Insignia VXR

Dynamic and passionate driving has a new name at Vauxhall: Insignia VXR, available in Europe as the Opel Insignia OPC.

For the first time, a VXR model is equipped with an adaptive 4x4 system, an electronic rear limited slip differential (eLSD) and a 'HiPerStrut' front suspension system. The four-wheel drive management unit has been recalibrated to adapt torque distribution to the sporty philosophy of the VXR.

The Insignia VXR is equipped with 18” Brembo front brakes with large, 355 x 32 mm, cross-drilled discs, four-piston, high-strength aluminum calipers and high performance brake pads. Specially developed Co-Cast floating discs consist of a cast iron brake rotor and an aluminum disc bell.

After intensive testing on public roads and at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, engineers from the Opel Performance Center in Rüsselsheim selected Pirelli P Zero 245/40 tires, which are fitted with flow-formed 19” wheels.

The most powerful production engine in Vauxhall/Opel history.

At the heart of the Insignia VXR is Vauxhall’s advanced 2.8-litre V6 Turbo ECOTEC engine, with its micro-alloy forged steel crank, classic 60-degree cylinder angle and die-cast alloy oil sump – all features found in many a race engine. Producing 325 bhp and a massive 435 Nm (321lb ft) of torque, makes it Vauxhall’s most powerful production car of all time. The engine uses a single, twin-scroll turbocharger and variable valve control for quick throttle response, this high performance Insignia saloon produces a sub-six second zero to 60 time, and reaches (where permissable) an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

The VXR 2.8 V6 Turbo engine benefits from a specific calibration of the engine management unit, an increased turbo boost pressure to 0.9 bar and a reworked exhaust system with a significantly reduced counter pressure. Developed by the specialist Remus, this stainless steel exhaust line is 20 percent lighter than the standard one. Because sound is so important in the appreciation of an engine, Opel acoustic engineers developed new center and rear mufflers. The high-tech 2.8 V6 Turbo engine comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox and to offer optimal performance, the final drive ratio was slightly shortened from 3.76 to 3.90:1 compared with the standard V6 Turbo versions.