2005 Opel Astra OPC Picture

2005 Opel Astra OPC Picture

2005 Opel Astra OPC Interior

2005 Opel Astra OPC Engine

2005 Opel Astra OPC Car Images

2005 Opel Astra OPC Car Show

2009 Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer - Video, Photo, Detail

2010 Opel/Vauxhall Astra - Video, Photo, Detail

2009 Steinmetz Opel Insignia Sports Tourer

2009 Opel Insignia OPC

Packing 325 horsepower, a sophisticated four-wheel-drive chassis and a sub-six second 0-60 time, Vauxhall’s new Insignia VXR is set to take the mid-size performance saloon market by storm when it goes on sale early this summer, with a level of dynamic prowess which aims to raise the bar in its class.

Based on the successful 2009 European Car of the Year, and available in hatch, saloon and Sports Tourer body styles, the high-performance Insignia will be Vauxhall’s first VXR model to adopt 4X4 technology, using a bespoke chassis developed through an extensive test programme at the gruelling Nurburgring circuit in Germany.

Highlights are a ‘HiPerStrut’ (High Performance Strut) front suspension system, Adaptive 4X4 with electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) and a 10 millimetre reduction in ride height over the Insignia SRi.

The HiPerStrut system is unique to the VXR and serves two primary functions: firstly, to reduce torque-steer, but also to maintain negative camber during cornering, thereby improving ultimate grip levels in wet or dry conditions.

Complementing these features are standard 19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch lightweight forged alloys are a cost option) with bespoke tyres, revised bushing and damper settings on both axles, and Brembo brakes with colour-keyed callipers and vented/cross-drilled discs.

‘The Insignia VXR is not just about absolute power, but a combination of usable performance and chassis sophistication which is the match of premium rivals, such as Audi’s new S4,’ said Andy Gilson, Vauxhall’s Marketing Director. ‘ In essence, it’s an ultra-fast performance saloon that will appeal to buyers who appreciate subtle yet distinctive styling, but who need to know that there’s real substance below the car’s metal.’

And substance the VXR has a-plenty. At the heart of the Insignia VXR is Vauxhall’s advanced 2.8-litre V6 Turbo ECOTEC engine, with its micro-alloy forged steel crank, classic 60-degree cylinder angle and die-cast alloy oil sump – all features found in many a race engine. Producing 325PS (65PS up on the Elite V6), the engine uses a single, twin-scroll turbocharger and variable valve control for quick throttle response, and accelerates from 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds, achieving an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

With a design inspired by the Vauxhall/Opel GTC, many of the Insignia VXR’s styling cues will be familiar to those who saw this groundbreaking concept at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. A deeper bumper, incorporating bold, twin mesh grilles either side of the main grille, dominates the front of the car, and at the rear, hatch and saloon models gain a rear spoiler, while all VXRs have a bespoke bumper moulding incorporating dual matt chrome exhausts.

This sporting theme continues in the Insignia VXR’s cabin. Recaro front seats, a new VXR steering wheel, VXR gearknob and unique mouldings are standard on all cars, along with different instrument graphics, VXR sill plates and a black headlining.

All VXRs are available with a colour palette comprising Arden Blue, Power Red, Carbon Flash Black, Silver Lake, Olympic White and Technical Grey.

Sitting at the top of the Insignia range, the new model will be an important addition to Vauxhall’s performance-bred VXR family, which already includes the Corsa VXR, Astra VXR and 431 horsepower VXR8.

Since its launch in 2004, the VXR brand has been underpinned by the immensely successful VX Racing team, which currently holds all three British Touring Car Championship titles – Drivers’, Manufacturers’ and Team – for the 2008 season.

Prices for the Vauxhall Insignia VXR will be announced soon.

2009 Opel Zafira 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX

Opel has improved the efficiency of its 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX model, reducing the carbon footprint on the Zafira seven-seater compact van by nearly nine percent to 139 g/km.

This ultra-low emissions figure also means that it’s the most fuel efficient diesel seven-seat compact van on the market. Breaking the 140 g/km barrier also places the Zafira 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX below the tax bracket in many European states, such as France, the U.K. and the Nordic countries.

The 1.7 liter diesel with 81 kW/110 hp is fitted with a maintenance-free particulate filter and a six-speed manual transmission as standard. It now sips just 5.3 liters of diesel per 100 km. The reduced CO2 value of 139 g/km CO2 compares with 152 g/km on the previous model for a reduction of nearly nine percent.

“Getting the CO2 below 140g for a seven-seater van is a proud achievement. This is just one example of our commitment to continually improve the efficiency of our vehicles,” said Hans Demant, Managing Director Adam Opel GmbH.

The 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX with its 260 Nm of torque available from 2000 to 2300 rpm – the same engine as featured on the Astra ecoFLEX – reaches a top speed of 180 km/h and accelerates to 100 km/h in 13.5 sec.

Moreover, the price, starting at 22,555 euros in Germany, stays unchanged. It is available from April 6.

Opel engineers improved the fuel efficiency by modifying the Zafira 1.7 CDTI in a number of ways: They selected a longer axle ratio (3.35: 1 compared to 3.65) and a shorter gear set in first and second gear to compensate for the longer axle ratio. In addition, they reduced the friction of the water pump, optimized the engine management system, lowered the engine idle speed and reduced the power steering pump idle speed.

There are five ecoFLEX models in the Zafira family: A gasoline version (1.6; 115 hp), two diesels (1.7 CDTI; 110 and 125 hp) and two Compressed Natural Gas-powered variants. The two CNG versions include the well-known 1.6 naturally aspirated variant (94 hp; 138 g/km CO2) and a new 1.6 Turbo (150 hp; 139 g/km CO2).

The Zafira is one of Europe’s most popular compact vans, favored for its ability to be transformed from a spacious load–lugger to seven-seat people carrier in a matter of seconds. Opel vehicles carrying the ecoFLEX badge offer the brand’s greenest and fuel efficient engines.