While Opel’s range-topping Corsa might already have been hardcore enough for most hot-hatch enthusiasts, the fine folk at the Opel Performance Centre have turned up the wick on the model even further, resulting in the Nurburgring Edition – a limited run of jacked-up OPCs in tribute to the legendary circuit. And it’s now available in SA.
So, what’s different?
For starters, the exterior boasts a few upgrades over the standard OPC. Two exclusive hues, Grasshopper Green and Henna Orange, have been added to the available colour list, while a model-specific front-spoiler lip, new alloy-wheel design and dual exhaust tailpipes instead of the usual triangular exit. There are also Nurburgring stickers on the door frames.
Inside, the theme is similarly racy, with white stitching on the Recaro front seats, rear bench, hand brake and gear-shift boot. More references to the world-famous circuit can be found on the door-sill plates and embossing on the Recaros. Compared with its new competition, however, the Corsa’s cabin now appears a bit dated. Luckily, the gloss-black panels on the facia and steering wheel are in line with some of its rivals – adding touches of perceived quality to the otherwise focused cabin.
Not only that, but a few extra standard specification items include automatic headlamps, automatic windscreen wipers, heated front seats and climate control.
There’s more grunt…
The upgrades aren’t all visual either. The 1,6-litre turbopetrol’s got a shot in the arm thanks to tweaks to the engine management system, turbocharger and the addition of a sports exhaust. Outputs have increased from 141 kW to 154 kW and from 230 N.m of torque to 250 N.m, with 280 N.m on tap thanks to an overboost function.
Despite the upgrades, which add noticeably to the way the Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition rushes to the 6 500 r/min red line, the experience is dulled by the muted exhaust note. Opel claims that the new range-topping Corsa is almost half a second faster to 100 km/h than the “ordinary” version.
…and better handling
The new car rides 20 mm lower than before, with suspension components such as springs specifically designed for the Nurburgring Edition by specialist firm Bilstein enhancing its handling prowess. Brake experts Brembo were called in to handle the anchors – there are now four-pot calipers clamping down on high-performance pads. A mechanical limited-slip differential helps to put the increased power down properly. While the tweaks and adjustments have no doubt helped the OPC to be a faster car on track, it is also a lot harsher to drive everyday and on anything but a perfect surface it is uncomfortable.
Summary
The Nurburgring Edition is a lot more focused than the regular OPC, which has its merits. But the disadvantages might be too much for some.
The Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition won’t be a common sight, because only 65 have been allocated for the South African market, with more than a third already sold. So hurry if you want in on one of the last truly hardcore hatches.
Specifications
Model: Opel Corsa Nurburgring Edition
Engine: 1,6-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol
Power: 154 kW at 5 850 r/min
Torque: 250 N.m from 2 250 r/min (280 N.m overboost)
0-100 km/h (seconds): 6,8
Top speed (km/h): 230
Fuel consumption: 7,6 L/100 km
CO2: 178 g/km
Price: R343 200
Service plan: 3 years/60 000 km
Manufacturer’s claimed figures