Details about the Opel 2012 Zafira have started surfacing of late. The redesigned version of the MPV has a cabin that is more spacious than the previous one, with the third and fourth rows being roomier. Accommodating the roominess of the new version, the vehicle is bigger in size – 4690mm long, 1820mm wide, and 1690mm tall.

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It seems that Opel could use some better marketing these days and so does their new Insignia. Prepared to race, the new Opel Insignia OPC (or Vauxhall Insignia VXR) features a bespoke chassis, a 2.8 liter V6 single, twin-scroll turbocharged ECOTEC engine and some stylish 19- or 20-inch wheels. Capable of putting out a good 325 hp. the little beast sprints 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and a max speed of 155mph, the new Insignia OPC definitely made room for itself into our hearts. We’ll get to see it in detail from May 8th at the Barcelona Motor Show, so stay tuned.

For those who are waiting for their first clear look of the Opel Insignia OPC, here are surely the best possible pics of the vehicle captured since date. This one in blue was taking a testing stroll on the famous Nürburgring and it is being said that the lap around the circuit was done in just eight minutes. The car is being rumored to have an engine with 300+ horsepower, a pretty big step up from 2.8-liter V6 turbo Opel Vectra with 255 hp. With Brembo brakes to handle the extra pace on offer, the unveiling of the Insignia OPC is expected soon enough. When that does happen, we will see it without those black tapes, in its entire beauty. [via WCF]

Opel Insignia is a pretty popular choice among those who fancy their hand at creating custom tuning kits for cars and Steinmetz has unveiled its own version with a provisional tuning package. The tuning kit offered by Steinmetz comes with a ride lowering suspension system, black and white 20-inch alloy wheels and changes to the front grille and front spoiler. Even the rear silencer tailpipe and floor mats have been altered, despite which the Insignia still largely retains its original look. Dubbed as the new European Car of the Year, Insignia would surely attract many more automakers who will offer custom add-ons and this one from Steinmetz looks subtle and simple.

The new Opel Insignia is going to be presented on November 22, 2008, and we already have contestants to make it look prettier. Irmscher, the company’s long time tuner (they’ve been working together for the last 40 years) has already came up with a styling package specially designed for Insignia and should be available through Opel dealerships. What you’ll get with their styling package is a a honeycomb grille that sports a stainless steel upper bar molding, a front lower spoiler, side skirts, a deck lid spoiler and rear diffuser fitted to the standard bumper fascia. Other than that it includes 20-inch Irmscher wheels and a quad exhaust that will most likely give it the sporty looks. I wouldn’t need this to like the new Opel Insignia, but it’s welcome! – via WCF

Minutes after seeing the new Seat Ibiza ecoMotive, I got my eyes on Opel Insignia ecoFLEX. For a long time I’ve been smiling at that beautiful Opel Insignia, and now that they made it more eco-friendly that really … turns me on. Why? Because it delivers both performance in the most fuel efficient way possible. The engine is a 2.0 CDTI ECOTEC that sports 160hp (350Nm of torque @ 1,750 rpm), that emits less than 140 g/km of CO2 gases.

“By making a multitude of detailed improvements to the powertrain and to the road and wind resistance factors of the ecoFLEX model, our engineers are able to minimize consumption without affecting driving fun,” said Hans Demant, Managing Director of Adam Opel GmbH.

I’d get one in green … really green.

Regular readers will probably remember when we told you that Opel Insignia is getting official or the Opel insignia pictures. We even got a few messages that you really like it, so when I first saw the Hatchback version I knew this is definitely a must, to show you.Because I can’t see any sign of camouflage, it could mean that this model will hit the market at the same time with the sedan. Rumors say that an estate variant version is in the works and GM will release it next year.

There aren’t any big design changes except that the Opel Insignia Hatchback has an bigger rear window. Just like the sedan it will be equipped with seven engines to choose from, front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive systems.

I can’t wait to see it on the streets. Do you?

via WCF

I wasn’t much of a fan of the 2009 Opel Insignia when I first saw the camouflaged pictures, but I know I like it when I’m looking at these (still unofficial). Rumors say it’s going to be on the floor at the British International Motor Show, this summer.

Opel Insignia is the successor of Opel Vectra and it’s going to play against other D segment vehicles including the new Ford Mondeo, Mazda 6, Renault Laguna and the VW Passat. Though we don’t have any official data on motorization, speculations include a 1.6L and a 2.0L turbo, a 2.8L V6 that outputs 250 hp, a 1.9 diesel and a turbo, and a 2.9L V6 diesel that outputs near the 300 hp mark.

I’m waiting for prices and official info to make up my mind, because the design is sweet. What do you think?

Autoweek.nl via WorldCarFans UK