Buick has yet to let out a single peep about the next-generation Regal, but General Motors? Opel brand is blabbing all about the Europe-market Insignia sedan that is essentially a Regal with different badges. After seeing undisguised photos of the Insignia sedan and wagon earlier this week, we now have even more insight into the 2018 Regal thanks to official photos of and info on the Insignia Grand Sport sedan; and there’s more from the new Australia-market Holden Commodore, which is abandoning its previous rear-drive platform and migrating to the Insignia architecture as well.
With a 3.6-inch-longer wheelbase than the last Insignia, the new model now has the exact same stretch between the axles as the Chevrolet Malibu?no coincidence given that the two sedans share Epsilon E2XX underpinnings. Indeed, we can see some Malibu in the overall proportions of the Opel, although the Insignia’s attractive side surfacing, tasteful chrome detailing, and sharp headlight and taillight treatments give it a style statement all its own.
The Opel’s interior, too, looks to be significantly more upscale than the Chevy’s, with a dash design similar to that of the Buick LaCrosse. Holden’s press materials give details on the interior’s frameless 8.0-inch touchscreen, which offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability, while rear-seat room and trunk capacity are both said to increase compared with the outgoing car.
Also setting the Insignia apart is th...