Opel has released the first figures for the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport which will premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, in March 2017. However, as nice and technologically upgraded as the new Insignia is, the Opel keeps secret the - for some - most important point: That of the engines, but also of the most powerful version. Not from the TopSpeed.grwhich has some information from Germany, which will make Opel fans to start raising money...
As far as the Grand Sport is concerned, we are told that Opel will offer a range of engines from 1,5 to 2,0 litres in petrol (turbocharged) and from 1.6 to 2.0 litres in turbodiesels, which will be top of the range 250 hp petrol engine which will supply the four-wheel drive Insignia Grand Sport. As for the transmissions, they will be offered in 6-speed manual and serial eight relations.
The big news, however, is the Insignia OPC. TopSpeed.gr information from a German source, says that Opel has kept "reserves" for the hottest version of its flagship, a all-new supercharged six-cylinder engine, which will have a performance of "at least 400 horsepower". The same source refused to confirm whether the engine is in V arrangement, as well as comment on whether it will be larger in capacity than the 2,8 litres of the outgoing OPC (it produced 325 hp).
In terms of transmission, we have big news here too. We learn that the all-new GM 9 Series, which achieves quicker shifts, but also great fuel economy, as it allows cruising with the engine running at particularly low revs. Given that the 9-speed automatic was created to be used in front-wheel drive cars, the (logical) information that the Insignia OPC will be all-wheel drive...ceases to be... contradictory, as the people of general engines note meaningfully that this particular automatic transmission is already four-wheel-drive-ready.
Of course, Insignia isn't just the OPC, as the Grand Sport is anything but... negligible. And information about it suggests that Opel has outdone itself and redefined targets and categories.
The new Insignia Grand Sport is based on a new architecture. The wheelbase has been increased by 92 mm, increasing interior space to the benefit of the rear passengers in particular. It has also allowed the designers to give the new Insignia Grand Sport exceptional, new, sporty proportions and the image of a genuine flagship: looking much longer and lower, it has the slim, unadorned silhouette of a coupé and the bold stance of a top-of-the-range model. This is combined with top aerodynamics and a CD of just 0.26. Inside, the new Insignia Grand Sport satisfies the driver with a quality, driver-centric dashboard and a three centimetre lower seating position, offering greater immediacy and a more exciting driving experience.
But in reality, the new Insignia Grand Sport doesn't just look more dynamic - it's more dynamic. Like the Opel Astra, performance was a key criterion in the development phase of the new Insignia. Optimised space layout and the use of lightweight materials contributed to weight savings of up to 175 kg, to the benefit of driving precision and agility. New, high-tech features such as all-wheel drive with torque vectoring - the most advanced in the class - or the new eight-speed automatic transmission allow drivers to make the most of their abilities.
The Insignia Grand Sport is as dynamic to drive as it is to look at. It will be available with a wide range of turbocharged engines and latest-generation transmissions when it is officially launched next year. The highly efficient eight-speed automatic transmission, with friction-optimised features, is new to the range. It impresses with its premium shifting comfort and will initially only be available with all-wheel drive. The Insignia's new, intelligent all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring (torque distribution control) is the most advanced in its class. It is combined with a new, high-tech five-link rear suspension. Two electronically controlled multi-clutches in the AWD system replace the standard rear differential, providing much more precise power transmission to each wheel individually, regardless of whether the road surface is gravel, water, ice or snow. In corners, additional torque is transmitted to the outer, rear wheel, significantly reducing understeer and allowing for more precise control. The system reacts within milliseconds, with the press of the accelerator, ensuring stability and easier steering manoeuvres in any situation.
The upgraded FlexRide chassis is the basis for optimum handling in all conditions. This adjusts dampers, steering, throttle response and gear change points (on automatic transmissions) independently or via the selectable 'Standard', 'Sport' and 'Tour' programmes. Depending on the selected mode, the steering and throttle response is more immediate and the ESP stability control intervenes earlier or later. The new 'Drive Mode Control' software is the heart and soul of the adaptive chassis. This continuously analyses the information provided by sensors and settings and recognises the individual driving style.
"Opel is once again making a matte move with the new Insignia Grand Sport. Our new flagship takes the recognized qualities of the successful Astra to the next level. No other car in the Insignia class features so many state-of-the-art technologies. We've made it light, agile and amazing to drive. And our designers have created a great combination of refinement and sporty styling that will make even higher-end and higher-priced models jealous. The new Insignia truly reaches new heights. It is a Grand Sport in every sense of the word," said Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann.
Insignia Grand Sport comes equipped with a range of state-of-the-art technologies that make driving safer, more relaxing and more comfortable than ever. Based on the Astra's acclaimed LED matrix adaptive lighting system, Opel engineers have already developed the second generation of IntelliLux LED® lights for the Insignia: they are faster, more precise and more powerful with a range of up to 400 m for the long staircase. Lane Keep Assist with automated steering correction, a new head-up display system and a 360° camera are added to other features such as premium AGR-certified seats, front/rear heated seats and a heated windshield and raise the comfort standards of the new Insignia. The vehicle offers exceptional levels of infotainment and connectivity thanks to the latest generation of IntelliLink systems and the Opel OnStar personal assistance and connectivity system, which, with the launch of the Insignia, will offer the new Personal Assistant service. But the new Insignia Grand Sport is not only concerned with the safety of its own occupants: it is the first Opel with an active aluminum hood that, in the event of a collision with a pedestrian, lifts up in milliseconds to increase the distance from hard engine components, significantly improving pedestrian protection.
It was only natural for the famous Monza Concept to serve as the inspiration for the interior and exterior design of the new Insignia Grand Sport: the Monza was the model for the designers in the studio during the creation phase of Opel's new flagship. Their mission was to capture in the new Insignia the luxurious, understated yet sporty style of the original.
Το αποτέλεσμα μιλά από μόνο του. Το νέο Insignia Grand Sport δείχνει λεπτό και πανάλαφρο. Παρά την ελάχιστη αύξηση μήκους (4897 mm) συγκριτικά με τον προκάτοχό του, κατάφερε να απαλλαγεί από 60 kg μόνο από το αμάξωμα. Συνολικά, η νέα γενιά ζυγίζει 175 kg λιγότερα από το απερχόμενο μοντέλο. Ενώ το μεταξόνιο έχει αυξηθεί κατά 92 mm, οι εμπρός και πίσω πρόβολοι έχουν μειωθεί αισθητά και τα μετατρόχια έχουν διευρυνθεί κατά 11 mm. Το γεγονός αυτό χαρίζει στο Insignia Grand Sport αναλογίες εφάμιλλες πισωκίνητων μοντέλων ανώτερων κατηγοριών. Μία αεροδυναμική οροφή χαμηλωμένη κατά 29 mm συντελεί στη συναρπαστική σχεδίαση του Insignia: διαθέτει την αθλητική και κομψή σιλουέτα ενός coupé.
Η περίοπτη μάσκα και οι λεπτοί προβολείς, εμπνευσμένοι κατευθείαν από το Monza Concept αναδεικνύουν το φαρδύ, οριζόντιο εμπρός τμήμα και του προσδίδουν μία τολμηρή εμφάνιση. Η μάσκα τοποθετείται χαμηλότερα και τονίζει το στιβαρό στήσιμο.
Τα παράθυρα φέρουν πάνω χρωμιωμένη λωρίδα αντί για ολόκληρο πλαίσιο, με αποτέλεσμα η οροφή τύπου coupé να μειώνει οπτικά το ύψος και να αυξάνει το μήκος του αμαξώματος. Η χαρακτηριστική ‘λεπίδα’ παίζει με το φως στο κάτω τμήμα των θυρών, οδηγώντας το βλέμμα προς τα πίσω. Το νέο Insignia Grand Sport είναι αεροδυναμικό όσο φαίνεται: με συντελεστή οπισθέλκουσας 0,26 πρόκειται για ένα από τα πιο αεροδυναμικά οχήματα στην κατηγορία του.
Πίσω, καθαρές και απλές γραμμές σε συνδυασμό με τα χαρακτηριστικά ‘διπλά φτερά’ των φώτων LED χαρίζουν στο όχημα μεγαλύτερο οπτικό πλάτος. Το νέας σχεδίασης, κεντρικά και ψηλά τοποθετημένο φως στοπ LED έχει ενσωματωθεί στη γραμμή οροφής. Αυτό προσδίδει στο πίσω τμήμα μία πιο high-tech εμφάνιση, που παραπέμπει σε premium μοντέλα.
Σε ό,τι αφορά τον εξοπλισμό, το νέο Insignia έχει τα εξής πρόσθετα συστήματα υποστήριξης οδηγού:
Head-up-Display: πληροφορίες για την ταχύτητα, τα σήματα της κυκλοφορίας, τα όρια ταχύτητας στον περιοριστή ή την κατεύθυνση πλοήγησης προβάλλονται στο παρμπρίζ και στο άμεσο οπτικό πεδίο του οδηγού, ώστε ότι ο ίδιος να παραμένει προσηλωμένος στο δρόμο.
Κάμερα 360°: αποτελείται από τέσσερις ατομικές κάμερες σε κάθε πλευρά του αυτοκινήτου. Έτσι επιτυγχάνεται μία πανοραμική εικόνα 360 μοιρών που διευκολύνει τον όποιο ελιγμό παρκαρίσματος.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): μετρά την απόσταση από το προπορευόμενο όχημα και προσαρμόζει ανάλογα την ταχύτητα. Το ACC θα ενεργοποιήσει το φρενάρισμα έκτακτης ανάγκης εάν η απόσταση μειωθεί απότομα.
Lane Keep Assist με αυτοματοποιημένη διόρθωση διεύθυνσης και Lane Departure Warning (LDW): προσφέρει διακριτικές διορθωτικές παρεμβάσεις μέσω του τιμονιού (και προειδοποιήσεις LDW αν χρειαστεί) για να βοηθήσει τους οδηγούς να αποφύγουν την τυχαία απομάκρυνση από τη λωρίδα τους.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert: το σύστημα χρησιμοποιεί αισθητήρες ραντάρ στον πίσω προφυλακτήρα για την ανίχνευση αντικειμένων σε απόσταση έως 20 m σε γωνία 90 μοιρών αριστερά ή δεξιά πίσω από το αυτοκίνητο, μία εξαιρετικά χρήσιμη λειτουργία βγαίνοντας με όπισθεν από ένα χώρο στάθμευσης με περιορισμένη ορατότητα.
