!NEW! Opel 4x4: Intelligent All-Wheel Drive Systems Deliver Enhanced Safety and Efficiency

Opel Mokka and Opel Insignia Country Tourer offer superior drive concept

Adaptive all-wheel drive systems for increased safety all year round, not just in winter

Opel Insignia OPC with best driving dynamics from 4x4 with electronic limited-slip differential

4x4 power: Opel Insignia Country Tourer, Opel Insignia OPC and Opel Mokka on tour in the snow-covered mountains

It’s time to head for the ski slopes again – and in the ice and snow of winter all-wheel drive systems come into their own. However, this is only part of the story, because an intelligent all-wheel drive system can also ensure increased safety and improved driving dynamics all year round without having to make compromises in terms of everyday suitability. The best examples of this are the intelligent all-wheel drive systems fitted to the Opel Insignia Country Tourer, Opel Insignia OPC and Opel Mokka SUV. They represent the technical pinnacle of over 100 years of all-wheel drive development within the automotive industry. Opel’s all-wheel drive systems are now so sophisticated, they can sense and adapt to changing conditions even before a critical driving situation occurs.

4x4: Opel Insignia Country Tourer and Opel Insignia OPC on downhill stretch

The development of the complex, networked drive systems in today’s Opel models has matched the pace of change seen in the digital information age. For example, at its market launch 22 years ago, the Opel Frontera, a trendsetter in the SUV segment and one of the best-selling off-road vehicles in Europe, still relied on the classic, mechanical on-demand all-wheel drive system. Now its grandchild, the Opel Mokka SUV, controls power distribution on demand with electronic bits and bytes. This, of course, also applies to Opel Insignia 4x4 models led by the Country Tourer. Electronics have become established as a means of ensuring the best-possible distribution of power. In this way, intelligent Opel all-wheel drive technology seamlessly joins safety systems such as ABS and ESP.

Taking driving to another level: Opel Insignia Country Tourer and Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer racing on an off-piste track

The advantages of having an on-demand control of power distribution are immense in comparison with purely mechanical systems still sometimes used today. The inherent drawbacks of such simple all-wheel drive systems – for example, twisting in the drivetrain, substantially higher fuel consumption and a reduction in driving comfort due to stronger vibrations – are almost completely eliminated by the intelligent all-wheel drive systems in today’s 4x4 Opel models. Opel systems score with a precise, on-demand power distribution which reacts in milliseconds to changing driving situations. This makes them clearly superior to other on-demand all-wheel drive systems which rely on the purely mechanical control of power distribution when wheel slip occurs. This usually happens after a noticeable time delay, which has a corresponding negative impact on driving dynamics and comfort levels.

New Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer on downhill stretch

Opel’s all-wheel drive system has an electronic, multi-disk clutch which is flange-mounted on the rear axle differential. The disks run in an oil bath and their locking effect is seamlessly adjusted in milliseconds by an integrated control module. This solution gives Opel engineers the freedom to tailor specific control strategies which optimally adjust the all-wheel drive system to meet the different requirements of various model lines, even though they share similar hardware.

New Opel Insignia Country Tourer also convinces off-piste in snowy conditions

In addition to technical similarities in the electronic multi-disk clutch, the all-wheel drive systems in the Opel Mokka, Opel Insignia Country Tourer and Opel Insignia OPC also share similarities in complex networking across the vehicles’ CAN bus. Data from numerous sensors is constantly exchanged between the control modules and the Opel all-wheel drive system utilizes the same driving dynamics sensors which feed information to the ABS and ESP systems. Data about yaw rate, steering angle and wheel speeds is evaluated and included in the all-wheel drive control strategy. The system also captures other driving conditions. Comprehensive networking and seamless power distribution, which is virtually delay-free, enable the Opel all-wheel drive system to function with foresight. For example, it reacts immediately to driver steering inputs and engine power measured by the throttle valve sensor, preventing wheel slip or vehicle instability before they occur. Basically, the intelligent Opel all-wheel drive system can be viewed as a form of reverse ESP: while the electronic stability program intervenes through the braking system in critical driving situations to keep the car on course, the electronically-controlled all-wheel drive system ensures ‘preventive’ vehicle stabilization before a critical situation occurs.

Stretching the limits with the Opel Mokka SUV – impressive 4x4 performance on snowy pistes

The differences between the all-wheel drive systems in the Opel Mokka, Opel Insignia Country Tourer and Opel Insignia OPC models are the result of different objectives in line with the specific requirements of each vehicle concept.

All-wheel drive in the Opel Mokka SUV

Opel Mokka SUV with adaptive an all-wheel drive system: Safely on its way even in off-road conditions

Environmental responsibility was a top priority during development of the all-wheel drive system for the Opel Mokka. Hardly surprising, since Opel’s sub-compact SUV has set class standards for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. This development goal was successfully achieved with targeted parameterization of the all-wheel drive system. The Mokka’s system can seamlessly distribute power between the front and rear axle from 100:0 to 50:50, while in normal everyday use it runs as an economical front-wheel drive car. This design enabled engineers to construct very lightweight components necessary for the all-wheel drive system during the Mokka’s development. As a result, the complete all-wheel drive system, including all the necessary axle, drive and transmission components, weighs less than 65 kilograms.

Opel Mokka SUV with efficient all-wheel drive system that automatically adjusts to driving conditions

The all-wheel drive system is activated when the Opel Mokka is stationary to prevent wheel slip at take-off. It also engages unobtrusively in a split second as soon as the driver depresses the clutch pedal. Once up and running, all power is transferred to the front wheels and the all-wheel drive system is only engaged when driving situations require it. As with most SUVs, the Mokka’s all-wheel drive system is supported by Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC). Electronic traction control also replaces the function of the axle-differential lock with automatic braking intervention.

All-wheel drive in New Opel Insignia Country Tourer and Opel Insignia OPC

New Opel Insignia Country Tourer: Adaptive 4x4 all-wheel drive with rear, electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD), seamlessly distributes power from zero to 100 percent between the front and rear axle and between the rear wheels.

When developing the 4x4 variant of the Insignia, Opel engineers focused on optimizing driving dynamics. While the all-wheel drive architecture and its integration with CAN bus data is similar to that of the Opel Mokka, an electronic Limited-Slip Differential (eLSD) has been introduced alongside the multi-disk clutch on the rear axle. This enables power to be distributed transversely, between the rear wheels, as well as longitudinally between the axles. Optimal adaptive driving dynamics are ensured by sporty control logics and the system’s ability to transfer all drive torque to the rear axle. Together with the intelligent limited-slip differential, which also seamlessly distributes power according to the prevailing driving situation, the Opel Insignia 4x4 offers a unique experience which gives the driver best-possible vehicle control. The ESP’s control strategy has also been optimally adapted to suit the all-wheel drive system. As a result, drivers can fully exploit the enhanced driving dynamics of the 4x4 Opel Insignia, especially when 325 hp is available from the powerful OPC version. With Opel’s fast-acting all-wheel drive system, driving safety and driving fun both reach new levels.

New Opel Insignia: Adaptive 4x4 all-wheel drive with rear, electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD).

!NEW! Opel Insignia Country Tourer: Ready for Adventure

• Top-of-the-line Sports Tourer with SUV character: Higher ground clearance and distinct protective body elements
• All-round grip: Advanced Opel all-wheel drive with variable torque delivery
• Strong pulling power: Three powerful turbo engines with up to 400 Nm torque
• Athletic appeal: Wide chrome grille and dual exhaust convey inherent power

          New Opel Insignia Country Tourer 4x4                 

The new Insignia family will soon be completed when the Opel Insignia Country Tourer makes its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. While its Sports Tourer sibling is an elegant family and business station wagon, the new Insignia Country Tourer expresses an innate desire for adventure. The athletic all-rounder, with its higher ground clearance, provides freedom beyond the constraints of city limits and asphalt roads. Defining features include protective under-body guards front and rear, combined with prominent wheel-arch and lower body cladding, all complemented by dual exhaust tailpipes. State-of-the-art all-wheel drive ensures grip and sure-footed handling in all driving conditions. It is teamed with powerful turbo engines such as a 184 kW/250 hp, 2.0-liter SIDI direct injection gasoline unit or a high-performance 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI – both generating impressive maximum torque of 400 Nm.

“The sensational success of our young Opel Mokka in the sub-compact SUV segment has demonstrated the popularity of vehicles with a crossover character,” says Duncan Aldred, Opel’s Acting Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales. “With the new Insignia Country Tourer, we are now filling this sporty niche in the larger, mid-size class. It enables us to offer customers an alternative choice they’ve never had before at Opel. They can spice up the high quality of our brand flagship with a strong dose of adventure. At the same time, we’re confident the athletic appeal of the Insignia Country Tourer will also attract new customers to our brand.”

Opel’s all-wheel drive: Top-class technology in the mid-size segment

The electronically controlled 4x4 drivetrain incorporates a high-quality clutch, operating on Haldex principles, and an electronic limited-slip differential to ensure superb traction on both paved and unpaved surfaces. It constantly adapts to prevailing road conditions and varies torque distribution seamlessly from zero to 100 percent between the front and rear axles, as well as between the rear wheels. The main benefit is that all this happens even before a wheel starts to slip due to lack of traction, for example on wet or snow-covered roads. In combination with the electronically controlled FlexRide premium chassis, the all-wheel drive system sets standards in terms of reaction time and vehicle control.

When necessary, the clutch controlling drive distribution immediately sends more torque to the rear axle. The 4x4 system’s sensors constantly feed individual control modules with information on yaw rate, acceleration, steering angle, wheel speed, gas pedal position, engine speed and torque, and the front/rear power distribution is constantly adapted to the driving situation based on this information.

Ultimate stability and higher dynamics are ensured by the electronically-controlled rear-axle Limited Slip Differential (eLSD). The eLSD controls the distribution of torque between the rear wheels, transferring drive torque to the wheel that has the most grip. While offering better traction in slippery conditions, the sophisticated operation of this adaptive 4x4 drive system guarantees the highest levels of driver control and active safety in all situations. The Insignia Country Tourer can even provide propulsion when three wheels are on loose or slippery ground and only one rear wheel has traction.

The adaptive all-wheel system also supports drivers in non-critical situations. To reduce frictional losses and save fuel, the system automatically reverts to front-wheel drive whenever it senses that no adaptive interventions are required.

Turbo engine line-up: High torque on demand

Strong Opel turbo engine power is a perfect match for the Country Tourer’s state-of-the-art 4x4 drivetrain. The choice of three engines is led by a 184 kW/250 hp 2.0 SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) Turbo gasoline engine, delivering excellent performance. Generating an impressive 400 Nm of torque, this direct injection engine guarantees massive levels of traction.

The high-performance 143 kW/195 hp 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI diesel also packs 400 Nm of pulling power. Its sequential, two-phase turbocharger delivers an immediate throttle response for excellent traction. A 120 kW/163 hp, 2.0 CDTI (with single tailpipe) completes the engine line-up, giving access to 350 Nm of torque, which is raised briefly to 380 Nm on overboost.

Both the 2.0 SIDI Turbo and the 2.0 CDTI can be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic transmission, while the 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI is available only with the latter. 

Off asphalt, the new Insignia Country Tourer also benefits from larger tires and a raised ride height, in addition to its four-wheel drive traction and lively responses. Ground clearance is 20 mm higher than standard, a major advantage when encountering loose, uneven terrain. So whether it’s used for a winter holiday on snowy roads, or simply when the going gets tough, the Insignia Country Tourer makes an ideal companion to easily handle unpaved roads and hilly terrain during work or leisure time. And in the city, its rugged looks also give it a strong stand-out appeal.

Well-toned: Athletic top station wagon with SUV character

The purposeful character of the new Insignia Country Tourer clearly signals its strong desire for freedom. With a signature Opel grille, now wider and deeper, the frontal styling has a distinct appeal. The grille’s horizontal chrome bar carries the central brand emblem and is sculpted in a wing form, with its outer tips turned upwards like winglets alongside the headlamps. A protective panel, in a gleaming silver finish, sweeps out from under the engine compartment; a prominent design theme echoed at the rear, where the paneling is framed by two gleaming exhaust tailpipes – all elements that simultaneously communicate a sense of power and protection.

Another characteristic feature is the anthracite-colored protective cladding on the side sills and lower body sections, which also gives the wheel-arches a more pronounced, flared look. The Insignia Country Tourer’s robust appearance gives it an assertive, self-confident persona. A final visual flourish is provided by distinctive front and rear light units. The tinted headlamps, with embedded chrome accents, exude high-quality and incorporate wing-style LED daytime running lights (depending on trim version). The graphic design theme is repeated at the rear, where LED brake and taillights also illuminate brightly. With its unique design features, the new Insignia Country Tourer successfully combines its roles as sporty adventurer and prestigious brand flagship.

Prices and equipment details will be announced on the start date for orders – at the world premiere on September 10 at the IAA in Frankfurt.