More and more carmakers are quietly abandoning their gentleman’s agreement of limiting top speed of their production models to 250 km/h (155 mph), despite the fact that the only place in Europe to legally drive that fast is on certain sections of the German autobahn. The latest company to do so is Opel which has released a new version of its high-performance Insignia OPC called ‘Unlimited’ without an electronically-restricted top speed.
“We are responding to frequently expressed customer wishes,” says Alain Visser, Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales at Adam Opel AG. “Insignia OPC buyers are generally experienced and responsible drivers who want to enjoy the full technical possibilities of their car.”
By eliminating the 250km/h electronic speed limiter, the Insignia OPC Unlimited in sedan form with a manual gearbox can now reach a maximum velocity of 270km/h (168 mph). The Unlimited model is available with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission in all body styles including a four-door saloon, a five-door fastback, and the Sports Tourer station wagon.
The only other changes on the Insignia OPC Unlimited concern the blue Brembo logo and a newly-designed tachometer and speedometer, while Opel said that it is also preparing a special edition with a matt black wrapping.
Other than that, it’s business as usual with power coming from a 2.8-liter twin-scroll turbocharged V6 producing 325HP and 400Nm of torque channeled to all four wheels. Depending on the bodystyle and transmission choice, the Insignia OPC can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 to 6.6 seconds, while combined-cycle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions range from 10.6 lt/100 km [22.2 mpg US] and 249 g/km to 11.0 lt/100 km [21.4 mpg US] and 259 g/km.
GM offers a similar version of the Insignia OPC in the US under the Buick Regal GS nameplate. However, instead of the 2.8-liter Turbo V6 and AWD system, the American version gets a much less potent setup with a 255HP 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot and FWD.
Source: Opel via Autofans
