In updating the 2014 Opel Insignia for its midcycle enhancement, GM-Opel engineers managed to make the bodies of the highly-acclaimed Insignia range even more aerodynamic.
The Epsilon II-based midsize model range now features new extended underbody covers, wider front spoiler lips, tail lamp housings designed to enhance airflow separation, and an integrated rear deck lid spoiler. In addition, Insignia models powered by the 2.0 CDTI motor with Start/Stop technology sport an additional aerodynamic enhancement — the active front air shutter.
Believe it or not, air flowing through the front of the grille to cool the engine usually accounts for up to eight percent of total vehicle air drag. To neutralize the effects of this negative circumstance, a shutter in the lower front grille automatically closes at highway speeds to prevent air from entering the front grille and causing turbulence.
The combined improvements result in the refreshed Insignia setting the standard in aerodynamic performance: the Insignia hatchback has a Cd value of just under 0.25 — equivalent to that of the third (and current) generation Toyota Prius, while the Insignia sedan has a CD of 0.26, and the Sports Tourer (read: wagon) is at 0.28. This makes the hatchback and the wagon the most streamlined series production cars in their respective variant classes worldwide, according to Opel.
And if being the most slippery car in its class doesn’t tickle your fancy, then you should also know that the front shutters provide an additional advantage during during cold starts by allowing the engine to warm up faster while also providing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions benefits during the start-up cycle. And if the engine needs air for cooling, the shutter opens automatically
Your move, VW and Ford.
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Comments
but what about the sedan?
Correction. Here are the official cd values for the 2014 Insignia range:
Hatchback ecoflex: 0.25
Sedan ecoflex: 0.26
Sports Tourer ecoflex: 0.28
Isn’t the Insignia sedan not just the same body with just a smaller hatch in the back, which does not include the rear window?
I’d guess then the saloon has the same Cd as the hatchback.
The Regal is a great car but it sorely needs something to kick start it in the market. It’s too bad that the 2013 MCE didn’t include these features too….would have made a great story.
Like the looks of the new Insignia, very upmarket.
2014 Insignia OPC:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2013/08/opel-officially-announces-refreshed-insignia-opc/
It’s been rumoured for a while, looks like its here now.
Insignia OPC is confirmed indirectly by an invitation by Opel for readers of the German language “Motor-Talk” web site, to be selected by a lottery, or how you may call that in English.
Hi Dear Alex
Do you Can Put Some Picture About Opel insignia shutters in This site (shutter part separately and shutter position in vehicle)
also which vehicles have this technology?
Best Regard
amir kh.
Senior Expert of Marketing in P.K. Company