It’s finally official; the production version of the most powerful model in the new Astra GTC range that will be marketed as the Opel Astra OPC in mainland Europe and as the Vauxhall Astra VXR in Britain.
These pictures show the Vauxhall model but the styling and the performance specifications are common between the two Astra GTC-based hot hatches.
Power is derived from a new 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection four-cylinder engine capable of 280-horsepower and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque that are channeled to the front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox and a specially developed mechanical limited slip differential.
These numbers bring the flagship Astra GTC straight into Volkswagen Golf R and Scirocco R turf.
GM's European division said that the Astra OPC / Astra VXR can reach a top speed of 155mph (250km/h) but did not give out a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time.
The hottest Astra also benefits from a raft of bespoke chassis mods including Brembo brakes and a retuned suspension with the firm's fully adaptive FlexRide system that features three settings: Normal, Sport and VXR/OPC, with the latter promising more focused stages of damper, throttle and steering control.
The company highlights the fact that much of the chassis development was done at the infamous Nordschleife and was overseen by Le Mans 24-hour race winner, Jo Winkelhock who stated: “We have devised a great package that will convince even the most experienced and enthusiastic drivers – and not just on the Nürburgring!”
On the styling front, the automaker's designers opted for sleek visual identifiers such as the new sculpted front and rear bumpers, side skirts, a roof spoiler and two prominent exhaust tail pipes in a trapezoid shape.
The interior gains a pair of scrumptious sport bucket seats with embossed logos in the backs, a flat-bottomed and thick-rimmed sports steering wheel and upgraded instrument panels.
For more details and on-sale dates, we'll have to wait until early next year. And because we're pretty sure that some will pop the question, despite recent rumors about Buick getting the Astra GTC, GM has not made any official comments on the matter.
*Update: We've added photos of the Opel Astra OPC in the gallery below
16 Comments:
One of the very few (very very few) FWD cars that I would buy. The body lines are so dynamic that it looks fast even when it stands still. It's not to aggressive like the Focus RS is is not dull at all like the Golf GTI is and I'm sure when it comes to driving experience it should be at least as fun as the ones mentioned above.
Looks fabulous ! The problem is that it's front wheel drive, and you can add all the power you want to it, it will not be able to handle that power.
400NM of Torque through the front wheels.... torque steer anyone?
Too bad it ain't coming to the US of A!
The GTI is NOT dull.
THIS is beautiful :)
Damn!!! Thought it was and announcement of availability for North America.
I would put this car in my garage so fast that the ink wouldn't have had time to dry on the sale paper work.
'Dull' as a fence post describes the 'GTI', but it has other attributes that save it from being terminally dull.
As a FWD it is one of the best, but a Mazda Speed-3 would be my overall choice in that segment of vehicles available in NA.
come on GM bring it here as a Buick.....Wildcat would be a great name!!
You may be right, but Ford and others have developed some pretty advanced systems for dealing with it. 300-400 hp engines still have torque steer but it's easily controllable by the driver. I don't know how good the Opel's system is but it's clear that technology is finally overcoming the problem.
This is is the slickest hot hatch around, just a great looking car. So much cooler than all the Japanese, German & American models. I don't know how it drives but on looks alone it would be my pick. Nice rims as well, about the best production wheels I've seen on a car in this class. If Buick/GM doesn't sell these cars in America they are crazy. You guys want to make money right, hello? This is how you do it.
Opels are noted for their handling RWD or FWD,
Astra GTC video...> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WVqXBJdxSM
Opel Astra GTC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rbl9SMEfhMg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ILKMR0pAaI&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=RqE81t6i3WE
And while their at it, bring the Opel Corsa OPC 'Nürburgring Edition' over too.
http://www.worldcarfans.com/111051833477/2012-opel-corsa-opc-nrburgring-edition-on-the-track-video
And it's gonna be all the way understeer like the old fast astra. Ford Power
This is one of the best posts that I’ve ever seen; you may include some more ideas in the same theme about Vauxhall Car Steering parts . I’m still waiting for some interesting thoughts from your side in your next post.
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