The embargo floodgates flew open once the new Insignia Grand Sport was spotted undisguised in the streets of Los Angeles this past weekend. Fortunately, GM quickly finalized their press release and a video with GM Europe VP of Design, Mark Adams, which was sent it out to the world’s media this morning.
New Insignia features IntelliLux Matrix headlamps with 32 LED segments.
Contained within the press release is what you’d expect from GM Europe’s second-generation flagship sedan, set to be unveiled at the 2017 Geneva motor show. Besides adding the Grand Sport suffix to the Insignia nameplate, the new car has also changed in demeanor. It now looks more squat and stealth-like, thanks in part to a roofline that’s 29mm lower than its predecessor.
Roofline of Insignia Grand Sport is 29mm lower than first generation model.
Though the new car looks longer and wider, it’s overall length is actually identical to the current model and it has only a slightly wider track (+11mm). GM says the overhangs have been ‘reduced considerably’ over its forebear — you could’ve fooled me, but I’ve yet to see the car in person — and that the wheelbase has grown by 92mm. The larger wheelbase will most certainly provide better legroom in the rear, as Mark Adams illustrates in the video above.
Insignia Grand Sport interior looks very elegant and refined.
“In its proportions as well as in each detail, we wanted the new Insignia Grand Sport to deliver an upscale quality feel,” says Adams. “Its design combines flowing lines and subtle surfaces with crisp, precise lines to exaggerate its dramatic proportions: it looks longer, lower and wider than it actually is, and it definitely looks upscale. Every design feature conveys technical know-how and the utmost precision. The new Insignia Grand Sport is an excellent value proposition with the aura of a car from the premium, upper class.”
Hard to unsee poor resolution of rear quarterlight solution
While I can’t argue with Adams that the car looks more elegant and lithe (it’s actually 175kg lighter too) than its 2009 predecessor, the one element I simply can’t overlook is the horrible double rear quarterlight treatment. I know why it’s there, but I really wish it wasn’t. And once seen, it remains in your mind’s eye and can’t be unseen. Thankfully (hopefully) the subtle chrome accent around the upper edge of the DLO means that if you opt to get tint dark enough, this distraction may just blend in and go away.
2013 Opel Monza concept is said to have heavily inspired the Insignia Grand Sport design. Story and video here
As always, I’ll wait to reserve judgment until I’ve seen the Insignia Grand Sport in person. Until then, enjoy the video walkaround with Mark Adams.
