The 2017 Opel Insignia Grand Sport is kicking off sales across Europe, but there’s one piece missing from the Insignia’s puzzle: a performance, OPC variant.
Spy shots show the upcoming Insignia OPC testing out in the open with less camouflage than usual. However, it’s still difficult to make much of anything out. Of course, what we see here will provide the basis for North America’s next 2018Â Buick Regal GS as well.
This time around, the puzzle is much more complex, though. Buick itself may have slipped and confirmed the next Regal GS will have a 3.6-liter V6 engine under the hood.—no mention of turbochargers. At the same time, Opel has gone on the record to state the next Insignia OPC will probably not have a V6 engine, opting for a turbocharged four-cylinder instead. The outgoing Insignia OPC featured a turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 from Saab days.
Photo: Car News China
Here’s some additional complexity: Holden has already confirmed its range-topping NG Commodore will receive a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with all-wheel drive. Those specs sound like what a North American Regal GS would encompass. Got all of that?
It’s anyone’s guess what GM has going on behind the scenes, but we could see a shuffled performance deck from the Insignia/Commodore/Regal triplets this time around.
Spy shots: Motor Authority
Comments
Are we sure the 4-pot is actually an OPC or VXR model? Or might it be a GSi model, with OPC and VXR derivatives to follow? It was rumoured that the GSi badge was set to make a comeback on the Astra… so why not on the Insignia too in the UK and EU, given both models share similar specification grades?
It seems extraordinary that Opel Group would go to the trouble of developing and homologating a 6 cylinder car simply and not sell it everywhere, even if UK and EU availability was restricted in the same manner that Vauxhall in the UK has historically limited VXR8 sales.
Also looking more closely, the car in the Motor Authority photograph seems to be wearing a Holden or perhaps a Vauxhall badge… but definitely not an Opel badge.
Eww it has a 3.6L? No thank you. I don’t like buying timing chains all the time.
W.A. – what is the reference to buying timing chains? I have had to replace timing belts but have never replaced a timing chain! Is there something unique about Buick timing chains?
OPEL has big problem with INSIGNIA GRAND SPORT2,0 turbo 260 hp ;stop delivery car cause of ABS pomp .I wait almost one month no parts and brand new car cannot use ; no money, no car and cry!!!