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Next-gen Vectra renamed Insignia
click above image to enlarge
When the next-generation Opel/Vauxhall Vectra debuts at the 2008 London Auto Show in July of next year, it will be called by a different name than the one we've known since 1988. General Motors announced today that its new mid-size family sedan will be called the Insignia, and its design will draw heavily from the well-received Opel GTC Concept that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show last March. For now, though, all we get is the above teaser shot of the car's swoopy rear taillight.
The new Insignia will be built at GM's plant in Rüsselsheim, Germany alongside other models using the Epsilon 2 architecture. The next generation Saturn Aura is also scheduled to switch from its current extended Epsilon platform to the Epsilon 2 architecture sometime around 2011. When it does, we expect the next-gen Aura a bonfied rebadged version of the Opel Insignia for sale in the U.S., which we don't mind since these two sedans aren't sold in the same country.
[Source: Autoblog Spanish]
PRESS RELEASE:
New Opel Insignia: New Name for a New Era
World premiere of new mid-size Opel in July 2008
Rüsselsheim. Opel's next-generation range of mid-size cars promises a radical step forward. The new model family, which makes its world premiere at the London Motor Show in July 2008, sets technology and design standards for the Opel brand and mid-size segment. To lead off the proceedings, Opel today announced the new model's name: Opel Insignia. The new Insignia family will be built at Opel's home plant in Rüsselsheim, one of the most state-of-the-art automobile production facilities in the world.
"Dynamic performance is one of the Opel brand's core values. In the new Opel Insignia, this defining characteristic is realized by sophisticated powertrain technology, active safety and the interface between driver and car. The Insignia's level of comfort and environmental friendliness is unrivaled even among considerably more expensive competitors," says Alain Visser, Chief Marketing Officer, General Motors Europe. With the Insignia, Opel continues pursuing its strategy of making advanced technology affordable for more customers.
When it comes to the new car's design, Visser says, "A closer look at our groundbreaking GTC concept car gives a good idea of how exciting Opel's new design language will be."
The beginning of Opel's modern mid-size heritage dates back to 1970 with the launch of the Ascona, which sold 4.4 million units over three generations. This was succeeded by the Vectra in 1988, heralding a new era of innovative models from Opel. With almost 5.5 million models sold to date, the Opel Vectra is one of the key players in the mid-size segment.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
JayP 11:34AM (11/29/2007)
GM has officially run out of names.
The next Chevy will be called the 'Name'.
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The Other Bob 12:09PM (11/29/2007)
That's a funny comment, but its really a true statement. So many names have been copyrighted by companies for various products that many car names have to be recycled or invented from nonwords.
Alex Nunez 8:36PM (11/29/2007)
Naw, they can jazz it up, still.
"The new Chevy Nombre..."
Alex 11:37AM (11/29/2007)
I'm looking forward to seeing this car come to the saturn dealers. they'll have a winner on their hands with this one (assuming they stick to the GTC Concept (you listening Jag!)).
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Avinash machado 11:39AM (11/29/2007)
Earlier generations were called the Vauxhall Cavalier in the UK.
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psarhjinian 4:54PM (11/29/2007)
There's a name with negative brand equity in the North American market.
Why, it'd be like bringing back "Taurus" or "Aspen".
mark_welby 11:42AM (11/29/2007)
Are they going to sell these at Best Buy? I'm happy with my Insignia LCD TV....
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Drewboy 12:15PM (11/29/2007)
Darn, you beat me to it! lol
Mobius_1 6:53AM (11/30/2007)
Haven't your heard, Best Buy just bought GM :)
Brabazon 11:47AM (11/29/2007)
I feel "Insignia" is one syllable too many, it does not roll off the tongue easily - especially when preceeded by Vauxhall. I always like the Vectra name and the current model went a long way towards improving the name after it's distinctly average predecessor.
Should be a great looking car although I hope they don't actually go with the single reverse/fog light asymmetrical rear end as it would cheapen the whole car. So far Vauxhall has stuck with the double lamps, don't follow VAG's example please!
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geo.stewart 1:09PM (11/29/2007)
well, i dont think Ensign would go over as well.
i do prefer Vectra personally but understand if they feel there is a bad connotation overseas, similar to Cavalier here
jgp 2:04PM (11/29/2007)
Heh..."Ensign" wouldn't be too bad if the car were only available in red.
But in all seriousness, the Vectra is the stereotypical fleet special in Europe. "Vauxhall Vectra" has the same connotation in the UK that "Pontiac Grand Prix" has in the US.
laurita 11:51AM (11/29/2007)
looks coool...! http://www.paraguaydelivery.com
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oby 12:39PM (11/29/2007)
I wonder if it will be cheap and nasty like the electronics outlet home brand of the same name! Oh it's a GM, well there's your answer then....it will be expensive and nasty!
The new Ford Mondeo will pee all over it!
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Luis 1:02PM (11/29/2007)
Good looking car.
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Richard Suter 1:27PM (11/29/2007)
Wish they could change the tail-lamps... they look like the new Mazda6(s).
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Zane 1:41PM (11/29/2007)
I thought the tail lamps had a Hyundai look to them, especially with the excessive design pattern.
Richard Suter 2:33PM (11/29/2007)
The new Mazda6 has the small trapazoid within a larger trapazoid design cue in the front headlights and tail-lamps... I think that is going to be their new signature look; probably on the next Mazda3 too.
the law 9:54PM (11/29/2007)
Don't care for the name Insignia , thought Aura was going Global?or Invicta would be great!
*any word about AWD and other features?
*what is this interface(is it Icar?) between driver and car?
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Perry 2:21PM (11/29/2007)
What was wrong with Vectra? Actually GM should have brought the name over and call it Saturn Vectra and not Aura. Afterall they did bring the Astra name here.
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