The first official photos of Opel's high-performance Insignia OPC are finally out in the open. The new sports sedan from GM's European unit that will be sold in the UK under the name Vauxhall Insignia VXR has been designed to compete against the likes of the Audi S4 and its ilk. However, it is expected that the Insignia OPC will be priced lower than most of its rivals. The top-grade Insignia comes with a specially modified version of GM's 2.8-liter twin-scroll turbo V6 engine that produces a satisfying 325HP and 400Nm of torque channeled to all four wheels.
The first ever four-wheel drive Opel OPC model also benefits from a new electronically controlled, rear limited slip differential (eLSD) which can transfer up to 40% of torque to whichever (rear) wheel has more grip. This is the same system that is used on the Saab 9-3 Turbo X.
Four-wheel drive system and eLSD aside, Opel's engineers have also fiddled around with the Insignia's suspension system as well as with the brakes. Stopping power is now provided by a set of Brembo vented and cross drilled discs.
Opel claims that it's hot Insignia can accelerate from standstill to 60mph (96km/h in 5.8 seconds (0 to 100km/h in 6.0 seconds) and reach an electronically limited top speed of 155mph or 250 km/h. In comparison, the Audi S4 with its 333HP 3.0 TFI V6 goes from 0 to 62mph (100km/h) in 5.1 seconds, almost a second faster than the OPC.
If you liked the standard Insignia's appereance -and we don't see any reason why you shouldn't- then you're going to love the OPC. Without going haywire, the German manufacturer's styling team beefed up the Insignia's looks with a new front bumper with tear-like air scoops at both corners that is directly inspired from the GTC coupe concept, side sills, a discreet boot lid spoiler and a new rear bumper that houses two large matte chrome tailpipes. The package is rounded off with newly designed 19-inch alloys while buyers will also be able to opt for 20-inch wheels.
Inside, the OPC gains a set of Recaro front seats, a new three-spoke leather steering wheel and a different gearknob for the six-speed gearbox plus a redesigned instrument cluster.
Sales of the new Opel Insignia OPC are scheduled to begin in Europe this autumn.
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