Vauxhall Insignia gains New 1.4-Liter Turbo Petrol and Improved EcoFlex Diesels

It’s model-year changeover over time for the Vauxhall Insignia with the British company announcing the addition of a low emissions ecoFLEX diesel model and a new-to-the-range 1.4 Turbo petrol engine. Read more »

Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition Photographed at its Natural Habitat

Last month we wrote about the Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition, a 210HP version of which only 500 units will be built. Opel had initially released three photos of the new car but now, the German carmaker returns with a bevy of new pictures of its pocket rocket. Naturally, all shots are taken at the Nurburgring racetrack, on the old Nordschleife section as well as on the modern Grand Prix circuit.

Opel didn't offer any new information on the car aside from announcing that the average fuel consumption is 7.6 liters/100 km (30.95 mpg) with corresponding CO2 emissions of 178 grams per kilometer.

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Unrestricted Vauxhall Insignia VXR with 170mph Top Speed Available for the UK

Following last month’s presentation of the Opel Insignia OPC Unlimited, Vauxhall introduced its own version of the performance sedan with the VXR moniker featuring the de-restricted package. The Unlimited option removes the standard Insignia VXR’s 155mph (250 km/h) restrictor, allowing Vauxhall’s range-topper to exploit its all-wheel-drive chassis and 325HP turbocharged 2.8-litre V6 engine to the full topping out at 170mph (274 km/h). Read more »

New Opel Insignia OPC Unlimited Edition Ditches Speed Limiter topping out at 270km/h

More and more carmakers are quietly abandoning their gentleman’s agreement of limiting top speed of their production models to 250 km/h (155 mph), despite the fact that the only place in Europe to legally drive that fast is on certain sections of the German autobahn. The latest company to do so is Opel which has released a new version of its high-performance Insignia OPC called ‘Unlimited’ without an electronically-restricted top speed.

“We are responding to frequently expressed customer wishes,” says Alain Visser, Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales at Adam Opel AG. “Insignia OPC buyers are generally experienced and responsible drivers who want to enjoy the full technical possibilities of their car.”

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Vauxhall gets into the Christmas Shopping Spirit, Announces 20% Discounts on Most New Models

'Tis the season for shopping at Vauxhall as GM's British subsidiary has announced a significant 20 per cent discount on most of its new models, just days before the VAT increases in the country by a hefty 2.5 per cent in early January. The automaker's offer is called "Vauxhall Countdown" and it is available on new cars purchased between December 27, 2010

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German Police Recruits Opel Insignia Sports Tourer

The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer, the sedan version of which is marketed in the States as the Buick Regal, has been recruited for duty by the Polizei force of the German State of Hesse. The authorities announced today that they have ordered a total of 800 patrol cars from Opel, with the first 100 examples to be delivered this year.

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2012 Buick Regal GS with 255HP 2.0-liter Turbo and FWD Unveiled in Production Form

GM has revealed the production version of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show's Buick Regal GS concept but to our disappointment, the automaker has kept the 255HP 2.0-liter turbocharged engine instead of the Opel Insignia OPC's far more potent 2.8-liter twin-scroll turbocharged V6 with 325 ponies. The General's cost-cutters also ditched the OPC's four-wheel drive system as the GS is a front-wheel drive model only.

Buick says with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, the GS will accelerate from 0 to 60mph in less than seven seconds (*estimated). In comparison, the basic $28,200 VW Passat CC 2.0 Turbo with 200HP completes the standard sprint in 6.9 seconds, while the European Opel Insignia OPC in 5.8 seconds.

Later on, Buick will offer the GS with an optional six-speed automatic with Driver Shift Control.

The car rides on standard 19-inch alloy wheels and all-season tire, with 20-inch polished alloy wheels shod in performance tires being optional. Braking power comes from a four-wheel disc brake system featuring Brembo front calipers, while there's also a standard StabiliTrak stability control system with integrated, full-function traction control.

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Buick Mulling Over Coupe, Convertible and Station Wagon Models

In a live web chat held on GM's official blog earlier this week, Buick Product Marketing Director Roger McCormack sat down and answered questions from the general public. He revealed that the Buick is looking into expanding the brand's U.S. lineup with new models in the near future.

Aside from the small crossover model that has already been confirmed, McCormack said Buick is considering several options including a coupe, a convertible with either a soft-top or a retractable hardtop and a station wagon.

One question was about whether or not Buick is considering the possibility of a coupe model, in which McCormack answered: " Yes, very strong consideration."

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VIDEO: Buick Launches First TV Ad for 2011 Regal, Touts German Engineering

Even though automakers have been shifting millions of advertising dollars to the Internet, they aren't about to let go of TV any time soon. Following a series of web and print ads, GM is launching the first of several television commercials on the all-new 2011 Buick Regal.

The first TV spot for the Regal saloon is titled "Autobahn" and features the voice of Kevin Bacon. As you may have guessed by the commercial's name, GM is playing up the Regal's German roots.

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Opel / Vauxhall Insignia Range Gains Refined and Cleaner Diesel Engines

GM's European division has fine tuned several engines in the Opel / Vauxhall Insignia range (known as the Buick Regal in the States0 for better economy and lower CO2 emissions. Aside from the changes made on the 2.0-liter Turbo unit that yield close to five per cent drop in emissions, all 2.0-liter diesel powerplants including the ecoFLEX models benefit from improvements that make them greener and less costly to run.

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Bitter Presents New Model Based on Opel Insignia

Erich Bitter, founder of Bitter Cars, is at it again transforming GM vehicles for a select few. His latest model is based on the new Opel Insignia [Buick Regal in the States] and these are the first photos of the car, courtesy of the folks over at Motor Talk.

Bitter has yet to make an official announcement on the modified Insignia but it said that it is based on the 260HP 2.8 V6 Turbo 4x4 model with pricing to be around the €65,000 [US$80,500] mark. If true, that's €25,000 more than the model upon it is based and close to €19,000 more than the 325HP Insignia OPC.

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Vauxhall Combines 160HP 2.0L Diesel with 4x4 System on Insignia Range

GM's UK division Vauxhall is expanding the Insignia's range (yes, that's the new Buick Regal in the States) with its first-ever passenger car to combine all-wheel-drive and diesel, the new CDTi 4x4 model that will hit British showrooms in September in four-door saloon, five-door fastback and Sports Tourer versions.

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The Buick GS is Back, Regal Performance Model Green-Lit

A little while back GM was crashing and burning, littering the automotive market with debris from its badge-engineered brands. Who could have seen turbochargers, all-wheel-drive, Recaros, and a clutch showing up in the Buick lineup? The last time any one of those were even possible, I was in diapers.

More recently, Buick was the brand that was selling the Lucerne, LaCrosse, and Rendezvous, none of which could get anyone excited. Now, however, Buick intends to keep surprising people with its new direction and image. The latest decision from the golden oldie? They're going to build the Regal GS (can I get a collective high five?).

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New Opel Calibra Coupe Rumored for 2013, Buick Version Could Follow

Ever since Opel lifted the covers off the stylish GTC Concept back in 2007, there have been rumors flying throughout the internet and the media about a production version of the study that would essentially replace the Vectra-based Calibra of the 1990s.

And while many (yours truly included) may support that an Astra-based sports coupe sounds like a more reasonable and lucrative proposal for Opel, Car Magazine has returned with an update on the Calibra II / GTC Concept story.

The report claims that the four-seater coupe is still under consideration but if it gets the final okay, it could go on sale as early as 2013, which sounds plausible given that the car would be more or less a two-door version of the Opel Insignia (sold in the U.S. as the 2011 Buick Regal).

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2011 Buick Regal GS Study: Videos and Live Photos from Detroit - Film Shows V6 Turbo, GM Says 4-Cylinder Turbo...

Even though General Motors used the term 'show car' to describe the sporty Buick Regal GS that made its world debut in Detroit, there's nothing conceptual about this model. The GS version of the new 2011 Regal sedan that's due to go on sale this summer is said to be identical to the Opel Insignia OPC in all but one element: the engine.

According to GM, whereas the OPC gets a 2.8-liter twin-scroll turbocharged with 325HP, the all-wheel drive GS is fitted with a tuned up version of the Regal CXL's 2.0-liter turbo four that makes 255HP.

However, if you pay attention to the second promotional video after the jump (pause at 52 seconds into the film), you'll see that the GS features a V6 Turbo...

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VIDEO: Opel Insignia 4x4 takes on the Ascona 400 Rally Car

Those of you that have followed the WRC the past few decades will surely remember the Opel Ascona 400, the last rear-wheel drive rally car to win the driver's World Championship in 1982 with Walter Röhrl before the iconic Audi Coupe Quattro paved the way for all-wheel drive models.

Fast-forward almost thirty years, and the (road-going) Ascona's spiritual successor, the Insignia (2010 Buick Regal in the States), is now offered with an Adaptive 4x4 system as an option on the 220HP 2.0-liter and standard on the 2.8 V6 Turbo and OPC models.

In this promo video, the 2.4-liter Ascona 400 Rally Car is pitched against the Insignia 4x4 in a race on ice. Behind the steering wheel of the Ascona 400 is rally legend Christian Geistdörfer while the modern-day Insignia is driven by racing talent Sina Winkelhock, daughter of Jockel Winkelhock.

No prize for guessing which car wins...

New Buick Regal Sedan to be Built in Canada from 2011, Until Then it Will be 'Made in Germany'

General Motors confirmed today that it will assemble the North American-spec 2011 Buick Regal at its Oshawa Car Assembly plant in Canada with production set to commence in the first quarter 2011. The all-new Buick Regal is scheduled to go on sale in the States next Spring, with first year models to be built alongside its Opel Insignia twin at GM's Opel plant in Russelsheim, Germany.

"The new Regal gives Buick a modern performance sedan and its production here in Oshawa is terrific news for our employees, the CAW, dealers and suppliers," said Arturo Elias, president, General Motors of Canada.

"Combining Buick's top position in the industry in terms of brand quality with the Oshawa Car Plant's long-standing reputation for top quality assembly means customers' highest expectations will be met with this midsize sport sedan."

The new Buick Regal mid-size sedan joins the Chevy Camaro and Equinox, and the GMC Terrain as the fourth new vehicle in the production commitment that was part of the agreement with the Canadian and Ontario Governments. GM said that a fifth vehicle to be added in the near future.

2011 Buick Regal: Official Photos and Details of U.S.-Spec Model, gets 182HP 2.4L and 220HP 2.0 Turbo Engines

The wait for the all-new 2011 Buick Regal is over as General Motors has released official photos and information on its new mid-size sedan ahead of the car's first public appearance to customers in the L.A. area on Thursday, November 12. As predicted, the U.S. market Regal is virtually a rebadged Opel Insignia with the only visible differences concerning the integration of Buick's waterfall-style grille on the outside and some trim variations such as the specific leather seats on the inside.

General Motors avoids the German competition pitting the new 2011 Regal against the likes of Acura TSX and the soon-to-be-replaced, Volvo S60.

In the States, the initial range will include two gasoline units, a 2.4-liter Ecotec direct injected engine rated at a 182 horsepower with an estimated highway fuel economy of 30mpg and a 2.0-liter turbocharged Ecotec rated at 220 horsepower with an estimated highway fuel economy of 30mpg.

Both engines will be combined with a standard six-speed automatic transmission with driver-shifting control. The automaker said that the 2.4L engine will return an estimated

The new Regal will initially be offered in the States in premium CXL trim only, with additional trim levels to be made available in the 2012 model year. Sales of the 2.4-liter model are scheduled to start in the second quarter of 2010, with the 2.0-liter Turbo model following in the summer of the same year.

No word if GM will also market a five-door liftback and station-wagon versions of the Regal in the future as it does with the European Insignia, nor if it is considering the introduction an sportier model based on the European Insignia OPC that gets a 325HP turbocharged V6 and all-wheel drive.

More details about the 2011 Buick Regal sedan in the press release below.

2011 BUICK REGAL PHOTO GALLERY

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2009 OPEL INSIGNIA SEDAN GALLERY

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PRESS RELEASE

• A new midsize Buick sport sedan with a European-bred driving experience
  
• On sale in the second quarter of 2010
  
• Based on the award-winning Opel Insignia and available now as a Regal in China
  
• Modern, sleek design with great attention to detail and excellent build quality
  
• Efficient, four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain with 30 mpg (est.)
  
• Turbocharged model available in summer 2010
  
• Driver-selectable Interactive Drive Control System available in summer 2010
  
• Available rear-seat thorax air bags
  
• Standard 18-inch wheels, leather and heated front seats, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth and OnStar.
  

LOS ANGELES – On Thursday Buick will reveal the 2011 Regal sport sedan to customers in the L.A. area. Armed with turbocharged horsepower, a driver-selectable suspension system and a firm, European-tuned chassis, it delivers a driving experience that rivals the best import sport sedans in the segment.

"The 2011 Buick Regal is like nothing you've ever experienced from this brand," said Susan Docherty, general manager of Buick GMC. "The Regal is the next chapter in Buick's transformation and will expand the portfolio to include a sport sedan."

The new Regal arrives in the second quarter of 2010, with its sights aimed squarely on competitors like the Acura TSX and Volvo S60. It has a longer wheelbase and greater trunk volume than those vehicles, along with standard features – including a six-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels and OnStar – that aren't offered standard on either competitor.

The Regal's development is rooted in Germany, where the globally led engineering team created the award-winning Opel Insignia – the 2009 European Car of the Year. The Insignia has garnered more than 31 prestigious awards and is the best-selling midsize sedan in Europe. Regal will bring all of Insignia's award-winning design, technology and European-inspired performance capabilities to the American market.

The Regal has already been a success on another continent, in China. It went on sale in December 2008 and more than 64,000 Regals have been sold there. Enthusiastic customers cite its sculpted, flowing design and responsive performance as the top reasons for purchase.

Regal at a glance

Regal will initially be offered in premium CXL trim only, with additional trim levels to be offered in the 2012 model year. The well-equipped Regal CXL includes the following as standard or available equipment:

• Standard 2.4L Ecotec direct injected engine rated at an estimated 182 horsepower (136 kW)
  
• Available 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged and direct injected engine rated at an estimated 220 horsepower (164 kW) – available late-summer 2010
  
• Both engines have a six-speed automatic transmission standard with driver-shifting control
  
• Estimated 30 mpg on the highway with the 2.4L and 29 mpg highway with the 2.0L turbo engine
  
• MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension
  
• All-new Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) available with the 2.0L turbo, offering driver-selectable suspension settings and automatic driver suspension setting adaptability
  
• Four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel anti-lock braking system, brake assist and electronic parking brake
  
• Standard StabiliTrak stability control system and full-function traction control
  
• Standard dual-stage frontal air bags, side-curtain air bags and pedal-release system; rear-seat thorax air bags available
  
• Available navigation system, Harmon Kardon sound system, internal flash drive (1GB), hard drive with 10GB for music and USB port
  
• Standard 18-inch wheels (19-inch wheels standard with IDCS)
  
• Standard 12-way power, leather and heated driver seat; leather and heated passenger front seat; Bluetooth capability; XM Satellite Radio and OnStar.
  

Design story

The Regal's sleek design blends the sweeping silhouette and proportions of a coupe in a progressive package that suggests motion from all angles. Great attention to detail complements that aggressive styling, with tailored applications of Buick's signature design cues, such as the waterfall grille, select use of chrome trim and superior fit and finish of the exterior panels.

"Regal is all about great proportions," said John Cafaro, design director, passenger car. "For example, with the fenders flared to wrap around the tires. It's an aggressive stance that people aren't used to seeing in recent Buicks."

The car's performance-oriented spirit is also conveyed in sleek, sculpted body-side detail and aggressive headlamps that further suggest motion. At the rear, an abbreviated deck and tucked-in body panels are the hallmarks of a contemporary sport sedan, with bold taillamps and their intricate lighting elements reinforcing Regal's attention to detail. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard.

The sweeping design motif carries over to the interior, where the side panels flow uninterrupted into the instrument panel. The instruments have the look of expensive sport timepieces and are lit with ice-blue LED lights. The center stack, housing the climate and "infotainment" controls, was designed to allow for a lower, driver-centric instrument panel profile. Features such as a thick-rimmed, leather-wrapped steering wheel and firm, highly bolstered and leather-covered seats also support the sport-oriented driving experience.

"There is great design harmony between the exterior and interior," said Cafaro. "The feeling of flow and motion carries through in an engaging manner that makes you want to take the Regal out to your favorite twisting road to see what it can do."

A breakthrough interior

The Regal's finely crafted, sporty and well-appointed interior builds on the exceptional attention to detail found in the Enclave and LaCrosse, blending signature styling cues with contemporary sport sedan aesthetics.

Regal's firm, highly bolstered seats were benchmarked against the top import competitors for comfort and support, while a standard flow-through center console offers plenty of storage for passengers in the front and back.

Smart applications of technology are also hallmarks of the Regal, including details such as a multi-function controller on the center console for operation of the audio system, navigation system and the Bluetooth phone. The faceplate for the "infotainment" screen is set at a 30-degree angle to contribute to the car's flowing interior design.

A new era in Buick design is also seen in the satin metallic, piano black and new, Kibo-patterned interior trim materials. Kibo is a rich, dark, progressively grained wood that lends an international flair to the Regal.

Under the hood

Unique with its all-four-cylinder powertrain, the Regal relies on the excellent horsepower-per-liter ratio of the Ecotec engine family to deliver smart, on-demand performance that is also very efficient.

Both the standard 2.4L engine and the available 2.0L turbo use direct injection technology to optimize performance, reduce emissions and maximize fuel efficiency. The 2.4L is the same engine offered in the Buick LaCrosse, but in the smaller, lighter Regal, it delivers more agile performance. The 2.0L turbo cements the sport sedan credibility of the Regal, with on-demand power comparable to a V-6, but the inherent efficiency of a four-cylinder. To ensure responsive power across the rpm range, the 2.0L turbo uses a twin-scroll turbocharger that builds power quickly at lower rpm.

Distinct, uniquely calibrated six-speed automatic transmissions are paired with each engine. Both offer driver shift control that enhances the sporty driving feel of the Regal.

Driving experience

The chassis and structural systems were developed in Germany and give the Regal the handling and dynamics of a premium European sport sedan, as well as the quiet, refined ride and road manners expected of a Buick. The body structure is one of the most rigid in the segment, which is approximately 25-percent stiffer than the previous Regal. This solid structure supports more precise suspension tuning and a quieter ride.

A relatively long wheelbase of 107.8 inches (2738 mm) gives the Regal refined, well-balanced vehicle dynamics and supports comfortable ride tuning. Additionally, an independent MacPherson strut-type front suspension with single-path mountings and hydraulic ride bushings; a four-link independent rear suspension; hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering; and optimized four-wheel disc brakes are optimized to the capability of the individual powertrains and tailored to the expected use by drivers. Models equipped with the 2.0L turbo engine, for example, feature larger brakes.

Latest-generation electronic stability control (ESC or StabiliTrak), anti-lock brake system (ABS), and traction control system (TCS) are standard with Buick's innovative, Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) real-time damping system offered on models equipped with the 2.0L turbo powertrain.

Interactive Drive Control System

Regal's Interactive Drive Control System chassis technology (available on models with the available 2.0L turbo engine) offers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety. It is designed to change the personality of the car based on the personality of the driver. A sophisticated driving mode control module continually monitors driving style utilizing yaw rate, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering wheel, throttle and vehicle speed. It defines the dynamic vehicle state, including acceleration, braking and cornering, to optimize chassis reactions. It also executes all of the IDCS driver selections.

All four dampers are electronically controlled and continuously adapt within milliseconds to the prevailing road conditions, vehicle movements and individual driving style. Chassis settings are adjustable by the driver, with Normal, Tour and Sport settings.

IDCS allows the driver to choose between three different operating modes that change the suspension settings, throttle response, shift pattern and steering sensitivity through the variable effort steering system. The three modes deliver three types of experiences:

• Normal – balanced and optimized for all driving situations
  
• Tour – optimized for comfort and relaxed driving on long journeys
  
• Sport – optimized for road holding; enthusiast driving .
  

Selecting "Sport" mode optimizes the car for dynamic driving, tightening the suspension and steering response and speeding up the reaction of the automatic transmission. The "Tour" mode is optimal for long-distance cruising or rough road conditions, providing an increase in comfort. "Normal" or Default Mode is the perfect all-around setting for daily commuting and city traffic. The other major benefit of Interactive Drive Control is that it automatically adapts Regal's performance settings to individual driving styles. When a driver begins to drive more aggressively it will tighten the suspension and increase steering effort and change to a more aggressive throttle response. When the vehicle senses that the driver is doing relaxed cruising, it adjusts settings for rolling smoothness and comfort.

Apart from a more rewarding driving experience, IDCS also offers safety benefits in emergency situations. For example, if an obstacle must be avoided when the car is in Tour mode, various chassis sensors convey this to the DMC and the dampers are stiffened within milliseconds, delivering greater body control.