Opel Insignia – Automobiles Review

Irmscher Releases Special Edition Opel Insignia is3 Called ‘Bandit’

Irmscher Opel Insignia is3 Bandit is a very special edition car. First, it is an example of the exquisite work of the tuners and secondly it has so much power that no one have ever seen in an Insignia model. In other words, the car features exterior tuning as well as a furious power package.

Exterior

The Bandit has a typical face, which is dominated with some changes added by Irmscher. For example the front features new apron with underride splitter. At the sides, the car is extended by side skirts, while the rear got new diffuser. At the back we also see discreet rear wing, which provides inspiration for street racing.

In general, the car’s exterior color was decided in the dark hues. But there are some accents all over car’s body that come in gold. The same color is used to highlight the wheels, which by the way come in 20-inch dimension both front and rear. The alloys are in Turbo Star Exclusive Design and are made by the tuner.

Optimized Performance

Irmscher Opel Insignia is3 Bandit Rear View

The first step in optimizing the performance was to change the chassis. This was necessary due to the significant increase of power. Speaking of which, the engine received comprehensive revision with updates in the turbocharger, cooling and the intake and exhaust.

As a result, the Insignia now produces 370 hp (279 kW) and 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque. Due to these changes, the acceleration time is now faster than ever. It takes 5.9 seconds for the Bandit to cover the 0-100 km/h acceleration sprint.

Source: Irmscher

September 25, 2015

Irmscher Conquers Auto Shanghai with Custom Insignia

Irmscher Opel Insignia Front and Side View At the Shanghai Motor Show we have seen the debut of very odd vehicles. And I am not talking about those we have written about. We are all familiar with the copy-cat capabilities of the Chinese industry (no-offense on that) and if you try searching about the strangest vehicles at this year’s Auto Shanghai, you would be amazed. Just google it.

Nonetheless, some of the cars on display there were mind-blowing. An example for one is Irmscher’s four-door Opel Insignia. The tuning company has remodeled the body of the car in order to make a sportier model.

Take a look at the front and there you’ll see a redesigned front apron with splitter underneath, which ensures that the large vents can take enough air. Throughout the exterior there are also visible the side line side skirts and rear diffuser.

In addition, there is a rear wing for better downforce, which also displays the sports characteristics of the Insignia. A very impressive fact is that Irmscher has tested all parts in the wind tunnel and has adjusted them in resonance with car’s original aerodynamics. The exterior tuning is rounded out by a special color graphics and 20-inch the Turbo Star alloys.

At last, the tuner is offering an optional performance upgrade for Insignia’s range of engines. Sitting at the top of the range, the most powerful updated unit produces 370 hp, which equals 279 kW.

Source: Irmscher via Facebook

April 22, 2015

Irmscher Opel Insignia at 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show

Irmscher has introduced their styling package for the facelift version of the new Opel Insignia. The tuned car will be exhibited at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The tuning package includes a new front spoiler, modified front grille and a pair of extended side skirts. Other upgrades include a rear diffuser, a four tailpipe stainless steel sports exhaust system, different spoilers and a set of 8.5J x 20” alloy wheels with a two-tone finish fitted with low-profile performance tires.

The performance will be boosted by different tuning packages including ECU re-maps, sports exhaust systems and optimized intakes. The suspension is further stiffened for better handling results.

Source: Irmscher

August 27, 2013

2013 Opel Insignia OPC – 325HP and 435Nm

Opel Insignia OPC facelift will be introduced at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The performance touring car boasts all-wheel drive system, new refreshed look and modified chassis. The manufacturer will also exhibit the recently introduced Insignia Country Tourer.

“The Insignia OPC dazzles with new radiance. With great attention to detail, our engineers have given it some decisive fine-tuning. This is evident in its design and in its even better driving performance. This puts the OPC squarely in the first league of mid-size series production sports cars.”, commented Michael Ableson, Vice President GME Engineering.

The power is coming from a 2.8 liter V6 turbocharged petrol with 325HP (239 kW) and 435Nm (321 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is put on the road through 6-speed manual gearbox and AWD system featuring Haldex coupling and an electronic limited slip differential. 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Opel mentions the unrestricted Insignia is capable of hitting a maximum speed of 270 km/h (168 mph).

The cabin welcomes OPC drivers with pure motorsport ambience. Recaro performance seats, also optionally available in leather with a memory function, the OPC gearshift knob and a completely new main instrument panel and center console exude premium flair. Beyond basic information, drivers can see specific details like oil pressure and temperature, battery voltage, throttle position, brake power and the g-force resulting from lateral acceleration on the optional, 8” instrument readout display.

Source: Opel

August 26, 2013

2014 Opel Insignia To Debut At Frankfurt Motor Show

2014 Opel Insignia will celebrate its world debut at the 65th Frankfurt Motor Show in mid September. The exclusive model will offer its customers even more attractive interior and exterior styling.

Furthermore, the car will include new and more powerful ultra-efficient direct injection engines – namely the two new-generation Turbo gasoline units and the 99 g Turbo diesel. They will expand the engine choices that are currently being offered. As a matter of fact, both variants (the 88 kW/120 hp and 103 kW/140 hp) consume just 3.7 liters of fuel per 100 km in the combined cycle. This makes the new 2014 Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTI is the most fuel efficient diesel car in its class.

In addition, chassis improvements now contribute towards better agility and comfort. The new infotainment system on the other hand integrates many smartphone functions into the car and can be operated via a touchpad in the center console.

Three criteria were on the spotlight during the improvement of the cockpit. It had to be clear, simple and to deliver intuitive operation. In addition, the goals were to offer the occupants comfort and safety. The center console is now refined and it includes a range of new technologies and functions.

As stated already, the new infotainment generation in the Insignia can be now manipulated via eight-inch touchpad. Through it the driver accesses all functions and sub-menus. In addition, the infotainment system can be controlled via clearly laid-out steering wheel controls as well as voice commands.

What is more, the new Opel Insignia now includes refreshments in terms of powertrain and chassis. For instance, the enhancements to the chassis include modifications on the dampers, stabilizers and steering, resulting in decreased noise and higher comfort.

On the other hand, the engine choice has been expanded via the introduction of three propulsion alternatives: gasoline, diesel and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas). In particular, the new Insignia 2.0 CDTI generates 88 kW (120 hp) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque or 103 kW (140 hp) and 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) of torque (depending on the model), and in addition it emits only 99 g/km of CO2.

Next, the top of the range diesel unit is the 143 kW (195 hp) 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI one. The high-performance diesel with sequential, two stage turbo chargers generates torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). It also delivers direct responsiveness and great propulsion power across a broad rpm range.

Moreover, the gasoline engines offered for this Opel model are the two turbo direct injection units: the 2.0 SIDI Turbo with 184 kW (250 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) maximum torque as well as the 1.6 SIDI Turbo from the newest engine generation with 125 kW (170 hp) and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft).

The most economical unit in the range however is the 103 kW (140 hp) 1.4 LPG one. It generates maximum torque of 200 Nm (148 lb-ft) and has a fuel consumption of 7.6 l/100 km and low CO2 emissions of 124 g/km.

To go further into details, the exterior design of this Opel now includes low-and-wide front graphic to visually pronounce its wide stance. The high-gloss chrome grille is wider and lower and the brand bar that cradles the Opel logo is leaner and features winglets that link the eye to the re-designed headlamps.

The latter come with bi-xenon lamps including the safety lighting system AFL+. In addition, they are made in high gloss black with embedded chrome accents. The up-level headlamps feature a wing signature daytime running light with energy-saving LEDs.

Moreover, the lower front fascia inserts are designed to appear slim and wide. This further emphasizes the upper grille size. The fog lamps on the other hand are combined with wide black inserts and chrome accents.

Observed from side, the new Insignia features new unique tailgates and integrated spoiler design. The roofline reaches the spoiler trailing edge thus highlighting the classic coupe silhouette.

At the rear the new Insignia includes wider and lower proportions. Here, the high-gloss chrome brand bar is positioned lower on the tailgate and features Opel’s logo. It extends into the tail lamps to include the slim-look reverse functions.

2014 Opel Insignia will be offered as a four-door, five-door and Sports Tourer variant; prices begin at 24,325 euros with first orders starting from 21st of June.

Source: Opel

June 17, 2013

Opel Insignia OPC by MR Car Design

We will maintain that these days it’s rather rare to see a pumped up Opel. More specifically, an Insignia. That is why we deem this Insignia OPC by MR Car Design as a really good find. OPC is used to distinguish a production performance Opel Insignia from a standard model. But it is more than visible that someone has been tinkering with this one. At the very least, the ride is low. Way too low. In fact so low that even a roadkill will be seen as a threat while on the move.

It is, what it is then. With the Reil G-Ride suspension, one can scrape off tarmac with the car’s apron. Subsequently those wheel arches are well filled with 8,5×20 front and 9,5×20 rear Oxigin aluminum rims. Seemingly no other alterations have taken place on the inside.

As a standard OPC, the Opel Insignia, with its 2.8 liter V6, develops 321 hp and 435 Nm of torque. That’s sounds pretty brisk. By fiddling with the software of it, fitting a sports catalyst and a sports air filter, MR Car Design have pushed the engine’s limits even a bit higher – 375 hp and peak torque of 495 Nm.

Source: Miranda-Media

April 11, 2012

JMS Opel Insignia

In search for an executive saloon but tired of BMWs or Audis and Mercedeses? They are the usual choice but one can never get hurt from trying something different. Oh Look! Here’s an Opel Insignia… and it’s been tweaked by German motoring specialists JMS. It’s a starter project with more options due to come. I basically depends on the customer.

What you do get however, is a KW coilover version 3 inox for a suspension. That will set you back $2,226. Because of it, the Insignia will be lower than usual – specifically, 55mm lower at the front and 45mm at the back. For a more modest sum of $315 you’ll also get a JMS racelook apron which you can screw on the standard front bumper and apply…glue, apparently.

By far the most expensive feature on this Insignia are the 9×20 AR1 Race wheels wrapped in 245/35R20 tires. All four of them cost $3,423.

More exterior enhancements and exhaust pipes can be ordered upon request for an overall complete look.

Source: JMS

March 18, 2012

5 Most Aerodynamic Family Saloons on the Market

BMW E90 3 Series - Front Angle View

We have all heard the idiom “This … has the aerodynamics of a brick” at one time or another and it is not by accident that the expression has become universally popular among automotive enthusiasts. It turns out, in fact, that when it comes to aerodynamics (which in a car determines a number of characteristics, including but not limited to top speed, fuel consumption, and noise inside) you pretty much cannot do any worse. How do we know? Well, some really smart people invented the ‘drag coefficient’, which is a useful number to measure the frontal area resistance of a solid object in air or liquid. When this solid object is a brick, the number equals 2.

Back to cars, ever since people recognized that cars and carriages are not the same thing, car manufacturers started to pay more attention to aerodynamics as part of their efforts to make their cars go faster, be more stable, and look better (although the latter turned out to be way more than a function of wind resistance). All in all, in the last half a century aerodynamics has had a crucial role in shaping our concept about the attributes of a car’s exterior.

So what are the 5 cars of today, which are most brick-un-like in terms of their Cd (the accepted designation of drag coefficient)?

5. Opel Insignia

So it is not only beautiful but also efficient in the way it slips through the air. The 2009 European ‘Car of the Year’ award winner has been a total hit so far with its sales in Europe and is well-received on the US market, as well, where it appears with a Buick badge. Of course, the Insignia has its faults – the scarce rear passenger leg room is something the vast majority of automotive journalists who have tested the car agree on. Another thing they agree on, however, is its successful design, which is not only pleasing to the eye but also responsible for a Cd of only 0.27.

4. BMW E90 3 Series

In our minds, BMW’s have never won people over through their aerodynamic design – something which has been the reserved territory of brands, such as Citroen for example. Still, despite the fact that the little bimmer is quite different to look at when compared to the renaissance-like shapes of the Insignia, it has the same Cd value of 0.27 as the Opel. That is, only if it bears a 318i/320i badge – the reason is that larger wheels and fatter tires, as well as a few other exterior tweaks, increase the Cd number slightly in the name of better stability and driving security.

1-3. Japanese Wedges versus the Three-Pointed Star: A Three-Way Tie!

There are three cars, which occupy the top of this ranking: the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Toyota Prius, and the Honda Insight. They all share a drag coefficient of just 0.25 and two of them – the Prius and the Insight – also share a largely similar design concept. In fact, to use the word ‘share’ would not be entirely correct because the Insight came in 2008 in response to the Prius’ considerable market success and stole its silhouette in an attempt to steal its sales. Nowadays, however, we are all quite used to automotive anonymity and other such examples abound, so it is hardly scandalous. While the two cars have the same Cd value, the Honda needs it a bit more to compensate for the smaller gasoline engine it packs (1.5 vs. 1.8 liters).

Unlike the above two cars, whose hybrid nature and green marketing obligations force them to be as aerodynamic as possible, the E-Class Mercedes is built around the idea of comfort and luxury. It is the most prestigious and expensive car in this ranking and has the most conventional visual profile of the lot. Therefore, we consider it a small miracle that it manages to equal the achievement of the Japanese ‘eco-wedges’. Hat tip to Mercedes, therefore, as they have found a way to win in one more category without giving up any of their traditional qualities!

August 29, 2011

2012 Opel Insignia

Opel has announced the new 2012 Insignia coming with best-in-class new 1.4 turbo ecoFLEX engine, new 2.0 turbo petrol, Start/Stop system and added value.

The exterior remains the same, but the vehicle gets a new “Luxor” metallic paint and new alloy wheels. Still, the interior boasts “Indian Night” Nappa leather seats, new infotainment systems – Navi 600 and Navi 900 Europa, an improved front camera system with Forward Collision Alert system.

The interesting updates are the two new engines – 1.4 liter turbo ecoFLEX with 140 PS (103 kW) and 200Nm (147 lb-ft) of torque, which replaces the old 1.8 liter unit. The powerplant is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. It manages to achieve 5.7 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 134 g/km. The performance is satisfying – 0 to 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 205 km/h (128 mph).

The powerful 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol develops 250PS (185 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed manual enabling the vehicle to accelerate to 100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Average fuel consumption – 8.4 liters per 100 km and 197 g/km of CO2.

The 220PS 2.0 turbo with FWD and 6-speed manual transmission will soon be available with the intelligent fuel-saving technology – including aerodynamic underbody paneling and rolling-resistance-optimized tires.

2012 Opel Insignia Engine - Ecotec — 2012 Opel Insignia Engine – Ecotec

Source: Opel

August 9, 2011

Opel Insignia OPC six-speed automatic

Opel has published some exciting news regarding its top-performance Opel Insignia OPC model, which is now available with a six-speed automatic transmission. (more…)

January 3, 2011

Revised and improved 2010 Vauxhall Insignia is now available to order

Vauxhall Insignia come with significantly reduced CO2 emission and fuel consumption to the key models in Europe.

The well-known 2.0-litre Turbo petrol engine dropped the harmful emissions with 5 per cent on the Sports Tourer. The upgrades are mainly on the engine’s engine management system.

The emissions of ecoFLEX have also dropped from 136g/km to just 129g/km, with a corresponding improvement in fuel consumption from 54.3mpg combined, to 57.6mpg. This means that not only is the ecoFLEX cheaper to run, but since it falls under 130g/km, customers will pay no VED for the first year. (more…)

July 7, 2010

Irmscher retrofits the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer

At the 80th Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland, the Opel cars tuner Irmscher will premiere its refined Opel Insignia Sports Tourer. (more…)

February 12, 2010

Tag: Opel Insignia

Exterior

Optimized Performance