Opel Insignia Hatchback: First Official Images

These are the first official images of the 5door hatchback version of Opel’s highly anticipated mid-size model. As you can see for yourselves in the pictures we’ve added after the jump, even when placed side-by-side, it is hard to tell apart the sedan from the hatchback variant of the Insignia. In any case, both models look the part and if GM execs have any sense left in them, they’ll find a way to bring the Insignia ASAP into the U.S. market.

The length of both the sedan and hatchback, at 4,830 mm, and the wheelbase of 2,737 mm remain the same, but obviously the 5door version will be a tad more practical than its 4door sibling. From the beginning, the Insignia will offer seven engines coupled with six-speed transmissions while some versions will also be available with a new 4x4 system. -Continued

The four gasoline engines range from a four-cylinder 115hp unit to a V6 with 260 hp while the three new direct-injection turbo-diesels feature a displacement of 2.0 liters and power outputs ranging from 110 to 160 hp.

According to Opel, prices for the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Austria and Switzerland will be announced on July 22 during the Insignia’s global debut at the British Motor Show in London and cars will hit German dealerships before the end of the year. Opel expects both models to sell in about equal numbers.

Opel Insignia Officially Unveiled!

Following a series of leaks – the latest being a new set of images that we posted earlier today, Opel finally decided to officially take the wraps off the all-new Insignia. Designated to replace the Vectra in Opel’s European line-up, the Insignia will be available in the UK with the Vauxhall badge (see pics after the jump) while it’s quite possible that we will also see it in the States as the successor to the Saturn Aura.

Opel’s new 4.83 meter / 190.1 in. mid-size sedan boasts a sexy silhouette that’s clearly inspired from the 2007 Geneva Show GTC Concept. “With Insignia we are introducing an exciting new sophisticated design vocabulary, which combines sculptural artistry with German precision,” says Mark Adams, Vice President Design, GM Europe. “Our aim was to develop a confident look which compels the world to experience for themselves the superb driving dynamics the Insignia radiates.”

For the first time, and apart from the front-wheel versions, Opel will be offering its mid-size sedan with an all-wheel drive system dubbed “Adaptive 4X4”. Both versions of the Insignia will can be combined with Opel’s FlexRide mechatronic chassis system with Adaptive Stability Technology that helps the car adjust to prevailing driving conditions and allows the driver to select settings to match his mood.

The Insignia’s initial engine line-up will consist of seven units, four gasoline engines ranging from a four-cylinder 115 hp unit to a V6 with 260 hp and three new direct-injection diesels featuring a displacement of 2.0 liter and outputs spanning from 110 to 160 hp. -Continued

“The Opel Insignia sets new standards in technology and innovation -- this will be obvious right from the launch. But we are keeping several cards up our sleeves when it comes to environmental compatibility, excitement and safety, which we will play strategically overtime” says Alain Visser, Chief Marketing Officer, GM Europe.

The Insignia notch- and hatchback will make their debut on July 22, 2008 at the London Motor Show with sales set to start in Europe this fall.

2009 Opel Insignia: Engine Range To Include 1.6 and 2.0 Turbo Units

We still have a few days left before Opel officially unveils the new Insignia, but since a whole set of images were leaked into the net the other day, there’s no point for hiding anymore. Apart from the pictures without watermarks, we also have initial details on the Insignia’s engine range.

Starting off with gasoline models, the Vectra’s successor will be offered with five petrol units: 1.6-liter with 115 Hp; 1.8-liter with 140 Hp; 1.6-liter Turbo with 180 Hp; 2.0-liter Turbo with 200 Hp and 2.8-liter V6 Turbo with 260 Hp. The Insignia’s diesel engine range will include four units: 2.0-liter available with 110, 130 and 160 Hp and a top notch 2.9-liter V6 with 250 Hp.

In 2009 Opel will enhance the Insignia’s range with the addition of an OPC version that will be equipped with a 300 HP 2.8-liter V6 Turbo engine combined with an all-wheel drive system. The Insignia will go on sale in Europe this summer and although this is not official yet, it is expected that it will also come to the States as the successor to the Saturn Aura. –More pics after the jump

2009 Opel Insignia: Prematurely Leaked on the Web

While Opel was busy handing out camouflaged images of the Insignia, the guys at Dutch magazine AutoWeek managed to get there hands on the first official images of Opel’s forthcoming mid-size sedan. As you can see in the pictures, the Insignia, which will most probably be sold in the States as a Saturn (Aura) and in Australia and New Zealand as a Holden, is far more tasty in and out than the outgoing Vectra.

We don’t have the official details on the mechanics yet, but in Europe expect the range to kick off with 1.8-liter petrol (140 Hp) and 1.9-liter turbo-diesel engines. There will also be a top-of-the line Insignia OPC model equipped with GM’s 2.9-liter V6 turbo engine pumping out approximately 300 Hp to all four wheels. –More pics after the jump

Via: Autoblog.com , Source: Autoweek

GM Recalling 275,936 Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS, Pontiac Solstice & Saturn Sky Models

General Motors has announced a recall on MY 2005-2007 Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS, MY 2006-2007 Pontiac Solstice, and MY 2007 Saturn Sky models. A total of 275,936 vehicles are involved in the recall over a faulty rear axle pinion seal that does not meet all of the specifications and may experience a fluid leak. A rear differential failure may cause loss of motive power and possibly loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a crash. The recall is expected to begin during February 2008 with GM dealers replacing the pinion seal at no extra cost.

GM Recalling 275,936 Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS, Pontiac Solstice & Saturn Sky Models

General Motors has announced a recall on MY 2005-2007 Cadillac CTS, SRX, STS, MY 2006-2007 Pontiac Solstice, and MY 2007 Saturn Sky models. A total of 275,936 vehicles are involved in the recall over a faulty rear axle pinion seal that does not meet all of the specifications and may experience a fluid leak. A rear differential failure may cause loss of motive power and possibly loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a crash. The recall is expected to begin during February 2008 with GM dealers replacing the pinion seal at no extra cost.