While things may not be going so well for GM on the stateside, the brand’s new 2009 Opel/Vauxhall Insignia was named the Car of the Year 2009 by a panel of car journalists from 23 countries. Journalists praised the car as being “truly revolutionary for the brand.”

“We are extremely proud the Insignia has been named Car of the Year,” said Hans Demant, Managing Director of Opel and Vice President of Engineering for General Motors Europe. “This is confirmation of the hard work of our designers, engineers and workers; and their commitment to quality that makes the Insignia a true flagship for our brand.”

The Insignia was picked from a tough range of 37 contenders in this year’s competition. 21 out of 23 journalists voted to place the Insignia as number one. Journalists take everything from design, safety, handling and performance into consideration

The Opel/Vauxhall will be the basis for the next-generation for the Saturn Aura - that’s if all goes well for GM.

Opel Insignia Sedan:

The General wants Opel/Vauxhall to be seen as a technologically advanced brand in Europe. For that reason, GM will launch an Opel/Vauxhall version of the new 2011 Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid in 2011 in European markets. That model will be followed by the Chevrolet variant six months later.

“Opel will have a version of the Volt that will look more like an Opel. It will be a close sister to the Chevrolet Volt,” a GM source told Automotive News.

GM is trying to make Opel its high-volume brand in the European market and having its own E-Flex electric-car will help it give a competitive edge said the source. Opel has its own E-Flex architecture concept called the Flextreme. No word on whether that will be the basis for the Opel version of the Volt but we wouldn’t doubt it.

GM will kick off production of the Volt Detroit Hamtramck plant in late 2010.

Source: Automotive News Europe (Subscription Required)

GM today gave a sneak peek at the next-generation Vauxhall Astra, also known as the Saturn Astra on the stateside. The design of the new Astra is said to take major inspiration from the new 2009 Insignia with quality and a premium interior being the main focus. Built on an all-new chassis the next Astra will get segment-leading dynamics and new powertrain choices that will lower fuel-consumption.

GM says the next Astra will also feature some new tech options from the new Insignia like the front camera system, traffic sign recognition, lane departure system and Adaptive Front Lighting (AFL).

The fourth-generation Astra will debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, sales will begin later next year.

Click through for the press release.

2009 Astra Sneak Peek:

Press Release:

    – 5-door hatch to debut at 2009 Frankfurt Show
    – All-new, highly sophisticated chassis
    – New high-efficiency engines
    – Leading technology evolved from Insignia

The next generation Vauxhall Astra will receive its premiere at next year’s Frankfurt Show, delivering a compelling mix of technical innovation and groundbreaking design that promises to raise the bar in the compact sector.

With its flowing lines and signature sculpted blade, the new Astra will carry the spirit of the Insignia into the compact class, offering customers a premium feel, while maintaining Vauxhall’s value for money promise.

Inside, the premium theme will continue, with a warm, wrap-around interior and a wing-line sweep that links the instrument panel to the door.

An all-new chassis promises to maintain the Astra’s reputation for class-leading dynamics, while new engines will maximise low-end torque to achieve miserly fuel consumption.

Also expect to see clever and practical features on the new Astra, taking inspiration from systems like the Corsa’s FlexFix integrated carrier.

The new Astra will major on technical innovation, such as the Front Camera System used in the upcoming Insignia, which combines traffic sign recognition with a lane departure system, improving occupant safety and potentially helping drivers avoid fines.

Next generation Adaptive Front Lighting (AFL) will also be shared with the Insignia. The system adapts to different road and driving conditions by providing nine unique light beams, improving visibility and safety during night-time driving.

This will be the fourth generation of the hugely successful Astra, which has sold over 2.5 million cars in the UK during the last 27 years.

The current model kick-started Vauxhall’s design renaissance when it was launched in 2004, and according to Mark Adams, GM Europe’s Vice President of Design, it presented his team with serious challenges: “The present Astra already combines a high level of technical substance and emotional styling, but with the new car we are taking a big step forward in both respects, while emphasising its sporting credentials.”

Joining the Opel Insignia Sedan and Insignia Hatchback will be the new Insignia Sports Tourer (or wagon or estate if you want to call it that). The Insignia Sports Tourer will be available to UK buyers with a Vauxhall badge in the second quarter of 2009.

Buyers will be able to pick from two turbodiesel and a two gasoline engines. First is the 2.0 CDTi turbodiesel engine producing 128-hp and 158-hp. The two gasoline engines include a 2.0i Turbo producing 216-hp and a 2.8i V6 producing 256-hp.

We’re just hoping that when the Saturn Aura version comes to the U.S. nothing is changed but the badge on the front and back.

Click through for more images and the press release.

2009 Vauxhall/Opel Insignia Sports Tourer:

Press Release:

VAUXHALL TO REVEAL THIRD INSIGNIA VARIANT AT PARIS SHOW

    – Stand-alone estate model to join range
    – Retains wheelbase and design language of hatch and saloon
    – Two new engines available from launch

Luton. These are the first official shots of Vauxhall’s new Insignia estate, which will debut at the Paris Salon on 2 October.

Known as the Sports Tourer, it will be available to UK buyers in the second quarter of 2009 and will feature two new engines ““ a more powerful turbodiesel and a smaller capacity turbocharged petrol unit ““ in addition to the five powerplants available from launch in the saloon and hatchback models. An ecoFLEX Sports Tourer with competitively low emissions and fuel consumption will also be available in the near future.

Mark Adams, Vice-President of GM Europe Design, described the Sports Tourer’s design as athletic, powerful and elegant. “However,” says Mark, “this is a stand-alone model and not simply an estate version of the saloon. In fact, all the bodywork aft of the B-pillars is unique to the Sports Tourer. We’ve also ensured that its design combines the sculptural artistry and technical precision found in the saloon and hatch models.”

Designers gave the rear of the Sports Tourer a unique, yet cohesive appearance by pulling the wraparound tailgate deep in to its flanks and accentuating it with large, fully integrated tail lights.

Inside, as with the Insignia saloon and hatch, the Sports Tourer has ample room for five adults and one of the best loadspace volumes in its class. (Full dimension and capacity details of the loadspace will be revealed at the Paris Auto Show in October 2008.) Despite this, Vauxhall has retained the hatch and saloon’s wheelbase (2,737mm) and added around 80mm to its length.

The new petrol and diesel engines available in the Sports Tourer will complement the Insignia’s existing line up of three petrol and two diesel units, including the 130 and 160PS 2.0 CDTi which achieve 58.9mpg on the extra urban cycle, the 220PS 2.0i Turbo, and the 260PS 2.8i V6 range-topper, capable of powering the Insignia from 0-60mph in 6.7 seconds.

Like the Insignia hatch and saloon, the Sports Tourer will also be available with front- and all-wheel drive, as well as Vauxhall’s FlexRide system with its Adaptive Stability Technology.