Traction Master: Opel Insignia Country Tourer with High-Tech AWD

• Pure safety: Intelligent all-wheel drive system for exemplary directional stability and outstanding traction
• Pure reaction: Torque vectoring with perfect torque distribution to each rear wheel
• Pure driving pleasure: Opel flagship with 4x4 technology on icy alpine pistes

Fun, but safe: Opel Insignia Country Tourer with innovative Twinster torque-vectoring all-wheel drive technology.

The ground is icy and exhaled breath is freezing. Snow as far as the eye can see. Perfect conditions to get behind the steering wheel and complete some really fast laps – in Austria’s deep-freeze. People who want to have fun on snow and ice only need one thing: the Opel Insignia Country Tourer with Twinster all-wheel drive and torque vectoring. It is the ideal match for the icy, snowy condition in Thomatal where the Opel Winter Trainings take place. The programme not only includes braking and accelerating, finding out the adhesion limits or safely mastering extreme driving conditions, it is also a lot of fun. This is made possible by Opel’s flagship model, the Insignia, with the top of the range Insignia Country Tourer, leading the way for touring in comfort. 

With its additional ground clearance of 25 millimetres and protective cladding, the Opel Insignia Country Tourer awakens the desire to leave smooth asphalt roads and instead head for rougher surfaces. The secret for unrestrained driving pleasure is hidden under the bodywork: The Twinster all-wheel drive with torque vectoring. “The extremely good cornering and directional stability, even in extreme surface conditions, characterise the most modern Opel all-wheel drive system,” said Andreas Holl, Director Controls and All Wheel Drive Development at Opel.

High-tech 4x4 system for safe driving pleasure at all times

The innovative all-wheel drive is based on pure high-tech: On the Twinster system with torque vectoring, twin clutches replace the conventional differential on the rear axle. As a result, the system can apply torque to one or both of the rear wheels individually in a split second,” explained Holl. This means that the power is transmitted optimally at all times. “Twinster enables an extremely high torque distribution capacity ranging from 0 Nm on the one to side to 1,500 Nm on the other. In addition, torque distribution can be set independently from wheel slip and wheel speed. And then there is the compact construction: As there are two clutches in front of the drive shafts, the rear axle differential is omitted. That saves space and weight,” he continued.

This technology also enables the Insignia Country Tourer to be more agile and precise when cornering. It offers outstanding directional control for maximum stability and shines with exemplary traction on all surfaces – even ice and snow. In general, higher torque is sent to the outside rear wheel, the vehicle is stabilized and the Insignia turns in with more precision, responding more spontaneously to inputs from the driver. Torque vectoring therefore means an increase of active safety.

Going for a quick one in the Opel Insignia Country Tourer: With the help of Twinster torque-vectoring all-wheel drive technology.

The participants of Opel’s Winter Training can experience this increase first hand. All they need to do is temporarily switch off the torque vectoring, which is connected to the ESP system. “The before-and-after comparison is dramatic. If you had everything under control until then, without technical support your drive will be over at the second pylon,” said Holl. This is a borderline experience that nobody normally wants to have.

For comfort-conscious cruisers and experienced, sporty drivers

The mechatronic FlexRide chassis provides the foundations for optimal, situation-based handling. It adapts shock absorbers, calibration of the accelerator pedal and shift points (on cars with automatic transmission) automatically or based on the Tour and Sport modes that can be selected by the driver. Subject to the chosen mode, steering and throttle-response is then softer or even more direct and ESP intervenes earlier or later.

Those looking for a somewhat sportier ride with ESP and all-wheel drive should therefore select “Sport” mode. In this mode, the system permits strong movement around the vertical axis (low yaw damping) and simultaneously supports the agile character of the Opel Insignia Country Tourer. Those who prefer comfortable cruising should press the “Tour” button”. The central ‘Drive Mode Control’ software is the heart and soul of the adaptive chassis. It continuously analyses the information provided by the sensors and setting and recognises the individual driving style.

Dream Team: New Top BiTurbo Diesel Engine for Opel Insignia Flagship

• Really strong: Sequential turbocharging for 154 kW/210 hp and high torque
• Ideal combination: Always with eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive
• Very efficient: Combined NEDC fuel consumption 6.9 liters, equivalent to 183 g/km CO₂
• Made in Germany: Engine from the Kaiserslautern plant for all Insignia variants

Dream team: The new top-of-the-line 2.0-liter diesel engine for the Opel Insignia BiTurbo always comes with all-wheel drive and eight-speed automatic transmission.

Production-start for the new top-of-the-line engine and the Opel Insignia Country Tourer from Opel: With the summer slowly drawing to an end, the first 2.0 liter BiTurbo diesel engines will roll off the production line. They are tailored for the Country Tourer along with all other variants of Opel’s flagship. With the Grand Sport, Sports Tourer and Country Tourer the second generation Insignia can be ordered with the new top-of-the-range diesel this year. The Country Tourer appeals to all Insignia fans looking for stylish and practical station wagon with off-road looks. The newcomer will celebrate its world premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (September 14-24).

The newly designed 2.0-liter diesel engine produces 154 kW/210 hp at 4,000 rpm and develops strong torque of 480 Nm from only 1,500 rpm thanks to sequential two-stage turbocharging (Official fuel consumption Grand Sport 2.0 BiTurbo in accordance with New European Driving Cycle: urban 8.7 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.7 l/100 km, combined 6.9 l/100 km, official specific combined CO₂ emissions 183 g/km). The new Insignia BiTurbo accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds with a maximum speed of 233 km/h.

Such strength must be transferred to the road intelligently, which is why the top-of-the-line engine always comes in combination with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission and high-tech all-wheel drive with torque vectoring. In addition to the power output, the drivability (turbo power in every situation) and the refinement of the new common rail engine are also further improved compared with the existing extremely popular 2.0 liter unit with single turbocharger (125 kW/170 PS; official fuel consumption Grand Sport with front-wheel drive in accordance with NEDC urban 6.7 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.3 l/100 km, combined 5.2 l/100 km, official specific combined CO₂ emissions 136 g/km).

In addition to the legally required NEDC Data, Opel also determined values in accordance with the Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) which are officially required as of this autumn for the newly developed four-cylinder BiTurbo. The WLTP values (Insignia Grand Sport 2.0 BiTurbo WLTP fuel consumption range 12.2-6.2^[1] l/100 km, combined 8.0-7.5 l/100 km, 209-196 g/km CO₂) are much more realistic than the hitherto officially applicable NEDC figures (Official fuel consumption Grand Sport 2.0 BiTurbo in accordance with NEDC urban 8.7 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.7 l/100 km, combined 6.9 l/100 km, official specific combined CO₂ emissions 183 g/km). The WLTP figures also take different driving styles into consideration, which enables customers to get a better estimate of their own fuel consumption^[2]. An overview of the more realistic consumption figures in accordance with the WLTP cycle can be found on opel.de.

Like the existing 125 kW/170 hp 2.0 liter engine with single turbocharger, the new top-of-the-line diesel also features highly effective Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) exhaust after-treatment technology with AdBlue injection, which removes nitrogen oxide (NOx) from the engine’s exhaust gases. The watery urea solution which contains ammonia (NH₃) reacts with the nitrogen oxides in the SCR catalytic converter and creates harmless nitrogen and water vapor.

New top-of-the-line diesel with sequential two-stage turbocharging

Opel has pulled out all the stops for maximum fuel efficiency and maximum fun-to-drive. The new diesel features two turbochargers functioning sequentially. The intake air enters the first turbocharger where it is compressed and passed to the second turbo. This is driven by Variable Geometry Turbine vanes in the exhaust gas, which increase torque at low engine speeds and raise power at higher engine speeds. VGT then adjusts the vanes to parallel with the gas flow, thus reducing back pressure and lowering fuel consumption. The now highly compressed and very hot intake air then passes through an intercooler on the way to the combustion chambers. Diesel fuel is then injected through seven-hole jets in up to ten sequences at 2000 bar. The boost-pressure is controlled, according to engine-speed and load, by three bypass valves and an electrically actuated variable turbine geometry.

Apart from increased efficiency, higher power output and torque, refinement and noise attenuation were priorities in the design of the new engine. The Opel engineers therefore gave the engine a cast-iron crankshaft, balance shafts, a stiffened flywheel and a two-piece oil sump, in order to reduce diesel-typical vibrations and acoustics to a minimum. In order to further lower fuel consumption, the water pump is only switched on when temperatures require it. Just like the well-known 2.0 liter diesel, the new BiTurbo diesel is built in Opel’s Kaiserslautern plant.

Power of two turbos: BiTurbo diesels now with Opel Astra, Insignia

A 2.0 liter BiTurbo diesel with 143 kW/195 hp and maximum torque of 400 Nm already made its debut in the first-generation Insignia in 2012, and was then offered in the Astra, Cascada, GTC and Zafira Tourer. 

The new 154 kW/210 hp and 480 Nm engine for the Insignia fits perfectly into the range of current Opel power units with two-stage turbocharging.

Opel Astra, the European Car of the Year 2016, is available as hatchback and Sports Tourer with a 118 kW/160 hp 1.6 BiTurbo. The four-cylinder engine develops maximum torque of 350 Nm at only 1,500 rpm (Official fuel consumption Astra hatchback in accordance with NEDC, urban 5.0 l/100 km, extra-urban 3.4 l/100 km, combined 4.0 l/100 km, official specific combined CO₂ emissions 106 g/km CO₂). The fastest Astra diesel thus accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 220 km/h.

Full package: The diesel engines for the new Opel Insignia

Below please find an overview of the diesel engines currently available for the Opel Insignia. All figures relate to the Grand Sport limousine.

Official Fuel Consumption^[3]

			Official Specific Combined CO2 Emissions[4]
Engines	Output	Torque	Urban	Extra-urban	Combined	Combined
1.6 Diesel	81 kW (110 hp)	300 Nm	4.9 l	3.8 l	4.2 l	110 g/km
1.6 Diesel ECOTEC	81 kW (110 hp)	300 Nm	4.6 l	3.6 l	4.0 l	105 g/km
1.6 Diesel	100 kW (136 hp)	320 Nm	5.2 l	4.0 l	4.5 l	118 g/km
2.0 Diesel	125 kW (170 hp)	400 Nm	6.7 l	4.3 l	5.2 l	136 g/km
2.0 BiTurbo	154 kW (210 hp)	480 Nm	8.7 l	5.7 l	6.9 l	183 g/km

^[1] The ranges mentioned can be explained as follows: The lower value represents the lowest value of the four phases of the WLTP cycle driven with the version of the specified vehicle with the most favorable consumption figures with the respective mentioned engine/transmission combination. The upper value represents the highest value of the four phases of the WLTP cycle driven with the version of the specified vehicle with the most unfavorable consumption figures with the respective mentioned engine/transmission combination. The values obtained this way provide a good overview and indication of the everyday consumption that can be expected.

^[2] The values mentioned are based on the WLTP cycle. They have been determined according to a standardized driving cycle conducted on a dynamometer. Everyday values can differ based on driving style, usage and other factors.

^[3] All consumption data refer to diesel fuel in accordance with NEDC. All data refer to the EU base model with standard equipment. The stated data were determined according to regulation 2007/715/EC, taking into consideration the vehicle curb weight, as stipulated by the regulation

^[4] All consumption data refer to diesel fuel in accordance with NEDC. All data refer to the EU base model with standard equipment. The stated data were determined according to regulation 2007/715/EC, taking into consideration the vehicle curb weight, as stipulated by the regulation

!NEW! Opel Insignia Sports Tourer: Trailer Towing the Relaxing Way

• Strong stuff: New Opel flagship pulls up to 2,200 kilograms
• Road safety: Trailer stability program, all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, hill-start assist
• High visibility: 360-degree camera, rear view camera, large exterior mirrors

Strong stuff: Opel’s flagship, the new Insignia (here the Sports Tourer) tows up to 2,200 kilograms.

The new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer features a sporty-elegant design, numerous pioneering technologies and lots of interior space, and it is also the ideal car for towing. The new Sports Tourer offers 1,665 liters of cargo volume and everything that exceeds this figure goes onto the trailer. In order to make towing as easy as possible, the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer not only offers features such as swiveling tow-hook, trailer stability program and advanced all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, but also hill-start assist, 360-degree or rear-view cameras and smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.

 

Highest priority: Trailer towing safely

The basis for relaxed trailer towing is the swiveling tow-hook with integrated plug socket, which is available for the Insignia Grand Sport as well as the Insignia Sports Tourer. As soon as the trailer is attached to the optional tow hook, a significant increase in safety is provided by the Trailer Stability Program. It helps to prevent potentially dangerous swaying movements. The car’s ESP system identifies the movements of the trailer and compares the continuously supplied data with predefined limits. In the event that the car and trailer start to sway and a certain level is exceeded, within milliseconds they are decelerated and selectively braked until stability is restored. The intensity of the trailer stability program is increased during larger swaying movements, so that the car and trailer are optimally stabilized.

The long wheelbase of the new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer (at 2,829 millimeters even 92 mm longer than the previous generation) also contributes to the calm ride and handling and the intelligent Twinster all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring provides optimum grip on every road surface at all times. In this high-tech system a conventional differential on the rear axle is replaced by two clutches, which can accelerate each rear wheel individually in fractions of a second, depending on the driving situation. The basis for this optimum driving behavior is supplied by the mechatronic FlexRide chassis that adapts shock absorbers and steering in fractions of a second; FlexRide also changes the calibration of the accelerator pedal (and the shift points of the automatic transmission). The driver can choose between Standard, Tour and Sport modes.

A strong combination of engine and transmission is required for towing heavy loads – the new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer can tow up to 2,200 kilograms (braked on slopes equivalent to 12 percent test gradients). The 2.0-liter turbo with 191 kW (260 hp) and torque of 400 Newton meters is a particularly powerful example (NEDC fuel consumption: 11.5 liters per 100 kilometers urban; 7.1 l/100 km extra-urban; 8.7 l/100 km combined; 199 g/km CO₂). Mated to the all-new eight-speed automatic transmission (and if the trailer is uncoupled), the four-cylinder engine accelerates the Sports Tourer from zero to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and up to a maximum speed of 245 km/h.

On the slipway: all-round visibility with new Opel cameras

When it comes to putting the boat into the water at the slipway, the large rear-view mirrors of the new Insignia Sports Tourer make reversing easier. For increased visibility, rear-view or 360-degree cameras are optionally available. As soon as reverse gear is selected, the rear-view camera shows the area behind the car on the IntelliLink-touchscreen of the center console. A bird’s eye view is delivered by the 360-degree camera, which is based on four individual cameras. With the trailer unloaded and when the driver moves his foot from the brake to the accelerator, the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer is prevented from rolling backwards on the slipway by the Hill-Start Assistant fitted as standard.

With the boat in the water or the caravan parked, the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer can continue its journey; as the tow-hook is no longer required it can be swiveled out of sight under the rear apron where it does not disturb the sporty elegance of the Sports Tourer’s silhouette.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New gasoline and refined diesel engines available at start of sales

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

!NEW! Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive for New Opel Insignia Grand Sport

• New Opel Insignia Grand Sport 4x4 offers optimum dynamics, feel and handling in all situations
• All-wheel drive system delivers best traction on all road surfaces
• Torque vectoring applies drive to one or both rear wheels independently

All-New Opel Insignia  Grand Sport 4x4 - All-wheel drive system delivers best traction on all road surfaces

Midsize cars offering an especially engaging driving experience are mostly found at premium brands, but when the all-new Opel Insignia Grand Sport hits the market in early 2017, enthusiastic drivers will need to adjust their orientation

Torque vectoring all-wheel drive system applies drive to one or both rear wheels independently.

The new Opel Insignia Grand Sport will be available with a state-of-the-art torque vectoring all-wheel drive system that delivers the highest levels of dynamics, feel and handling on the market.

“The new generation Opel Insignia sets new benchmarks for midsize automobiles” says William F. Bertagni, Vice President Vehicle Engineering Europe. “Torque vectoring represents the state-of-the-art in transmitting power to the road. The new Opel Insignia Grand Sport with torque vectoring all-wheel drive matches the best in the industry when it comes to ‘fun-to-drive’.”

New Opel Insignia  Grand Sport 4x4 - Offers optimum dynamics, feel and handling in all situations.

All-wheel drive and torque vectoring is the best way to put high power onto the road – be it wet, dry, icy or covered in snow.

But the additional weight and complexity of conventional torque vectoring systems prevent them from meeting Opel’s high standards for performance and efficiency.

The new Opel Insignia Grand Sport therefore utilizes a Twinster all-wheel drive system with a rear drive module that uses a twin clutch system without differential.

The Insignia’s all-wheel drive system can apply torque to one or both of the rear wheels independently, enabling torque vectoring capability across the car’s full performance range.

All-wheel drive system can apply torque to one or both of the rear wheels independently, enabling torque vectoring capability across the car’s full performance range.

When cornering, higher torque is sent to the outside rear wheel, inducing rotation around the vertical axis (yaw) – the Insignia turns in with more precision, responding more spontaneously to inputs from the driver.

Torque vectoring also contributes to safety by controlling the distribution of torque according to changes in throttle position, steering angle and road surface, thus damping the amount of yaw. This intelligent use of torque distribution – also known as “yaw damping” – results in neutral vehicle behaviour, making the car more stable and steerable for the driver.

New Opel Insignia Grand Sport drivers can choose the amount of yaw damping to suit their driving style by selecting the appropriate driving mode: from high yaw damping in Tour to low in Sport, for sportier vehicle behavior.