Bold, pure, unique: Concept car takes centre stage at the 1975 Geneva Motor Show
Too good to be true: Breathtaking sports car study remains a dream
Modern visionary: Opel Experimental paves way for production models such as new Opel Grandland
Bold, pure, visionary: This is how Opel Experimental brand study presented itself to the public almost two years ago. Innovative concept vehicles that inspire have a long tradition at Opel. As early as 1975 – exactly 50 years ago – Opel showed its vision of a sports car study that is beguiling in every respect at the Geneva Motor Show. At the time, the Opel Genève became one of the main attractions at the Swiss trade fair with its distinctly flat silhouette. With the Genève, Opel's design department once again demonstrated its visionary skills, which it had already established ten years earlier with the Experimental GT. While this was quickly transferred to series production and many of the elements of the Opel Experimental are brought to life in all-new Opel Grandland, Opel Genève remained a dream that many sports car enthusiasts celebrate to this day.
Opel knew how to stage Genève at 1975 Geneva Motor Show. And rightly so, because harmonious show car exuded pure sportiness with its slim shape, powerful front and elegantly tapering downwards roofline. A truly ‘golden’ appearance, after all, the study was painted in exactly this colour. Automobil Revue wrote at time: "Light-footed, elegant coupé rotates on an elevated turntable, thus serving as an eye-catcher for visitors. (…) Font and rear are tapered with integrated bumpers. All window surfaces, including side ones, are strongly curved." This was made possible by fact that‘Opel Advanced Design Team’ around Erhard Schnell formed Opel Genève out of fiberglass and was thus able to give it a styling that subsequently attracted admiring glances not only at Motor Show.
Despite its popularity, two-seater with its pop-up headlights typical of Opel concept cars at the time, would never go into series production. To understand this decision, however, it is necessary to look back to beginning of 1970s, because Opel Genève was originally planned as GT-W. Under this working title, the coupé with its incomparable proportions was designed in Rüsselsheim in 1972. Small and flat mid-engined two-seater was to be powered by a two-rotor rotary ‘Wankel’ engine, which is why the original model designation was GT-W.
But as a result of oil crisis, rotary piston engine project was stopped in 1974. Nevertheless, beautiful Opel GT-W was allowed to live on – albeit modified and under the new name Opel Genève, chosen to match its first public appearance.
In addition, another Opel study caused a sensation in same year: Opel had decided to unveil the futuristic GT2 at 1975 IAA. This was designed in much greater detail, with functioning sliding doors, a fully designed interior and a functional drive train, and was intended to provide a vivid glimpse into future Opel developments.
While GT2 was donated to Deutsches Museum in Munich in May 1978, Genève remained on display in the Opel design department for many years. It was repainted in 1977 and has dazzled in a bright orange since then. Concept car is now one of highlights of Opel Classic Collection.
When visionary dreams come true: Groundbreaking Opel Experimental
Almost 50 years after the Genève, the Opel Experimental shows how visions of the future can actually become reality. The study, which was presented for the first time at the IAA Mobility in 2023, has since provided clear guidance on the brand's further developments and future mobility. This can be characterised by three core concepts:
Detox: Opel Experimental has a bold and pure design with a clear focus on the essentials.
Modern German: It inspires with its impressive proportions, intelligent solutions, highly efficient use of space and state-of-the-art lighting technology, including the first illuminated Opel Blitz.
Greenovation: It is fully electric and reduces the carbon footprint.
All this is ‘German Energy’, which makes every model with the Blitz unmistakably an Opel. And the result of this ‘German Energy’, visible as the latest production model, is the new Opel Grandland, designed and developed in Rüsselheim and built in Eisenach. Top-of-the-line SUV ‘made in Germany’ brings the spirit of the brand study to life and introduces many features into series production. This makes the ‘Golden Steering Wheel 2024’[1] winning Grandland a prime example of how the designers and engineers at Opel turn forward-looking automotive dreams into reality in a short time – and what an important part pioneering studies such as the Opel Experimental play in this.
[1] AUTO BILD edition 46/2024 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 45/2024, category ‘Best car under €50,000’.
Presented 30 years ago at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show
Convertible version of the first generation of the Opel Astra
The arrival on the market of the first generation of Opel Astra could not fail to build on the great success of the Opel Kadett Cabrio by Bertone, produced in about 55,000 units from 1987 to 1992 at the Grugliasco plant, near Turin, by the famous coachbuilder Italian. Even the new Opel Astra F was to be available in a cabriolet version obviously designed by Bertone himself. And so it happened.
One could almost touch the sky with the Opel Astra F Cabrio presented thirty years ago as a world premiere at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show and on sale from the end of September of the same year in Italy. All you had to do was press the button located between the front seats on the central tunnel to raise the top and... discover the third dimension. If it then cooled off or threatened rain, the electric mechanism similarly repositioned the soft top exactly in its place in the short span of just 15-20 seconds. Maneuvering was just as quick and simple in the Opel Astra Cabrio without electric control: one hand was enough to operate the soft top.
The times when raising and lowering the soft top was an operation that required a certain effort were thus truly long gone. In the Opel Astra F Cabrio you could really touch the sky with a finger. Only one caution was required: pull the handbrake before pressing the electric control button. In order to force users, for their greater personal safety, to carry out the maneuver only with the car completely stopped.
On the other hand, when traveling with the top down, the three layers of which it was made ensured a high degree of rigidity and compactness of the whole and, consequently, that insulation from noise and heat which made it possible to use the Opel Astra F Cabrio in every month of the year. In this regard, unlike other convertibles at the time, the Opel Astra F Convertible was equipped with a glass rear window instead of plastic: a scratch-proof material that allowed the installation of a heated rear window.
Visionary contribution of Carrozzeria Bertone
These were just some of the consequences of technical progress and the long collaboration established in the open car sector between the German manufacturer and Carrozzeria Bertone of Grugliasco (Turin). “The designer knows how to imagine in his work the product that doesn't exist yet.” Nuccio Bertone explained thirty years ago “He responds in advance to trends in market taste which perhaps have not yet officially emerged, but which must be guessed. It glimpses before others what no research institute can ever guarantee.” Thus was born a convertible with a classic look, comfortable for four people which, although it lacked the roll-bar typical of the previous Opel Kadett Cabrio, ensured maximum safety for its occupants.
Safety first
The standard equipment of the Cabrio version included the same integrated safety system that was the heritage of all Opel Astra F and which included double steel bars inserted in the doors to protect against side impacts, front seat belt pretensioners and anti-slip seats. ABS and full-size driver's airbag were available as options.
The road holding and handling of the Opel Astra F Cabrio contributed to active safety, whose front McPherson strut suspension and compound torsion bar at the rear, although deriving from those of the corresponding 4-door sedan version, had special springs and calibrations. The arms, anti-roll bar and rear engine mount were attached to a separate subframe to better absorb noise, improve handling and ride comfort. The rear suspension had third generation wheel bearing assemblies with a double row of ball bearings. Bearings, hub, spindle and radial oil seal were combined in a single maintenance-free assembly.
The version initially on sale in Italy was equipped with a lively 82 bhp (60 kW) 1.4-litre single-cam 4-cylinder with multi-point electronic injection. The retail price of Lire 29,370,000 included power steering, front and rear electric windows, internally adjustable exterior mirrors, sport front seats, height-adjustable driver's seat, split-fold rear seat, rear-view mirrors painted in the same color as the bodywork, two-tone horn and 185/60 R14 tyres.
Make it yours: New Opel Exclusive program will allow customers to
choose from an unlimited amount of colors for their new Insignia.
New
level of personalization: New Opel Exclusive concept presented at Geneva Motor
Show
Unlimited
choice: Customers can now stand out with the color of their choice
Additional
options: Exclusive wheels, leather options and design details available
Style
and profile: 4K digital showroom to configure and share
When Opel launched the ADAM in 2013, it not only marked the introduction
of a new small car to the market – it also tapped in to the increasing demand
for more personalization and individualization.
Ever since then, the company
has been looking into extending this service and introducing a program that
allows a growing amount of customers to configure their car according to their
own personal taste. With the introduction of the new Opel Insignia, the
Rüsselsheim-based carmaker will offer a new level of individualization called Opel
Exclusive. In a first step, it will provide Opel Insignia buyers with an
unlimited choice of colors and a selection of alloy wheels. Later, customers
will also have access to an assortment of leather options and other design
details that will enable them to create a car that stands out from the crowd
and reflects their personal choice.
Selecting the perfect color for a new car can
sometimes prove to be more difficult than first meets the eye. The red offered
by the carmaker might be too dark, the blue too light or the green tone too
close to mint according to personal taste. Therefore, customers sometimes have
to accept a compromise when purchasing the car they really want. Opel will be the
first volume manufacturer to introduce a solution for this conundrum with the launch
of the Opel Exclusive program during the Geneva Motor Show. However, despite
the name maybe suggesting otherwise – Exclusive does not mean elitist or only
accessible to a select few. Instead, the name reflects Opel’s desire to give
customers the chance to create something that is exclusive to their own
personal taste, enabling them to reward themselves via personal expression in a
way that adds value for them.
“Opel Exclusive almost knows no limits. Individualized
colors, customizable design details and inimitable comfort features help you
create the Insignia of your choice and exactly how you want it. Literally
unique to you,” said Opel CMO Tina Müller.
Stand out from the crowd
with your exclusive color
When customizing their new Opel Insignia, Opel
Exclusive customers can choose from up to 15 pre-defined colors ranging from Electric
Yellow to Pure Black or from Scorpio Grey to Power Blue. These are available in
addition to the regular colors and solely available to Opel Exclusive clients. However,
this is by no means all. Customers looking for even more individualization can create
their own color no matter whether it is the shade of their favorite silk tie or
the color of the eyes of a loved one.
The Opel experts will match the color
when a sample is provided so that everybody can have a car in their preferred
color.
With the choice of color made, Opel Exclusive
customers can add a further level of customization by selecting what they want
the paintwork to say about them. Opel will offer three distinctive finishes.
The tri-coat paint finish is an innovative mixing ratio. It owes its intensive
and smooth appearance to the three-layer coating. The metallic paint finish reflects
more incident light, which gives the paint its sparkling shine. And the pearl
paint finish dazzles with fine layers of crystals embedded in the paint finish
that help bring out an exceptionally natural pearly shine.
In addition to the choice of color and paint finish,
Opel Exclusive will also offer a selection of four new and exclusive alloy
wheels to help customers create their own unique car. Ranging from 18 to
20 inches, the wheels bring a new level of pure dynamism to the Insignia with
their breathtaking design. Additionally, going forward Opel will offer a range
of exclusive leather options and decorative design elements so that customers
can customize the car even further.
New
digital showroom to configure and share
As part of the Exclusive program, Opel will also
be exploring new digital solutions such as showroom images in 4K, an ultra-high
definition resolution, and augmented reality to allow customers to easily
experience their new vehicle in amazing definition while enjoying an immersive
experience. The focus is on creating state-of-the-art digital experiences
following the mobile first principle and allowing customers wherever they are
to experiment when configuring their own personal car. Once they have
configured the car of their dreams, potential buyers can then share their ideas
with their social media network.
Opel Insignia buyers will be able to use the Exclusive
program to personalize their car as of this summer. Prices will be communicated
closer to the official market launch.
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.
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.
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 LEDMatrix light, enabled by new generation LED technology and further developments from Opel engineers. The Opel IntelliLuxLEDMatrix lightnow
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 improvedFlexRide 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.
Grand design: Elegant silhouette with top aerodynamics in the style of a large coupé
Grand lightness: Up to 175 kilograms weight saving vs the outgoing model
Grand technologies: Most sophisticated all-wheel drive system in class
Grand innovations: Next generation IntelliLux LED
Grand comfort: AGR-certified wellness seats
Grand service: Extended Opel OnStar service with Personal Assistant
Grand premiere: Unveiled March 2017 at next Geneva Motor Show
All-New Opel Insignia Grand Sport
Make way for the Opel Insignia Grand Sport. The first look at the next generation of Opel’s flagship already shows why it deserves its new name. Following the successful first generation Insignia, the Car of the Year 2009 of which more than 900,000 have been sold already, the new Insignia Grand Sport is based on a completely new vehicle architecture.
The wheelbase has been elongated by 92 mm, enabling a much more spacious interior that especially benefits the rear passengers. It also allowed the designers to give the new Insignia Grand Sport outstanding, new, athletic proportions and a true flagship presence: looking much longer and lower, it has the slim, lithe silhouette of a coupé and the bold road stance of upper class vehicles. This is combined with class-leading aerodynamics and a CD of just 0.26. Inside, the new Insignia Grand Sport also delights the driver with slim, embracing dashboard and a three centimeters lower seating position providing a much engaging and direct driving experience.
As a matter of fact, the new Insignia Grand Sport doesn’t just look more dynamic – it is more dynamic. Like for the Opel Astra, efficiency was key during the development of the new Insignia. Optimized packaging and the use of lightweight material have helped cut the weight by up to 175 kilograms, to the benefit of driving precision and agility. New, high-tech features such as the all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring – the most sophisticated system offered in the segment – or the new eight-speed automatic transmission allow drivers to exploit their strengths to the full.
Furthermore, the Insignia Grand Sport comes with a string of top technologies that make driving it safer, more relaxing and more comfortable than ever. Building on the highly acclaimed LED Matrix adaptive lighting system of the Astra, Opel engineers have already developed the second generation IntelliLux LED light for the Insignia: it is even faster, more precise and more powerful and its high beam now has a reach of up to 400 meters. Lane Keep Assist with automated steering correction, a new head-up display and the 360° camera along with comfort features such as the unique AGR-certified premium seats, front and rear seat heating right up to the heated windshield further enhance the new Insignia’s comfort. Outstanding infotainment and connectivity are obviously also on board thanks to the latest generation IntelliLink systems and the personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar, which, with the launch of the Insignia, will offer a new Personal Assistant service. But the new Insignia Grand Sport does not only care about the safety of its occupants: it is the first Opel with an active aluminum hood which, in case of a collision with a pedestrian, lifts in milliseconds to increase clearance with the hard engine parts, thus improving protection considerably.
“Opel once again lands a major coup with the new Insignia Grand Sport. Our new flagship takes all of the highly acclaimed virtues of its successful brother, the Astra, to a higher level. No other car in the Insignia class can boast as many ultra-modern technologies. We made it light, agile and fantastic to drive. And our designers gave it an exceptional combination of elegance and athleticism that even cars from upper classes and prices will envy. The new Insignia really reaches new heights. It is a Grand Sport in the best sense of the word,” said Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann.
Pure Emotion: Design inspired by Opel Monza Concept
It is not without reason that the much-admired Opel Monza Concept was the inspiration behind the interior and exterior design of the new Insignia Grand Sport: the Monza model was standing in the design studio while designers were creating Opel’s new flagship. Their mission was to make the new Insignia look as upscale, slim and athletic as the concept car.
Designers of the all-new Insignia Grand Sport have given Opel’s new flagship an especially strong visual presence with the on-road stance of high class automobiles
The result speaks for itself. The new Opel Insignia Grand Sport looks as lithe as it has become light. Despite a marginal growth in length (4897 mm) compared to its predecessor, it has managed to shed around 60 kilograms of weight from its body in white alone. In total, the new generation weighs up to 175 kilograms less than the outgoing model. While the wheelbase of its completely new architecture has been enlarged by 92 millimeters, its front and rear overhangs have been sensibly reduced and its tracks widened by 11 millimeters. This gives the Insignia Grand Sport proportions that are more familiar to rear-wheel-drive cars the upper classes. A 29-millimeter lower, sweeping roofline adds to the Insignia’s design drama: it has the athletic and elegant silhouette of a coupé.
All-New Opel Insignia Grand Sport - Athletic and elegant silhouette
The prominent grille and the slim-line headlamps directly inspired by the Opel Monza Concept enhance the wide horizontal gesture of the front end and provide it with a bold appearance. The grille sits lower than on the outgoing model and further emphasizes the solid stance.
The side window graphics feature with an upper chrome strip, rather than a full-chrome treatment, and the coupé-like roofline graphically pull the car down and emphasize its stretched appearance. The “blade” light catcher in the lower doors pulls attention rearwards. The new Opel Insignia Grand Sport is as sleek as it looks: it has an exemplary drag factor of 0.26 making it one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in its class.
All-New Opel Insignia Grand Sport - Double-wing LED signature
At the rear, clear and simple lines combined with the slim, precise double-wing LED signature also give the car a wider appearance. The newly designed center high-mounted LED stop lamp has been integrated into the roofline. It helps to give the rear end a more high-tech look typical of premium brands’ vehicles.
All-New Opel Insignia Grand Sport -Double-wing LED signature and high-mounted LED stop lamp
“In its proportions as well as in each detail, we wanted the new Insignia Grand Sport to deliver an upscale quality feel,” said Mark Adams, Vice President Design Europe. “Its design combines flowing lines and subtle surfaces with crisp, precise lines to even exaggerate its dramatic proportions: it looks longer, lower and wider than it actually is, and it definitely looks upscale. Every design feature conveys technical know-how and utmost precision. The new Insignia is an excellent value proposition with the aura of a car from the premium, upper class.”
The attention to the smallest detail is also tangible inside the vehicle. The cockpit clearly reflects Opel's design philosophy "sculptural artistry meets German precision". The instrument panel features subtly sculptured surfaces, a distinct driver orientation, and a wide horizontal layout. The overall design clearly reflects a feeling of efficiency, precision and spaciousness. Rear occupants greatly benefit from the new design and the reworked proportions. The extended wheelbase and a completely new package give them 32 millimeters more room at hip height, 25 millimeters more shoulder and knee room and 8 millimeters more headroom. Trunk volume of 490 to 1,450 liters is also quite impressive. The cockpit is fully aligned to the driver who sits three centimeters lower than previously and is therefore better integrated into the car, getting a sportier, more engaging and intense driving experience. The generous center console that further embraces the driver provides the feeling of sitting in an upper class car. Clean lines, sculptural surfaces and first-class craftsmanship with soft feel, premium material in all touch zones also contribute to a great feeling of wellness and elegance. The overall experience is intuitive and elegant in its simplicity.
Much attention has been paid to the controls and the infotainment interface. The frameless touchscreen of the IntelliLink system exudes a sophisticated and technical character. Many functions are controlled via the touchscreen in order to simplify the interface, while three functional zones of controls have been designed to allow quick and intuitive operations: the upper ones for the major functions of the infotainment system, the central ones for climate and heating controls, the lower ones for driver assistant controls. This very clear set-up avoids drivers and passengers having to dive into sub-menus on the touchscreen to find the most essential functions.
All-New Opel Insignia Grand Sport - Elegant interior with frameless touchscreen of the IntelliLink system
Propulsion technologies that increase driving pleasure
The Insignia Grand Sport is as dynamic to drive as it looks like. It will be available with a wide range of latest generation turbocharged engines and transmissions when it is officially launched next year. The friction-optimized, highly efficient eight-speed automatic transmission is new to the line-up. It impresses with class-leading shifting comfort and will initially only be available in combination with all-wheel drive. The Insignia’s new intelligent all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring is the most sophisticated in class. It is combined with an all-new, high-tech five-link rear suspension. 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 rear 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 when the accelerator is pressed ensuring that the car remains more stable and easier to steer in every 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. Depending on the selected mode, steering and throttle response are more direct and the ESP anti-skid system intervenes earlier or later. 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.
Safety first: Outstanding assistance systems
The new Insignia Grand Sport not only impresses with a state-of-the-art chassis technology but also with ultra-modern assistance and comfort features. No other model in the segment offers such a wide range of intelligent technologies as the new edition of the Opel flagship.
All-New Opel Insignia Grand Sport - IntelliLux LED Matrix light
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 high beam function now has 32 LED segments – twice as many as in the Astra – longitudinally integrated into 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. This results in an improvement of both the quality of light distribution, light intensity and reaction speed. 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, while illumination of the exterior of the curve is dimmed down. 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 – a solution which is much more affordable than laser high beams and more relevant as well, as the spotlight can be activated and used much more often.
Additional driver assistance systems include:
the 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.
the 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.
Simply outstanding: Top-level comfort and infotainment
The Insignia Grand Sport also set standards in comfort. Opel is still one of the very few manufacturers to offer seats certified by “Aktion Gesunder Rücken” (Campaign for healthy backs), and surely the one who contributed most to their democratization. The premium ergonomic front seats in the Insignia offer a unique combination of electric side bolster settings, massage, memory and ventilation functions in addition to the multiple standard adjustment possibilities. Passenger in the rear can also look forward to more comfort with the two outside seats being available with seat heating. Elsewhere, the heated windshield guarantees good visibility quickly on cold winter days. In addition, keyless “Open & Start” comes as standard on all trim levels and enables comfortable access to the vehicle.
Great entertainment and outstanding connectivity – both typical for Opel – 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. Furthermore, the 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot featured in the OnStar system allows all Insignia occupants to connect their devices to the net.
Opel’s new flagship will celebrate its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017.
