Opel Insignia Officially Revealed!

[jcgable]

Originally Posted by kenman923

I like it. Hopefully, it will come with a Nav System. Do you think Saturn will redesign its logo to be more in line with Opel?

Coincidentally, I was playing around in photoshop yesterday and came up with this:



I posted it on C&G yesterday to a pretty good response. I kind of like it-I think it flows better.

[YupYupYup]

My thoughts...

* Exterior nice and clean. Front is okay, but not bad either. Side and rea are nice.

* Interior: looks like Opel took a cue from the Malibu this time, and not the other way around, with the wrap-around wood near the front windshield. WAY TOO MANY buttons. What is with Europeans and their obsession with buttons (and overly complicated systems liek iDrive)? They are so distracting when driving and make the interior too busy. Also, as someone else pointed out, there are many panel gaps/ misalignments! GM, people see these things! And the plastic ont he dash is not hhigh quality looking in some shots. The dash itself look FAT. This is when you wished they could have used a pop up nav like the

* I have a feeling the Saturn version will look slightly nicer with the Saturn front end and some other touches.

* Why does GM insist on using strippers to "showcase" in their pics? The Japanese makers use their top of the line models with all the bells and whistles, even if most don't buy the top model...This just gives the press something to complain about. Take photos with the BIG NAV and GREAT TRIM to show off!

[PA Dweller]

Originally Posted by CobaltSScrazy

I was thinking more Rolla front end than Camry but that thing looks hottttt. Like sex on wheels. I cannot wait for AURA to debut as this!!! 6MT, AWD, and a HF Twin Turbo Red Line for 35k?

Can you spell possibly next car? (After Turbo Cobalt SS?)

CobaltSS

Yes, on top of that offer a 6 speed auto and some of those upscale features (Like a nav system, and rear armrest) and I am in. I just hope it doesn't get smaller on the inside. Please don't water it down GM.

[zete]

Originally Posted by Toto

length = 4830mm
width = 1852mm
height = 1484mm
wheel base = 2737mm
engines:
1.6 / 115hp
1.8 / 140hp
1.6T / 180hp
2.0T / 220hp
2.8T V6 / 280hp
2.8T DI V6 / 360hp
2.0 Diesel / 110, 130, 160hp
2.9 V6 Diesel / 250hp
and some nice features like the innovative lighting system and vehicle-2-vehicle communication.

What a huge jump in the DI turboed 2.8. We could do with that engine here.

What would the 3.6l get turboed? 400hp? That would be pretty impressive engine in a CTS Sport or a Buick Enclave Ultra. Or for my one wish for Buick: A 2010 GNX with AWD so it handles. Good enough for the GT-R, good enough for a GNX.

[jimmyisland]

Are You poeople out of you dam mind???? Everyone car today look similar, so just don't bullllshiiiit if it does look a bit the same. and i am tired of people saying this look like that. so what? you look like your father, and you have your mother's big mouth too? so what???? as long as it looks good, then it's a good car. Shut Up!!!! and People still complaint about the Pontiac Aztez(how the hell u spell it?) it's not even as ugly as the Toyota pick-up that looks like the front going to explode or the square or brick like brown Xsomthing. why don't u make negative comment on toyota? are u born in this country? no wonder the dollar these days are falling because u don't buy american cars. well, if u don't how can the big 3 improve? so shut up!!!!!

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

Way too many buttons on the dash.
Swoop-a-doop exterior lines remind me of retro-Bangle.
Duck tail trunk lid is... unique.

It's European. That's what they do.
This is a very European-styled design. So it's appropriate for a European brand.
This is also perfect for Saturn because it's not an American look. It will further distance the Aura from the Malibu, which will hopefully get a more American flavor.

Originally Posted by HoosierRon

And let me guess: no manual transmission option.

It will get one. It's European.

[YupYupYup]

I just hope it isn't too European (Aura). Afterall, this is North America and some needs are different. Like less buttons, more styling touches here and there. Not drastic, just enough to make it fit in well. Otherwise the Aura's sales won't be spectacular...Just like "European-styled" SAAB.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by YupYupYup

I just hope it isn't too European (Aura). Afterall, this is North America and some needs are different. Like less buttons, more styling touches here and there. Not drastic, just enough to make it fit in well. Otherwise the Aura's sales won't be spectacular...Just like "European-styled" SAAB.

I disagree. I think Saturn should play up its perceived European heritage -- design, performance, the works!!
If GM were smart, there should be ZERO changes from Insignia to Aura, except for required localization requirements.
The vast array of buttons and European sophistication and "complexity" should remain.

GM doesn't need a european styled Malibu. It needs the Aura to attract people who would otherwise buy a Passat or Accord -- premium, highly designed cars.

[ral1960]

The knob near the shifter could be an electronic emergency brake. I don't see a regular handle on the console.
The door handle is interesting--it may dominate the interior.
My 74 Fleetwood had a thin strip atop the dash like that, only all the way across. It contained warning lights and a digital clock.

[paul8488]

Curious to see this parked next to a C5... I fear the Insignia will look frumpy and lumpy in comparison to the C5, which is my new favourite midsize family sedan in Europe.

[dav305z]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

I disagree. I think Saturn should play up its perceived European heritage -- design, performance, the works!!
If GM were smart, there should be ZERO changes from Insignia to Aura, except for required localization requirements.
The vast array of buttons and European sophistication and "complexity" should remain.

GM doesn't need a european styled Malibu. It needs the Aura to attract people who would otherwise buy a Passat or Accord -- premium, highly designed cars.

It's funny how subjective styling can be. The Passat has long been my choice for best looking mid-size sedan, and I'm also a big fan of the 9-3's exterior. This car just looks derivative to me. If someone told me this was the next Camry/Sonata/Fusion I would have had no reason to think otherwise.


I'm sure this will be a very good sedan, riding on the Epsilon II platform, but I hope Saab has something up their sleeve to better represent European design.

[ByTheLake]

I might be the only person in this forum to believe this, but I think that Opel lightning bolt logo would be awesome on the Saturn version, too. Nothing wrong with Opel/Saturn being the 'global' vehicle.

The red Saturn 'rings' remind me of the 'old' Saturn, which sold cheap but reliable cars. That lightning bolt looks great to me.

I suppose changing the dealer signs would be an expense, though, but a big chrome lightning bolt on a sign would be quite an eye catcher!

[ZHDesign57]

Make it a coupe and I'm sold.

[CrunkedRL]

Originally Posted by ZHDesign57

Make it a coupe and I'm sold.

Man a coupe iteration would be so sexy in this body style.

[boblutzfan]

So how long until GM unveils this as the next Aura? This is beatiful. This is what Saturn needs to take the brand to long term success.

I think between the new Malibu, the next Aura and the coming Buick Lacrosse replacement - GM has really stepped up their game in the FWD sedan market.