Here is a sneak preview of the dramatic new flagship set to crown the Vauxhall range. The Insignia concept, previously known as the Top-of-the-Line and unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show hints at the Omega replacement.
Out goes a conventional three-box saloon in favour of a radical four-door coupé. At 4803mm, the Insignia is large, but short overhangs and a wide 1666mm track give a sporty look, accentuated by the large air intakes, 21in alloys and quartet of tailpipes.
Vauxhall/Opel's new design direction is embodied in the strong shoulders, sharp creases and pronounced V-shapes - and there's even a hint of another GM concept, the Cadillac Sixteen.
Electric rear doors slide out and back on trick hinges, and the tailgate is also electrically operated. Inside, the Insignia can be converted from four- to five-seater with a Meriva-style central rear seat that rises electrically from the transmission tunnel. Despite the coupé shape, there's a 410-litre boot, swelling to 970 litres with the rear seats folded.
Up front, the needle is set behind novel instrument dials to avoid obscuring the numbers as it moves round, while light-emitting diodes are used extensively inside and out to replace conventional bulbs.
Underpinning the Insignia is a Holden VE Commodore-sourced front-engine/rear-drive platform. Power comes from the Chevrolet Corvette's 344bhp 5.7-litre V8, promising 0-62mph in less than 6.0sec and a limited 155mph top speed.
Suspension is by double wishbones up front and multiple links to the rear. Although presented as a concept only, if given the green light the Insignia could be with us as early as 2006.
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