General Motors said that it plans to move struggling Opel more upmarket in Europe, while bringing in Chevrolet as a its entry-level brand into the market.

During a presentation to analysts in Detroit yesterday, GM CEO Dan Akerson and Chief Marketing Officer Joel Ewanick, said that GM will try to use Opel’s German heritage to connect with consumers and compete with brands like Volkswagen.

They admitted that Chevrolet, which was relaunched in Europe in 2005, will have a difficult time becoming its sole entry-level brand in Europe.

“This is a market where Chevrolet will always have a difficult time penetrating,” Ewanick said.

Akserson said that Opel only needs to grow slightly to compete in Europe, specifically Germany.

“Where we lost most of our market share in the five years leading up to the bankruptcy is in Germany, so we need to revitalize that brand,” Akerson said. “We’ve done it with Buick in North America. We need to grow market share with Opel by only a couple of percent because I believe we’re on the cusp.”

According to estimated registration data from ACEA covering 28 European countries, during the first six months of 2011, Opel/Vauxhall sales were up 2 percent to 549,125 units. Chevrolet sales fell 1 percent in Europe to 92,061.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

Opel has been on a roll revamping their lineup and the latest and greatest Astra and Insignia are both examples that have much potential of reinvigorating the brand’s appeal. Not too long ago, Opel announced that it will be coming out with a new large crossover that will go against the likes of the new Citroen DS5 crossover that was unveiled at this year’s Shanghai Auto Show.

“The Opel [Vauxhall] brand can’t content itself with the Insignia,” said Karl-Friedrich Stracke, head of Vauxhall’s sister brand Opel, “we need a car that has greater global appeal than the current Ford Mondeo rival,” he continued.

These new efforts will revive Opel/Vauxhall’s FLV plans, or Future Large Vehicle, which was terminated in 2008 from the global recession.

The other driving forces for these projects is China’s potential market as successful sales have been proven from the popularity of large cars from mainstream manufacturers in the skyrocketing Asian country. Citroen and Peugeot have both decided to launch a production version of its SxC Concept, which is what caused Vauxhall and Opel to follow.

No other details of the new crossover were released other than it will be based off of the Insignia’s platform, will feature a luxurious and flexible seven-seat cabin, and a raised ride height with either front- or all-wheel drive.

Depending on the success of the model, the new crossover could also find its way into US dealers as a Buick since the Opel Astra, Insignia, and Antara are both sold as such under the names of Verano, Regal, and Enclave.

- By: Chris Chin

The new boss of General Motors’ Opel brand, Karl-Friedrich Stracke, is a product guy at heart. According to Stracke, Opel plans on introducing a new premium model above the top-of-the-line Insignia as well as an electric car smaller than the Ampera plug-in hybrid.

“The Opel brand can’t content itself with the Insignia,” Stracke said.

The new premium model will hit the market in four to five years in a style of a new crossover that won’t compete directly with vehicles offered by BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Audi, Stracke said.

The new electric-car will be something along the size of the Corsa hatchback and will join the lineup in addition to the Ampera, the Opel version of the Chevrolet Volt.

Stracke also plans on expanded Opel’s offerings outside of Europe. “I believe that we can achieve a level of about 150,000 vehicles that we can sell annually outside Europe in three years time,” he said.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News

Opel Insignia OPC Unlimited

The Opel Insignia OPC is powered by a 2.8 V6 Turbo engine allowing for 325-hp and a peak torque of 295 lb-ft. That allows the Opel Insignia OPC (which is the 255-hp Buick Regal GS on the stateside without the V6) to go from 0 to 62 mph in 6 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

But what if you’re traveling on the Autobahn and want to go faster than 155 mph? For that, Opel today announced the Opel Insignia OPC Unlimited, which removes the electronically-restricted top speed and pushes it to 168 mph.

“We are responding to frequently expressed customer wishes,” says Alain Visser, Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales at Adam Opel AG. “Insignia OPC buyers are generally experienced and responsible drivers who want to enjoy the full technical possibilities of their car.”

The new Opel Insignia OPC Unlimited can be distinguished from the regular Insignia OPC by its blue Brembo logo and a newly-designed tachometer and speedometer. Opel is also planning a special edition of the model with matte black wrapping.

Sales of the Opel Insignia OPC Unlimited will start later this month with prices starting at 48,605 euros ($70,124 USD) for the four-door notchback with a manual transmission.

All we ask is, please plan a Buick Regal GS with 325-hp.

Follow the jump for the high-res image gallery and the press release.

Opel Insignia OPC Unlimited:

Press Release:

Opel Insignia OPC ‘Unlimited’ with 270 km/h Top Speed

• Removal of electronic 250 km/h maximum speed restriction
• OPC safe driving training included in purchase

Rüsselsheim.  The 239 kW/325 hp high-performance variant of the Opel Insignia – distinguished by the iconic letters ‘OPC’ – is now also available as an ‘Unlimited’ version without an electronically-restricted top speed. This top model in the Opel product portfolio, with all-wheel drive as standard, will fully exploit the potential of the vehicle’s driving dynamics, offering maximum speeds of up to 270 km/h (sedan, with manual transmission).

The Opel Insignia OPC ‘Unlimited’ is visually distinguished by a blue Brembo logo and a newly-designed tachometer and speedometer. A special edition of the vehicle is also planned with a matt black wrapping.

The performance flagship of the Opel model range comes with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission in all body styles. These comprise a four-door notchback and a five-door hatchback, as well as the Sports Tourer OPC station wagon, twice voted “Sportscar of the Year” (2009, 2010) by the German magazine “Auto Bild sportscars”.

The ‘Unlimited’ customer package includes an OPC performance driving training course on the Opel proving grounds in Dudenhofen. Owners will learn how to exploit the driving dynamics of their vehicle even more safely and confidently, under the supervision of Opel brand ambassador Joachim Winkelhock and instructors with motor sports experience.

The driving performance of the new ‘Unlimited’ variant is identical to that of the speed-restricted versions, apart from the higher top speed. Insignia OPCs can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 to 6.6 seconds, depending on bodystyle and transmission. Combined-cycle fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions range from 10.6 l/100 km and 249 g/km to 11.0 l/100 km and 259 g/km.

Powertrain alternative: the new 6-speed automatic transmission

The new 6-speed automatic transmission combines sporty dynamics and driving comfort at an especially high level, offering an attractive alternative to manual shift versions. Alongside the automatic function, a further shift mode is also available, enabling the driver to shift gears manually – optionally via steering wheel paddles. The transmission control system is linked to the Insignia OPC’s mechatronic FlexRide chassis. In addition to a standard setting giving balanced all-wheel drive characteristics for everyday driving, there are two further driver-selectable modes: ‘Sport’ gives more agility and more direct vehicle responses, while ‘OPC’ mode offers the ultimate ‘hard-edged’ experience in uncompromised handling dynamics. The automatic’s shifting character is tuned for even more driving fun and adapts to prevailing driving conditions, according to the mode selected.

The Insignia OPC’s innovative Adaptive 4×4 system ensures precise handling, maximum stability and the full use of available traction. The system uses a sport differential with hydraulic Haldex multi-disk clutch as well as electronic central and rear limited slip differentials (eLSD).

Like all Opel Performance models, the Insignia OPC ‘Unlimited’ benefits from an OPC-specific 10,000-kilometer test program, which validates its fine tuning and long-term endurance under the toughest possible conditions on the Nürburgring Nordschleife (north loop). The loads on the vehicle as a whole during this program are rated at factor 18, which corresponds to driving 180,000 kilometers on normal roads.

Sales of the fastest production model in Opel history are set to start in April 2011. Prices begin at 48,605 euros (in Germany) for the four-door notchback with manual transmission.

- By: Omar Rana

Opel Insignia GTC Concept

Sources say that Opel and Vauxhall are working on a successor to the Calibra coupe, which could go on sale by 2013. Known internally as the “New Calibra,” the next-generation model is likely to share design influences from the Insignia GTC Concept car.

However, there are some issues. According to sources, while the model is expected to arrive in 2013 sharing its underpinnings with the Insignia, Vauxhall and Opel need to build at least 30,000 units a year before the model makes any money.

“We would feel a lot more confident about some of these projects if Buick, Chevrolet in North and South America and Saab were sharing volumes and risk,” a source told CAR Magazine.

Well, Opel and Vauxhall, we don’t mind getting a Buick version of the new Calibra coupe on the stateside at all.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: CAR

GM has unveiled the ecoFLEX version of the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, which generates a combined CO2 of just 136g/km with a combined fuel-economy of 46 mpg and a potential range of over 842 miles.

Power comes from a 2.0L turbo-diesel engine making 160-hp, which allows the Insignia ecoFLEX to go from 0 to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds with a top speed of 135 mph.

Pricing for the Insignia ecoFLEX starts at €30,105 ($39,031 USD).

Opel/Vauxhall Insignia ecoFLEX:

Press Release:

NEW ECO INSIGNIA STILL FLEXES DIESEL MUSCLE

Luton – Generating combined C02s of just 136g/km and with performance similar to that of its regular 2.0 CDTi 160 sibling, the new Insignia ecoFLEX is set to provide company and private buyers with significant reductions in taxes and running costs, but without the pain of reduced driveability.

Available initially in hatch and saloon versions, and in all trim levels apart from SRi, the Insignia ecoFLEX is on sale now with a starting price of £19,600 OTR for the Exclusiv model.

The ecoFLEX’s reduced combined C02 figure means that business drivers will pay just 18 per cent Benefit in Kind tax – the second lowest band for a diesel car – down from 21 per cent for the already competitive 2.0 CDTi models. The lower C02s also mean that all Insignia ecoFLEX owners will be better off by £25 per year due to its lower VED band.

And with all drivers keeping a keen eye on the fuel gauge these days, the Insignia ecoFLEX rewards with an official combined figure of 54.7mpg – a 10 per cent improvement on the 2.0 CDTi model – which puts it among the best in class. It also means that the Insignia ecoFLEX now has a potential range of over 842 miles.

But since the Insignia ecoFLEX uses the same 160PS 2.0-litre engine found in higher-powered versions of existing 2.0 CDTi models, there’s little change in performance. Top speed remains at 135mph, while 0-60mph takes just 8.9 seconds, making it one of the quickest green derivatives in its class.

Aerodynamics have played a major role in the Insignia ecoFLEX’s overall efficiency. Designers have streamlined the car, adding panelling to its underside, while also lowering the ride height by 10mm. As a result, the Cd figure drops from 0.27 for the regular hatch to 0.26 for the ecoFLEX. Low rolling resistance Michelin tyres are also standard on all models.

A higher first and second gear ratio, combined with a higher final drive ratio are the only changes that have been made to the ecoFLEX’s powertrain, ensuring that the generous torque from the 2.0 CDTi 160 engine (350Nm from 1750-2500rpm, with overboost to 380Nm) remains to ensure optimum driveability. But to help drivers get the best from their ecoFLEX’s economy, a graphic is displayed in the instrument panel recommending the best change-up points.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

A reader of our friends at WorldCarFans spotted the new Opel Insignia hanging out in Michigan.

Sources have recently reported that the Opel Insignia, originally scheduled to arrive in the U.S. as a Saturn Aura, will now come here as the 2010 Buick Regal sedan. Following that it was reported GM also considered the Insignia for the Cadillac brand as a entry-level front-wheel-drive mid-size sedan.

Head over to WorldCarFans for more pictures of the Opel Insignia on U.S. soil.

If GM can’t spin off Saturn by 2012, the brand will be completely shut down. Earlier this week it was reported that since Saturn’s future is now foggy, the European-designed Opel Insignia, originally scheduled to replace the current Saturn Aura next year, would be rebadged as a Buick.

Sources said that GM plans to bring the 2010 Opel Insignia over the U.S. as a 2010 Buick Regal sedan. However, as Detroit Free Press points out, the Insignia uses the same global front-wheel-drive mid-size platform as the 2010 Buick LaCrosse which goes on sale next year. That would result in a mid-size sedan overload for Buick.

It’s now being reported that GM also considered offering the Insignia as a Cadillac. It is reported that the Insignia would give Cadillac a front-wheel-drive mid-size sedan for buyers that feel unsafe driving on snowy-conditions.

What are your thoughts? Have your say in the comments section below.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Detroit Free Press

The new 2009 Buick Regal has made its debut in China. Shanghai GM, a joint venture between GM and Shanghai revealed the car to the Chinese market yesterday. The new Regal is basically a rebadged 2009 Opel Insignia that we saw at the 2008 Paris Auto Show; however minor details were changed to give the car a Buick look and feel with a new grille, side air-vents and turn signals embedded into the side-view mirrors.

The Buick Regal will arrive in showrooms across China later this year with an entry level 2.4L 4-cylinder unit producing 165-hp. A 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 217-hp will also be available. Both models will mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard with a 6-speed automatic available as an option. 0 to 62 mph comes in 9.8 seconds for the 2.4L and 7.8 seconds for the 2.0 turbo.

The Opel Insignia will also make its way to the U.S. as a Saturn Aura later next year.

Follow the jump for the high-resolution image gallery.

2009 Buick Regal:

Source: GM (via CarScoop)

At the 2008 Paris Motor Show, GM’s Opel brand showed its new Insignia model in three different variants including a sedan, wagon and a hatchback. According to the Detroit News, the Insignia will come to the U.S. within the next three years but will only come as a sedan.

So we won’t get a hatchback or a wagon – big deal. We’re more frightened about Bob Lutz’s recent comments that the Insignia will come the U.S. but with a different skin and interior.

We absolutely adore the new Insignia and are crossing our fingers that GM doesn’t change anything when it comes here as a Saturn Aura.

Opel Insignia Sedan:

Source: Detroit News