On Sale June -Holden Insignia VXR Most High Tech Holden Ever

[mjrandom]

Needs more kW. Or 33" tyres!

[SASLS1]

Holden press release...

http://media.gm.com/media/au/en/hold...ignia_VXR.html

Opel Press release...

http://media.gm.com/media/intl/en/op...den-debut.html

Opel Insignia OPC AWD system explained, same as Holden Insignia VXR.

http://media.opel.com/media/intl/en/...stems-4-4.html

From above,

"When developing the 4x4 variant of the Insignia, Opel engineers focused on optimizing driving dynamics. While the all-wheel drive architecture and its integration with CAN bus data is similar to that of the Mokka, an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) has been introduced alongside the multi-disk clutch on the rear axle. This enables power to be distributed transversely, between the rear wheels, as well as longitudinally between the axles. Optimal adaptive driving dynamics are ensured by sporty control logics and the system’s ability to transfer all drive torque to the rear axle. Together with the intelligent limited-slip differential, which also seamlessly distributes power according to the prevailing driving situation, the Opel Insignia 4x4 offers a unique experience which gives the driver best-possible vehicle control. The ESP’s control strategy has also been optimally adapted to suit the all-wheel drive system. As a result, drivers can fully exploit the enhanced driving dynamics of the 4x4 Opel Insignia, especially when 325 hp is available from the powerful OPC version. With Opel’s fast-acting all-wheel drive system, driving safety and driving fun both reach new levels."

I'm still waiting for the New Camaro to be released, 4 days to go...

[C4B]

I dispute the Insignia is the most hi-tech .... in gadgets ONLY

The Chevy Holden Volt / Opel Vauxhall has 100 processors and 10million lines of code, the Insignia pfffst not even close! :-)

Maybe that's why the Volt was such a flop.

(Aside from the absurdly high price and appalling looks of course)

[Smitty]

..................
"When developing the 4x4 variant of the Insignia, Opel engineers focused on optimizing driving dynamics. While the all-wheel drive architecture and its integration with CAN bus data is similar to that of the Mokka, an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) has been introduced alongside the multi-disk clutch on the rear axle. This enables power to be distributed transversely, between the rear wheels, as well as longitudinally between the axles. Optimal adaptive driving dynamics are ensured by sporty control logics and the system’s ability to transfer all drive torque to the rear axle. Together with the intelligent limited-slip differential, which also seamlessly distributes power according to the prevailing driving situation, the Opel Insignia 4x4 offers a unique experience which gives the driver best-possible vehicle control. The ESP’s control strategy has also been optimally adapted to suit the all-wheel drive system. As a result, drivers can fully exploit the enhanced driving dynamics of the 4x4 Opel Insignia, especially when 325 hp is available from the powerful OPC version. With Opel’s fast-acting all-wheel drive system, driving safety and driving fun both reach new levels."

oh goodie.... from plough understeer to snap oversteer

wow ! think I might see if I can arrange a test drive when they turn up at my local Holden dealer
will be an interesting drive


ps.. wonder if the Opel engineers when developing the 4x4 ever considered that it does not snow
in our large cities here in Australia ... unlike Munich or Hamburg !

[SASLS1]

oh goodie.... from plough understeer to snap oversteer

wow ! think I might see if I can arrange a test drive when they turn up at my local Holden dealer
will be an interesting drive


ps.. wonder if the Opel engineers when developing the 4x4 ever considered that it does not snow
in our large cities here in Australia ... unlike Munich or Hamburg !

When you go for your test drive, you can test out the non fixed torque split and the 270km/h top speed would be an eye opener... But no manual for Aus so you'll have to settle with the 250km/h limiter.

http://media.opel.com/media/intl/en/...unlimited.html

[Smitty]

.... But no manual for Aus so you'll have to settle with the 250km/h limiter.

oh bugger..... and damnation!


hmmm... going to Germany later this year (September)
wonder if I can hire one and well... you know

[Micks]

Needs more kW. Or 33" tyres!

No interest there for me!!

[Smitty]

When you go for your test drive, you can test out the non fixed torque split and the 270km/h top speed would be an eye opener... But no manual for Aus so you'll have to settle with the 250km/h limiter.

http://media.opel.com/media/intl/en/...unlimited.html

and I note from that link -

"Prices begin at 48,605 euros (in Germany) for the four-door notchback with manual transmission."
that is approx AUD$70,000 at rulling FX rates. So how does it have a RRP here far far less?

[Devil CV8]

and I note from that link -

"Prices begin at 48,605 euros (in Germany) for the four-door notchback with manual transmission."
that is approx AUD$70,000 at rulling FX rates. So how does it have a RRP here far far less?

when it was sold here back in 2013 as an Opel insignia OPC it was 59k. At least the bits are upgraded and a price drop, although a bit more would help.

[jc_sv8]

I was at a dealership today and they said the VXR will be late $50's.

[Ausmartin1]

Maybe that's why the Volt was such a flop.

(Aside from the absurdly high price and appalling looks of course)

Guess if you don't like the look of version 1 I'm sure you will be happy they copied Honda and Mazda for version 2 and back to beige style as they say.
At least they attempted a bold look for version 1 as most of the US car model designs are well ..... bland.

No it's actually very very reliable, the problem was the brand to pay that amount, most Australians not understanding it - at all what it could do for them and of coarse no subsidies here.
So Fully loaded for an Eco car for this market with 4 seats and the GM brand was its down fall.

I enjoy my 0.5L per hundred Km fuel consumption and can drive on sunshine from electricity generated of my houses roof.
Not many cars can do that and drive nippy like a V6 in traffic.
GM had to start somewhere with a HItech eco product .... they just haven't go the ticker to keep it going like Toyota did with their Prius range (#2 selling model in Japan - non K class)
Guess people will be lining eventually to by EV or fuel cell cars to maintain the status quo for governments & fuel companies alike.

It will have to do till I can afford a real EV - Tesla that can blow the doors off any GM product on acceleration and they looks way better too.

[crisis]

It is what we have to get used to. When we are all dead our kids wont know much else. I would rather AWD with rear bias than front drive but the cost of that thing is more about the cost of all the unnecessary (for me) technology that helps you not have to drive it. You have to admire GMs bold faced cynicism marketing Opels as an elite “European” marque and asking big bucks and then reintroducing the same car as a Holden, admittedly overpriced but a lot cheaper. I wonder how those who coughed up for their Opels feel about this?
Holden will lose its brand loyalty within months once the Commodore ceases production. Anything in the showroom will be as generic and forgettable as everything else on the market.

[VTClubSprtR8]

I would rather AWD with rear bias than front drive but the cost of that thing is more about the cost of all the unnecessary (for me) technology that helps you not have to drive it......

Mmm, yeah 2.6L V6 twin scroll turbo AWD Insignia isn't my cup of tea. But hey we'll see how it goes.

[disorganise]

I hired an Insignia in the UK a couple of years ago - albeit a diesel so can't compare performance. Man was it uncomfortable - the seats bent your back out somehow that meant any more than an hour in the thing was hell. versus our commodore and HSV seats which tend to be uber comfortable for long distance driving.
I guess they could stick the commodore seats in it and fix that issue.

But who are these "enthusiasts" they think they're gonna tempt? Surely if it priced above the redline, anyone considering Holden would go the V8? Unless the V6 turbo is HEAP more economical - but then is that a real concern for an 'enthusiast'?

[Jag530G]

and I note from that link -

"Prices begin at 48,605 euros (in Germany) for the four-door notchback with manual transmission."
that is approx AUD$70,000 at rulling FX rates. So how does it have a RRP here far far less?

Holden have done a pretty good job pricing these Opels. Always have. I bought a TS Astra CD back in early 1999 for $26K. The equivalent Vauxhall Astra 1.8L was 16K pounds which at the then exchange rate of about 40 pence to the dollar was an equiv price of around $40K AUD. We get ripped off with Benzs and BMWs but Holden, and I dare say Ford, do a good job with their pricing of Euro imports.

Cheers, Matthew