The Insignia Grand Sport’s all-wheel drive system can apply torque to one or both of the rear wheels independently.

Making its debut at this spring’s Geneva Motor Show, the newcomer gains new ‘Grand Sport’ badging as well as coupe-like styling and an extended wheelbase.

It will also introduce an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission available with a torque vectoring all-wheel drive system that aims to deliver “exceptional levels of grip and handling”.

The system uses a rear-drive module that employs a twin clutch system without differential, enabling torque to be sent to one or both of the rear wheels independently. The set-up will also send higher torque to the outside rear wheel when cornering.

The system also controls distribution of torque according to changes in throttle position, steering angle and road surface, known as ‘yaw damping’, with drivers able to choose between two different settings for ‘Tour’ and ‘Sport’.

“The new generation Opel Insignia sets new benchmarks for midsize automobiles,” said William F Bertagni, vice president vehicle engineering Europe. “Torque vectoring represents the state-of-the-art in transmitting power to the road. The new Insignia with torque vectoring all-wheel drive matches the best in the industry when it comes to ‘fun-to-drive’.”