Is the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer Really a Preview of the Buick Regal Wagon?
The new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer will be available with a torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system
Photo: © General Motors
Opel had the automotive world going nuts yesterday, February 6th, after it released details about the new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer, which could eventually make its way to the United States with a Buick badge on the front of it.
Buick has already filed trademarks for “Tourx” and “Regal Tourx,” indicating that an all-wheel drive station wagon is in the works. The current Buick Regal sedan is produced at GM’s Oshawa assembly plant in Canada, but production of that model is scheduled to come to a close later this year. It’s expected that the 2018 Regal will be built in Germany, and then exported to the United States.
If the next Regal is anything like the new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer, that means it will feature the same bold lines and sharp creases as the Insignia sedan. In addition, the new Sports Tourer is more than 400 pounds lighter than the outgoing model thanks to efficient packaging and lightweight materials.
Opel did not disclose any engine specifications for its new wagon, but it will be offered with both gasoline and diesel options in Europe, along with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Road and Track has also speculated that a new Regal wagon could be offered with the Chevy Malibu’s 2.0-liter turbo-four engine. That’s because the Malibu and Opel Insignia share the same platform.
The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer also provides more than 68 cubic feet of storage space, which is even more cargo room than the previous Insignia wagon offered. Furthermore, the Sports Tourer will come with the European version of IntelliLink infotainment system that features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Keeping the Sports Tourer safe will be a number of advanced safety features, including an available 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automated emergency braking.
The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer will make its public debut at the upcoming Geneva Auto Show. It’s been reported by Auto Guide that Buick could showcase the Regal wagon at the 2017 New York Auto Show.
Video: 2017 Opel Insignia Sports Tourer Wagon
News Sources: Motor Trend, Road and Track, Auto Guide
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