All-New Opel Insignia Country Tourer and New Personalization Concept Opel Exclusive Now Available to Order

• Off-road appeal: Order books open for adventurous Insignia top model from €34,885
• For all terrains: All-wheel drive with torque vectoring, 25 mm more ground clearance
• Absolutely individual: Unique Insignia personalization with Opel Exclusive 
• Autumn launch: World premiere at IAA in September, at dealers shortly after

Adventurer in off-road look: New Opel Insignia Country Tourer is available now at prices starting from €34,885 (RRP including VAT).

The new Opel Insignia Country Tourer celebrates its premiere at this year‘s Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA, September 12 – 24) and will be at dealers shortly afterwards. But the adventurer with off-road appeal and optional clever all-wheel drive with torque vectoring can already be ordered today. The Insignia Country Tourer is available for the entry-level price of €34,885 (all prices RRP incl. VAT in Germany). The new top-of-the-line model already comes with a wide range of top technologies and assistance systems on board. Standard equipment includes the ultra-modern FlexRide premium chassis, Hill Start Assist, Opel Eye front camera including Forward Collision Alert with Pedestrian Detection and Automatic City Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist with automatic steering correction, Following Distance Indication, High Beam Assist and automatic low beam lighting with tunnel recognition. Top comfort is guaranteed by features such as two-zone automatic climate control, the Keyless Open & Start system and multi-stage adjustable comfort seats. Insignia Country Tourer passengers enjoy best entertainment and connectivity with the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible Radio R 4.0 IntelliLink. The personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar including one year of OnStar services^[1] such as hotel room booking^[2] and parking spot search^[3] is also on board as standard.

Hitting the track: New Opel Insignia Country Tourer features a tough off-road look and innovative technologies such as FlexRide suspension and optional all-wheel drive with torque vectoring.

At the same time as the new Insignia Country Tourer, Opel Exclusive – which is also available for the Insignia Grand Sport and Sports Tourer – is being launched. The personalization concept allows Insignia buyers to choose exactly the color they want. Initially, the regular color portfolio will be expanded by 15 additional shades, and soon Opel will offer an unlimited amount of options. Customers’ favorite lipstick, their daughter’s eye color or a picture of the dark blue evening sky can in future serve as the sample for their own individual paint tone. The Black Pack gives the Exclusive model an extra sporty touch with high-gloss black 

Opel grille bar and window trim strips, exterior mirrors and much more. And a complementary design from a range of light alloy wheels can also be selected. The Exclusive line will also soon be expanded with an even larger selection of leather interior options and decorative design elements – resulting in unique automobiles personalized according to their owner’s taste. In addition, every Opel Insignia ordered as an Exclusive model comes with a host of standard trim features on top: Navi 900 IntelliLink with an eight-inch color touchscreen, Solar Protect heat-absorbing glazing as well as groundbreaking IntelliLux LED  Matrix light are all on board. Thus equipped, for example the Insignia Country Tourer as an Exclusive model is available from €35,885.

Tough shell, comfortable interior: Opel Insignia for “country fans”

 The new Opel Insignia Country Tourer features the same qualities as its siblings – sporty, elegant styling, the completely new, lightweight architecture, state-of-the-art assistance systems and innovative technologies such as the highly praised IntelliLux LED Matrix light consisting of 32 LED segments unique in this vehicle class – and much more.

The prominent landscape grille and slim headlamps offer a wide horizontal impression, whilst the silver colored skid plate helps to pull the car down to underline the solid stance. Molded black protective cladding in the lower fascia, the wheel arches and along the lower body side emphasize the rugged appearance. Just like the front, the rear end also delivers adventurous cues, such as a skid plate and dual exhaust bezels that reinforce the more powerful and wider impression.

 Matching the character of the rugged all-rounder, the new Insignia Country Tourer is above all extremely practical. In order to make loading as easy as possible, the tailgate optionally available for €455 can be opened without touching the car. In combination with “Keyless Open & Start” a simple kicking motion under the rear bumper is enough to open the tailgate. Another kicking motion under the bumper will close the tailgate. In order to increase loading space to 1,665 liters, the new Insignia Country Tourer comes with standard 40/20/40 foldable rear seats enabling even more flexible loading space configurations. The rear seat bank can be folded down by simply pushing the buttons located in the luggage compartment. And the standard roof railing not only emphasizes the adventurous look but also increases the application spectrum of the new Insignia Country Tourer allowing the rugged station wagon to carry roof loads of up to 100 kilograms. In the interior, the driver and especially rear passengers enjoy plenty of space. Top comfort is ensured by the optional AGR (Campaign for Healthier Backs) certified ergonomic seats with seat ventilation and massage function (€690) for driver and front passenger.

For all terrains: Leading propulsion and chassis technologies

The new Opel Insignia Country Tourer packs a punch with powerful turbo gasoline and turbo diesel engines. The top-of-the-line unit is the two-liter Turbo gasoline direct injection engine with 191 kW/260 hp (NEDC fuel consumption: urban 11.5 l/100 km, extra-urban 7.3 l/100 km, combined 8.9 l/100 km, 203 g/km CO₂), new eight-speed automatic transmission and state-of-the-art Twinster all-wheel drive. Initially the most powerful diesel is the 125 kW/170 hp two-liter diesel, also optionally available with all-wheel drive (NEDC fuel consumption: urban 8.4 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.4 l/100 km, combined 6.5 l/100 km, 172 g/km CO₂). An even more powerful top-of-the-line diesel will enhance the portfolio in the near future.

Twenty-five millimeters of additional ground clearance along with the innovative all-wheel drive with torque vectoring and the new five-link rear suspension cater for the wish to leave asphalt roads and give the Insignia Country Tourer the most polished system in its class. Instead of a traditional rear differential, which transmits equal amounts of torque to the rear wheels, the Opel Insignia Country Tourer boasts two electrically controlled multi-plates clutches which enable a more individual and precise transmission of power to each wheel – irrespective of road or weather conditions. To counteract the understeer tendency in tight corners taken at higher speeds, the system, depending on the acceleration command and steering movement, sends more torque to the outside rear wheel. This happens without any further driver intervention and in a split second. This stabilizes the vehicle. Furthermore, the Insignia turns in with more precision, responding more spontaneously to inputs from the driver. This results in neutral vehicle behavior, making the car more stable and steerable for the driver no matter what the situation.

 

The further improved FlexRide chassis provides the basis for optimal, situation-based driving behavior. It 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.

Initially the engine portfolio will be rounded off by a front-wheel drive 125 kW/170 hp two liter diesel – with six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox (NEDC fuel consumption: urban 7.6-7.1 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.0-4.6 l/100 km, combined 6.0-5.5 l/100 km, 157-145 g/km CO₂) and the 121 kW/165 hp  

1.5 Direct Injection Turbo with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission (NEDC fuel consumption: urban 8.0-7.9 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.7-5.6 l/100 km, combined 6.5-6.4 l/100 km, 149-147 g/km CO₂).

Like no other: Insignia à la Opel Exclusive

Those who want to drive a truly unique Insignia Country Tourer, Sports Tourer or Grand Sport will have a nearly unlimited range of design options. The new magical formula is called Opel Exclusive – including personalized exterior colors. So in future customers can choose not only from the regular colors plus a special Exclusive color collection – Opel will reproduce any individual paint tone desired. All that is needed is a concrete example, be it a photograph or a tie, for instance. The color code alone is also enough to create the desired dream color.

In the next step, Opel makes a paint sample – after all, customers should be able to clearly imagine and decide how the color looks on their car and what effect the finish should have. From puristic unicolor to classic metallic or deep pearly shine finish, everything is possible; this all depends on the paint composition. And by coloring normally transparent clear lacquer, red shades, for instance, are enriched with a special depth of color.

In addition, in future Insignia customers can choose from special light alloy wheel designs and select the exceptional Black Pack. With it, the normally chrome body parts such as the grille bar, window trim strips and much more, including exterior mirrors if desired, shine in high-gloss black finish, emphasizing the car’s sporty character even more.

Special service: as part of the Exclusive program, customers can create their vehicle in ultra-high definition resolution in the digital 4K showroom.

^[1] OnStar Services (except Wi-Fi) require activation and account with OnStar Europe Ltd. All services subject to mobile network coverage and availability. Use of OnStar services (except Wi-Fi) is free of charge for 12 months from registration date or delivery of vehicle, whichever comes first. Charges apply after expiry of applicable trial periods. Check [LOCAL SITE] for service limitations and charges.

^[2] Via booking.com. E-mail address and credit card required.

^[3] Via Parkopedia.

The Contender: New Opel Grandland X Prices Start at €23,700

• First-class price-performance ratio: Top technologies and comfort on board
• Exactly right: Dynamic compact SUV for booming market
• Chic and spacious: Sporty style with crisp proportions and lots of room
• Safe and relaxing: Ultra-modern assistance systems make driving easier
• Powerful and economical: Efficient engines ensure lively SUV driving fun
• Premiere at the IAA: Order books now open, at dealerships shortly afterwards

Challenging the establishment: Opel Grandland X is a new contender in the hotly contested market for compact Sport Utility Vehicles.

Modern, dynamic lines, a cool off-road look and the elevated seating position with good all-round visibility typical of an SUV, along with a host of top technologies as well as plenty of space and comfort – this is the new Opel Grandland X. The newcomer is a true contender in the booming SUV segment, not least thanks to its attractive price-performance ratio. The new Opel Grandland X makes its premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in September and will be at dealerships shortly thereafter. Order books are now open with prices starting at €23,700 (all prices RRP incl. VAT in Germany). It already comes with numerous features on board as standard. These include the camera-based Lane Departure Warning, Road Sign Recognition, Hill Start Assist, Radio R4.0 with Bluetooth hands-free phone capability, air conditioning with particulate and odor filter, comfort seats with numerous adjustment possibilities and a 40:60 split foldable rear seat back. Opel OnStar is already standard from the Edition trim level.

The cool, dynamic design of Opel’s new compact SUV makes it a real eye-catcher – even more so with the optional two-color finish. The 4.48 meter-long Grandland X’s athletic look boasts crisp exterior dimensions with its taut muscles and short overhangs. Thanks to the long wheelbase of 2,675 millimeters, up to five people enjoy generous space in the interior. And with a load volume of 514 to 1,652 liters for luggage and sport equipment, the new Opel SUV is even on a par with extremely spacious compact class station wagons.

The Grandland X has a first-class portfolio of ultra-modern assistance, infotainment and comfort features: Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking and pedestrian detection, Driver Drowsiness Alert, Advanced Park Assist and the 360° Camera – all standard with INNOVATION trim – are just some highlights. Systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control with stop function (€800), which maintains the selected speed and distance to the vehicle ahead and brakes or accelerates the Grandland X when required, increase safety even further. Typical first-class Opel comfort is ensured by AGR (Campaign for Healthier Backs) certified ergonomic seats (from €390 for driver’s seat and standard in the Grandland X INNOVATION) as well as a heated steering wheel, seat heating front and rear and the tailgate that opens and closes with a simple kicking movement. The panorama glass sunroof available for €700 floods the interior with light and provides excellent skyward visibility.

In typical Opel fashion, Grandland X drivers and passengers enjoy top connectivity with the latest generation of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible IntelliLink systems as well as the personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar including Wi-Fi Hotspot^[1] and new services such as booking hotel rooms^[2] and searching for parking^[3]. Smartphones can even be charged wirelessly via inductive charging. For music fans who want to enjoy a top sound experience, a Denon premium sound system with eight loudspeakers and one subwoofer is available for €580.

Opel again delivers on its commitment to leadership in lighting technology, equipping the Grandland X with bright driving light thanks to Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) LED headlamps. Functions such as cornering light, high beam assist and auto levelling guarantee optimal illumination of the road ahead in all situations.

Driving fun with modern engines and Grip Control traction

In addition to the many driver assistance systems, the lively engines and optional electronic Grip Control traction also contribute to safe driving fun with the Grandland X. Initially two engines that boast excellent CO₂ emissions are available – a real plus for tax savings and economic efficiency. Both engines can be combined with a modern six-speed manual or friction-optimized six-speed automatic transmission and come with Start/Stop as standard.

• The 1.2 all-aluminum Turbo gasoline direct injection engine delivers 96 kW/130 hp and maximum torque of 230 Nm at 1,750 rpm (NEDC fuel consumption: urban 6.4 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.9 l/100 km, combined 5.5-5.4 l/100 km, 127-124 g/km CO₂).
• The 1.6 liter diesel with 88 kW/120 hp provides maximum torque of 300 Nm at 1,750 rpm (NEDC fuel consumption: urban 5.1-4.7 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.2-3.9 l/100 km, combined 4.6-4.3 l/100 km, 118-111 g/km CO₂).
• For customers looking for even more power, Opel will be expanding the Grandland X powertrain portfolio in the near future.

The optional electronic Grip Control also ensures that power is safely transferred to the road, providing top traction all year round and on every surface. The driver has a choice of five driving modes. The system then adapts the torque distribution to the front wheels, allows wheel-spin if necessary, and with the automatic transmission adjusts shift points as well as throttle response. This ensures best traction and stable handling regardless of whether the Grandland X is travelling on snow, mud, sand or wet surfaces.

The lively driving performance can be enjoyed in the comfort of the Opel Grandland X’s high-grade interior with feel-good atmosphere. The center stack has three sections of controls for fast and intuitive access to infotainment, climate control and chassis functions.

The SUV-typical elevated seating position ensures good visibility.

Thus equipped, the new Grandland X gasoline version is available at an entry-level price of €23,700 and the diesel variant from €26,500 (RRP incl. VAT in Germany). The newcomer joins its Opel Crossland X and bestseller Opel Mokka X siblings. At the same time, the Grandland X expands the extensive Opel portfolio in the very popular compact car segment from Astra to Zafira.

^[1] OnStar Services require activation and account with OnStar Europe Ltd. Wi-Fi Hotspot Services require account with nominated network operator. Charges apply after expiry of applicable trial periods. All services subject to mobile network coverage and availability. Check [LOCAL SITE] for service limitations and charges.

^[2] Via Booking.com. E-Mail address and credit card required.

^[3] Via Parkopedia

!NEW! Holden unveils sleek next-gen Commodore Supercar concept

• Next-generation Holden Commodore to debut in 2018 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship
• Details to ensure ease of transition to next-gen Commodore for all Holden teams revealed

2018 Holden Commodore Supercar concept

Holden has revealed the first official concept image of the next generation Commodore race car, which will be introduced into the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship in 2018.

The stunning computer-generated image is the work of talented GM Design Australia Exterior Design Manager Peter Hughes.

2018 Holden Commodore Supercar concept

“What an incredible-looking race car, it carries on the tradition of Commodores looking awesome on and off the track and ushers in a new era for our brand,” Holden’s Executive Director – Marketing, Mark Harland said.

“I can’t wait to see it out on the track claiming race wins next year.”

The Supercars version of the cutting-edge next-gen Commodore is currently undergoing an intensive and rigorous design and development process being undertaken in partnership between Holden and its official factory racing team, Triple Eight Race Engineering.

The design work to compliment the sleek and sophisticated design of the road-going Holden Commodore includes advanced simulation and aerodynamic evaluation using sophisticated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling.

In releasing the Supercars concept, Holden has also confirmed the next-gen Commodore will be homologated with the current, successful V8 engine for the 2018 season only.

A new, twin-turbocharged V6 engine, suitable for Supercars’ Gen 2 regulations, is currently undergoing development in partnership with the General Motors Performance and Racing Center, in Pontiac, Michigan.

Triple Eight Race Engineering will seek approval from Supercars to run a V6 powered Commodore as a wild card entry at selected rounds next season before a full rollout for the 2019 season.

The V6 engine will then be accessible to all Holden teams via a favourable leasing program.

The staggered introduction ensures a greater ease in transition to the new model Commodore bodywork for all Holden teams.

It also allows Holden and Triple Eight Race Engineering to assist Supercars’ technical department with development of its programs ensuring the turbocharged V6 can achieve parity with the existing, naturally aspirated V8s.

This will maintain the competition’s integrity with the introduction of Supercars’ new Gen 2 regulations.

“Our sport prides itself on Supercars being the closest competition in the world, and the phased introduction of the next-generation Commodore will ensure that is maintained,” Triple Eight Race Engineering team principal, Roland Dane said.

Supercars Australia Chief Executive Officer James Warburton applauded Holden on the stunning new 2018 Commodore and the manufacturer’s V6 engine development program for Gen 2.

“It is a pragmatic and sensible approach by Holden and Triple Eight Race Engineering in introducing the new Commodore and a twin-turbocharged V6 powered engine to the sport,” Warburton said.

“Importantly it is a win for all the current Teams in terms of the simplicity and market relevance for an easy transition to the new Commodore in 2018.

“This phased introduction sets a clear path forward for not only Holden but existing and new manufacturers in the sport.”

Development of the new Commodore Supercar continues, with construction of the first car well underway and ready to undertake Supercars Aero Validation in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Michael Lohscheller Appointed New CEO of Opel

Michael Lohscheller, Chief Executive Officer, Speaker of the Management Board of Adam Opel GmbH

 Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann has stepped down as the Speaker of the Management Board and CEO of Adam Opel GmbH today. He remains a member of the Management Board until the closing of the sale of Opel/Vauxhall to Groupe PSA. Michael Lohscheller, Opel CFO since September 2012, has been unanimously appointed as his successor with immediate effect by the Supervisory Board. This will ensure continuity for the business and its stakeholders as well as a seamless managerial transition with the priority task to build the new strategic plan for Opel. 

Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann (left) and the new Opel CEO, Michael Lohscheller.

According to Dr. Neumann, “it was a difficult personal decision to not continue with the Opel/Vauxhall team when it transitions to Groupe PSA. I am proud of the team for all we have accomplished so far and have no doubt that the move to PSA will make Opel/Vauxhall an even stronger and more successful company in the future. I am committed to completing this transaction and will then take some time to decide what is next for me.”

“We have made tremendous progress in the turnaround of Opel/Vauxhall under Karl-Thomas’ leadership,” said Dan Ammann, Opel Supervisory Board Chairman and President, General Motors. “We thank him for his significant contributions to Opel/Vauxhall and GM over the past four years.”

Dr. Wolfgang Schäfer-Klug, Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Adam Opel GmbH and Head of the General Works Council: “The worker representatives within the Supervisory Board respect Dr. Neumann’s decision. He has managed to regain recognition with Opel, an improved brand image and a strengthened self-awareness, coupled with competitive, outstanding models. The decision to appoint the current CFO and member of the management board Michael Lohscheller as the new CEO is explicitly supported by us.”

Michael Lohscheller said: “I would like to thank the Supervisory Board for the trust. We will stay on the current path and continue to gain strength as part of the Groupe PSA. After the expected closing of the transaction, a new European champion will emerge. I am looking forward to the new task and to working together with the management team to implement a successful future plan for the benefit of all 38,000 Opel/Vauxhall employees and its stakeholders.”

Groupe PSA Statement further to the appointment of Mr Lohscheller as CEO of Opel/Vauxhall

"We fully support the decision to appoint Mr. Lohscheller who will be surrounded by Opel's best talents to bring Opel / Vauxhall to new horizons for the benefit of its employees, customers and partners. My personal interactions with Michael have been extremely positive, where he has shown a great deal of insight of Opel and Vauxhall, as well as a solid understanding of the international marketplace. I am enthusiastic about the idea of contributing to the rebirth of Opel as a sustainable German-based company within Groupe PSA." said Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Managing Board of Groupe PSA.

!NEW! Light Electrification Leads 2018 Buick LaCrosse Updates

Buick’s technology flagship just got more sophisticated

 

2018 Buick LaCrosse in new Red Quartz Tintcoat.

 

The Buick LaCrosse expands its technological credentials by adding eAssist light electrification for the 2018 model. The combination of an electric motor with Buick’s latest 2.5L four-cylinder engine delivers quiet, refined and spirited efficient performance backed by the value and customer experience expected of Buick.

This new eAssist system, when coupled with the four-cylinder engine, has a 19 percent increase in city fuel economy compared to the LaCrosse’s advanced V-6 and leverages a compact lithium-ion battery pack to provide select benefits found in fully electric vehicles, such as torque-assisted launch, energy-saving regenerative braking and exceptionally smooth stop/start. It will be the standard powertrain for the 2018 LaCrosse, which goes on sale this fall.

“Executing innovative technologies in an approachable and meaningful way is core to Buick,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president, Global Buick and GMC. “By adding the eAssist system to the LaCrosse, our technology flagship, we are making electrification accessible to our customers as we chart our course to the future of mobility."

Compared to previous Buick eAssist executions, this newest iteration is more sophisticated, powerful and compact. With its 9 percent increase in overall torque, drivers get the responsiveness expected from a full-size sedan. In addition, the newest eAssist system is discreetly packaged to maintain the LaCrosse’s fold-down rear seat and ample trunk space.

The new standard 2.5L four-cylinder with eAssist is the perfect complement to the powerful V-6 that launched on the 2017 LaCrosse last September. With the introduction of this new standard powertrain, the 2018 LaCrosse starting price will be lowered to $30,490. The 3.6L V-6 will be an available option on select trims.

Other notable updates to the 2018 Buick LaCrosse include expanded availability of AWD and an all-new nine-speed automatic transmission for V-6 models that will provide customers with a smooth and refined shifting experience. By this time next year, five Buick models will offer this advanced transmission. In response to customer demand, Buick’s intelligent AWD with active twin clutch is now available on the Essence trim level.

In addition, the 2018 LaCrosse will have three new exterior color options: Satin Steel Metallic, Dark Slate Metallic and Red Quartz Tintcoat.

About eAssist

Buick’s eAssist propulsion system combines a compact electric motor and an advanced 24-cell air-cooled 0.45kWh lithium-ion battery pack with the 2.5L four-cylinder gas engine to enhance efficiency and maintain refined performance through:

1. Motor Generator Unit (MGU): Replaces the traditional alternator and acts as an electric motor to assist the engine when needed. It also acts as an electric generator providing the energy stored in the lithium-ion battery pack.

2. Electric Assist: The MGU’s electric motor function provides a power boost for an extremely smooth launch from the Auto-Stop mode. It funnels additional torque to the engine when needed to optimize overall driving performance and efficiency.

3. Regenerative Braking: When braking or coasting, some of the energy normally lost is converted to electricity through the MGU and stored in the lithium-ion battery pack.

4. Lithium-Ion Battery Pack: The 86V lithium-ion battery pack, which has been repackaged to be more compact, stores energy captured during regenerative braking. This energy powers the electrical system when the vehicle is in Auto-Stop mode. It also powers the MGU to provide a smooth launch from Auto-Stop mode or additional torque to the engine as needed.

5. Seamless Stop/Start Technology: Contributes to added fuel savings³ by seamlessly turning off the engine when in Auto-Stop mode (e.g., at a stoplight or in heavy traffic) and restarting when the foot lifts off the brake pedal or presses the accelerator.

6. Aero Improvement: Upper and lower active aero shutters in the front fascia close under certain driving conditions to help maximize aerodynamics and contribute to improved fuel economy.