Opel has just announced a new “unlimited” variant of the popular Insignia Sedan. According to the release, the car has no speed limiter and is capable of touching 270 km/h which for us Americans equates to about 170 mph.
We have always thought that Insignia is a great looking vehicle and with this unlimited version they are definitely going to win the hearts of more than a few. Below are the details from the official press release from Opel.
The 239 kW/325 hp high-performance variant of the Opel Insignia – distinguished by the iconic letters ‘OPC’ – is now also available as an ‘Unlimited’ version without an electronically-restricted top speed. This top model in the Opel product portfolio, with all-wheel drive as standard, will fully exploit the potential of the vehicle’s driving dynamics, offering maximum speeds of up to 270 km/h (sedan, with manual transmission).
“We are responding to frequently expressed customer wishes,” says Alain Visser, Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales at Adam Opel AG. “Insignia OPC buyers are generally experienced and responsible drivers who want to enjoy the full technical possibilities of their car.”
The Opel Insignia OPC ‘Unlimited’ is visually distinguished by a blue Brembo logo and a newly-designed tachometer and speedometer. A special edition of the vehicle is also planned with a matt black wrapping.
The performance flagship of the Opel model range comes with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission in all body styles. These comprise a four-door notchback and a five-door hatchback, as well as the Sports Tourer OPC station wagon, twice voted “Sportscar of the Year” (2009, 2010) by the German magazine “Auto Bild sportscars”.
The ‘Unlimited’ customer package includes an OPC performance driving training course on the Opel proving grounds in Dudenhofen. Owners will learn how to exploit the driving dynamics of their vehicle even more safely and confidently, under the supervision of Opel brand ambassador Joachim Winkelhock and instructors with motor sports experience.
The driving performance of the new ‘Unlimited’ variant is identical to that of the speed-restricted versions, apart from the higher top speed. Insignia OPCs can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 to 6.6 seconds, depending on bodystyle and transmission. Combined-cycle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions range from 10.6 l/100 km and 249 g/km to 11.0 l/100 km and 259 g/km.
Powertrain alternative: the new 6-speed automatic transmission
The new 6-speed automatic transmission combines sporty dynamics and driving comfort at an especially high level, offering an attractive alternative to manual shift versions. Alongside the automatic function, a further shift mode is also available, enabling the driver to shift gears manually – optionally via steering wheel paddles. The transmission control system is linked to the Insignia OPC’s mechatronic FlexRide chassis. In addition to a standard setting giving balanced all-wheel drive characteristics for everyday driving, there are two further driver-selectable modes: ‘Sport’ gives more agility and more direct vehicle responses, while ‘OPC’ mode offers the ultimate ‘hard-edged’ experience in uncompromised handling dynamics. The automatic’s shifting character is tuned for even more driving fun and adapts to prevailing driving conditions, according to the mode selected.
The Insignia OPC’s innovative Adaptive 4×4 system ensures precise handling, maximum stability and the full use of available traction. The system uses a sport differential with hydraulic Haldex multi-disk clutch as well as electronic central and rear limited slip differentials (eLSD).
Like all Opel Performance models, the Insignia OPC ‘Unlimited’ benefits from an OPC-specific 10,000-kilometer test program, which validates its fine tuning and long-term endurance under the toughest possible conditions on the Nürburgring Nordschleife (north loop). The loads on the vehicle as a whole during this program are rated at factor 18, which corresponds to driving 180,000 kilometers on normal roads.
Sales of the fastest production model in Opel history are set to start in April 2011. Prices begin at 48,605 euros (in Germany) for the four-door notchback with manual transmission.
