!NEW! All-New Opel Insignia Grand Sport: Lighter, More Dynamic, More Agile to Drive

• Lighter: Up to 175 kilograms less than on outgoing model
• Fully integrated: Tailored sitting position and driver-oriented cockpit
• Always active: Adaptive FlexRide chassis with Standard, Sport and Tour modes
• Individual: Customizable Sport mode and self-learning software

More dynamic: All-New Opel Insignia Grand Sport has shed up to 175 kilograms compared to its predecessor.

Opel has given the Insignia Grand Sports everything a middle class sedan requires to ensure improved vehicles dynamics and a more agile drive. The newcomer has shed up to 175 kilograms compared to the outgoing models, which obviously benefits both the handling and the driving performance. The athlete is 29 millimeters flatter than its predecessor, the track has been increased by 11 millimeters, the overhangs have been reduced considerably and the wheelbase extended by 92 millimeters – this provides additional directional stability at high speeds. The further refined FlexRide chassis adapts dampers, steering and propulsion automatically or via the selectable ‘Standard’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Tour’ modes. This can best be put to the test on the legendary Nordschleife of the Nürburgring. The circuit is extremely challenging with its changing surfaces, straights and corner combinations. Every new Opel is put through its final paces here.

The team around Insignia chief engineer Andreas Zipser travelled to the test-drives on the Nürburgring with camouflaged prototypes. And the engineers the 21-kilometer long Nordschleife to search for the final percentage points en route to a perfectly tuned vehicle.

“You can feel that the Insignia has been developed from a white sheet of paper as soon as you get into the car. The integration of the driver is outstanding and this provides a much better feel for the car. The Insignia has become much more agile, even with the same engine,” said Zipser who is already looking forward to the next fast laps.

The chief engineer heads out of the paddock and takes the Opel Insignia Grand Sport onto the Nordschleife. He soon pushes the 5-door sedan to its limits, dives into the course section known as “Brünnchen” before skillfully mastering the “Pflanzgarten” – a section famous amongst motor sports fans. Opel’s new flagship is driving fast. Zipser enjoys the new, precise, speed-dependent steering and the position in the driver-oriented cockpit. The driver’s position is three centimeters lower than in the outgoing model and creates a feeling of actually being part of the car – the center console provides addition support, the instruments face the driver and all controls can easily be reached. All this results in a position similar to the one provided in a racing touring car and is ideal for a dynamic outing – not only on the Nürburgring.

For such a dynamic outing, the driver should ideally select the ‘Sport’ mode of the FlexRide chassis: The dampers are stiffened, the steering and throttle response are more direct. Furthermore, the ESP anti-skid system intervenes later, thus give the driver more leeway. In combination with an automatic transmission, the ‘Sport’ mode shifts up through the gears later – the Insignia is completely set-up for dynamic driving.

On the return route from the Nürburgring the driver can select between three modes according to the road characteristics and own preferences:

• Standard: The automatic control selects the best set-up based on the information collected by the vehicle sensors.
• Tour: Comfortable chassis configuration, propulsion settings for favorably consumption – the right mode for relaxing long-distance drives.
• Sport: Brake dive is reduced, the chassis angles considerably less when cornering at high speeds and the steering provides more direct feedback on the road conditions.

The FlexRide chassis electro hydraulically adapts the dampers to the road and the prevailing driving situation 500 times per second or 30,000 times per minutes. Furthermore, the driver can save personal preferences for the steering characteristics, throttle response and dampers via the Sport button.

“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 setting and recognizes the individual driving style. The individual systems are then optimized for the best traction and road position,” explained Zipser.

If, for example, the Opel Insignia Grand Sport is driving along in ‘Standard’ mode and the driver decides to attack the corners on a winding road with a bit more vigor, the software recognizes the more dynamic style based on the acceleration and braking value and immediately switches the chassis and propulsion components to sporty.

!NEW! “Georgia & Grumpy – Not impressed by Wonderland“: The 2017 Opel Calendar is here

• Unique insights: The first calendar motifs
• Start: 2017 Opel Calendar available from mid-November
• Close up and personal: Exhibit of calendar motifs begins in early February in Berlin

2017 Opel Calendar is available: The collection of images featuring Georgia May Jagger and Grumpy Cat can be ordered from mid-November. 

“What am I doing here? This isn’t going to turn out well!” This – or something very similar – is probably what Grumpy Cat was thinking during the Opel calendar shoot with Georgia May Jagger in July in the Babelsberg Studios. It was obvious that the feline calendar model was “not impressed”, but rather, well, very grumpy. This is how everyone knows Grumpy Cat, the world’s most famous cat. Nevertheless, this did not affect the result: in the meantime, the twelve calendar motifs from star photographer Ellen von Unwerth are finished – and they are more than impressive.

Curtain raiser: Georgia May Jagger gives a sneak preview of the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport

The first calendar photos with the Opel newcomers are very promising: Georgia May Jagger reveals first details about the new Opel Insignia – and raises the curtain in secretive autumn fog.

Electrifying recharge: Georgia May Jagger with the revolutionary Opel Ampera-e.

The revolutionary electric car Ampera-e also makes an appearance – including an electrifying charging stop for the next 500 kilometers. As mystical and dreamy as the seasonal backgrounds are, they didn’t manage to get a smile out of Grumpy Cat. But especially thanks to their extreme polarity, the permanently sullen cat and the seductive supermodel Georgia May Jagger ensure exciting, unmistakable looks in the motifs perfectly arranged by Ellen von Unwerth.

Models united: Georgia May Jagger is excited by the Opel MOKKA X, whereas Grumpy Cat remains unimpressed. 

Fans of Opel, Grumpy Cat, Georgia May Jagger and Ellen von Unwerth can already look forward to a fascinating exhibit with calendar motifs at the beginning of 2017. All artists – including Grumpy Cat – will be present at the vernissage.

And for all those who cannot wait any longer, a strictly limited edition of the Opel calendar “Georgia & Grumpy – Not impressed by Wonderland“ is available from mid-November 2016 for 29,95 euros (RRP incl. VAT in Germany) exclusively at https://opel-collection.com.

!NEW! Next-Generation Holden Commodore Is Coming

• First details of Holden’s next-generation Commodore revealed, redefining a four decade legacy

• First imported Commodore lives up to the legend; V6 flagship boasts 230 kW and 370 Nm, cutting-edge AWD system and 9-speed transmission  

• Packed with advanced technology: Active Fuel Management, adaptive suspension, torque-vectoring AWD, Matrix lighting system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Extensive Holden Australian engineering development ensures next-generation Commodore lives up to the legendary nameplate with outstanding driving dynamics  

• Next-generation Holden Commodore on sale in 2018 

Next-Generation Holden Commodore

Holden has today revealed first details of the all-new, next-generation Commodore ahead of its Australian launch in early 2018.

Next-Generation Holden Commodore - Matrix LED lighting system

Australia’s first look under the bonnet of the cutting-edge new Commodore reveals a car that will set new benchmarks in its segment for technology, style, practicality and driving dynamics.

Next-Generation Holden Commodore - Flagship AWD model with 3.6 V6 engine 

Headlined by the V6 flagship model, the first ever imported Commodore will honour the legendary nameplate by being the most technologically-advanced Holden ever. With a cutting-edge all-wheel-drive system channeling 230 kilowatts and 370 Newton metres to the road, combined with adaptive suspension technology, a company-first nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, the next-generation Commodore is set to cement the iconic nameplate’s reputation for class-leading driving dynamics and on-road refinement.

Based on General Motor’s new ‘E2’ global architecture, engineered in Germany and shared with the Opel Insignia, the new Commodore has also been co-developed under the expert and watchful eye of Holden’s Australian engineers to ensure the all-new Commodore continues a four-decade tradition of setting new benchmarks.  

“Holden has been engaged in this program from the outset to ensure the next-generation Commodore lives up to its legendary nameplate,” said Jeremy Tassone, Holden’s Engineering Group Manager for Vehicle Development.

“We know the first imported Commodore will come under a lot of scrutiny and we know we have a lot to live up to – this car delivers in spades”

“Although we are remain in the early stages of the Holden development process, this is an absolutely world-class car. We’ve taken a precision-engineered German car and endowed it with Holden DNA. It drives like a Commodore should.

“We’ve had our Holden engineers engaged in this global program from the outset and we’re continuing to do extensive tuning and development, racking up thousands of kilometers, at our Lang Lang proving ground in Victoria to ensure it’s got that Holden magic.

“Of course, it helps that the underlying platform is absolutely world class! This global vehicle program, led by Opel in Germany, has produced a phenomenal base for us to work from. The genuinely cutting-edge all-wheel-drive system using active torque vectoring provides incredible traction and handling finesse. The key is what is dubbed the ‘Twinster’ rear drive module. Essentially, the traditional rear differential has been replaced with two individual clutches that not only save weight and improve packaging but provides virtually instantaneous active distribution of torque to the required wheel.

“The overall system monitors inputs from vehicle sensors 100 times per second and constantly adjusts accordingly, it’s extraordinary.”

The V6 engine with the all-wheel-drive system is a combination that the Holden team drove into the global vehicle program because we know our customers and this performance option is important to them. While it may not be built here, we’ll deliver a Commodore that our customers will love in 2018,” said Mr Tassone.    

Commodore’s evolution reflects the transformation of the Holden brand and company as it moves to full-line importer of vehicles. But just like Commodore, Holden will remain a powerhouse of the industry and of the local motoring landscape. 

“The next-generation Commodore will reset benchmarks in its class, as has every Commodore since 1978,” said Holden’s Executive Director of Sales, Peter Keley.

“What Commodore will also continue to do is carry the family in space and comfort. Commodore will also race in Supercars from 2018 and continue to be on the road as police cars.

“This next-generation vehicle is changing and bringing incredible technology and refinement with it but will continue to offer customers that quintessential Commodore experience they have loved for nearly four decades.  

“With the first-ever imported Commodore, we’re delivering our customers an absolutely world-beating vehicle, with the space, practicality, technology and driving pleasure that Commodore has always provided. This is a different kind of Commodore to what has come before but lives up to the nameplate in every respect and will carry our heritage with pride.”

NEXT-GENERATION HOLDEN COMMODORE KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

• Next-generation Commodore built in Germany on all-new, global E2 architecture shared with Opel Insignia
• Lightweight construction methods result in 200kg - 300kg weight savings compared to current Commodore
• Flagship model offers V6 AWD drivetrain with Holden-first 9-speed transmission
• V6 engine delivers 230kW / 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 suspension
• Next-generation Matrix lighting system
• Infotainment includes:
• Apple Car Play and Android Auto
• 8-inch configurable LCD instrument display,
• Next-gen Head-Up display

Pricing, specification, full details of driver, safety and additional infotainment technology to be confirmed closer to launch  

!NEW! In Final Development Stage: All-New Opel Insignia Grand Sport

• Today: Elegant, athletic silhouette discernable despite camouflage

• Future: Opel flagship with all-new architecture and top technologies

• In March: World premiere at Geneva Motor Show 2017

Final development phase: Opel Insignia Grand Sport is still heavily camouflaged. Opel’s new flagship will celebrate its world premiere at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. 

All-new Opel Insignia Grand Sport is currently completing its final development phase. Even though the next generation of Opel’s flagship still hides its elegance from inquisitive eyes with extensive camouflage, the five-door sedan’s new grandeur is clearly distinguishable. The Opel Insignia Grand Sport is based on a completely new architecture and has a considerably longer wheelbase (over nine centimeters longer). But thanks to markedly shorter front and rear overhangs, it is only 5.5 centimeters longer than its predecessor. The one-centimeter wider track and three-centimeter lower roofline emphasize the Insignia Grand Sport’s dashing presence. 

Longer wheelbase, shorter overhangs: Reworked proportions give new Opel flagship, Insignia Grand Sport, a more athletic presence than ever before.

These altered proportions give the next generation of Opel’s flagship a look that is more athletic and striking than ever before. But the Insignia Grand Sport doesn’t simply look more athletic – it delivers on this sportiness too. Space efficiency and weight-savings were at the top of engineers’ specifications: by using lightweight materials, they were able to shave up to 175 kilograms off of the new model generation. Optimized packaging allows for a roomier interior and of course a great range of top technologies is on board.

New presence: Elegant and athletic silhouette of Opel’s future flagship, the Insignia Grand Sport, is clearly visible despite the camouflage. 

“The name Opel Insignia Grand Sport says it all. It reflects the efficient dynamics of a Monza Concept as much as it does our pride in the magnificent Opel classics Kapitän, Admiral and Diplomat,” says Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. 

“Our future flagship represents a new dimension – elegance, lightness and sportiness blend to create an extremely attractive combination.”

Lightweight athleticism: New Insignia Grand Sport shows true grandeur – despite being up to 175 kilograms lighter that the outgoing model.

With the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport, the company is starting the next chapter in the history of its top-of-the-line models. In 2008, the predecessor founded a new Opel era in terms of development and design – and was a huge hit with the public: to date, over 900,000 Insignia cars have been sold and it was named “Car of the Year” in 2009.

At the 2013 IAA, Opel gave a glimpse into the future of the automobile with the visionary Monza Concept Study: light, athletic, efficient and with top connectivity – this is what defines future Opel cars.

The new Astra, which was promptly named “Car of the Year 2016”, follows this philosophy. With the Insignia Grand Sport, Opel now launches another potential successful model that consistently realizes these standards.

The Insignia Grand Sport consistently continues the approach, which Opel began in the compact class with the youngest Astra generation and now takes to the next level. The newcomer is slightly larger than the current Insignia on the outside but this leads to a noticeable increase in spaciousness on the inside, putting it in a higher league in terms of size, roominess and comfort. Even as innovative technologies underline the future top-of-the-line Opel model’s ambitious standards, the company remains true to its philosophy: mobility and trend-setting developments must remain affordable and accessible for a broad audience. The Insignia Grand Sport thus represents the chic alternative to considerably more expensive cars.

The official world premiere of the Opel Insignia Grand Sport takes place in March 2017 at the Geneva Motor Show.