With its launch last year, Opel’s newest Astra rose to the top of the popularity polls with its striking good looks and high equipment levels. Now, with 176 kW on tap, the latest OPC version is set to raise the game.
With its launch last year, Opel’s newest Astra rose to the top of the popularity polls with its striking good looks and high equipment levels. Now, with 176 kW on tap, the latest OPC version is set to raise the game.
Propelled by a 2,0-litre turbo powerplant, the OPC will début at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The car is a production version of the Astra High Performance Concept first shown in Paris last year, and is based on the three-door Astra GTC.
The engine delivers up to 320 N.m of torque and is mated with a six-speed manual transmission. Opel claims that this hot little number accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in under seven seconds and goes on to a top speed exceeding the 239 km/h initially quoted for the High Performance Concept.
The OPC’s engine is based on the same 2,0-litre doing duty in versions of the five-door Astra and the Caravan, not available here. Power is increased through adjustments to the turbocharger and injection system, along with and improvements to the intake and exhaust manifold.
Opel’s IDSPlus chassis with electronic damping control has been further developed for a more agile and sporty drive.
Styling is aggressive and closely tracks the appearances of the concept model. The mean-looking front end has a bar flanking the badge and has been considerably toned down, while maintaining the giant light clusters seen on the Astra. The wider and lower air intake with honeycomb grille and integrated fog lights has basically been slotted onto the OPC basically unchanged. The rear is just as imposing, with its high tailgate leading to an ultra-sexy central tailpipe.
On the inside, the Recaro seats are finished in two-tone leather with added touches including a new leather gearshift, chrome-ringed instruments with blue needles on black dials and stainless steel door trim.
The new OPC will enjoy its international launch in the third quarter of 2005, with its local launch planned for some time thereafter.
