From these pictures, it's easy to see that the Insignia lacks door handles. What simply seem like outlines, blending in right under the crease line that stretches from front to rear, these door handles pop out at the very last second when the driver approaches - much like Aston Martin's AM V8 concept. This idea, already in use by top-of-the-line BMWs, Audis, Infinitis, Lexus', Peugeots, the Toyota Prius and Opel's new Astra, takes keyless entry to an entirely new level. A transponder that can be attached to a key chain or wallet is used to identify the driver via coded radio signals. This replaces the conventional key. At the touch of a button, the Insignia's rear hatch automatically opens or closes on gas-filled struts. The 'alive', talking and physically responsive automobile that is so often seen in futuristic movies seems to be taking shape.
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| The Insignia's 'Small Block' aluminum powerplant is a massive 5.7 liters in displacement, fettled with to produce 344 horsepower. (Photo: General Motors) |
While many concept cars in recent times are powered by a high-performance turbodiesels, Opel has utilized traditional North American pushrod power. Fitted to tuner Omegas and Catera/CTS', and standard equipment on Holden's (Australia) extreme HSV lineup, the Insignia uses the same LS1 engine fitted to the late Camaro and Firebird as well as the all-American Corvette. The 'Small Block' aluminum powerplant is a massive 5.7 liters in displacement, fettled with to produce 344 horsepower. As unorthodox as the engine might be for the European market, it certainly takes care of business, resulting in a quick and speedy luxury sedan. With advanced traction control and a quick-witted automatic transmission, the car leaps to 100 km/h in less than six seconds, stopped only by the electronic speed limiter at 250 km/h. Without the limiter, it's quite possible the car could reach well over 270 km/h.
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| Although otherworldly on the outside, the interior of the Insignia is adorned with homey traditional materials. (Photo: General Motors) |
If it is conceivable to cross a futuristic automobile with the inescapable feel and look of comforting traditional materials, the Insignia does so without falter. The 22nd century curved dashboard and centre console ribbed with polished aluminum reflect the car's dramatic exterior, however it's the way the surfaces are finished that conveys the Insignia's comforting and homey cockpit. Perhaps it's the thick, '60s-style leather buckets trimmed in hand-stitched tobacco leather, or the contrasting tan leather and suede dash and pillars, but such a combination has never worked so well outside of the dinner club. Positively striking, rich Macassar ebony inset trim covers the Insignia's door panels, seatbacks and centre console, enhanced by the soft blue-green glow of the car's instrumentation and interior lighting.