What's all this about?
Vauxhall is going to debut a new, rear-differential-less (cor, what a mouthful!) torque-vectoring system on all-wheel drive versions of the new Insignia Grand Sport. It uses two clutches in the rear-axle drive unit, but no diff. This will have the ability to send torque to one or both of the rear wheels as required. This means you get sharp turn-in and loads of grip, without the weight penalties associated with adding a differential.
Will drivers be able to select the torque-vectoring force, or is it pegged at a fixed rate?
There will be various modes which affect how much torque is sent where, with a higher yaw-damping effect in 'Tour' mode, and a lower setting in 'Sport'. Additionally, the torque-vectoring AWD will only be available with the eight-speed automatic transmission at first.
Any claims from Vauxhall about its class-leading status or what have you?
Just this sound-nugget from Stuart Harris, Vauxhall's head of the car-line brands, who says: "The new-generation Insignia sets new benchmarks in its segment. The new torque vectoring all-wheel drive matches the best in the industry in terms of performance and efficiency."
Shane O'Donoghue - 11 Jan 2017