Opel Reveals Range-Topping Insignia GSi With 252HP

This is the new Opel Insignia GSi, the sportiest derivative of Opel’s mid-sized model, which is expected to make its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine that makes 252hp (260PS) and 295lb-ft (400Nm) of torque and is mated to a new eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddles shifters on the steering.

Opel also points out that despite the new model being less powerful by 69hp than the previous-gen Insignia OPC, it still manages a faster lap time at the Nurburgring.

“It is this combination of low weight – especially on the front axle – low center of gravity, easy handling, high power over a wide rpm-band and best traction which makes the GSi so fast” said Volker Strycek, Opel’s Director Performance Cars & Motorsport. “That is pure efficiency. The high grip level is perfect for the Nordschleife and a fun-to-drive as well as safety advantage on public roads.”

One of the reasons is because the new Insignia GSi is 160kg lighter than the previous OPC version, courtesy of an all-new chassis. The new range-topper is wearing model-specific shorter springs, adaptive dampers and a set of bigger Brembo brakes. The optional 20-inch alloys are wrapped with Michelin’s Pilot Sport 4 S tires.

Another reason is the advanced all-wheel drive system that comes with torque vectoring for the rear axle, with Opel claiming that understeer is “almost banished” from the Insignia GSi’s handling. The driver can choose between Standard, Tour, Sport and a GSi-exclusive Competition mode, with the system tuning the dampers, steering, gearbox and accelerator pedal accordingly.

Inside the biggest difference are the new sports seats developed by Opel that are also AGR-certified. There is also a flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in leather, a set of aluminum pedals and a black roofliner to match the sporty character of the new Insignia GSi.

Opel hasn’t release any performance data of the new Insignia GSi yet, but they said that they are also working on a diesel version as well.