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2017 Opel Insignia Grand Sport Marks First Time Twinster AWD System Meets A Mid-Size Sedan

Before all the hoopla was officially unleashed at the reveal of the 2017 Opel Insignia Grand Sport, it was revealed the liftback sedan would arrive with torque vectoring all-wheel drive. Not just any AWD system, but a GKN Twinster system.

It’s much like the same hoon-tastic system found in the Focus RS, only we’d imagine slightly more tame for the 2017 Insignia. And no, there’s not a drift button. Nonetheless, it marks the first time a Twinster all-wheel-drive system is offered in a mid-size sedan.

Torque delivery is optimized for all conditions between the front and rear axle and the rear wheels. The system also responds to throttle position, steering angle and road surfaces themselves. And degrees of yaw can be selected via a driver-operated dial. Obviously, “Sport” provides the most support for yaw, inducing higher rotation and eliminating understeer.

Not to mention, GKN’s Twinster unit is more compact and lighter than other torque vectoring systems. Wins all around for AWD lovers.

GKN has a proven track record, too. Its systems can be found as OEM equipment in a range of other vehicles, including the 2017 Cadillac XT5 and Buick LaCrosse.

Former GM Authority staff writer.

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Comments

  1. Is the GNK torque vectoring AWD system used in the new LaCrosse a Twinster or something lesser?

    Reply
  2. Well there is a video of the insignia drifting

    Reply

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