Opel Unveiles New Astra OPC Sport-Compact

The new Astra OPC from Opel makes its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show (March 3 – 13, 2005). This production version of the Astra High Performance Concept study revealed in Paris is based on the Astra GTC and takes the dynamic potential of the new compact class generation to new heights with its striking looks and state-of-the-art technology. With its 176 kW/240 hp 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine, the arden blue Astra developed by the OPC team is one of the most powerful compact front-wheel drive cars on the market. The engine develops maximum torque of 320 Newton meters and delivers strong pulling power at low engine speeds. The Astra OPC comes with a six-speed manual transmission, accelerates from zero - 100 in less than seven seconds and reaches a top speed of more than 240 km/h.

Hans H. Demant, Managing Director, Adam Opel AG: “The new Astra OPC is the first of several sporty top models that we will be presenting in the coming months. With the new OPC range we want to show the high dynamic potential in the Opel portfolio.”

The new Astra OPC’s engine is based on the 200 hp 2.0-liter turbo gasoline unit with maximum torque of 262 Nm, the top motorization for the other Astra variants. The OPC’s increased power is a result of optimizations to the intake and exhaust manifold, use of highest quality engine components as well as enhancements to the turbocharger and injection system.

The engine’s power is matched by the IDSPlus chassis (Interactive Driving System) with electronic CDC (Continuous Damping Control) and integration of all driving dynamics controls, which has been made even more agile and sporty for the new Astra OPC.

Special 18-inch alloy wheels and 225/45 R 18 tires are standard, 19-inch wheels (235/35 R 19) in the design of the Paris show car are available as an option. Brake calipers painted in characteristic OPC blue emphasize the powerful brake system (internally ventilated disks at front: 321 mm / disks at rear: 278 mm).

The impressive power hidden beneath the top performer’s exterior is apparent at first glance thanks to design features such as the front section which has a more muscular appearance than the Astra GTC. Its look is defined by a much wider and lower air intake, a honeycomb grille as well as a bumper with a clearly accentuated spoiler lip and integrated fog lights in the pronounced side apertures. At the same time, these provide a harmonious connection to the side sills which are more strongly profiled towards the rear of the car. The rear of the Astra OPC looks as powerful as the front. It is accentuated by a distinctive roof aerofoil, for increased down-force, two side cutouts with a lattice structure and the trapezoidal center tailpipe.

Eye-catching sporty details are also found in the interior. The most striking are the Recaro seats, which are designed for maximum lateral support. They are available in two-tone leather/fabric or leather upholstery. The seat surfaces are in arden blue or silver, while the side bolsters and head restraints are charcoal black. Other interior highlights are a new leather gearshift knob, chrome-ringed instruments with blue needles on black dials and stainless steel door sill trim – all with the new OPC logo. Décor on the instrument panel and in the doors is available in arden blue, silver or black.

The Astra OPC was developed by engineers at the International Technical Development Center (ITDC) in Rüsselsheim in close cooperation with the OPC (Opel Performance Center) team. Between 2001 and the end of 2004, over 15,000 OPC models based on the Astra, Astra station wagon and Zafira were delivered. The new Astra OPC will be launched in the fall 2005.

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