Autoblog

First Drive: 2011 Buick Regal prototype looks to be a good sport

Chris Paukert — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Buick, GM, First Drive, Luxury

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

There's an odd bit of historical deja vu at work here. Back in the late '60s and early '70s, General Motors wanted to shift a few sporty-ish four-cylinder models from its Opel division into America, so they turned to their Buick dealers. This didn't work out exactly as planned - merchandising these odd European ducks in an outlet best known for sober doctor's cars meant that the GT, Manta and Kadett never managed to make much of a dent in North America's automotive landscape. This time out, with the Opel Insignia-derived 2011 Buick Regal, GM knows it needs massively better results.

This is a Buick the likes of which we have never seen before.

While attending an early drive event for the new Regal last week, we reminded vice-chairman Bob Lutz about the last time his company attempted to sell Opels in Buick showrooms. He laughed his trademark raspy laugh, and reminded us that Car and Driver so loathed the 1968 Kadett that their review featured it photographed in a junkyard. With characteristic candor, Lutz tells us, "It actually wasn't a very good car." Of course, Maximum Bob knows full well that GM can't afford another lost in space Kadett. Does the Regal have what it takes to mollify these "sins of the father" and put Buick on the right track? Click through to the jump to find out.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Buick Regal

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Buick Regal prototype looks to be a good sport

First Drive: 2011 Buick Regal prototype looks to be a good sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Bob Lutz drops more Buick Regal GS, high performance wagon hints

Jonny Lieberman — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Wagon, Buick, Opel, Rumormill

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

While we were talking about the Escalade EXT launch with Susan Docherty (don't ask) during the Regal reveal at the Hollywood Palladium last week, Car & Driver's Steve Siler was pushing Maximum Bob about sportier versions of the newest Buick. Now, we heard mumblings about a new Buick Regal GS last month, but that was just dealer hearsay. Siler's report is straight from Lutz's mouth, and while he's not exactly the most reliable GM exec we've ever talked with, he does seem to have his finger on the General's performance pulse.

To summarize a bit, a 335-hp, all-wheel-drive manny-tranny version of the Regal might be coming, labeled with the legendary GS badge. There might even be a wagon version of the top of the line Regal - maybe even one with GM's eLSD torque vectoring. In fact, Lutz made it sound like GM might just import the 325-hp turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer, crank up the boost a smidge and slap a Regal GS badge on it - which is more than totally fine with us. In fact, Siler suggests that what GM ought to do is make the tip top Regal wagon-only - sort of like the MazdaSpeed3 or WRX STI. Maybe call it the Buick Regal GSX? But like most such things involving GM these days, we'll believe it when we see it.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer

[Source: Car & Driver]

Rumormill: Bob Lutz drops more Buick Regal GS, high performance wagon hints originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Buick Regal sneak peek shows face we already know

Chris Shunk — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Buick

Click above to watch the video after the jump

A couple of weeks back, General Motors officially announced that its next new Buick will carry a very familiar name: Regal. Two days later, the apparent U.S. spec Regal was added to Buick's Facebook page, revealing that the Regal sold here in the States will essentially be the same as the China spec Buick sedan, which is itself essentially a rebadged Opel Insignia. Got all that?

The only changes we noticed in the photo include a slightly larger and more rounded-off version of Buick's chrome waterfall grille and redesigned lower openings below the grille and headlamps along with the new squared-off fog lamps. After seeing a new "viral" video from Buick, we're more sure than ever that the FB Regal is the U.S. model.

Hit the jump to check out Buick's latest tease of the new Regal. The video was shot guerrilla hand-held style and it reveals nothing other than the front end of Buick's newest sedan. We do see, however, that the grille, badging and lower fascia shown in the video appear to be a match to the photo shown above. Judging by the uptick in Regal info emanating from the General, we're guessing the information floodgates will be opened up very soon.

Gallery: 2009 Chinese-spec Buick Regal

[Source: Buick via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Buick Regal sneak peek shows face we already know

VIDEO: Buick Regal sneak peek shows face we already know originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:01:00 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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SAIC to buy Opel Insignia platform for Roewe?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Buick, GM

Chinese-spec Buick Regal - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to an unnamed source from the 21st Century Business Herald in China (via Gasgoo), Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC) has been in talks with General Motors since last March to purchase the Eplison II platform (as used by the latest Opel Insignia and the Chinese-market Buick Regal) for its next Roewe 750 midsize sedan. The fact that SAIC is GM's Chinese partner may seem to lend a bit of credibility to these rumors, though SAIC and General Motors have both initially denied any knowledge of the platform-sharing plan.

While all of Roewe's sedans have so far been based on the aging underpinnings of the former Rover brand from the U.K., recent concepts - such as the attractive N1 from the Shanghai Motor Show earlier this year - show that the Chinese automaker is serious about designing attractive machines for its home market and beyond.

Gallery: 2009 Chinese-spec Buick Regal

[Source: Gasgoo]

SAIC to buy Opel Insignia platform for Roewe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer caught naked

Dan Roth — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Europe, Buick, GM, Saab, Opel, Specialty

Opel's Insignia OPC is one of those "available elsewhere" cars that's got us licking our chops. The Insignia is headed to North America as a Buick, and enthusiasts everywhere hope the hotshot OPC version gets widely propagated. What's not likely to make any trans-Atlantic journeys is a wagon version of Opel's performance-enhanced sedan. Spy-shooters have nailed an Insignia OPC Sports Tourer running about uncamoflaged, and the wagon's got its sights trained on Audi's S4 Avant.

Built up from familiar General Motors pieces, the Insignia OPC Sports Tourer uses componentry we've seen before. The 2.8 liter turbocharged V6, six speed manual, and all wheel drive system with eLSD torque vectoring is a recipe cooked up by the Saab Turbo X, albeit Opel's version is spicier, with 325 horsepower on tap. Euro-flavored performance wagons are a delectable treat, but it doesn't look like the Insignia OPC Sports Tourer will be added to Buick's menu for North American automotive diners.

[Source: Carscoop, Photo: Carscoop]

Spy Shots: Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer caught naked originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 May 2009 16:45:00 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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Opel and Vauxhall reveal 325-horsepower Insignia OPC/VXR

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Europe, GM, Opel, Vauxhall

Vauxhall/Opel Insignia VXR/OPC - Click above for a high-resolution gallery

General Motors may be on life support, but the European operations at Opel and Vauxhall are still showing a 325-horsepower pulse. The latest signs of life come in the form of the hotted up Insignia variant shown above. In right-hand drive Vauxhall form, the super Insignia is badged as the VXR, while the left-hand steered continental version gets an OPC suffix. Regardless of the steering wheel position, all of the important Nürburgring-tuned bits are the same, and in this case, it appears to be another derivative of the technology that first appeared last year in the Saab 9-3 Turbo-X.

That means there is a turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 under hood, now with power boosted to 325 horsepower (from the 300 hp in the Saab and the Cadillac SRX). The 295 lb-ft of torque is fed through a six-speed manual gearbox, and out to all four wheels through a Haldex system with an electronic rear limited-slip differential. According to the automaker, acceleration to 62 mph comes up in 5.8 seconds, while an adaptive damping system and retuned suspension that sits 10 mm lower help the Insignia carry the speed through corners. Check out the high-res gallery below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Opel Insignia OPC/Vauxhall Insignia VXR

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Opel and Vauxhall reveal 325-horsepower Insignia OPC/VXR

Opel and Vauxhall reveal 325-horsepower Insignia OPC/VXR originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vauxhall Insignia Limo too much of a good thing?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Sedan, Opel, Vauxhall, UK, Specialty

Vauxhall Statesman - Click above for image gallery

Wilcox Limousine in England distributes the Vauxhall Statesman in both six-door, three-row limousine and hearse configurations. The company has already begun eying the new Insignia for dignitary and funeral duty, and the result is rendered above. It's not all that bad for a limo conversion, but we had no idea that so many people were requesting to be chauffeured to the airport and The Great Beyond in stretched Vauxhalls. On the plus side, you'll find leather trim, walnut door cappings and a full divider on the inside. "Unbeatable prices" can't hurt, either. Check out the next Statesman limo and hearse in the gallery below.

Gallery: Vauxhall Insgina Limo and Hearse

[Source: Autoblog Spanish, translation here]

Vauxhall Insignia Limo too much of a good thing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Where have we heard this before? Report says future Buicks to be based on Opels

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:26:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Buick, GM, Opel

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Buick LaCrosse

General Motors may be taking a page out of its own book as it reportedly plans to raid the Opel parts bin for future Buick models. The last time GM decided to import Opels to the United States, it did so with the Saturn brand, and we all know how well that exercise turned out.

Regardless of its past failures, it does make sense to design platforms that can be used in all of the global markets that GM has access to, and the upcoming 2010 Buick LaCrosse uses the same Epsilon II underpinnings as the latest Opel/Vauxhall Insignia. That car debuted to mostly rave reviews at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year and it proves that not all vehicles using the same platform need to be identical, as they were in large part between the Open and Saturn brands.

As noted U.S. philosopher George Santayana once famously said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Here's hoping that GM's been paying close attention these last few years.

Gallery: 2010 Buick LaCrosse

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Where have we heard this before? Report says future Buicks to be based on Opels originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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320-hp, twin-turbo Opel Insignia spied ahead of Geneva debut

Noah Joseph — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, GM, Opel, Vauxhall, UK

General Motors' Opel division has been hard at work on a performance version of its hot new Insignia, the reigning European Car of the Year, and the first spy shot - probably snapped on someone's camera phone - has surfaced online. To be sold as the Vauxhall Insignia VXR in the UK and as the Opel Insignia OPC in Europe, the car is reported to have lapped the vaunted Nürburgring Nordschleife in a hair over eight minutes, which is a blistering fast time for a relatively large hatch.

The hot Insignia evidently wears big 20-inch wheels with concave dark spokes and chrome accents, wrapped in 255/35 R20 rubber and capped by bulging wheel arches. All four contact patches are in use to put down the anticipate 320 horsepower from the twin-turbo V6, while big air vents borrowed from the sharp-lookin' Opel GTC Concept help the drivetrain get the wind it needs. Hatchback, sedan and wagon variants are all expected to be part of the mix. We're hoping to see this bad boy in pre-production preview form this March at the Geneva Motor Show, with the full production version to follow in the Spring at the Frankfurt Auto Show. But more than that, we're quietly hoping to see it Stateside as the successor to the V8-powered Buick LaCrosse Super (known as the Allure in Canada due to a certain unsavory Quebecois slang conflict). We can hope, can't we?

[Source: EVO via AutoExpress]

320-hp, twin-turbo Opel Insignia spied ahead of Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel/Vauxhall Insignia wins European Car of the Year by single point

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:35:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Contests, Hatchback, Opel, Vauxhall

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

Looks like there won't be much of a fiesta for Ford this year, as the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia has captured the 2009 European Car of the Year award by just one point over the hot little hatch with the big blue oval on its snout. Scoring 321 points to the Fiesta's 320, the Insignia claimed the victory with the bronze going to the Volkswagen Golf (223 points). It's the first win for Opel in 22 years, although the European branch of GM has scored four runner-up spots in the past. You might even say this is payback for Ford, which snatched the top prize from Opel in 2007 when the Ford S-Max nipped the Corsa by two points in the balloting. According to the jurors, the Insignia won this year based on its "artistry with German precision" good looks, active and passive safety features, comfort and a wide array of efficient engines including that 280-hp turbo V6. Options such as the Opel Eye that reads road signals, FlexRide suspension and nine-mode Adaptive Forward Lighting were also cited. Hopefully this car will eventually show up Stateside as the next Saturn Aura. Thanks for the tip, everyone!

Gallery: Opel / Vauxhall Insignia

[Source: Car of the Year]

Opel/Vauxhall Insignia wins European Car of the Year by single point originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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China's Insignia-based Buick Regal revealed

Chris Shunk — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Buick

Click above for high-res gallery of Buick's new Regal in China

General Motors has unveiled China's new Buick Regal (or at least official pics of it have found their way onto the web), and save for some cosmetic changes, it's basically a badge-engineered Opel Insignia. That's by design though, as Buick is GM's top-selling brand in the land of the great wall, and the new mid-size sedan from Opel has the best chance for success donning a Buick logo. Comparing the Insignia and the new Buick Regal back to back shows that GM simply popped out the Opel grille, got rid of the lightning logo and retrofitted Buick badging for Buick-loving Chinese. The Opel Insignia is a head-turning sedan as it is, and after looking at these official Regal pics, it doesn't look half bad with a Buick grille, either.

The new Regal is scheduled to hit Chinese showrooms in December will arrive with a choice of two powertrains: a 164-hp 2.4L four-cylinder engine and 211-hp 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder, both of which come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. The naturally aspirated four-banger has a leisurely 0-60 time of 9.8 seconds, while the turbo motor scoots to 60 in 7.8 seconds.

We've been hoping for our own U.S. version of the new Insignia, and recent news of GM product delays could push the next-gen Saturn Aura even further into the future. Meanwhile, China gets a Buick version this year and the new Chevy Cruze, which we may not receive until 2011.

Gallery: Chinese Buick Regal Unveiled

[Source: CarScoop]

China's Insignia-based Buick Regal revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:28:00 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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2010 Buick Regal caught testing in China

John Neff — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, China, Buick

Click above for high-res gallery of 2010 Buick Regal spy shots from China

We don't feel slighted anymore over the Chinese getting what appears to be a pretty nice looking Buick Regal, not after those spy shots from earlier today showing the 2010 Buick LaCrosse that we'll get in the U.S. After all, the Chinese Buick Regal appears to be not much more than an Opel Insignia with a new front end based on these spy shots, while the U.S.-spec Buick Lacrosse gets an entirely unique interior and exterior design. All three cars - the Opel Insignia, Chinese market Buick Regal and U.S. market Buick LaCrosse - are based General Motors' Epsilon II platform. Of course, the Buick brand is much bigger in China than here in the U.S., and the redesigned Regal, one of the cars that helped the brand gain popularity early on in China, looks ready to continue that trend. Thanks for the tip everyone!

Gallery: 2010 Buick Regal - spy shots

[Source: China Car Times]

2010 Buick Regal caught testing in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Insignia will come to U.S. as a Saturn, with new sheetmetal, interior

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:22:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Saturn, Opel, Rumormill

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

Despite repeated rumblings from industry sources (including Lutz himself) that the Opel Insignia's transformation into a Saturn model was on hold, Bob Lutz now indicates that work is indeed proceeding on making that model ready for the American market. Changes are going to be made to both the interior and the exterior of the Insignia as it morphs into the Aura. Lutz also indicates that the two Epsilon II-based cars will share suspension bits and powertrains, though we are not sure just how many of the six available gas and diesel engines in the Euro-only Opel will make their way Stateside. Also debatable is the Insignia's Haldex all-wheel-drive system that will be offered across the pond. Whatever the case, we hope that the car doesn't see too many changes as it's an extremely attractive and compelling package as it currently sits. Bring it.

Gallery: British Motor Show: Opel Insignia

[Source: Autoweek]

Insignia will come to U.S. as a Saturn, with new sheetmetal, interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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British Motor Show Preview: Opel Insignia to debut in hatch and sedan forms

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hatchback, GM, Misc. Auto Shows, Opel, Vauxhall

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

GM's European branch is planning a big debut later this month at the British Motor Show in London for one of its most important mainstream models. The new Insignia is replacing the venerable Vectra and brings with it a whole new design language. We got our first preview of the new look on last years GTC and Flextreme concepts. In London, Opel will be displaying hatchback and sedan variants of the Epsilon II-based Insignia, with the sharp edged look of the Vectra replaced with smoother flowing lines and scooped out side panels. European drivers will have seven engines to choose from including four gas and three diesel models, all with six speed gearboxes. The four- and six-cylinder gas engines range from 115 hp to 260 hp, while the 2.0L diesel fours get 110-160 hp variants. The Insignia will also be available with a version of the Haldex torque vectoring all wheel drive system used on the Saab Turbo-X. GM plans to announce pricing for the new model on July 22 in London with sales later this fall, and don't be surprised if the Insignia makes the trip across the Atlantic and receives a Saturn badge in the process. The Opel press release is after the jump.

Gallery: British Motor Show: Opel Insignia

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading British Motor Show Preview: Opel Insignia to debut in hatch and sedan forms

British Motor Show Preview: Opel Insignia to debut in hatch and sedan forms originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Saturn Aura put on hold?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Saturn, Rumormill

Click above for high-res gallery of the Opel Insignia

After seeing plenty of shots of Opel's new Insignia mid-sizer, we're anxiously awaiting General Motor's official announcement of its statewide debut as the next-gen Saturn Aura. Unfortunately, current rumors indicate that we'll be waiting a bit longer than initially planned, as the project has reportedly been put on hold for an undetermined amount of time. We're fuzzy on what prompted the hold-up, though some conjecture has been heard regarding the fuel economy of the impending vehicle. In Europe, there are four gasoline engines and three diesels available, though we have serious doubts that many if any of those powerplants will make it Stateside. It's certainly possible that today's high fuel prices are causing GM to rethink getting one of its smaller gas engines certified for sale in the U.S. We can be sure, though, that this expected new vehicle launch will be an important one for the future of the Saturn brand, so perhaps GM is wise to get everything sorted out before its official debut. Thanks for the tip, Mark!

Gallery: Opel / Vauxhall Insignia

[Source: GM Inside News]

2010 Saturn Aura put on hold? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:32:00 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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Spy Shots: Opel Insignia five-door hatch caught

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 11 May 2008 10:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Hatchback, Saturn, Opel

Over in Europe, midsize cars like the Opel Vectra, Renault Laguna and Ford Mondeo have long been offered in multiple body configurations including four-door sedans, station wagons and, of course, five-door hatchbacks. Unlike Americans, who for some reason are averse to a fifth body opening unless the vehicle rides 4 to 6 inches higher than it should, Europeans have always appreciated the extra utility. The Opel Vectra is being replaced this summer by the redesigned and renamed Insignia, but so far we've only seen photos (either spy pics or official GM shots) of the four-door sedan that will likely land here later next year as the next Saturn Aura. A sharp-eyed photographer, however, has captured what may be the first shots of the new hatchback Insignia. The five-door version doesn't look radically different from the sedan, the main variance being the shorter rear deck that's attached to the rear glass. Will the hatchback arrive as an Aura at Saturn dealers? Highly improbable, but then so was the Astra, so anything is possible. We more likely might just get a wagon version that we haven't yet seen.

[Source: Winding Road]

Spy Shots: Opel Insignia five-door hatch caught originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 May 2008 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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