With the stunning new Astra GTC set to launch on December 1st, Opel has announced that the powerful new Astra OPC will go on sale next year and is set to become one of the most powerful cars in its class; and the fastest production Astra in Opel’s history. Based on the GTC’s platform and powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine, the Astra OPC produces 280hp of power and a mighty 400Nm of torque, enough for it to achieve a top speed of 250 km/h.
But while the Astra OPC is based on the new GTC, it has benefited from a raft of bespoke chassis modifications, transforming it into a focused, high-performance coupe. Setting it apart from all other current Astras is a specially developed mechanical limited slip differential, which works on the front wheels. In conjunction with the GTC’s sophisticated HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut), the LSD provides the Astra OPC with exceptional lateral grip and traction through bends.
Further changes to the chassis include brakes developed by competition supplier, Brembo, and standard fitment of Opel’s fully adaptive FlexRide system. In the Astra OPC, FlexRide features not only a Sport button, but an OPC button, offering drivers the choice of two, more focused stages of damper, throttle and steering control. Much of the chassis sign-off was done at the Northern Loop (Nordschleife) of the Nürburgring, and was overseen byLe Mans24-hour race winner, “Smokin’ Jo” Winkelhock. “We have devised a great package that will convince even the most experienced and enthusiastic drivers – and not just on the Nürburgring!” said Winkelhock.
Visual identifiers for the Astra GTC comprise a set of specially sculpted front and rear bumpers, side skirts, an aerodynamic roof spoiler and two exhaust tail pipes in a trapeze shape. Inside, the OPC’s cabin gets bespoke performance seats with embossed logos in the backs, a flat-bottomed OPC steering wheel and upgraded instruments.
The Opel Performance Centre (OPC), responsible for the sporty accents in the Opel model line-up since 1999, is a decisive element in the brand’s value profile. Current OPC models include the Corsa, 141 kW/192 hp (154 kW/210 hp as Nürburgring-Edition) as well as the Insignia OPC, which is available as a 4 or 5-door saloon and Sports Tourer. The 2.8 litre V6 turbo petrol engine (239 kW/325 hp) is the most powerful Opel production engine in history. For the “Unlimited” version of the Insignia OPC maximum speed goes up to 270 km/h (depending on trim and transmission variant).
