Opel Insignia OPC
It didn't take much time for Opel to make Insignia more aggressive. They just used the idea of GTC concept car model 2007 in serial production.
The Insignia OPC version wasn't original source, it's a product of improvement of Opel Insignia 2.8 V6 Turbo. Due to the chip tuning and changes in engine's exhaust system the power was upgraded to 325 h.p. The suspension was also changed. Front bars received new curving lugs, which made the steering easier, and let the suspension become more resistant to corner pressure. It's a well-known receipt which is used also by other sport cars producers. Besides, the brakes were also changed. All-new "Brembo" devices replaced the old steel brakes. They are lighter and more efficient than the standard ones. After all that enhancements and tuning verified by thousands of kilometers of German Nordschleife the new Insignia OPC appeared. It was 10000 km on Nuerburgring that became the trial by fire for Insignia OPC.
Driving
There are three body versions: sedan, hatchback or station-wagon available. And that's it with the choice option. There is only one kind of configuration: only regular 4-wheel drive and 6-speed shiftable mechanical transmission. Besides, the OPC version, as well as the usual Insignia version is not very convenient for tall passengers – there is lack of space in rear seats compartment because of the sloping roof. However, all these facts are so insignificant when you've got a free race track in front of you!
The car passes the first circles in the ordinary mode. An acceleration is cheerful, the clutch doesn't let you feel worry. Before the turn the brakes hold the heavy car on (the curb weight is 1700 kg). However you don't feel that aggression and confidence while decreasing speed as in case of acceleration. It should be just a little bit faster! But in the rapid turns the Insignia OPC is quiet good. Especially when you turn to the Sport mode with the help of the FlexRide system. From now on the electronic system gives more traction to the back wheels and the car twists the turn easier. Pushing the OPC button makes suspension harder and the steering wheel more resistive. But even when the car loses an adherence with the road it is 4-wheel drive system which comes into action first, not ESP. Electronic system with the help of interaxle differential and rear inter-wheel differential uses the moment to screw the car into the turn. And only if it wasn't successful ESP tackles the problem!
What is the advantage?
I was driving circle after circle convincing myself that this big car coped with the track very well, but anyway I didn't feel much comfortable in it. It seems heavyish. Insignia OPC will look much more natural on a speedway. It's a big, fast but still comfortable car. OPC is almost 20% more expensive that Insignia 2.8 V6 AWD, its clearance is 10 mm less and suspension is harder. Obviously the purpose of such cars is to be sold individually. And that is the advantage of this car!
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