Autoblog

Opel cutting work hours in two plants to avoid layoffs

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Opel

Trying to make the best of a nasty situation for everyone involved, Opel has reportedly worked out an agreement with its Works Council and the IG Metall union to reduce working hours at two of its plants. From the end of September until the end of the year, there will be 20 days of short shifts and short working days for two Opel facilities: the Rüsselsheim factory that builds the Insignia and Astra and the Kaiserslautern component plant. About half of the 13,800 Rüsselsheim employees will be affected, including everyone but engineers, along with all 2,500 workers at Kaiserslautern.

The move helps keep people employed, and a German goverment program called Kurzarbeit - short work - will reimburse workers either 60 or 67 percent of their lost wages. Analysts commenting on the plan say, yet again, that it will not help the practically Europe-wide issue of overcapacity, which in the case of General Motors is said to equal the output of ten factories. Nor will it help Opel's slide: deliveries in the first half of this year are down 15 percent. The Adam subcompact and the promised restructuring can't come soon enough.

Continue reading Opel cutting work hours in two plants to avoid layoffs

Opel cutting work hours in two plants to avoid layoffs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel Insignia OPC getting facelift. Will the Buick Regal GS see it, too?

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Buick, GM, Opel

We've seen spy shots of the base Opel Insignia wearing facelifted front and rear ends, and now it appears that the more potent OPC version will be benefitting from a nip/tuck, as well.

The front bumper has been redesigned, incorporating new air intakes - toned-down versions of the model's signature fangs - as well as a new grille. Out back, there will be minimal changes to the overall fascia, most likely stuff like slightly redesigned taillamps, and inside, these spy shots show a larger navigation/infotainment screen sitting atop the center console.

This is all well and good for the Insignia, but we're wondering how these changes will impact North America's Buick Regal GS. No, it may not share the same powertrain punch as the Euro-spec OPC, but visually, the cars are nearly identical. When questioned about possible changes for the GS, a Buick spokesperson told us that the automaker "can't comment" on any changes at this point. Even so, we wouldn't be surprised if some small changes come our way in the next year or so.

Opel Insignia OPC getting facelift. Will the Buick Regal GS see it, too? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel Insignia facelift spotted... will Buick's Regal get one too?

Dan Roth — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Buick, Opel

It's no secret that the Buick Regal is an Americanized version of the Opel Insignia, and Buick even uses this fact to try and persuade the public that the car is a European sport sedan rather than just a way to try and make some profit from the black-ink-challenged Opel unit. The Opel Insignia is headed for a mid-cycle facelift very soon, and camoflaged test cars have been snagged by spy photographers.

While the models in the photographs are a European-spec hatchback and a wagon, there's clearly a new grille in the works, and the headlights and tail lamps will be changed, plus some other minor nips/tucks. The Insignia will debut the changes first, and we'd expect the Regal to pick them up soon after.

Opel Insignia facelift spotted... will Buick's Regal get one too? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Buick Regal GS

Jeff Sabatini — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Buick, GM, New Car Reviews

A Great Sport Sedan With One Big "But"

Of the remaining General Motors nameplates, Buick is the one that's most difficult to wrap your mind around. On the one hand, it's supposed to be a premium brand, but on the other, it's selling vehicles with sticker prices that tend to start in the $20,000 price range, seemingly encroaching on Chevrolet territory. To wit: The Buick Verano is a bit over $23,000 and the Buick Regal starts just under $28,000, while Chevy sells its Cruze, Malibu and Impala in that same range. Even the Buick LaCrosse, whose price shot up nearly $4,000 this year, starts at $31,045. Indeed, GM must be using a mandoline to price the different versions of its sedans clustered around the $25,000-$30,000 price range.

But it's over that threshold where things get really perplexing. Because whether we understand GM's strategy or not, a twenty-some-thousand dollar Buick makes sense. You look at all the boxes you have to tick on a mainstream brand product to get the amenities that Buick offers and you dump that and all the data about the premium competition in a spreadsheet, and you can probably justify a Buick as a wise purchase. If you're an actuary or an accountant, all the better.

A Regal GS with a $35,310 base price (or an as-tested cost of $38,155 like ours), however, has stepped onto an entirely different playing field, like a junior varsity kid getting bumped up to play on Friday night. This isn't the sort of car you research over the Internet and lease after a five-minute test drive. It's purportedly a driver's car, something to seek out and manhandle. We thus find it rather disingenuous to compare it with cars from Acura and Volvo - the Regal GS is really scrapping with vetted sports sedans like the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, and even its kissing-GM-cousin, the larger Cadillac CTS.

Continue reading 2012 Buick Regal GS

2012 Buick Regal GS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel considering Insignia-based crossover

Noah Joseph — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: China, Europe, Crossover, Opel, Luxury

Opel Insignia Sport Tourer - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lately, Opel has shown no signs of slowing down, with news of new models popping up with regularity. But while most of those models are based on the Astra, Opel's newest offering could be based on the larger Insignia, taking the shape of a crossover.

This isn't the first time Opel has toyed with the idea of a large crossover, having worked on such a project that was shelved in 2008 when the economy collapsed. Now that things are looking better, the project is reportedly being revived.

The crossover would offer three rows of seats and either front- or all-wheel drive on a high-riding version of the Insignia's platform. The model would be targeted particularly at the rapidly expanding Chinese market, with the Citroën DS5 in its sights, but could theoretically make it to these shores as a Buick to join the Insignia-based Regal sedan - or if Opel has its way, under its own badge.

Opel considering Insignia-based crossover originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel removes governor on Insignia OPC 'Unlimited', runs to 168 mph

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, GM, Opel

Opel Insignia OPC 'Unlimited' - Click above for high-res image gallery

In its current form, the 325-horsepower Opel Insignia OPC (you know, the car that the upcoming 255-hp Buick Regal GS was supposed to but sadly won't replicate) will carry speeds of up to 155 miles per hour before its electronic nannies kick in and prevent your speedometer's needle to climb any higher. But since European buyers are able to take their cars onto the unrestricted Autobahn, Opel has now created a special version of the OPC - dubbed 'Unlimited' - that removes its top-end cut-off.

With its electronic limiter removed, Opel says that the Insignia OPC will reach speeds as high as 168 mph. This new top speed only applies to OPC sedans fitted with the automaker's six-speed manual transmission.

Unlimited models are visually distinguished by blue Brembo brake logos, as well as a revised tachometer and speedometer. Opel says that a special edition of the Unlimited OPC with a matte black wrap is also in the works. Buyers will also automatically be enrolled in an OPC performance driving training course at the automaker's proving grounds in Dudenhofen, Germany, where they will learn how to properly manage the driving dynamics of this delicious performance sedan.

If you ask us, 155 mph is plenty fast, especially for a public road like the Autobahn. But if you're on a closed track with a long straightaway, that added 13 mph will no doubt come in handy. Click past the jump for Opel's official press release.

Gallery: Opel Insignia OPC 'Unlimited'

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Opel removes governor on Insignia OPC 'Unlimited', runs to 168 mph

Opel removes governor on Insignia OPC 'Unlimited', runs to 168 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vauxhall Insignia to go racing in British Touring Car Championship

Noah Joseph — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 09:38:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Vauxhall, UK, Racing

You go ahead and try to find a racing series with as high a participation rate as the British Touring Car Championship. With 13 different models from 10 different manufacturers covering 27 entries, the BTCC field is at an all-time high this year. But there's always room for one more.

That one more is slated to come in the form of the Vauxhall Insignia - known on these shores as the Buick Regal. Of course as General Motors' British subsidiary, Vauxhall is already well-represented on the BTCC grid. In fact, the Griffin marque has claimed six drivers' titles, six teams' titles and eight manufacturers' titles just since the turn of the millennium. But while the Astra has dominated in years past and the Vectra appears on the grid this year - to say nothing of the Chevrolet Cruze - the new addition is reportedly going a decidedly larger route by converting the Insignia into a touring car.

The project is being undertaken by Thorney Motorsport, a British tuning and racing firm that specializes in BMWs and Vauxhalls, who are tempted by the latest cost-effective Next-Generation Touring Car (NGTC) regulations. The Insignia would be the fourth NGTC-spec car on the grid, joining the Toyota Avensis, Audi A4 and Proton Gen-2 along with the ten returning S2000 and BTC-T cars.

Thorney, which operates 60 performance garages across the UK, may opt to develop its own engine or else use the spec engine package offered by series organizers TOCA. The larger form of the Insignia, the team hopes, will be offset by its low aerodynamic drag coefficient. Thorney hopes to have the car on the grid by the end of the season.

[Sources: BTCC, Autosport]

Vauxhall Insignia to go racing in British Touring Car Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vauxhall presents an Insignia for the bobbies at UK police expo

Noah Joseph — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 07:55:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Misc. Auto Shows, Vauxhall, Police/Emergency, UK

Vauxhall Insignia police cruiser - Click above for high-res image

Badged alternately as an Opel (Europe), Vauxhall (UK), Chevrolet Vectra (South America) or Buick Regal (North America and China), GM's Insignia has been gaining traction around the world. But the latest version isn't targeted at private consumers: it's a police cruiser.

Developed with the Intelligent Transportations Systems Working Group of the Association of Chief Police Officers (APCO) in the UK, this Vauxhall Insignia was just recently unveiled at the annual exposition of the Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB). Whether the acronyms mean anything to you or not, the Insignia police car packs a new feature called Single Vehicle Architecture. SVA doesn't refer to the car's platform or chassis, but rather to a standardized electronics system that will allow police equipment manufacturers to install all manner of special equipment without having to rewire the entire car.

Examples of equipment capable of installation include automatic license plate recognition systems and data recorders, as well as the usual suspects from sirens to comm radios. Follow the jump for the full press release.

[Source: Vauxhall]

Continue reading Vauxhall presents an Insignia for the bobbies at UK police expo

Vauxhall presents an Insignia for the bobbies at UK police expo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Buick Regal GS caught going out for lunch

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Buick, GM

Spy Shots: 2012 Buick Regal GS - Click above for high-res image gallery

We spy with our little eye, a camouflaged 2012 Buick Regal GS taking a group of General Motors employees out to lunch. Rather than opting for the drive-thru, this group decided to stay out of the office a bit longer and left the vehicle alone in a parking lot, and our CarPix spy photographers were ready to pounce in order to give us this good look at the sportiest Buick we've seen for eons.

And sporty it shall be judging by the hardware the cameras caught. A set of heavily-bolstered Recaro seats look identical to the super grippy chairs used in the model's Opel Insignia OPC twin, and there's a six-speed manual transmission sprouting between the bolsters, further suggesting that this is no mere people hauler. The Regal is expected to borrow heavily from the OPC partsbin, and that's great thing. The OPC is motivated by a 320 horsepower, twin-turbo V6 that pushes the all-wheel drive car to 60 miles per hour from a standstill in just six seconds. In our brief experience with the Euro market car, it has an altogether more hardcore and snarlier character that should appeal to diehard enthusiasts, and it's sure to bring some performance luster back to the TriShield brand. We can hardly wait.

Gallery: Buick Regal GS: Spy Shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: 2012 Buick Regal GS caught going out for lunch originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Buick wagons, hatchbacks and diesels, oh my!

Zach Bowman — Fri, 28 May 2010 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Europe, Hatchback, Buick, Opel, Rumormill, Luxury

2011 Buick Regal - Click above for high-res image gallery

A fresh batch of rumors kicking around the web are claiming that General Motors is seriously mulling bringing hatchback and wagon versions of the all-new Buick Regal to the States. In the brand's ongoing quest to shed its status as a synonym for all things elderly, the Tri-Crest has raided the Opel parts bin, slipped a waterfall grille on the nose of the Insignia and called it a day. We were simply glad to hear that the car would be available with a turbo mill and a third pedal, but according to Car and Driver, things are about to get even more interesting.

It turns out the Insignia is available as a hatchback and a wagon in more civilized portions of the world. Jim Federico, the man who led the Regal to the fountain of youth, told C/D that the U.S. will be getting at least one of the other body styles within a few short years, and that there's a good chance that both of them will show up on dealer lots at some point in the near future. Chances are that's not exactly ground-breaking news by anyone's standards, but it gets better. Federico has said that since American wagon buyers are suddenly smitten with the likes of the Jetta TDI Sportwagen, the Regal long-roof will boast an oil-burning powerplant.

Needless to say, our eyes are dish-plate sized at the news. Could Buick possibly offer an all-wheel drive diesel wagon with a six-speed manual transmission? We want to believe, but our skeptical side is in full go-mode on this one.

Gallery: 2011 Buick Regal

[Source: Car and Driver]

Rumormill: Buick wagons, hatchbacks and diesels, oh my! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 May 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vauxhall Calibra coupe successor mooted - could a Buick follow?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 20 May 2010 11:21:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Opel, Vauxhall, Rumormill

As CAR magazine tells it, Opel (and Vauxhall) Calibra might be in line for a successor based on the Opel Insignia, better known as the Buick Regal in North America. Said to be operating under the project name New Calibra for the moment, there is much to be acquired and decided before such a couple has any chance of becoming a reality, but Calibra fans should at least be heartened by the discussion.

One of the first decisions would be to figure out if the car is really a new Calibra or better thought of as an Insignia Coupe. The Insignia is more than 13 inches longer than the last Calibra (which ended production in 1997), and as a proper four-seater, a two-door Insignia would probably appeal to a very different crowd than the Calibra. The Insignia is already offered in sedan, liftback and wagon formats.

Then there's the matter of money: it's said that Opel/Vauxhall would need to sell 30,000 every year before making money on the cars. With fewer in-house avenues for platform sharing, General Motors' financial situation still requiring babysitting, and Opel probably about to be refused a loan from the German government, throwing another coupe into the mix might not be the go-to strategy. That said, leveraging the cost of such an endeavor while helping to augment Buick's increasingly youthful image with a Regal coupe might not be such a bad move, right?

[Source: CAR]

Vauxhall Calibra coupe successor mooted - could a Buick follow? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 May 2010 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Bring us the 2010 Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:39:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Wagon, Europe, Opel

2010 Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember this? "More wagons! More wagons!" Well, here's another. Meet the Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer. Salient facts: 325-horsepower turbocharged 2.8-liter V6, AWD, six-speed manual, eLSD torque vectoring and it's a station wagon. Oh, and get this -- it's built from off the shelf GM parts. Serious.

For instance, that fancy-pants eLSD torque vectoring system comes from the Saab Turbo X. All the rest of the pieces are General Motors parts bin. Ready for the best part? You can't have it! Ha ha ha. Of course neither could we. Would we totally rock a slightly larger, good looking EVO X-ish station wagon? Hell to the yeah. Which part is the good GM again?

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer

Frankfurt 2009: Bring us the 2010 Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel Insignia Sport Tourer lands at a Czech dealer. Do want.

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Paris Motor Show, Saturn, Opel, Vauxhall

2009 Opel Sports Tourer - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer landed at a dealer in the Czech Republic, and it is nothing but tasty: a six-speed diesel with seating for five that holds from 540 or 1,530 cubic liters with the seats down (from 19 to 54 cubic feet) and the handsome hauler gets and 50 mpg (US) from its 160 horsepower 2.0 CTDI. What's more, the rear cargo area has a beautifully flat entry, and a hidden compartment underneath the load floor.

It also has a host of convenience technology such as the Adaptive Forward Lighting with nine (count em!) different settings and the Opel Eye, which memorizes street signs and displays them in the dash. Sounds a bit like the Eye of Mordor, but it could come in handy when on unfamiliar turf. For the consortium looking for new Saturn models to import, please start here. Thanks for the tip, Evzen!

Gallery: Vauxhall/Opel Insignia Sports Tourer

[Source: Autorevue (translated)]

Opel Insignia Sport Tourer lands at a Czech dealer. Do want. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2010 Opel Insignia OPC almost ready for Frankfurt

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Wagon, Europe, Hatchback, Opel, Vauxhall

2010 Opel Insignia OPC - Click above for a high-res gallery

Although the Opel Insignia OPC was a no-show at the Geneva Motor Show, work is still underway on the hottest version of Opel's mid-sized sedan. Early reports indicated that the OPC variant will be motivated by a 320-hp, twin-turbocharged V6 powering all four wheels, with sedan, hatchback and wagon body styles available at launch. Although these newest spy shots show 19-inch wheels, when the production version debuts - likely at the Frankfurt Motor Show - expect 20-inch hoops, upgraded rubber and brakes to be fitted at all four corners, along with a revised suspension and a more aggressive fascia. The OPC and its Vauxhall Insignia VXR counterpart are expected to go on sale abroad later this year or early next. Too bad Saturn is flailing - this could've made a great Redline model.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Opel Insignia OPC

Spy Shots: 2010 Opel Insignia OPC almost ready for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've heard this before... again: GM considering Cadillac Insignia?

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Cadillac, Rumormill

Cadillac Insignia - Rendered (poorly) by Autoblog

Following up on an earlier report this week about future Buicks using Opel parts and platforms, the Detroit Free Press is saying that General Motors is considering offering the Insignia as a Cadillac. The front-wheel-drive sedan would likely be offered in all-wheel-drive form to U.S. consumers, and would feature adaptive headlamps, a lane-departure warning system and other techy tidbits. The same Epsilon II platform will underpin the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, and although it's been assumed since the Insignia's introduction that Saturn would receive the mid-size sedan, with that brand's future in doubt, GM may be trying to leverage more of its European assets in the States.

Gallery: Opel / Vauxhall Insignia

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

We've heard this before... again: GM considering Cadillac Insignia? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM UK takes two Top Gear awards

Chris Tutor — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:38:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Supercars, Chevrolet, Vauxhall, Celebrities

As much as Jeremy Clarkson complains about fat, uncool Americans and their crudely-made, overweight cars, General Motors managed to come out on top in two categories in Top Gear's annual awards.

If you said the Corvette ZR1 was a winner, you'd be totally correct. The 638-hp supercar was a shoo-in to win over the Top Gear team, just as we guessed when they were caught driving at at the Bonneville Salt Flats earlier this year. Chevrolet's baddest Vette ever sped off with top honors in Top Gear's Performance Car of the Year category.

The second award winner won't be quite as easy to guess, mostly because it's not sold in the U.S. Top Gear's Executive Car of the Year is the Vauxhall Insignia which is based on GM's Epsilon II platform. The magazine likes the car's looks and technology. We won't bother predicting whether we'll see it here eventually. For that to happen, Saturn will need to be around, and right now, we'll have to wait and see what happens on that front.

[Source: The Auto Channel]

Gallery: British Motor Show: Opel Insignia

Gallery: Top Gear at Bonneville

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Corvette ZR1

GM UK takes two Top Gear awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chinese Buick Regal caught dressed in red

Michael Harley — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, China, Buick, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for more images of the 2010 Buick Regal

Two weeks ago we showed you spy shots of a 2010 Buick Regal caught testing in China that appeared to be nothing more than a rebadged Opel Insignia. (As you may recall, we'll be getting the 2010 Buick LaCrosse in the States.) All three of those cars are based on GM's Epsilon II platform, which we will also likely see under future vehicles from Saab, Saturn and Chevrolet. The Buick brand, and the popular Regal, are doing very well in China. As such, it's no surprise to see these latest spy shots of the barely disguised four-door Regal dipped in red, and it looks great despite being a badge job. The production version is expected to debut at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November. Thanks for the tip, Jason!

Gallery: 2010 Buick Regal - Spy Shots in Red

[Source: China Car Times]

Chinese Buick Regal caught dressed in red originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Chevy Cruze shows off its interior

Alex Nunez — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 09:12:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM

Click above to enlarge

We've got a bit of a wait ahead of us in the United States, but if this interior photo does indeed show the Chevy Cruze's passenger compartment, then maybe it'll be worth it. TheCaranatic.com doesn't tell the source of the image, the Daewoo logo on the wheel indicates that it was probably snapped in South Korea, where the car will be produced for the European and Asian markets. As for the interior itself? Well, based on the photo it looks top-notch, blending a lot of Opel Insignia with dashes of Chevy Malibu to create a very pleasant driver's environment. This is promising.

[Source: theCarfanatic via Autoblog Spanish]

Spy Shots: Chevy Cruze shows off its interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Aug 2008 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vauxhall Insignia sports all-seeing front camera system [w/VIDEO]

Chris Shunk — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Videos, Opel, Vauxhall

Safety technology has become a major selling point for car shoppers, and a new front-sensing camera co-developed by Vauxhall and Opel will give GM's European brands something to brag about. The new camera, which will be available on the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia beginning early 2009, is located between the wind screen and the rear-view mirror. The camera sees what's ahead at 30 frames per second and uses two processors to both read road signs and tell drivers when they're straying from a lane.

The road sign reader works by scanning the road ahead for recognizable shapes and signals, then displaying information like speed limits or no passing zone signs in the digital display in the middle of the gauge cluster. Depending on conditions, the camera can recognize signs up to 100 meters away.

The lane departure system works by sounding an alarm whenever the driver strays out of a chosen lane. The digital display will also show the driver that the vehicle is drifting, which can help drivers that may have a hearing impediment.

If the recent hand-me-down program between Opel and Saturn continues to blossom, we may have both the car and the camera Stateside before we know it. Hit the jump to see an animation showing how the camera works. You'll also scope out the Vauxhall press release.

[Source: Vauxhall]

Continue reading Vauxhall Insignia sports all-seeing front camera system [w/VIDEO]

Vauxhall Insignia sports all-seeing front camera system [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First official shots of Opel Insignia interior released

Alex Nunez — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, GM, Lotus, Misc. Auto Shows, Opel, Vauxhall, UK

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Opel / Vauxhall Insignia

The first official look at the Opel Insignia's interior leaves us with the impression that Opel / Vauxhall's new sedan is going to be a nice place in which to log some miles. Put simply, the cockpit is identical to the one first shown in the slick-looking Opel GTC concept that debuted last year. Simple, attractive gauges are joined by amber lighting and a nice blend of plastics, brightwork, and other trim to create a driver-focused cockpit meant to be as usable as it is attractive. One of the little elements that's kind of cool is how the gauge lighting shifts from white to red when the car is put into sport mode. Expect even more info on the Insignia and plenty of closer looks at the cabin when the car debuts in London next month at the British International Motor Show. If you can't make it to London, just exercise a little patience, cross those fingers, and wait. This car will likely come Stateside as the next Saturn Aura at some point in the future. GM's official PR is pasted after the jump.

Gallery: Opel / Vauxhall Insignia

[Source: GM]

Continue reading First official shots of Opel Insignia interior released

First official shots of Opel Insignia interior released originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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