HSV Insignia VXR not gunna happen... WTF

[mutual_master]

I don't give a crap about the diesel or LPi stuff, but I'm pissed HSV doesn't want to get the Insignia VXR and Corsa VXR here. With the E2s new look, I reckon those two models are exactly what HSV needs if they want to improve sales.

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/43143/hsv-set-to-launch-lpg-model-early-next-year-astra-vxr-insignia-vxr-off-the-cards/ (http://www.themotorreport.com.au/43143/hsv-set-to-launch-lpg-model-early-next-year-astra-vxr-insignia-vxr-off-the-cards/)

[Deco28]

If they can't make a profit from it, why bother?

[mutual_master]

Because sometimes taking a gamble pays off. I reckon people would react pretty positively to a twin-turbocharged AWD HSV, and I'm sure more than a few would be happy to pay a bit of a premium for it.

It'd also be a good competitor to the Liberty STi and VW Passat R36.

[Dav0]

The way i see it is we are all fans of holden/hsv because we love our v8's, not 4 cyl turbo's. If i want an AWD 4 cyl turbo ill just go buy an evo or something

[planetdavo]

The way i see it is we are all fans of holden/hsv because we love our v8's, not 4 cyl turbo's. If i want an AWD 4 cyl turbo ill just go buy an evo or something
ZC Vectra was killed off because it was way too expensive. Think 50K for a V6 hatch 4 years ago! Insignia replaces Vectra.
Who would buy them in Aus? You could buy a new GTS for similar money to the VXR Insignia.

[Dav0]

ZC Vectra was killed off because it was way too expensive. Think 50K for a V6 hatch 4 years ago! Insignia replaces Vectra.
Who would buy them in Aus? You could buy a new GTS for similar money to the VXR Insignia.

You're exactly right, and the people that are into the FWD and AWD 4 cyl turbo's wouldn't even have holden/hsv in mind when going to buy one, let alone worrying about the cost, when there are cars like the wrx, evo, mazda 3 mps, vw golfs, etc. etc. which are more likely an all round better package for the price you pay than anything hsv can bring out.

[Ghosn]

Insignia VXR

I like it!

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/opel-insignia-opc_vauxhall-insignia-vxr_10.jpg

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/opel-insignia-opc_vauxhall-insignia-vxr_04.jpg

[Jac001]

the front looks good and the side, but the back doesn;t work for me...

HSV would have to carry all the cost of warrenty and ALL spare parts for 10 years and this is a huge cost when it can't be shared with holden....

[Marco]

I'm just glad that HSV came to its senses on this one. Who would be mad enough to pay GTS money for one of these? HSV buyers will just buy a GTS and people who want this sort of premium Euro performance hatch thing won't be shopping with HSV. Add in the cost of keeping parts in stock for 10 years and whatever else and there's no way this is a winner.

[HSVQUE]

F**k I was really looking forward to seeing the Insignia in Australia.. Its a Real Shame we never will.

[FlatfootV8]

High powered FWD cars don't even hit near my interest meter they would have to atleast have AWD for me to get even interested.

Too much power too much torque steer pfft no thank you.

[nickh]

High powered FWD cars don't even hit near my interest meter they would have to atleast have AWD for me to get even interested.

Too much power too much torque steer pfft no thank you.


it is awd twin turbo.

[FlatfootV8]

it is awd twin turbo.

Even if it is the mrs would still say no..

[Podge]

would the insignia be competing against the liberty or the wrx? i think it would be a similar size to the wrx and a lot more expensive.

i do like the pic of the front wheels off the ground though :goodjob:

[Uwish]

I would buy one. Looks hot!

[Marco]

would the insignia be competing against the liberty or the wrx? i think it would be a similar size to the wrx and a lot more expensive.

It's bigger than the Liberty (and therefore much bigger than the Impreza) - think Camry size.

[GODSMACK]

I always thought the VXR would be against the likes of the EVO and Sti..

Whats a VXR worth onroad as compared to a Evo X or Current model STi?

I was along side one (older model obviously) on the Monaro Hwy (ACT) and the SS wasnt pulling away in a hurry.

The VXR is a mans car, the MPS and XR5 is for girlies..... :1peek:

[Podge]

It's bigger than the Liberty (and therefore much bigger than the Impreza) - think Camry size.

ah ok.. i figured it was astra sized

[Evman]

Has a very Mercedes look about it

http://www.the-car-club.co.uk/Images/Pictures/Mercedes-CL500-600.jpg

[planetdavo]

would the insignia be competing against the liberty or the wrx? i think it would be a similar size to the wrx and a lot more expensive.

WRX is Cruze size. Insignia is large medium size. It is more a B4 Liberty thing.

Anyone else notice how the wheels inspired the W427's design?

[BNGTO]

Pricing in Germany is 45k which puts it right on Passat R36 and about 8k under the Audi S4. With the way lct works on top of everything else that adds at least 20k to the nearest force fed Euro.

The S4 is popular with the tuning guys, the new one is already hitting 400hp with chip alone and is running 5.1 stock despite a heavy detune. For Holden to have a 20k price advantage might be interesting as I am sure the OTC would have similar potential

issue though of course is the brand; Holden doesn't have a name in those sorts of cars; enthusiasts may go for it but Audi has the advantage that non enthusiasts might just want the most expensive A4 (as BMW found when they first released the auto (m3)). Which may be harder for Holden or even HSV

if they could reposition HSV, and this car would help, it may work but that's a long term thing. Could always bring it in as a Cadillac with the CTS and see what happens. Given the luxury segment seems strong ATM might be worth it, but not an easy thing to do; unless they use it to fill all the Saab showrooms

[mfactor01]

I think they have deff messed up by not importing them here

[Quick VE GTS]

I Just want one....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiMF0kKcAZQ&feature=fvst

[QIKMIK]

Final episode of current Top Gear had the VXR as one of the features. Unfortunately, the reviewer was James AND the other two ate up all the spare cash for the episode so the review is fairly basic. Looks the goods though.

Mick

[HSV,_I_GOT_ONE]

Aren't these things just a SAAB with different body's and interiors? If you have a look there are AWD turbo v6 SAAB's available. Pretty sure its all the same driveline.

[bouka]

I really like this thing and it is a shame it is not coming here. Could have been a real competitor for the euros (R36, S4 etc).

Can understand why though as it would have been expensive. May have helped HSV in their attempt to be a euro competitor.

AWD TTV6 in a good size, very well specked (AP brakes, 20 inch rims, recaro seats, trick suspension etc and every luxury under the sun) and great looking vehicle has all the right boxes ticked imho.

[lowriding]

Wagon looks very cool , interestingly an R8 sitting next to it


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOnSCQAk3Qw&feature=related

[Jman]

HSV Cruize perhaps?? After they move manufacture to Australia........???

[planetdavo]

Aren't these things just a SAAB with different body's and interiors? If you have a look there are AWD turbo v6 SAAB's available. Pretty sure its all the same driveline.

In some ways, but GM own SAAB, so the SAAB is actually an (older) GM design than Insignia, complete with Aussie made turbo 2.8 Alloytecs.
The SAAB's are based off the chassis of previous Vectra's.

[V-Car]

Aren't these things just a SAAB with different body's and interiors? If you have a look there are AWD turbo v6 SAAB's available. Pretty sure its all the same driveline.

The other way round...Saab 9-3 and 9-5 were based on the GM Epsilon platform shared with the last generation Opel Vectra.

The new Insignia (Vectra replacement) is built on the Epsilon II platform as will the new Saab 9-5 if Saab survives bankruptcy or GM can find a buyer for them.

The new Buick Regal in the US is also a rebadged Opel Insignia, imported fully built up from Germany.

[magic919]

it is awd twin turbo.

But only one turbo though.

[185iboy]

Saw this in the last episode of Top Gear, looked the goods..was looking forward to seeing it here I presumed new HSV as soon as I saw it.

[planetdavo]

Saw this in the last episode of Top Gear, looked the goods..was looking forward to seeing it here I presumed new HSV as soon as I saw it.

There's "looking forward to seeing it", and there's "actually buying it".
Going back to near the start of this thread, how many people would seriously stump up GTS money for a VXR Insignia?
Seriously.
Hence why it wont happen in Australia. Pretty simple business case imo, with the requirements for full parts backup, specialist training, plus advertising costs to be factored in across quite small sales volumes.

[SCiFiRE]

Buick is getting one.
Color me jealous.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/buick-regal-gs-brings-performance-back-to-trishield-brand/

[muzza]

If Holden wants to be much more than the Commodore Car Company (plus Korean imports) then this is the way they shoud be heading for a sporty mid sized car.
Ford can do the Mondeo (starting from just over $30K) imported from Europe so it's quite possible.

However, as Holden have committed to the Cruze, it doesn't look feasible, unless they get the Koreans to start cranking them out for export to Asia.

[Marco]

As has been said many timed before, mid sized Holdens only do well when they're a good product selling for sensibloe money. The last Vectra proved that people won't pay big money for a mid sized Holden, and the Insignia would be no different...

IMHO the next Epica needs to be miles better than the current one, or Holden should just get out of that segment altogether.

[planetdavo]

If Holden wants to be much more than the Commodore Car Company (plus Korean imports) then this is the way they shoud be heading for a sporty mid sized car.
Ford can do the Mondeo (starting from just over $30K) imported from Europe so it's quite possible.

However, as Holden have committed to the Cruze, it doesn't look feasible, unless they get the Koreans to start cranking them out for export to Asia.

:confused:
Captiva sales are booming, and Cruze, with only one body style so far, are driving out the door in big numbers.
Perhaps you need to adjust your thoughts on "plus Korean imports" being a negative...

[planetdavo]

IMHO the next Epica needs to be miles better than the current one, or Holden should just get out of that segment altogether.

And it will be.
First Captiva, then Cruze, and coming up Barina and Spark, I think you should see which way the product is heading.

[muzza]

:confused:
Captiva sales are booming, and Cruze, with only one body style so far, are driving out the door in big numbers.
Perhaps you need to adjust your thoughts on "plus Korean imports" being a negative...

Oh, not so much a negative, but still seen as a bit of a poor cousin, 2nd choice behind a euro import such as Ford are doing with Mondeo and Focus etc. Like it or not the Koreans are still seen as budget and bit crappy, and not sporty. However with Holden engineering involved in the former Daewoo, things are already picking up - Cruze is a lot better car than the late unlamented Epica. You can't say the Captiva is brilliant but it's showing Territory up and headed it by ~800 sales last year, though Prado and Kluger both sold more than the Captiva.
Hyundai are rapidly improving their vehicles, some even look OK now:1peek:

Problem for Holden is, and my original point, as Commodore sales keep dropping, they will start making a Cruze version or two in Adelaide, but what else? Where's the excitment going to be coming from in mid sized sports sedans, or SUV's (hate that term)? Insignia VXR looks the goods.

Maybe Holden might get a Torana resurected -lighter, mid sized, RWD, but unlikely unless there's exports in it, and funds aren't exaclty plentiful ATM.