Opel claims that the new Insignia brand is more than a new name; it is a new car with a new ambition for the company. Opel believes that the Insignia based on the Vectra, makes a quantum leap toward rejuvenating the brand and providing the perfect opportunity to discover Opel.

Opel will be showcasing its new Insignia brand at the London Motor Show in July, and these new higher performance cars will be available from November next.

The styling of the new 4.83 meter five-seater clearly expresses Opel's strategy to make advanced technology and attractive design affordable. The Insignia boasts a flowing, powerful silhouette with a coupé-like roofline.

The car has a new shape with a distinctive radiator grille and a newly-designed Opel emblem. Unmistakable design elements include a sweeping front and rear light 'wing' signature and a 'blade' side contour that begins directly behind the front wheel and glides through the entire side of the body.

"With Insignia we are introducing an exciting new sophisticated design vocabulary, which combines sculptural artistry with German precision," says Mark Adams, Vice President Design, GM Europe. "Our aim was to develop a confident look which compels the world to experience for themselves the superb driving dynamics the Insignia radiates."

Echoing the exterior, Opel claims that the interior shapes and surfaces are crafted with high quality materials. The dashboard wraps around from the instrument panel to the door embracing the occupants. This wing theme will be echoed across all Opels. Red ambient lighting, which also will be featured in future Opel models, vibrate a warm, luxurious aura. A lot of emphasis too has been put into the seating, which set the highest standards in ergonomics, comfort and safety.

Opel's expertise in lighting technology continues in the Insignia with the latest generation AFL Adaptive Forward Lighting system: Nine different light beam settings automatically adjust themselves to cater to various driving conditions, simultaneously enhancing safety and driving excitement.

Another new element on the AFL system is the LED daytime running lights, which consume considerably less energy than a conventional system featuring halogen lamps. This system lower CO2 emission levels by almost 6 g/km.

The Insignia is offered from the start with front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The Adaptive 4X4 system's proactive, instantaneous torque distribution not only ensures optimal traction but also enhances driving stability and dynamic handling performance.

In the all-wheel drive Insignia, the FlexRide mechatronic chassis system with its Adaptive Stability Technology helps the car adjust to prevailing driving conditions. It allows the driver to select settings to match his mood. FlexRide is also available in the front-wheel version.

The Insignia will launch with a broad range of seven engines. All meet Euro 5 emissions standards and come with either manual or automatic six-speed transmissions. The four gasoline engines range from a four-cylinder 115bhp unit to a V6 with 260bhp.

The three new direct-injection diesels feature a displacement of 2.0 liter and outputs spanning from 110 to 160bhp. Subsequently the Insignia engine line-up will be expanded with an EcoFLEX version offering very low CO2 emissions in addition to other, more powerful variants.

"The Opel Insignia sets new standards in technology and innovation -- this will be obvious right from the launch. But we are keeping several cards up our sleeves when it comes to environmental compatibility, excitement and safety, which we will play strategically overtime" says Alain Visser, Chief Marketing Officer, GM Europe.

The Insignia notch and hatchback will debut on July 22nd, 2008 at the London Motor Show and will hit showrooms starting in November. The Insignia was developed at GM Europe's International Technical Development Center in Rüsselsheim, Germany, which also is home to its production. Opel claims that its Rüsselsheim facility is one of the most advanced car plants in the industry.

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