Monday 27 February 2017

!NEW! World Premiere: New Opel Insignia Debuts at Geneva Motor Show

  • Second generation Insignia: New Grand Sport and Sports Tourer ready to shine
  • Save the date: Opel press conference at 11:00 CET on March 7
  • Personal Assistant: Hotel room booking and parking spot search with OnStar
  • 7 in 17: Opel production offensive with seven new models this year in full flow

Star of the show: New Opel Insignia Grand Sport will celebrate its world premiere in Geneva

For Opel, the 87th International Motor Show in Geneva (March 7 to 19, 2017) is all about showcasing its all-new Opel Insignia. The Rüsselsheim-based carmaker will present the Grand Sport and the Sports Tourer variants of its flagship for the very first time at the Opel stand in Hall 2 of the Palexpo (stand number 2231). The dynamic duo will be revealed during the Opel press conference that will take place at 11:00 CET on March 7. Starting at €25,940 (RRP including VAT in Germany) the second generation Opel Insignia offers outstanding value for money. Furthermore, two new OnStar services and the new Opel Exclusive program coming with the new Opel Insignia will also debut in Geneva.


The all-new Opel Insignia is in extremely good shape. It follows the sporty example set by a large coupé, is uncompromisingly spacious thanks to a new architecture and offers exemplary safety just like a true flagship should.

In the all-new Opel Insignia: Next generation IntelliLux LED Matrix headlamp turns night into day making visibility clearer, further and better than ever before


The second generation Insignia impresses with its breathtaking lines, welcoming atmosphere and high-tech solutions ranging from the trendsetting Opel IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights and ultra-modern driver assistance systems like active lane keep assist to the cool Head Up Display (HUD). The active hood for improved pedestrian protection rounds off the significant increase in safety. In addition, the Insignia comes with Opel-typical first-class connectivity with smartphone integration, which now offers a new Opel OnStar feature – the Personal Assistant, which allows Insignia occupants to book hotel rooms and search for suitable parking spots via an OnStar Advisor. Overall, the new Opel Insignia impresses with great agility, increased roominess and outstanding value for money making it a serious challenger even for premium brands.

Neatly arranged cockpit: Driver of the new Opel Insignia Sports sits deep, surrounded by the instrument panel and the center console.


Smooth shifter: All-New eight-speed automatic transmission.

The new flagship is also the first Opel available with an eight-speed automatic transmission, a 360° camera and intelligent all-wheel drive with torque vectoring. In combination with the highly efficient new turbocharged engines, weight reduction of up to 200 kilograms depending on the variant and a lower seating position, the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport and Sports Tourer give the driver a direct and more agile driving experience than ever before.


Tuesday 21 February 2017

New Flagship: Prices for Opel Insignia Grand Sport start at €25,940

  • More car for the money: Opel Insignia Grand Sport offers outstanding value for money
  • Really spacious: Opel Insignia Sports Tourer available from €26,940
  • All-new: Significantly lighter and more agile, clever package, latest generation powertrains
  • Highly efficient: High-volume engines with WLTP driving cycle fuel savings of between three and ten percent
  • Friction-optimized: Newly designed six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions
  • Start of sales: Order books for sedan and station wagon open on February 20

New Opel Insignia Sports Tourer and Grand Sport: Order books open on February

As of February 20, the new Opel flagship is available to order as a Insignia Grand Sport from €25,940 (all prices RRP incl. VAT in Germany) and as a Sports Tourer from €26,940. And the new generation Opel  Insignia is proving to be irresistible: the newcomer not only stands out with its elegantly sporty silhouette featuring exemplary aerodynamics (CD of just 0.26 for the coupé-like five-door) but is also full of technological innovations.

Dynamic duo: New Opel Insignia Sports Tourer and Grand Sport impress with their exciting design, top technologies and luxurious comfort, without any compromises in practicality.

All in all, the new Insignia impresses with improved agility and spaciousness along with excellent value for money, making it a strong challenger even for premium brand models. The new Opel Insignia starts as standard with driver assistance systems such as forward collision alert with pedestrian recognition, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist with automatic steering correction and following distance indication. The active hood for improved pedestrian protection rounds off the significant increase in safety. Elsewhere, even the basic version comes with a touchscreen.


The second generation Insignia is based on an all-new architecture. It weighs up to 175 kilograms less than the outgoing model as a Grand Sport limousine, and up to 200 kg less as a spacious Sports Tourer station wagon. This substantial mass reduction and the new, extremely precise steering system are responsible for the improved driving dynamics.



Furthermore, the all-new Opel flagship debuts with a wide range of highly efficient engines and friction-optimized transmissions designed to provide better efficiency and lower fuel costs. Fuel consumption of the expected volume engines available for the Grand Sport (gasoline: 1.5 liter Turbo; diesel: 1.6 CDTI) is down by three to ten percent compared with the equivalent outgoing models, according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP).

Opel already announced in December 2015 that the company will provide consumption figures based on the WLTP driving cycle for future models. The WLTP driving cycle will become legally binding as of the fall of 2017 and, compared with the currently applicable NEDC, is closer aligned to real driving behavior. Starting with the new Astra, Opel already began providing CO2 and fuel consumption data gathered in accordance with WLTP driving cycle in addition to the official NEDC data as of June 2016. This gives Opel customers a more realistic estimate of the daily consumption of their vehicle. Tests conducted by renowned publications such as Italian magazine Quattroruote already show that the Opel data collected in accordance with the WLTP driving cycle comes very close to real-life consumption.

New gasoline and refined diesel engines available at start of sales

Extremely efficient gasoline unit: 1.5 liter all-aluminum, turbo-charged direct injection engine is available in two output levels with 103 kW/140 hp and 122 kW/165 hp.

The engine portfolio of the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport starts with a newly designed extremely efficient gasoline unit, the 1.5 liter turbo available in two output levels. The entry-level engine offers 103 kW/140 hp (NEDC fuel consumption Grand Sport: urban 7.3 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.7 l/100 km, combined 5.7 l/100 km; 129 g/km CO2) and impresses with powerful torque of 250 Nm between 2,000 and 4,100 rpm. The more powerful 121 kW/165 hp version (NEDC fuel consumption Grand Sport: urban 7.0 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.9 l/100 km, combined 5.7 l/100 km; 130 g/km CO2) has everything that it takes to be the bestselling gasoline engine available for the Insignia family.

Compared to the already very efficient 1.6 liter Turbo (125 kW/170 hp) used in the outgoing model, the new engine reduces consumption in accordance with the WLTP driving cycle on average by around another three percent.

The 1.5 liter all-aluminum, turbo-charged direct injection unit has the largest displacement of all the ultra-modern three and four-cylinder members of Opel’s small gasoline engine family. The new 1.5 liter high-tech four-cylinder also impresses with sharp throttle response and ample torque in every situation – two typical features of these units. A further highlight is the top-of-the-range gasoline engine for the new Opel Insignia. 

The 2.0 liter turbo delivers 191 kW/260 hp and maximum torque of 400 Nm between 3,000 and 4,000 rpm (NEDC fuel consumption Grand Sport: urban 11.5 l/100 km, extra-urban 7.0 l/100 km, combined 8.6 l/100 km; 197 g/km CO2). The 2.0 liter, four-cylinder unit comes in combination with the completely new eight-speed automatic transmission, which shifts smoothly, and a highly sophisticated all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring – a unique feature in the midsize segment. On this high-tech all-wheel drive system, two multi-plate clutches replace a conventional rear axle differential and can accelerate the wheels individually in a split-second depending on the driving situation.


The propulsion offering is rounded off by the new six-speed manual transmission for the popular 1.6 liter diesel engines with outputs of 81 kW/110 hp (NEDC fuel consumption Insignia Grand Sport: urban 4.6 l/100 km, extra-urban 3.6 l/100 km, combined 4.0 l/100 km; 105 g/km CO2) and 100 kW/136 hp (NEDC fuel consumption  Insignia Grand Sport: urban 5.1 l/100 km, extra-urban 3.9 l/100 km, combined 4.3 l/100 km; 114 g/km CO2). This new combination of friction-optimized manual transmission and refined 1.6 CDTI with 81 kW/110 hp results in average fuel savings in the WLTP driving cycle of ten percent compared to the outgoing model.


In addition, Opel will offer the refined 2.0 liter diesel with 125 kW/170 hp and maximum torque of 400 Nm (NEDC fuel consumption  Insignia Grand Sport: urban 6.7 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.3 l/100 km, combined 5.2 l/100 km; 136 g/km CO2).

Monday 13 February 2017

!NEW! Opel Ampera-e Impresses with Electrifying High-tech

  • Revolutionary: Electric range of 520 kilometers (in accordance with NEDC)
  • All-round safety: Assistance systems guard, warn and even brake in an emergency
  • Outstanding connectivity: 4G/LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot, smartphone integration and new OnStar services
  • Tailored: New myOpelApp developed especially for the Opel Ampera-e

Range champion: New Opel Ampera-e can cover 520 kilometers (measured in accordance with the New European Driving Cycle) between charges.

The new Opel Ampera-e is the electric car with a revolutionary officially certified NEDC range of 520 kilometers (measured in accordance with the New European Driving Cycle). The 4.17 meter long Ampera-e also offers plenty of space for up to five passengers plus trunk space of 381 liters (1,274 liters when the seats are folded down), which is more than some compact class cars. “We are bringing an electric car fully suitable for everyday use to market in the Ampera-e. It is not eco-luxury, not a gadget and not just a second car. Opel is showing that electro-mobility is also achievable for a much broader audience thanks to the most innovative technology,” said Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. The newcomer has been available for order in Norway, a country fully geared up for electro-mobility, for a few weeks now and orders have surpassed 3,400. With the Opel Ampera-e set to go on sale in Germany, the Netherlands, France and Switzerland shortly it is time to get to know the electric car better and take a closer look at the combination of high-tech battery, assistance systems and digital connectivity.
 

No range anxiety: New Opel Ampera-e revolutionizes electro-mobility.



The new Opel Ampera-e – Overview

Battery & range

60 kWh lithium-ion battery consisting of 288 cells arranged in eight modules of 30 and two modules of 24 cells. The entire battery pack is an integral part of the underbody. This saves space while simultaneously guaranteeing safety. A 30-minute charge at a 50 kW DC public fast-charger will add a further 150 kilometers of range. Opel grant a warranty of up to eight years or 160,000 kilometers for the battery system. The revolutionary electric car has a range of 520 kilometers measured based on the NEDC test cycle with a full battery. And the Opel Ampera-e also impresses when tested approximated to the speed profile defined in the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure) driving cycle (shortened test procedure): Based on this development test, the engineers estimate a combined WLTP range of 380 kilometers. Naturally, the range in everyday use will vary and depends on personal driving behavior and on external factors.


Performance & torque

Instant torque of 360 Nm is responsible for the electrifying temperament of the Ampera-e. The output of the electric motor is equivalent to 150 kW/204 hp (PS). This enables the Opel Ampera-e to accelerate from 0 to 50 km/h in just 3.2 seconds and from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds – times rivalling those of sports cars. Mid-range acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h, which is especially important for overtaking maneuvers, is completed in just 4.5 seconds. Top speed is limited to 150 km/h for the benefit of the overall range.

Comfort & Safety

The new Ampera-e also follows Opel’s strategy of making technologies normally only known from the luxury class available to a broader audience at affordable prices. Therefore, the electric car from Rüsselsheim comes with a string of high-tech assistance systems.

Advanced Park Assist: It finds suitable parallel and perpendicular parking slots automatically park the Ampera-e. The driver only needs to operate the pedals. Advanced Park Assist scans free parking spaces between parallel parked vehicles as normally encountered on supermarket car parks. Furthermore, the clever assistant searches for roadside parking spots between parked cars. The driver always has an excellent overview thanks to the 130-degree rear-view camera.

Safety assistant: A string of systems helps ensure that the Opel Ampera-e always keeps a safe distance to the vehicle in front, does not unintentionally leave its lane, no other road users are overlooked and supports the driver right up to emergency braking. The amount of assistants even helps eliminate the fear of being caught in hectic rush-hour traffic. The assistants are:

  • Following Distance Indication & Forward Collision Alert – for sufficient distance to vehicles in front
  • Lane Keep Assist – issues a warning when unintentionally leaving the lane (active at speeds between 60 and 150 km/h). Provides gentle steering wheel turns but does not steer the car continuously.
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert, radar based – for safe reversing
  • Automatic High Beam Assist & Traffic Sign Assistant – to see everything at a glance.
  • Radar based Lane Change Alert and Side Blind Zone Alert – so that nothing and nobody is overlooked
  • Pedestrian Safety Signal & Front Pedestrian Mitigation Braking – to protect pedestrians. The warning signal was developed to make distracted or blind pedestrians aware of the quiet electric car and is active at speeds up to 30 km/h.
  • Forward Collision Alert with Low Speed Collision Mitigation Braking & Reflective LED Alert Display – to help prevent front-end collisions.

Infotainment & connectivity

Well informed: New Opel Ampera-e with digital instrument panel and central, iPad-inspired monitor.


Opel’s electric car is the perfect match for our digital age: essential operations are performed via the individually configurable, tablet-like 10.2 inch color monitor. All important information on the vehicle or the outside conditions can be displayed here. The IntelliLink-e infotainment system can integrate compatible smartphones via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These can be charged even when not connected through a cable thanks to wireless charging. Features such as voice control, USB and Bluetooth interfaces are obviously also available. Audiophile Ampera-e owners can also order the Bose sound system with subwoofer – a special treat in the super-silent electric car.

IntelliLink-e finally fuses to create a complete service offering when combined with the personal service and connectivity assistant Opel OnStar. OnStar offers a powerful 4G/LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot, ensuring outstanding connectivity for all Ampera-e occupants and their mobile devices. Furthermore, Opel OnStar users are only a press of a button away from a personal advisor who can help book a hotel room (booking service), find the closest available charging station or provide directions to a car park.

The digital offering is rounded off by the newly developed myOpelApp. It gives Ampera-e owners the possibility of controlling their car from afar – just like with all other models with Opel OnStar on board. The app helps fully exploit the advantages of an electric car: The Ampera-e can be pre-heated or pre-cooled no matter whether it is parked at a charging station or not via the app, thus enabling passengers to get into a perfectly acclimatized car no matter what the weather. In combination with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto the app also enables the location of charging stations to be considered when planning routes – just in case the distance exceeds the range.

Just like its sibling the Chevrolet Bolt EV, the Opel Ampera-e is made in the GM plant in Orion, Michigan.

Monday 6 February 2017

!NEW! Spacious, Sporty and Sophisticated: Next-Generation Holden Commodore Sportwagon Revealed


  • Room to move with 1640L of boot space, kicking motion opens powered tailgate
  • Class-leading driving dynamics, advanced all-wheel drive with torque vectoring
  • Sleek European design, superb refinement
  • Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking and more
  • Latest generation IntelliLux LED Matrix lights turn night into day
  • World premiere in Geneva this March in Opel guise, on-sale in Australia 2018 


All-New Holden Commodore Sportwagon
All-new Holden Commodore Sportwagon has emerged from the gym; trim, toned and beautifully presented. Following closely on the heels of the reveal of the NG Commodore, the Sportwagon is spacious, refined and offers exemplary safety, just as a flagship Holden should.

Offering space and sophistication in equal measures, the all-new Sportwagon offers 1640 litres of boot space and high-tech solutions ranging from the world-beating IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights and ultra-modern driver assistance systems to the cool head-up display. In addition, the Commodore Sportwagon comes with Holden’s first nine-speed automatic transmission and intelligent all-wheel drive. 

Next-generation Holden Sportwagon reinforces Commodore’s position as the most advanced Holden ever, includes tech such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive suspension, adaptive cruise control and matrix lighting

Drivetrain line-up mirrors NG Commodore’s with four-cylinder petrol and diesel options, alongside the  flagship V6 model with 230 kW and 370 Nm, world-first Twinster all-wheel drive system and 9-speed transmission for the first time ever in a Holden.  

The new Sportwagon comes with significant mass reductions than the current Commodore – depending on powertrain and trim, driven by the use of lightweight materials and efficient packaging. The new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer is up to 200 kilograms lighter than the current Commodore – depending on powertrain and trim, driven by the use of lightweight materials and efficient packaging.

Bringing sexy back:

Who said wagons need to be boring? Holden continues the tradition of high-style wagons with the all-new Commodore. Inspired by the Opel Monza concept, the prominent grille and the sculpted headlight design add to the feeling of sophistication. The car’s stance is also emphasized by a long wheelbase. The signature ‘blade’ styling hallmark starts in the front door and sweeps towards the rear helps carry the eye from front to back. The chrome window blade dynamically flows into the LED tail lamps and gives the Commodore Sportwagon an even more athletic appearance. The silver roof rails help stretch the car, make it look lower and emphasize the high-quality design.
 
2018 Holden Commodore Sportwagon

Easy loader: Tailgate with an extra kick

Not just sleek and sexy, the next-gen Sportwagon is also practical with 1,640 litres of boot volume.
In order to make loading as easy as possible, the tailgate can be opened with a ‘kick’ – without touching the car. In combination with ‘keyless open’ tech, a simple small kicking motion under the rear bumper is enough to open the tailgate (a vehicle silhouette projected onto the ground shows the correct area). A further kicking motion under the bumper will close the tailgate. The clever system can detect any obstruction and stops the mechanism in case of emergency. In addition, for practicability, the height of the opening can be programmed, in case the car is in a garage. Furthermore, the tailgate can still be opened by a switch on the driver’s side of the car, a button at the rear or via the key’s remote control.

In order to increase loading space the new Sportwagon comes with optional 40/20/40 foldable rear seats enabling even more flexible loading space configurations. The rear-seat bank can be folded down by simply pushing a button located in the luggage compartment.

The upcoming Holden Sportwagon will celebrate its world premiere in Opel guise at the Geneva Motor Show on March 7, and will go on sale in Australia in 2018.



 NEXT-GENERATION HOLDEN COMMODORE KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Cutting-edge driver assistance systems and technology:
    • Autonomous Emergency Braking
    • Adaptive Cruise Control
    • Speed Limit Cruise Control
    • Lane Departure Warning
    • Lane Keep Assist
    • Forward Collision Alert
    • Side Blind-Zone Alert
    • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

  • Next-generation comfort and convenience technologies:
    • Massage Seats
    • Rear one-touch folding seats
    • Heated Front and Rear seats
    • Ventilated Front seats
    • Express up/down all windows
    • Wagon power lift-gate
    • Active Noise Cancellation
 Program overview:
  • Next-generation Commodore built in Germany on all-new, global E2 architecture shared with Opel Insignia
  • Lightweight construction methods result in approximately 200kg weight savings compared to current Commodore
  • Flagship model offers V6 AWD drivetrain with Holden-first 9-speed transmission
  • V6 engine delivers 230 kW / 370 Nm while being incredibly efficient thanks to Stop-Start technology and Active Fuel Management
  • 2.0T petrol and 2.0T diesel front-wheel drive models also coming to Australia
  • Liftback and Sportwagon body-styles
  • Cutting-edge, adaptive all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring and twin-clutch (‘Twinster’) rear differential system
  • Adaptive ‘Flexride’ suspension system offers three settings: ‘Tour’, ‘Standard’ and ‘Sport’ 
  • Next-generation matrix lighting system
  • Infotainment includes:
    • Apple Car Play and Android Auto
    • 8-inch configurable LCD instrument display,
    • Next-gen head-up display
 Additional details and information to be confirmed closer to launch.

!NEW! Spacious and Sporty: All-New Opel Insignia Sports Tourer

  • Spacious: 100 liters more trunk space compared to predecessor, kicking motion opens power tailgate
  • Fun: Convincing driving dynamics, all-wheel drive with torque vectoring
  • Impressive: Consistent dynamic line following example of the Opel Monza Concept
  • Protective: With Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking and more
  • Bright: Latest generation Opel IntelliLux LED Matrix light turn night into day
  • Connected: IntelliLink infotainment on Opel OnStar with hotel booking and parking information
  • Cozy: Heated windshield, heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats
  • Coming soon: World premiere in Geneva this March, order books open in February

Exciting eye-catcher: Athleticism of the new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer is derived from the Opel Monza Concept design study.

The all-new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer is in extremely good shape. It follows the sporty example set by a large coupé, is uncompromisingly spacious and offers exemplary safety just like a true flagship should. The second generation Insignia impresses with its breathtaking lines, a trunk volume that has been increased to 1,640 liters – over 100 liters more than the outgoing model – and high-tech solutions ranging from the trendsetting Opel IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights and ultra-modern driver assistance systems to the cool head-up display. In addition, the Insignia comes with Opel-typical first-class connectivity with smartphone integration which now offers a new Opel OnStar feature – the Personal Assistant which allows Insignia occupants to book hotel rooms and search for parking via an OnStar Advisor. The new flagship is also the first car made in Rüsselsheim available with an eight-speed automatic transmission, a 360° camera and intelligent all-wheel drive with torque vectoring. The all-new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer will celebrate its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on March 7 and order books will open in February.

Beautifully practical: Opel  Monza Concept‘s DNA is also apparent at the rear of the new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer.

The all-new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer is up to 200 kilograms lighter than the outgoing model – depending on powertrain and trim. This was mainly made possible by the use of lightweight materials and efficient packaging. Combined with the lower seating position of the driver it results in a noticeable increase in driving dynamics – never before has a large station wagon from Rüsselsheim been so agile.

Clear lines: Opel blade characterizes the side of the new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer. Sweeping chrome between windows and roof makes the wagon look even more dynamic.

“Our new flagship is packed with ‘high-tech’ for everyone, with affordable technologies that make driving safer and more comfortable. Then there is the interior space! Whether for business or recreation, the all-new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer meets just about every kind of transport requirement. In other words, it is the spaceship from Rüsselsheim! Finally, the driving experience – really dynamic! The car is much leaner than before and features the newest generation FlexRide chassis,” said Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann.

High-tech assistance systems: Fore more comfort and safety

The new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer comes with the same leading technologies already announced for the Opel Insignia Grand Sport. Most notably that includes the next generation of the adaptive Opel IntelliLux LED Matrix light system, which is even quicker and more precise than before. Features such as Lane Keep Assist with automatic steering correction increase safety even further. Furthermore, the new Insignia is the first Opel with an active hood. In case of a collision, the hood lifts up in milliseconds, thus increasing the distance to the engine and offering pedestrians improved protection.

Wellness wagon: Ergonomic, AGR-certified, premium seats of the new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer feature electrically operated cushion adjustment, massage, memory and ventilation functions.

Inside, the optional AGR-certified (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e. V.) premium ergonomic seats with massage, ventilation and memory function ensure an even more comfortable ride. Furthermore, the two outer rear seats are heated – just like the windshield. The large panorama sunroof enables an unhindered view towards heaven. Obviously, Opel thought about comfortable and clean loading. The tailgate of the new Insignia Sports Tourer can be opened and closed by making a kicking motion under the rear bumper.

Emotional eye catcher: Opel Insignia Sports Tourer in Opel Monza Concept skin

The new Opel Insignia Grand Sport already takes many cues from the athletic Opel Monza Concept but this is taken even further in the new generation Insignia Sports Tourer. Although the exterior dimensions have grown slightly to 4,986 millimeters, the newcomer looks much more athletic and agile. The 11 millimeters increased track, the prominent grille and the Monza Concept-inspired headlights all add to this perception. The car’s stance is also emphasized by the wheelbase, which has been extended by 92 millimeters to 2,829 millimeters, and a front overhang that has been reduced by 30 millimeters. The Opel blade starting in the front door and sweeping towards the rear helps carry the eye from front to back. The chrome window blade dynamically flows into the LED tail lamps and gives the ‘low’, only 1,483 millimeter tall Insignia Sports Tourer an even more athletic appearance. The silver roof rails (standard in all equipment levels) help stretch the car, make it look lower and emphasize the high-quality design.


Opel Insignia Sports Tourer’s kinship with the Opel Monza Concept is especially apparent at the rear: The shape looks much lighter than before with the newcomer defined by clear lines. Together with the slim, slightly protruding LED taillights in double-wing design, they help the rear end of the Opel flagship to make a strong impression. The high-tech look of the Opel Monza Concept thus becomes reality.



Easy loader: Tailgate with an extra kick

The next generation Sports Tourer not only looks more elegant and sporty, it is also more practical. The overhang between bumper and trunk is reduced, thanks to the neatly designed tailgate, which also makes loading easier. In addition, the width between the wheel arches has increased, which makes it easier to install bulky items such as a dog kennel. The same applies to the length of the trunk, which has grown by 97 millimeters to 2,005 millimeters with the backs of the rear seats folded. The all-new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer thus offers a maximum trunk volume of 1,640 liters, over 100 liters more than its predecessor.

Perfect for packing: Trunk of the new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer offers lots of space, a wide load surface and – with the FlexOrganizer pack – luggage nets and fastening rails in the floor.

In order to make loading as easy as possible, the tailgate can be opened with a kick, without touching the car. In combination with “Keyless Open” a simple small kicking motion under the rear bumper is enough to open the tailgate (a vehicle silhouette projected onto the ground shows the correct area). A further kicking motion under the bumper will close the tailgate. The clever system can detect any obstruction and stops the mechanism in case of emergency. In addition, for practicability, the height of the opening can be programmed, in case the car is in a garage. Furthermore, the tailgate can still be opened by a switch on the driver’s side of the car, a button at the rear or via the key’s remote control.

Cavernous: Trunk volume of the new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer increases at the push of a button to 1,640 liters – 100 liters more than the predecessor – by folding the rear seats.

In order to increase loading space the all-new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer comes with optional 40/20/40 foldable rear seats enabling even more flexible loading space configurations. The rear seat bank can be folded down by simply pushing a button located in the luggage compartment. Furthermore, the FlexOrganizer Pack with side rails, dividing nets and various fastening options is available as an option so that all loaded materials can be stored safely and tidily. The upward-opening trunk cover makes for even easier access to the trunk.

Wellness: Comfort and connectivity for driver and passengers

Bright outlook: The optional panorama sunroof of the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer stretches back over the heads of the rear seat passengers.

The attention to detail is also recognizable in the passenger compartment. Headroom has increased by 31 millimeters, shoulder-room by 25 millimeters and space for the hips by 27 millimeters. Additional luxury is provided by the optional 1,400 x 860 millimeters panorama sunroof that stretches back over the heads of rear-seat passengers. For the first time, both outer rear seats of the Opel Insignia are also heated.

The cockpit is adapted to the person sitting behind the steering wheel. The driver of the all-new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer sits lower in the car than before and is surrounded by the instruments and center console, as if sitting in a command center. Clear lines and sculptural surfaces true to the Opel design philosophy contribute further to the elegant appearance. The frameless touchscreen of the IntelliLink system, which is oriented towards the driver, displays a high-class character. In addition to the touchscreen, the controls can be operated intuitively by three rows of buttons. The top row is reserved for the infotainment system, the middle row for heating, ventilation and air conditioning and the bottom row is for driver assistance systems.

Best connections and top entertainment: IntelliLink infotainment systems of the new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer – which are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – can be controlled via the large color touchscreen.

Great entertainment and outstanding connectivity are ensured by the latest Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible IntelliLink systems. And while the smartphone is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle’s infotainment it now can also be charged wirelessly without the use of a cable. Naturally, the groundbreaking connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar is also on board, offering services ranging from Automatic Crash Response to Stolen Vehicle Assistance. A new Personal Assistant service will be launched together with the Insignia, enabling its occupants to ask OnStar advisors, for example, to select a hotel and proceed to room reservation as well as looking for available parking. Furthermore, the 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot featured in the OnStar system allows all Insignia occupants to connect their devices to the net.

Neatly arranged cockpit: Driver of the new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer sits deep, surrounded by the instrument panel and the center console.

Elsewhere, the premium, AGR-certified ergonomic front seats in the Insignia offer a unique combination of electric side bolster settings, massage, memory and ventilation functions while the heated windshield guarantees good visibility quickly on cold winter days.

Top technologies: IntelliLux LED, 360° camera, active Lane Keep Assist

One of the highlights in every sense of the word is the (already) second generation of Opel’s innovative and award-winning adaptive IntelliLux LED Matrix light, enabled by new generation LED technology and further developments from Opel engineers. The Opel IntelliLux LED Matrix light now has 16 LED segments integrated into each of the very slim headlamps of the Insignia. The increased number of LED segments enables the various light patterns to adapt to the prevailing traffic situation even more precisely and the transitions between the multiple lighting patterns are faster and more seamless. To improve visibility even further while driving through curves on full high beam, Opel engineers added an innovative active curve lighting function to the new Insignia’s IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights. According to the steering angle, the light intensity provided by the LED segments lighting the inner of the curve rises to better illuminate the line to follow. Last but not least, a further, dedicated LED spotlight located within the low beam module provides additional illumination at full high-beam for up to 400 meters.

Additional driver assistance systems include:

  • Head-up-Display: Information on speed, traffic signs, set speed of speed limiter or navigation direction is projected onto the windshield and in the driver’s direct line of sight ensuring that the eyes remain on the road.
  • 360° camera, which consists of four individual cameras on each side of the car. It enables a 360-degree bird’s-eye view and thus facilitates every parking maneuver.
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which measures the distance to the vehicle in front and adapts the speed accordingly. ACC will initiate automatic emergency braking if the distance decreases abruptly.
  • Lane Keep Assist with automated steering correction and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). Provides gentle steering wheel movements (and LDW alerts if necessary) to help drivers avoid unintentionally drifting out of their lane.
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The system uses radar sensors in the rear bumper to detect objects coming from up to 20 meters at 90 degrees from the left or right side behind the vehicle, a very useful function when reversing out of a parking spot with limited visibility.

Pure fun to drive: Torque vectoring all-wheel drive and broad range of powertrains

Driving pleasure and safety no matter what the conditions are guaranteed thanks to the Insignia’s new intelligent all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring – the most sophisticated in class. Two electrically controlled multi-plate clutches in the all-wheel drive system replace the usual rear axle differential, providing a much more precise power transmission to each wheel individually, no matter whether the roads are graveled, wet, icy or snowy. When cornering, additional torque is transmitted to the outside rear wheel, sensibly reducing understeering and enabling more precise control. The system reacts within a split-second of the accelerator being pressed, ensuring that the car remains more stable and easier to steer in every situation.



In addition, the further improved FlexRide chassis provides the basis for excellent, situation-based driving behavior. FlexRide adapts the dampers, steering, throttle response and shift points (on automatics) independently or based on the modes ‘Standard’, ‘Sport’ or ‘Tour’, which can be selected by the driver. The new central ‘Drive Mode Control’ software is the heart and soul of the adaptive chassis. It continuously analyzes the information provided by the sensors and settings and recognizes the individual driving style.

When the order books open, the all-new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer will be available with a range of turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines along with latest generation transmissions. An absolute newcomer can be found in the highly efficient eight-speed automatic. It impresses with class-leading shifting comfort and will initially only be available in combination with all-wheel drive.

Friday 3 February 2017

!NEW! All Systems Go for Opel Astra TCR’s Second Season

  • Intensive further development of Opel’s customer racing touring car for 2017
  • Technical partner Kissling Motorsport also takes over customer support 

Next step: Pierre-Yves Corthals, winner of last season’s TCR Trophy Europe, and Belgian team DG Sport Compétition are working on using two Opel touring cars in the TCR International Series.

Before the start of the 2017 international circuit racing season, the Opel Astra TCR is currently undergoing the last phase of technical development. Based on lessons learned from the 2016 debut season, a number of details were optimized on Opel’s 350 hp customer racing touring car during the winter in preparation for the 2017 homologation this March. After this takes place, the Opel Astra TCR can be used in all TCR series around the world. The TCR spectrum encompasses the global TCR International Series as well as a total of eleven national and regional championships, which include the ADAC TCR Germany. In addition, a number of endurance races such as the Nürburgring 24-hours, Barcelona and Dubai feature a class for TCR vehicles as does the most popular privateer sport series in the world, the VLN Endurance Championship Nürburgring on the legendary Nordschleife.

Enhanced Astra TCR: Opel’s 350 hp customer racing touring car has been further optimized over the winter.

The vehicle homologation will be preceded by the “Balance of Performance” (BoP) test on March 1-2 at the Adria International Raceway near Venice. During this test, the performance of all participating brands’ TCR vehicles is tested by a professional driver engaged by the TCR organization and the cars are then given a base classification. This ensures the competitiveness of all participating vehicles. If necessary, BoP adjustments will be made during the season to assure well-balanced starting fields and exciting touring car racing with large brand diversity.

Opel Astra TCR with driver Pierre-Yves Corthals
In addition to private use in various national championships, the Opel Astra TCR is also to perform on the international stage again this year. The Belgian team DG Sport Compétition – with driver Pierre-Yves Corthals and the Astra TCR the first title holder in the TCR Trophy Europe last season – is working on using two Opel touring cars for the TCR International Series. The season start is on April 2 at Rustavi International Motopark in Georgia.

2016 Opel Astra TCR on Nürburgring

To offer customers support that is as comprehensive as possible, Opel is intensifying cooperation with its longtime technical and development partner Kissling Motorsport. In future, in addition to developing and building the Astra TCR customer vehicles, the touring car specialists from Bad Münstereifel near the Nürburgring will also be responsible for all customer support. “We thus bundle all building blocks necessary for our customer racing program under one roof. This ensures streamlined processes, direct communication channels and efficient service for Astra TCR customers,” says Opel Motorsport Director Jörg Schrott.