Delta will launch the 147 kW two-litre turbocharged Opel Astra OPC next year and the sizzling hot hatch promises to not only overwhelm its 2,2-litre GSi sibling, but re-ignite Superboss mania.
Delta will launch the 147 kW two-litre turbocharged Opel Astra OPC next year and the sizzling hot hatch promises to not only overwhelm its 2,2-litre GSi sibling, but re-ignite Superboss mania.
The OPC will give the Astra range a big send-off before the new series is launched late in 2004 or early in 2005. We estimate the Astra OPC will be launched in the middle of the first quarter of next year and could be the precursor to the Zafira OPC or even the recently-launched Vectra OPC (but more on that tomorrow).
The current Astra range has not included a performance model that could live up to the Kadett Superboss, which had its heydey in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Earlier this year, the public’s response to the new 2,2 Astra GSi was lukewarm because the model was more refined executive than boy racer.
The Russelsheim-based manufacturer’s international tuning arm Opel Performance Centre (OPC) fitted the 147-kW motor from the Astra Coupé into a three-door bodyshell and uprated the car’s suspension and brakes.
The two-litre Ecotec engine reportedly produces 147 kW and maximum torque of 250 N.m available between 1 950 and 5 600 r/min. According to Opel, the powerplant will propel the Astra OPC from zero to 100 km/h in 7,5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 240 km/h. Mid-range sprint from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear takes 9,5 seconds, a spokesman said.
Opel was a major force on the local hot hatch market with its Boss and Superboss, 1,8- and two-litre naturally aspirated Kadetts. Both the 115 kW Boss and 125 kW Superboss were powered by the legendary two-litre, 16-valve motor, which breathed through a Cosworth-developed cylinder head.
The Boss brothers were followed by both Astra and Kadett two-litre turbo models when the new range was introduced in 1994, yet these vehicles were wayward and became known for massive torque steer. The Astra OPC will bring Opel performance right back to hot hatch/saloon market, which it dominated a decade and a half ago.
Delta is also considering bringing the Opel Zafira OPC version, which was shown at last year’s Auto Africa, to South Africa. It packs the same two-litre turbo performance of the Astra, with space for six passengers.