What could very well turn out to be an economical alternative to the Audi S4 sports sedan, the new Opel Insignia OPC, was caught here by our spies virtually undisguised during test runs on the Nurburgring race track. The new high-performance Insignia that is due to make its world debut at the Frankfurt motorshow this fall, is powered by a modified version of GM's twin-turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 that is said to crank out somewhere in the range of 300 to 320 horsepower.
And how will the Insignia put all that power on the road, we here some of you ask? Well, for starters, unlike its front-wheel drive Vectra OPC predecessor, the Insignia OPC sports an advance all-wheel drive system. Additionally, from what our sources tell us, the OPC will also feature the Saab 9-3 Turbo X's electronically-controlled, rear limited slip differential (eLSD) which can transfer up to 40% of torque to whichever (rear) wheel has more grip.
Opel's engineers will also spice up the Insignia's brake and steering wheel system as well as the suspension to further improve the car's handling.
On the outside, the high-performance Insignia justifies its OPC moniker with a restyled nose that draws its inspiration from the GTC Concept Coupe plus a new rear bumper that houses a diffuser as well as the twin tailpipes, chunkier side sills, a discreet boot lid spoiler and of course, a new set of alloy wheels shod in beefier tires.
We don't have any shots of the car's interior, but expect to see the same upgrades as with any other OPC model, meaning a sportier trim combined with front bucket seats, a thicker rim for the three-spoke steering wheel and a revised instrument panel.
The new Insignia OPC is due to arrive in Opel and Vauxhall dealerships during the fourth quarter of the year.
