Proving that there is still some life in Opel, the struggling European unit of beleaguered General Motors, the automaker unveiled the high-performance Insignia OPC at the Barcelona Motor Show. Based on the all-new Insignia sedan, which could make it to North America as a Buick or as a Cadillac, the Insignia OPC is powered by a 325-horsepower turbocharged 2.8-liter V6.
Based on the all-new Insignia, the OPC – which stands for Opel Performance Center – sees a 69 horsepower increase over the standard 2.8-liter V6. That healthy upgrade also puts it 45 horsepower above the Saab 9-3 Aero, which shares the motor.
Opel claims that not only will the OPC take less than six seconds to reach 60 mph, it will do it with a minimum of fuss thanks to a heavily revised front suspension and standard all-wheel-drive with an electronic limited slip differential. The OPC also sits about 10 mm lower than the stock Insignia.
The HiPerStrut – High Performance Strut – front suspension is designed to reduce torque steer and to maintain a negative camber during cornering to improve grip.
Outside, the OPC gets a unique bodykit and 19 or 20-inch alloy wheels, as well as Brembo ventilated and cross-drilled disc brakes with color-keyed calipers.
The cabin receives Recaro front seats, a unique steering wheel and gear lever, special instrument graphics and a black headliner.
The range-topping sedan will be available in Arden Blue, Power Red, Carbon Flash Black, Silver Lake, Olympic White and Technical Grey. It will go on sale this summer badged the Opel Insignia OPC in Continental Europe and as the Vauxhall Insignia VXR in the United Kingdom.
