Opel Insignia test at Nürburgring Nordschleife uncovered
As you'll be well aware, there's a certain level of anxiety surrounding Holden's upcoming new Commodore, which is scheduled to be launched in early 2018.
As you'll also be aware, there are many many different reasons behind these feelings. Some wonder whether it will be a repeat of other unsuccessful large-car world platforms like the Epica, while others see the whole thing as automotive blasphemy.
At the very least though, it's encouraging to see that the Commodore — under its European guise of an Opel Insignia Gran Sport — has been testing at the best proving ground in the world for handling. The Nürburgring Nordschleife.
“You can feel that the Insignia has been developed from a white sheet of paper as soon as you get into the car,” Insignia chief engineer Andreas Zipser said of the test.
“The integration of the driver is outstanding and this provides a much better feel for the car. The Insignia has become much more agile, even with the same engine.
“The new central ‘Drive Mode Control’ software is the heart and soul of the adaptive chassis. It continuously analyzes the information provided by the sensors and setting and recognizes the individual driving style. The individual systems are then optimized for the best traction and road position.”
Positive words as you'd expect from Opel, and the car does look and sound somewhat comfortable on the kerbs and curves of the Green Hell.
Time will tell just how chiseled the Insignadore's performance chops will be, and between now and 2018 there's plenty of it.