There aren't any changes under the bonnet with the OPC retaining the stock 2.0-liter turbo engine that cranks out 240 horsepower launching the sporty hatch from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in 6.4 seconds and to a top speed of 244 km/h or 151mph. As with the standard OPC, the front-wheel drive model comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.
The first ever four-wheel drive Opel OPC model also benefits from a new electronically controlled, rear limited slip differential (eLSD) which can transfer up to 40% of torque to whichever (rear) wheel has more grip. This is the same system that is used on the Saab 9-3 Turbo X.
Four-wheel drive system and eLSD aside, Opel's engineers have also fiddled around with the Insignia's suspension system as well as with the brakes. Stopping power is now provided by a set of Brembo vented and cross drilled discs.
Opel claims that it's hot Insignia can accelerate from standstill to 60mph (96km/h in 5.8 seconds (0 to 100km/h in 6.0 seconds) and reach an electronically limited top speed of 155mph or 250 km/h. In comparison, the Audi S4 with its 333HP 3.0 TFI V6 goes from 0 to 62mph (100km/h) in 5.1 seconds, almost a second faster than the OPC.
If you liked the standard Insignia's appereance -and we don't see any reason why you shouldn't- then you're going to love the OPC. Without going haywire, the German manufacturer's styling team beefed up the Insignia's looks with a new front bumper with tear-like air scoops at both corners that is directly inspired from the GTC coupe concept, side sills, a discreet boot lid spoiler and a new rear bumper that houses two large matte chrome tailpipes. The package is rounded off with newly designed 19-inch alloys while buyers will also be able to opt for 20-inch wheels.
Inside, the OPC gains a set of Recaro front seats, a new three-spoke leather steering wheel and a different gearknob for the six-speed gearbox plus a redesigned instrument cluster.
Sales of the new Opel Insignia OPC are scheduled to begin in Europe this autumn.
source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com
In this new spy video -courtesy of Car Magazine- the Insignia OPC was caught in action on the Nurburgring race track. Once you have finished watching the video, click here for more details and high-res photos of the Insignia OPC.
source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com
And how will the Insignia put all that power on the road, we here some of you ask? Well, for starters, unlike its front-wheel drive Vectra OPC predecessor, the Insignia OPC sports an advance all-wheel drive system. Additionally, from what our sources tell us, the OPC will also feature the Saab 9-3 Turbo X's electronically-controlled, rear limited slip differential (eLSD) which can transfer up to 40% of torque to whichever (rear) wheel has more grip.
Opel's engineers will also spice up the Insignia's brake and steering wheel system as well as the suspension to further improve the car's handling.
On the outside, the high-performance Insignia justifies its OPC moniker with a restyled nose that draws its inspiration from the GTC Concept Coupe plus a new rear bumper that houses a diffuser as well as the twin tailpipes, chunkier side sills, a discreet boot lid spoiler and of course, a new set of alloy wheels shod in beefier tires.
We don't have any shots of the car's interior, but expect to see the same upgrades as with any other OPC model, meaning a sportier trim combined with front bucket seats, a thicker rim for the three-spoke steering wheel and a revised instrument panel.
The new Insignia OPC is due to arrive in Opel and Vauxhall dealerships during the fourth quarter of the year.
source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com
