( Worldcarfans ) - When the Opel GTC was shown in the Geneva Auto Show, in 2007, everyone guessed that the Vectra replacement would be also presented there in the next edition of the event. While we waited, we found out that the name of the car would change to Insignia, a daring, but necessary move from Opel, in order to attract younger buyers. WCF readers now know that this world premiere will happen a little later, in July, 2008, and will take place in the British Motor Show. What the readers didn't know was how the interior of the car will be like. Well, problem solved!
RoAnSA has spotted the cars in winter testing and made the best interior pictures of the new sedan so far. The dashboard will feature four round, projected gauges, similar to the ones once used by the Alfa Romeo 156 (very sporty ones!). They will be disposed in an "Audi way", with the screen of the onboard computer right in the middle of the speedometer (to the right) and the tachometer (to the left) and below the two smaller ones.
The central console is trendy, but not unusual or revolutionary in any way. In the unit caught, there seemed to be no installed LCD screen for a GPS navigation system, but it is almost sure the car will offer this option. The transmission is automatic and there are two cup holders right before its lever.
Althought the Insignia will be presented in the British Motor Show and tends to be badged Vauxhall at first (check the camouflage at the front fascia), the car that went through testing is left-hand drive. The car will be the first one to use the new Epsilon 2 platform, able to cope with front or all-wheel drive systems of propulsion (we may expect this last one to be offered in the new car). It will also allow the Insignia to be larger and taller than the Vectra. In other words, it will be roomier and, at the same time, sportier.
The dimensions of the new car can be guessed by the one the GTC presented: 4,83 m in length, 1,87 m in width and 2,74 m of wheelbase. Two new exciting options of engine will be available: a V6 2.8-liter turbo, generating 300 bhp and 40 kgm of torque and a V6 2.7-liter diesel, going for 200 bhp.