Next Omega Sharpens Up Its Act

At the front, there's the Insignia's shield-shaped grille, plus neat chrome detailing round the foglamps as well as on the window surrounds, sill plates and tailgate. Our pictures also show how the Insignia's huge 21-inch wheels have been replaced by 18-inchers for production models. Meanwhile, the rear end will have more of a step in it to give a saloon-like appearance, instead of the Insignia's coup΃© stance.

The electric sliding doors of the concept won't reach production, as these have been deemed too expensive to produce. But its innovative LED-based lamps at both the front and rear do look like they're going to see the light of day.

After much deliberation, GM bosses have decided the next Omega will be rear-wheel drive. Engineers debated whether or not to switch to front-drive, but in the end the Omega's aspirations to take on the likes of BMW, Mercedes and Jaguar helped settle the argu- ment. That means the model will use a platform developed by GM Australia which is currently being built for the next-generation Holden Commodore.

The chassis will be stiffened to suit European tastes, and will undergo testing at the GM base in R΃¼sselsheim, Germany. Meanwhile, the interior of the new Omega is also likely to take cues from the Insignia, including its clever rear centre console which can be folded out of the way to reveal a flip-up third seat. More conventional chairs will be fitted at the front, but the Insignia's neat angular dash will remain, complete with its LED-backlit dials.

The machine will be offered with a variety of engines. Entry-level models will come with a choice of Vauxhall's 2.2-litre direct-injection petrol motor, producing around 140bhp, or a 150bhp 1.9 CDTi diesel. Additional oil-burners will include a 180bhp five-cylinder 2.4 unit, plus a 200bhp 3.0 V6 based on the one fitted to the Vectra and Signum.

Upmarket petrol models will have either a 210bhp 3.2-litre V6 taken from the Vectra and outgoing Omega, or a range-topping V8 which Vauxhall is also expected to introduce. Insiders suggest this car could be called the MV8.

As well as having a sportier engine and some styling modifications, the MV8 will come with the 5.0-litre aluminium unit from the Chevrolet Corvette, which will give a power output of 344bhp and the ability to sprint from 0-60mph in less than six seconds.

The Omega replacement is expected to make its debut at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, and will be available in showrooms from spring 2006. Prices are expected to start in the ΂£24,000 region, rising to about ΂£38,000 for the range-topping V8.