Vauxhall's hot new Insignia performance car previewed by Opel OPC

Power is not yet disclosed but the twin-turbo V6 is thought to produce around 320bhp. Expect to see this styling model at the Geneva show in March, with the production version making its debut at the Frankfurt show in September if not before.


Running OPC Prototypes have lapped the Nürburgring in a little over eight minutes, according to Opel managing director and engineering guru Hans Demant. With its four-wheel drive and 255/35 R20 tyres it's said to be very grippy, very stable and very benign in its handling. Wheels have five concave spokes, are painted in dark metallic grey and have polished rims and spoke outlines.


This is the OPC version of Opel's Insignia, to be known in the UK as the Vauxhall Insignia VXR. This prototype styling model, a saloon rather than a hatchback, shows the vertical front air intakes that were a striking feature of the Opel GTC Concept coupé that previewed the Insignia's design language at the 2007 Geneva motor show.
Source: evo.co.uk



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Thorney Motorsports shows Vauxhall Astra VXR-R / S and Corsa VXR-R / S

Thorney Motorsport, a UK based tuner that specializes on road and track cars has launched its own range of modified Vauxhall Astra and Corsa VXRs (sold in the rest of Europe as the Opel Astra and Corsa OPCs).

Both hot hatches are available in two variants, the VXR-S (Sport) and the more heavily modified VXR-R (Race) with Thorney Motorsport announcing that only 25 units of each version will be produced. The entry-level VXR-S models come equipped with a race suspension set up that brings the Astra and Corsa VXRs 30mm closer to the ground, uprated brake pads, lightweight 18-inch black alloy wheels, sport livery, a sport exhaust system and engine upgrades.
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Undisguised Opel Insignia Hatchback Spied

Having just revealed the sedan version of the all new Opel Insignia, it appears GM are working on a hatchback version and judging by the lack of any camoflage on this particular prototype we should see both debuted together at the British Motor Show this summer with a third estate variant to follow next year.

Clearly the design differences are minimal with the most notable feature being the extended length of the rear window. Like the sedan version, the Insignia hatchback both front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive will be available and seven engines will be offered at first, four petrol engines ranging from a 4-cylinder 115-bhp unit to a 260-bhp V6 and three new 2.0-litre direct-injection diesels ranging from 110 to 160 bhp.

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Opel Insignia Leaked

Yesterday, Dutch car magazine AutoWeek has blown the Opel Insignia embargo out of the water but failed to supply eager car enthusiasts with official specs. The car mag posted seven images on their website stating that the official press release should follow later this week.

Embargo breaking seems to be a favorite pass-time for many print magazines and the new Opel Insignia, destined for a British International Motor Show debut this summer as the Vauxhall Insignia, is no exception. On the bright side, Opel may now be inclined to release the official specs and full image gallery earlier.

The Opel Insignia will compete in the highly competitive D segment together with the new Ford Mondeo, Mazda 6, Renault Laguna and VW Passat. The new Insignia is the successor of the Opel Vectra and was first seen as the GTC Concept at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show.

As mentioned above, there are no official specs but we can hazard a guess at which engines may be available. Starting with 1.6 and 2.0 liter turbo and 250 hp 2.8 liter V6 petrol engines, a 1.9 liter diesel and 1.9 liter turbo diesel (power output ranging from 120 to 180 hp). A 2.9 liter V6 diesel is expected to follow later while an OPC version may end up with 300 hp.

Stay tuned for official information!

Source: autoweek.nl




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Vauxhall Reveal New Logo

This summer we will see the unveiling of the All New Vauxhall Insignia at the British Motor Show in London, but little did we know until this recent announcement that it will also be sporting the brand new Griffin Logo with a new look for 2008.

Bill Parfitt, Vauxhall’s Managing Director, said “While the new-look Griffin pays homage to our 100 year-plus manufacturing heritage in the UK, it also encapsulates Vauxhall’s fresh design philosophy, first showcased in the current Astra, and set to continue with Insignia".

Check out the additional images to see the evolution of the logo since the 1920s.

Source: Vauxhall

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Vauxhall Reveal The Secrets Of Camouflage

Vauxhall has released a series of spy shots of the upcoming Insignia, as well a quick lesson in keeping vehicle designs hidden with the use of camouflage.

Although computer simulation and testing provides a great deal of information about how prototypes will handle in the real world, nothing can replace actually test driving a new vehicle. This exposes the car to the prying eyes of the spy photographers and potentially millions of people with camera phones. To counter this Vauxhall uses a special team that works with designers and engineers to determine the most critical aspects to disguise.

Using a wooden model the team makes custom fitting covers for the exterior body panels, while foil and foam is used to change the vehicle's contours. The extensive testing required for vehicles means the camouflage has to able to remain effective in temperatures ranging from minus 40 to plus 70 degrees Celsius. Other tricks of the trade include making special headlight units that won’t be used on production cars and attaching different brand logos to test vehicles.

Previously Vauxhall used a seizure inducing black and white checkerboard pattern, now the company has adopted fish shaped patterns called “Fishies” which confuse camera lenses. Soon the company will use reflective “Flimmies” that create a flickering effect. The company also has as special rules about test cars, such as drivers cannot stop and park in public places and a vehicle cover must always be on board.

The Vauxhall Insignia will debut July 22nd at the British Motor Show, and as always stay tuned to WCF for coverage of the unveiling.

Source: Vauxhall

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New Vauxhall Meriva Details

• New-look Meriva joins Vauxhall line-up

• Sophisticated and economical 1.3 CDTi and 1.6 Twinport engines join the range

• New turbocharged flagship VXR

There’s a new look, new technology and a hot new addition to the family as Vauxhall continues to move its stylish and dynamic model range forward with a revised version of its smallest MPV.

On sale now, New Meriva gets a freshened front end, with a reprofiled bumper and more prominent V-grille, which brings the mini-MPV into line with the latest Vauxhall family look. At the rear the Meriva gains dark rear lamp lenses and a classy chrome strip across the tailgate. New paint schemes and wheels combine with a revised cabin, featuring extra chrome detailing and fresh fabrics, to complete the stylish new look.

Two new engines are available, and both offer exceptional economy. The high-tech 1.3-litre CDTi diesel, as used in Corsa and Tigra, appears in Meriva for the first time, delivering an impressive combined fuel economy figure of 56.5mpg allied to a lively top speed of 98mph. The award-winning 75PS unit features common-rail injection and four-valves per cylinder to ensure excellent economy and smooth responses.

The second new addition is to the petrol engine line-up, in the form of the 1.6-litre 105PS Twinport engine used in Astra and Zafira. With 5PS more than the outgoing Meriva 1.6, the newcomer is livelier yet more economical, having a top speed of 112mph and a combined economy figure of 42.2 mpg – a six percent improvement over the outgoing car.

New Meriva is also the next model to join Vauxhall’s VXR performance line-up, with a 180PS turbocharged 1.6-litre engine and distinctive styling.

All versions of New Meriva will feature several technical innovations which are unique in its class, including a halogen version of Vauxhall’s innovative Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL). More affordable than the Xenon lighting used in existing versions of AFL, the Halogen set-up includes curve lights that adjust beam angles subject to speed and steering angles. The system offers far greater night time visibility over standard Halogen lighting without the cost of a full Xenon system.

Other New Meriva features include a power release tailgate and interior lighting that can be activated by remote control, leading the way to the car in the dark – fitted as standard in all models. Follow-me-home headlights are also standard on all models, while optional mobile phone installation with Bluetooth interface is also appearing on the options list for the first time.

Thanks to its FlexSpace concept, New Meriva will continue to offer the same versatility and flexibility that its predecessor has offered since 2003. Despite its compact 4.05 metres length, Meriva offers generous storage and plenty of comfortable seating, and can be quickly and easily transformed from a five-seater into a four, three or two-seater in just a matter of seconds.

New Meriva will be the first of several new products to join the Vauxhall line-up in 2006, with prices starting at just £9,995.

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New Vauxhall Meriva Details

Design and Dynamics

New Meriva continues Vauxhall’s theme of offering the very best in stylish design and driving dynamics.

The neat lines are instantly identifiable, with new classy touches such as dark-tinted rear lamp lenses and a smart chrome strip that runs across the base of the tailgate.

Up front, there’s a new grille and bumper, while new round fog lamps adorn higher-range models. The dimensions are the same as before, but the look is bolder and more confident, in keeping with the image of what has become the European market leader in its class.

But the smart looks aren’t all, for New Meriva has been designed to offer the best in dynamic ability and comfort. The ‘Dynamic Safety Chassis’ has excellent levels of grip and neutral handling characteristics, meaning it is ideally set-up to deal with the majority of real-life situations from motorway cruising to avoiding emergencies.

The ABS system is highly advanced, with discs all-round and standard electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD). ESP and Traction Control are on the options list, and further bolster New Meriva’s dynamic package.

On models fitted with Easytronic automated manual transmission, Hill Start Assist is also standard. This maintains pressure in the braking system for 1.5 seconds after the foot brake is released, giving the driver enough time to select a gear and apply the accelerator without rolling back. As soon as the car starts to move, braking pressure is released.

Meriva VXR dynamics

Meriva VXR features an exclusive Sport Chassis, which is even more dynamic that the standard car to react quicker to driver input.

Tested at GM’s high-speed test centre at Pferdsfeld, Germany, as well as the legendary Nurburgring, the Meriva VXR’s chassis is 10mm lower at the front and 15mm lower at the rear than the standard car. Higher spring rates and stiffer dampers (up to 50 per cent) significantly reduce body roll, while 60 per cent stiffer bushes all round further sharpen the driving experience.

VXR models come with 17-inch alloys as standard, shod with 205/45 ZR 17 88W tyres. Ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid discs at the rear help keep things in check, while the Electronic Power Steering has a quicker 16.7:1 ratio than the standard car, delivering exceptional precision and responsiveness.

The standard ESP system is set to interact later than on standard cars, allowing the driver to set the car up more flexibly under hard driving.

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