OPC model (Opel Performance Center).

The heart of the Insignia OPC is its 2.8 V6 Turbo engine. Derived from the powerful gasoline engine already available on the top-of-the-line Insignia, this version reaches an output of 239 kW/325 hp. The increase in power was obtained by a special engine development and by reworking the exhaust, significantly reducing the counter pressure. And because sound is so important in the appreciation of an engine, the acoustic specialists worked on the exhaust of the V6 by adopting specific center and rear mufflers.



The already very well performing Insignia chassis was further fine tuned for the OPC variant which ride height has been reduced by 10 mm compared to the Insignia (AWD Sport version). The newly developed mechatronic chassis also receives a new front axle. The front suspension architecture of the Insignia OPC retains a so called McPherson strut, however the engineers at the Opel Performance Center came up with an evolution called HiPerStrut (for high performance strut). Benefits are an improved steering feel, reduced steering disturbances due to the high torque and an enhanced feeling in the handling for the driver.

The Insignia OPC also comes with the adaptive FlexRide suspension which not only adapts to driving situation and driving style but also to the driver's preferences. While on the Insignia the system offers the choice between a standard adaptive setting, a more comfortable mode and a sport mode, the OPC is definitely addressing those enjoying a sportier ride. OPC drivers can choose between three different sport modes: the standard mode as the high comfort setting, a special Sport mode and the OPC mode, for optimal performance.

For the first time also in the OPC portfolio, the Adaptive 4x4 system and its electronic rear limited slip differential (eLSD) are standard. The four-wheel drive management unit has been recalibrated to adapt torque distribution to the sporty philosophy of the OPC. Taking the higher performances of the OPC into consideration, significant development efforts were put into further improving the brake system. Connoisseurs will immediately spot the Brembo calipers and the perforated 355 mm disc on the front axle.

'I was personally involved in the development of the Insignia OPC and I very much enjoyed extensive testing on the most demanding race track of the world, the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Our target was to rival the 'best of the best',' said Hans Demant, Managing Director Adam Opel GmbH.

Distinctive looks are a clear statement on dynamic ambitions

The top-of-the-line body style dressed in an elegant sports outfit is inspired by the GTC concept car which starred in 2007, but still remains true to the Insignia's design philosophy of sculptural artistry meets German precision.

Compared to less powerful versions of the Insignia, the OPC shows a spectacular new front end with two large vertical intakes and a specific rear bumper with dual integrated exhausts. The 19-inch wheels (tires: 245/40) are standard and give the car the stance it deserves. New 20-inch lightweight forged wheels (with 255/35 tires) are available as an option.

The dynamic sportiness of the exterior is also mirrored in the cockpit. When opening the door, the OPC is immediately impressive, from unique Recaro seats to a flat-bottomed sporty steering wheel and specific gear knob. The OPC also presents distinctive instrument graphics.

'The Insignia OPC marks the beginning of a new era for our OPC portfolio; still bold, but also more mature and refined, and more ambitious than ever. The OPC epitomizes the Insignia experience: dynamic and refined', says Alain Visser, GM Europe Vice President Opel.

Source - Opel

Opel Insignia OPC: High Tech Spices up Passionate Driving

* Bold design features accelerate the heartbeat
* 239 kW/325 hp 2.8 V6 Turbo propels Opel's strongest production car ever
* FlexRide chassis with adaptive 4x4 heralds efficiency and fun

Dynamic and passionate driving has a new name at Opel: Insignia OPC. Its 2.8 V6 Turbo powerhouse with 239 kW/325 hp and a massive 435 Nm of torque makes it Opel's most powerful production car of all time. The high performance Insignia sedans reach a top speed of 250 km/h (restricted) and race from zero to 100 km/h in a mere six seconds. The OPC variants of the Car of the Year 2009 will be available this fall in all three body styles – notchback, hatchback and Sports Tourer.

To mark the tenth anniversary of its successful OPC range, Opel has packed the Insignia with extra high tech features. It is the first OPC variant to offer adaptive all-wheel drive and an electronic rear limited slip differential as standard. Its FlexRide damping system is specially tuned to give OPC drivers a more active driving experience. And, the Recaro front seats with four-way lumbar support and cushion extension are the first high performance seats in the industry to receive the most coveted seal of excellence from the independent orthopedic experts from Aktion Gesunder Rücken (Action for Healthy Backs).

The car looks as hot as it performs, with tiger tooth-shaped air intakes in the front bumper, rocker panels, an integrated rear spoiler and specially designed 19' OPC wheels. Satin chrome finishes and expressive dual exhaust pipes integrated into the rear bumper add to the appeal.

Inside, designers created a sporty dressing, with a dark headliner, a special shifter and a flat-bottomed, performance steering wheel. The instrument panel illuminates red when drivers press the OPC button on their FlexRide system, putting the car in its feistiest mood.

'While the ecoFLEX version shows our commitment to outstanding environmentally friendly cars, the OPC instills some hot chili flavor into the Insignia family. It spices up the driving experience,' says Hans Demant, Managing Director, Adam Opel GmbH. 'It opens a new generation of OPC cars, offering mature power, refined efficiency and a lot of fun.'

Chassis: Sporty and safe driving, yet comfortable, too
For the first time, an OPC model is equipped with an adaptive 4x4 system and an electronic rear limited slip differential (eLSD). The four-wheel drive management unit has been recalibrated to adapt torque distribution to the sporty philosophy of the OPC.

The Insignia OPC comes with the FlexRide electronic system which adapts damping and other driving functions to drivers' preferences. OPC drivers choose between a standard mode, for all-round performance ideal for everyday driving or a special Sport mode, in which the chassis suspension stiffens and reduces body roll for more agility. When selecting the OPC button, the drive goes into the third dimension: Steering gets more direct, the throttle is more responsive and the chassis settings go into performance mode.

The High Performance Strut (HiPerStrut) front suspension architecture is designed especially for the Insignia OPC. With a reduced kingpin inclination and a shorter spindle length, it significantly evolves the McPherson strut from the standard Insignia. HiPerStrut reduces torque steering reactions, improves grip and increases cornering power, offering Insignia OPC drivers the crisp feel they expect, with enhanced precision and feedback.

The Insignia OPC is equipped with 18' Brembo front brakes with large, 355 x 32 mm, cross-drilled discs, four-piston, high-strength aluminum calipers and high performance brake pads. Specially developed Co-Cast floating discs consist of a cast iron brake rotor and an aluminum disc bell.

After intensive testing on public roads and at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, engineers from the Opel Performance Center in Rüsselsheim selected Pirelli P Zero 245/40 tires, which are fitted with flow-formed 19' wheels. An optional upgrade with 255/35 units is available on forged 20' wheels.

The most powerful production engine in Opel history ever

The 239 kW/325 hp OPC version of the 2.8 V6 Turbo benefits from a specific calibration of the engine management unit, an increased turbo boost pressure to 0.9 bar and a reworked exhaust system with a significantly reduced counter pressure. Developed by the specialist Remus, this stainless steel exhaust line is 20 percent lighter than the standard one. Because sound is so important in the appreciation of an engine, Opel acoustic engineers developed new center and rear mufflers.

The high-tech 2.8 V6 Turbo engine comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox. To offer optimal performance, the final drive ratio was slightly shortened from 3.76 to 3.90:1 compared with the standard V6 Turbo Sport and Cosmo versions.

Source - Opel