New Omega for 2006

The all-new 2006 Opel Omega is set to debut at the 2005 Frankfurt Auto show. The production version draws heavily on the Insignia concept first shown at the 2003 Frankfurt Auto Show. The new front fascia on the Insignia Concept previews the direction of styling for the next generation of Opels scheduled to appear before the end of the decade. The Omega retains the concept's general shape, taking on a similar grill and overall front appearance. The grill is raised to allow space for a license plate and production fog lights replace the concept version's. The profile turns from a low-slung coupe into more of a conventional sedan form. Instead of the concept's rear sliding doors, the production version will receive regular opening rear doors, since the sliding doors were deemed too expensive for production. The massive 21 inch wheels have been replaced with more practical 18 inch wheels. It is uncertain whether the concept's LED headlights will make it, but the rear lights are set to make light of day. GM bosses have decided to proceed with a rear-wheel drive setup currently being developed by Holden in Australia to be used in the next generation VE Commodore. This will help make the new Omega more competitive against the likes of BMW and Mercedes. Testing of the chassis is expected to occur at the GM base in Rüsselsheim, Germany where it will be refined for European roads and tastes. The interior of the new Omega is set to retain cues from the concept, the dash remaining in identical form to the concept, albeit with more conventional materials. The LED-backlit dials are also set to remain, as is the clever rear middle seat that folds away to create a centre console. The front seats however won't make it in concept form; they will be replaced with more conventional chairs. The Omega is expected to be offered with a variety of engines starting with the entry level 2.2-litre direct injection motor, producing around 145hp, or a 150hp 1.9 CDTi diesel. Additional diesels will be a 180hp 2.4-lire five cylinder and a 200hp 3.0-litre V6 based off the engine found in the Vectra and Signum. The 210hp 3.2-litre V6 from the Vectra and previous Omega is also expected to be offered as well as a new V8. It is speculated that the V8 could be called the MV8, which could be based off the 5.0-litre aluminium unit from the Chevrolet Corvette and expected to produce around 350hp. Prices are expected to start at 35,000 Euros for the entry model and reach 55,000 euros for the range-topping V8. The 2006 Opel Omega is slated to be available in showrooms starting in late 2005 to early 2006.