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New Opel Insignia Grand Sport 4×4 to Feature Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive

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The all-new Opel Insignia Grand Sport 4x4 features a torque vectoring all-wheel-drive system

Today Opel announced that when it hits the market in early 2017, the all-new Insignia Grand Sport will feature an available state-of-the-art torque vectoring all-wheel-drive system, which promises to deliver the “highest levels of dynamics, feel, and handling on the market.”

“The new generation Opel Insignia sets new benchmarks for midsize automobiles,” said William F. Bertagni, Vice President Vehicle Engineering Europe. “Torque vectoring represents the state-of-the-art in transmitting power to the road. The new Insignia with torque vectoring all-wheel drive matches the best in the industry when it comes to ‘fun-to-drive.’”

While all-wheel drive and torque vectoring remains the best way to put high power onto the road, regardless of driving conditions, conventional torque vectoring systems fail to meet Opel’s performance and efficiency standards due to their additional weight and complexity. Instead, the new Opel Insignia will be equipped with a Twinster all-wheel drive system featuring a rear drive module that uses a twin clutch system without differential.

The unique all-wheel drive system is able to apply torque to one or both of the rear wheels independently. This enables torque vectoring capability across the car’s full performance range.

Higher torque is sent to the outside rear wheel when cornering, causing rotation around the vertical axis (yaw)—as such, the Insignia turns in with greater precision and responds more spontaneously to inputs from the driver.

In terms of safety, torque vectoring also controls the distribution of torque according to changes in throttle position, steering angle, and road surface, thereby damping the amount of yaw. This intelligent use of torque distribution (AKA “yaw damping”) creates neutral vehicle behavior, leading to a more stable and steerable car.

Insignia drivers can choose their desired driving mode, from high yaw damping in “Tour” to low in “Sport,” for sportier vehicle behavior.