Opel/Vauxhall FLV (Future Large Vehicle)

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Vauxhall's new giant

It's big, it's bold and it's going to break new ground for Vauxhall. In a world exclusive scoop, Auto Express can reveal the firm's secret plans to make inroads into the executive class for the first time.

And the Luton firm isn't planning to take a conventional route to large car success. Despite the early indications of concept models such as the four-door Insignia, company bosses instead plan to build a truly unique all-wheel-drive five-door with a spacious, MPV-like cabin and an angular, distinctive appearance. A top executive for the firm explained: "We won't do another Omega-style car. It's almost impossible to succeed in that market unless you have a prestige badge, and Saab fills that slot nicely for General Motors.

"That doesn't mean we couldn't do something a bit different at the executive end of the market, though. The Signum proves Vauxhall is always thinking of new and interesting alternatives to the traditional saloon and estate, and we're likely to be even more radical in future." This could mean following the trend set by Mercedes with the B-Class and R-Class to carve ever tighter niches in the new car market.

Our insider went on: "We are looking at several different concepts for a new large car, and a selection of alternatives has been - and will continue to be - tested at customer clinics with current and potential buyers." The picture seen in this week's mag has been produced from information gleaned at these clinics, leading to an accurate view of what Vauxhall has in mind. Many cues are familiar from other recent models, but stylists have made an effort to pen an eye-catching design.

Based on the next-generation Vectra platform - codenamed Epsilon two - the new model will be enormous, with dimensions expected to be larger than a full-sized MPV. Rivalling the forthcoming Ford Galaxy, and the still to be revealed replacement for Volkswagen's Sharan, the as yet unnamed model will replace the Signum, and the discontinued Omega, mixing car-like driving dynamics and a huge cabin capacity.

For now at least, the new Vauxhall is only known as the FLV - Future Large Vehicle - and firm technical details are scarce. What has been confirmed is that the car's power will be fed to all four wheels via a system similar to that featured on the new Frontera. Chassis engineers are expected to ensure that the emphasis will still be on tarmac-friendly handling. The extra traction will allow drivers to tackle some 'soft-roading', but the new model will have a comparatively low ride height, meaning its abilities would be best compared to Volvo's XC70 rather than the XC90.

The 4x4 transmission will be mated to a range of Vauxhall's most powerful engines, including a V6 diesel and the 250bhp 2.8-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine from the Vectra VXR. Inside, comfort and luxury will be the main priority. The newcomer's generous dimensions mean there will be room for seven adults, and Vauxhall will use its Flex7 folding chair system to make this one of the most practical cars in the executive class. Standard equipment will set new standards.

With the launch of the FLV not scheduled until 2007, prices are still being kept very firmly under wraps, but our sources inside Vauxhall have revealed that even entry-level models are likely to cost around £22,000.

daAutoExpress

[Betha23]

Tadaaaaaaaa......... la Croma comincia a fare scuola!

[Ares]

la croma? semmai l'insignia.

[Guest kenzo]

MAAAAAAAZINGAAAAAA!!!!!!! Ma per favore.......Non mi fa impazzire come linea la Croma, ma piuttosto di sto porcata stilistica.......Spero sia uno"sciop"

[Betha23]

la croma? semmai l'insignia.

MA quale insigna........ questa pare un Astra "cromizzata" con un frontale da mazzinga!

[Ares]

MA quale insigna........ questa pare un Astra "cromizzata" con un frontale da mazzinga!

Forse perchè è un photoshop senza basi concrete?

[Betha23]

Forse perchè è un photoshop senza basi concrete?

E allora come fai a tirare in ballo l'Isigna?

[Ares]

E allora come fai a tirare in ballo l'Isigna?

Madonna santa, l'Insignia era una concept car di crossover, se 'stò coso è un crossover allora prende dall'insignia visto che l'Opel c'ha sto concept di mezzo!

[Betha23]

Madonna santa, l'Insignia era una concept car di crossover, se 'stò coso è un crossover allora prende dall'insignia visto che l'Opel c'ha sto concept di mezzo!

Forse nella tua corsa a smerdare la Croma non hai capito il mio discorso........ io non dico che riprenda o no gli elementi della insigna....... il fatto è che questa secondo il giornale a differenza dell'insigna coniuga una forma da berlina "alta" a un interno da MPV..... esattamente come fa solo la Croma in europa.... che poi sia simile alla insigna io dubito fortemente visto che alla Opel sono famosi per sminuire tutti i loro bellissimi concept...... come purtroppo credo toccherà pure alla bellissima antara!

[Ares]

sè, vabbè, buonanotte...