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Spyshots: 2017 Opel Insignia Test Mule Looks Gigantic

While Volkswagen chose to revive its D-segment sedan sales by making the Passat into a premium car, other manufacturers are choosing to make their vehicles larger. The Renault Talisman is the first example, soon to be followed by the Opel Insignia.
2017 Opel Insignia Test Mule Looks Gigantic 23 photos
Photo: SB-Medien
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This second generation of the flagship Opel seems positively gigantic. Not only that, but the overall proportions are different. For example, the rear end of the car is elongated and egg-shaped, sort of like the Tesla Model S.

We have trouble calling this a sedan because of the hatchback opening. It's a more practical solution preferred by mainstream manufacturers like Skoda and Ford. The current Insignia has a hatch option too, but a sedan model is offered alongside.

As you would expect for something that's at such an early stage of development, the prototype is heavily obscured by the camouflage. The taillights aren't even visible, and the front bumper sits under two layers of wrap, so we can't see its design. However, all signs point towards the Monza concept as being the likely source of design inspiration.

Sure, it's not going to have gullwing doors, but Opel's biggest car could also be the most beautiful. Various sources suggest the platform will be GM's latest D2XX modular architecture, the same one used by the Astra. Compared to the current Insignia, the 2017 model will be 10cm longer (4 inches), meaning it will be nearly 5 meters long (197 inches).

In terms of weight, the flagship could shed up to 200 kilograms compared to the current generation. However, that will be achieved by using smaller engines, lighter suspension components or smaller fuel tanks. Not every Insignia will be a featherweight, but for a bigger vehicle, any weight reduction is impressive.

On the safety front, the car will rely on a bundle of driver assistance shared with the new Astra, including the Opel Eye front camera, the Traffic Sign Assist feature and the Advanced Park Assist function. However, we're more interested in the technology package, as the German automaker has proven it can offer content like adaptive LED headlights and a digital dashboard.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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