I don't think they should call it a GNX, or GN. I'm hoping they bring back that name plate for a RWD car based on the camaro platform (now that pontiac is dead). I know.. wishful thinking.
I don't think that GS should be put on it either. Granted I thought the old GS was a cool contender with the supercharged 3.8... but why associate it with something that it isn't.
The Acura was uglified, while the Mazda 6 was blobified and softened. So yeah, there isn't much else out there to match the Regal's blend of FWD, sportyish pretensions, midsize space, and handsome looks. I tip my hat to GM, this is a legitimately good car, and I hope they make a performance version.
@Braff: From all knowledge of other audi products, not specifically the new s4...
No. Not the same system. Audi generally uses TorSen AWD system, which apparently has been vectoring all along. The exceptions to the audi=torsen rule are the A3 and TT.
Haldex (which is the system in this opel, and also in my new audi A3) is used mainly on vehicles with transversely mounted engines, platforms originally intended for FWD.
Sidenote: most people say that TorSen is superior. I can't say yet as I have only had my car for 1 month, and no snow yet :) Also, Bugatti Veyron supposedly uses a Haldex system.
@Braff/Jafoca: Sort of/not really. This is a transverse-mounted, FWD car with a power-takeoff unit sending power through a clutchpack between the front and rear axles combined with a clutchpack-operated lockable rear diff, as opposed to the Audi which has a true torsen center differential with a rear-biased torque split on dry pavement, coupled with two clutchpacks on the rear half-shafts for torque vectoring.
The "vectoring" of the haldex rear diff is a bit misleading (just like all the other marketing BS from haldex). It's a good system, but it's basically just a rear diff that can lock up. It has a single clutchpack on the rear diff that can lock the two halfshafts together, as opposed to something like the (heavier, more expensive, more complicated) tw0-clutchpack system used on the Audi and some (not all) of Acura's SH-AWD systems.
The Audi uses a system with a clutchpack on each of the rear half-shafts, which lets you disengage one of the halfshafts progressively. Because of the way differentials work, this effectively "vectors" torque to the other wheel.
The Haldex system progressively locks the rear axle, which prevents the inside wheel from spinning, but it doesn't technically vector torque to the outside wheel. Any situation where one rear wheel has a different torque split than the other would require one to have more traction than the other, and indeed, Haldex's examples show one wheel on ice, which is intentionally misleading, IMO.
That said, this system is better than having an open rear diff, and is cheaper and more compact than a system with a true center diff and two rear-axle clutchpacks.
Change the wheels, black out the brake intakes and exhaust surrounds, de-chrome the grille and trunk, and do something with the tails (tint?). It's a nice foundation, but I'm just not loving most of the finishing visual touches.
And 4,000# for a sedan this size with manual transmission? That's just incredible.
This is about as deserving of the GNX mantle as I am of valedictorian. I'm not bothered by the AWD 4-door bit, but it won't embarrass Corvettes. I'd accept the Grand National badge though. Or, really, however I can get it - throw Daewoo badges on, and I'd still drive the crap out of it.
But still, clocking in at a small dog shy of 2 tons is disturbing.
No, no, the Saturn version will look ugly, have at most an NA 2.4 Ecotec, and be nothing but front-wheel drive. Grandma will love it. THAT's a true Saturn.
I'm really waiting for someone to sway me away from an Audi, I am. But I just can't get them out of my head. The new, unmistakable Audi Q5. The new, unmistakable Audi Q5. The new, unmistakable Audi Q5. The new, unmistakable Audi Q5. The new, unmistakable Audi Q5.
@Ash78: Just don't forget the unmistakable feeling of driving it in the shop every week for repair. Bosch makes Lucas look like a supplier of dependable electronic parts. I have an A6. Nice to drive. Not nice to keep running.
@MplsCarPunk: You don't have to preach to me on that. I have not one, but TWO fully-loaded Passats. My electronics are very similar to yours (hell, half of it's probably identical). Comfort control module, ABS module, window electronics...
The ePRS (US Patent No. c11077983) translated the press release from the original German to this:
GM, Opel and Vauxhall (collectively known as General Borg, or GB for short) announce the 2010 Opel Insignia OPC/Vauxhall VXR/Never Gonna See This in the States.
The turbocharged 2.8L V6 in the Opel Insignia "OLE for Process Control", or OPC, will put out 325 hp and 400 Nm of torques. Complete with a 6-speed manny tranny, the Insignia will get to 100 km/h in 6 seconds and connect all your control systems together in one easy-to-configure system.
Lowered by 10mm and with AWD, the Insignia is aiming to not be an insignificant member of the sport sedan market.
We then repeat everything we just said, but did a cut/replace with Vauxhall VXR replacing Opel Insignia OPC. The major difference is interconnectivity via OPC is replaced by another acronym tying this car to the completely badass VXR8.
Alright people, let's gear up and save Saturn. We need to import these som'bithces to Saturn dealers asap. Charge $10k less than comparable Audi A4. Saturn, "We can change!"
1. Move steering wheel to left side. 2. Import to Saturn dealer. 3. Leave Opel badging on car, change nothing. 4. Charge less than Audi. 5. Defect from GM. 6. ??? 7. Profit.
11/23/09
I don't think that GS should be put on it either. Granted I thought the old GS was a cool contender with the supercharged 3.8... but why associate it with something that it isn't.
Give it a unique name...
11/23/09
Grand National, though...I'm good with this.
Personally, I want this package in an automatic, and I'm not anti-Jalop, or anti-manual, just can't do it, long-term, any more.
Caution, the really fun hobbies can kill you...if you're doin' them right.
11/23/09
11/23/09
11/23/09
11/23/09
No. Not the same system. Audi generally uses TorSen AWD system, which apparently has been vectoring all along. The exceptions to the audi=torsen rule are the A3 and TT.
Haldex (which is the system in this opel, and also in my new audi A3) is used mainly on vehicles with transversely mounted engines, platforms originally intended for FWD.
Sidenote: most people say that TorSen is superior. I can't say yet as I have only had my car for 1 month, and no snow yet :) Also, Bugatti Veyron supposedly uses a Haldex system.
11/23/09
The "vectoring" of the haldex rear diff is a bit misleading (just like all the other marketing BS from haldex). It's a good system, but it's basically just a rear diff that can lock up. It has a single clutchpack on the rear diff that can lock the two halfshafts together, as opposed to something like the (heavier, more expensive, more complicated) tw0-clutchpack system used on the Audi and some (not all) of Acura's SH-AWD systems.
The Audi uses a system with a clutchpack on each of the rear half-shafts, which lets you disengage one of the halfshafts progressively. Because of the way differentials work, this effectively "vectors" torque to the other wheel.
The Haldex system progressively locks the rear axle, which prevents the inside wheel from spinning, but it doesn't technically vector torque to the outside wheel. Any situation where one rear wheel has a different torque split than the other would require one to have more traction than the other, and indeed, Haldex's examples show one wheel on ice, which is intentionally misleading, IMO.
That said, this system is better than having an open rear diff, and is cheaper and more compact than a system with a true center diff and two rear-axle clutchpacks.
11/23/09
#tips
11/23/09
11/23/09
11/23/09
Yeah, you know me.
11/23/09
And 4,000# for a sedan this size with manual transmission? That's just incredible.
I'm still down with OPC, just saying.
11/23/09
11/23/09
11/23/09
But still, clocking in at a small dog shy of 2 tons is disturbing.
11/23/09
04/15/09
04/15/09
04/15/09
04/15/09
04/15/09
04/15/09
Besides, looking at ads helps to keep my Jalopnik free! Right?
04/15/09
04/15/09
04/15/09
GM, Opel and Vauxhall (collectively known as General Borg, or GB for short) announce the 2010 Opel Insignia OPC/Vauxhall VXR/Never Gonna See This in the States.
The turbocharged 2.8L V6 in the Opel Insignia "OLE for Process Control", or OPC, will put out 325 hp and 400 Nm of torques. Complete with a 6-speed manny tranny, the Insignia will get to 100 km/h in 6 seconds and connect all your control systems together in one easy-to-configure system.
Lowered by 10mm and with AWD, the Insignia is aiming to not be an insignificant member of the sport sedan market.
We then repeat everything we just said, but did a cut/replace with Vauxhall VXR replacing Opel Insignia OPC. The major difference is interconnectivity via OPC is replaced by another acronym tying this car to the completely badass VXR8.
04/15/09
1. Move steering wheel to left side.
2. Import to Saturn dealer.
3. Leave Opel badging on car, change nothing.
4. Charge less than Audi.
5. Defect from GM.
6. ???
7. Profit.
04/15/09
04/15/09