Opel Insignia OPC sheds its inhibitions with ‘Unlimited’ edition

Opel Insignia OPC ‘Unlimited’ – not a sexy sounding name for sure, but it most certainly should not be mistaken as another family sedan. To the uninitiated, the Insignia is Opel’s answer to the Ford Mondeo, and OPC stands for Opel Performance Centre, so this is a product from Opel’s equivalent of BMW’s M division or Merc’s AMG, for the lack of a better comparison.

The ‘standard’ Insignia OPC has a 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 that simultaneously makes 325hp and 430Nm at 5,250rpm. Equipped with all-wheel drive, Insignia OPCs can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 to 6.6 seconds, depending on bodystyle and transmission (6M/T or 6A/T). Combined-cycle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions range from 10.6 l/100 km and 249 g/km to 11.0 l/100 km and 259 g/km.

Watch out! That’s a 270kph Opel bearing down on you!

So, what’s the deal with this ‘Unlimited’ edition then? Well, it starts with removal of the 250 click speed limiter, resulting in a 270kph top speed for the fastest variant (sedan body with manual transmission). Visual differentiation from the ‘garden-variety’ Insignia OPC will be blue ‘Brembo’ logos on the brake calipers from the outside, and a redesigned instrument cluster in the inside.

Bundled into the €48,605 (sedan, M/T, Germany) purchase price is a seat in the OPC performance driving training course, where owners are taught how to properly exploit their vehicle’s full performance potential under the watchful eyes of Opel brand ambassador Joachim Winkelhock, a man of vast motorsports experience.

Would such a ridiculously fast four-door sedan be regarded as politically incorrect by some? Perhaps, but not among them is Alain Visser, Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales at Adam Opel AG who said, “We are responding to frequently expressed customer wishes.”

Right on, sir!

KON