This is the new Opel Insignia GSi, the sportiest
derivative of Opel’s mid-sized model, expected to make its public
debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September. Power comes from a
turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine that makes 252 hp and 400 Nm of torque and is mated to a new eight-speed automatic gearbox with
paddles shifters on the steering.
Opel also points out that despite the new model being
less powerful by 69 hp than the previous-gen Insignia OPC, it still manages a
faster lap time at the Nurburgring.
One of the reasons is because the new Insignia GSi
is 160kg lighter than the previous OPC version, courtesy of an all-new chassis.
The new range-topper is wearing model-specific shorter springs, adaptive
dampers and a set of bigger Brembo brakes. The optional 20-inch alloys are
wrapped with Michelin’s Pilot Sport 4 S tires.
Another reason is the advanced all-wheel drive
system that comes with torque vectoring for the rear axle, with Opel claiming
that understeer is “almost banished” from the Insignia GSi’s handling. The
driver can choose between Standard, Tour, Sport and a GSi-exclusive Competition
mode, with the system tuning the dampers, steering, gearbox and accelerator
pedal accordingly.
Inside the biggest difference are the new sports
seats developed by Opel that are also AGR-certified. There is also a
flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in leather, a set of aluminum pedals and a
black roofliner to match the sporty character of the new Insignia GSi.
Opel hasn’t release any performance data of the
new Insignia GSi yet, but they said that they are also working on a diesel
version as well.
