2003 Opel Insignia Concept

With the demise of Opels largest sedan, the Omega, there is now a massive void the General Motors division needs to fill. Though its replacement, the Signum, comes close to spanning the gap, it fails to evoke the same response from buyers that the conventional, dependable, rear-driven Omega provided.

With an unattended market that includes the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the would-be top-of-the-line Opel simply isnt cutting it. One proposed answer to this problem has just been unveiled at this years Frankfurt motor show in the form of a concept car. The Insignia prototype could be exactly what Opel needs their flagship car to be in order to successfully compete in the tightly-bound upmarket segment.

Its purpose, as a high-end luxury sedan, is slightly shadowed by quirky styling. Without a doubt, the Insignia is more suited to the Signums marketing tagline, Ordinary Rules Do Not Apply. Where most would expect a sedan, Opel has created a stretched hatchback. Where B-Pillars would be the norm, the Insignia is pillarless, and where we see four doors, the Insignias slide similarly to distant cousin Cadillacs Imaj concept of 2000.

The mention of Cadillac shouldnt just go without additional comment, as the brand has shared architecture with Opel in recent years. The Catera was a mildly restyled Opel Omega, as is the updated CTS, albeit wearing much more distinct sheetmetal than its German counterpart. With this in mind it is entirely possible something like the Insignia could point the way to a future Cadillac, in stretched form, possibly a replacement for the full-size DeVille.

Like Cadillacs Art and Science styling the Insignia is bold, so out of the ordinary in fact that without a badge it could leave Opel loyalists confused as to who makes it. Of course, there is no getting around that this is a vehicle that attracts attention - its Germanic roots disguised in the thickly outlined, massive grille and American-style chrome trim throughout. Though not as chiseled as a modern Cadillac, the Insignia, with its separated, slatted headlights and king of the road attitude, integrates perfectly within GM family relationship.