Opel Insignia Cars Photos

Opel-Vauxhall CEO Nick Reilly has confirmed that the Opel Calibra will be back as an Insignia-based coupé model. He says it will be inspired by the 2007 GTC Concept although there was no word on this year’s Opel GTC Concept. It was more of a hatch model which could remain in concept phase apart from a few elements borrowed to kit out the new Opel Astra GTC.


The original Calibra was killed off in 1997 and while Reilly hasn’t revealed any concrete production plans, it looks like the new Calibra will be the spiritual heir to the previous model. Mostly turbocharged engines will probably be used although a VXR version could build on the 320 hp of the original 2.8-litre V6 turbo.

The Opel Insignia from the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show was a luxury car concept of large proportions.

The quality feel starts with the outside and the front end. The impressive radiator grille milled from solid aluminium features the Opel badge and feeds air to a 344bhp V8 powering the rear wheel drive Insignia. The grille is framed by diamond shaped LED head lights, set out in three rows, and lower intakes each divided by a slit-like driving light.

The rounded cabin of the Insignia, lacking any B-pillars, flows smoothly into the rear panel which features a V-shaped centre line. The rear quarter panels display a prominent shoulder line emphasising power and the Insignia's rear wheel drive character.
The Insignias most striking features are its rear doors opening via a 'pantograph' mechanism, this allows the doors to slide backwards parallel to the body, improving accessibility in confined spaces, however there are no ugly rails needed on the exterior for the doors to side down.
Opel has designed the Insignia's interior with quality materials to give a luxurious expensive vibe. The colours and shapes are almost retro in appearance, especially the dark brown leather seats with their pincushion detail. The Insignias four separate seats are distinctly divided by a high, full length center console inlaid with Macassar ebony wood.

The Opel said that alongside the existing line up of three petrol and two diesel units that are already available from launch of the sedan models, the new Insignia Sports Tourer will debut two new engines, a downsized gasoline turbo engine and a new turbo diesel. Moreover, Opel is also working on an, an ecoFLEX variant with low fuel consumption and CO2 emission levels that will be added to the range in the near future.

As with the rest of the Insignia range, the Sports Tourer will be available with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, while buyers will also be able to opt for the new FlexRide mechatronic system which raises stability and provides real time, electronically controlled damping.