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Opel Astra OPC Review

November 2005
Filed under: OPEL Car News | OPEL Headlines

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With the new Astra OPC, Opel is penetrating far into the segment of established compact-sized sports cars. Corresponding performance provided by the 177 kW/240 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that accelerates the coupé-shaped three door hatchback from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds, and gives it a top speed of 244 km/h. A close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox transfers the power to the front wheels.
Apart from the driving performance, the way the engine delivers its power is equally impressive. The maximum torque of 320 Newton meters is available even at low rpm and thus not only contributes to a sporty driving style, but also allows for comfortable cruising at low speeds. Fuel consumption of 9.2 liters per 100 km (MVEG-standard) is a clear sign of the engine’s efficiency.

Visually, the Astra OPC can also be easily identified as one of the most powerful front-wheel drive production cars in the world, and the image boosting, top-of-the-line version of the Astra model range. The bodywork, with its deep front spoiler and central engine cooling-air intake plus the large-sized 18 inch wheels with exclusive OPC six-spoke design (tire size 225/40 R18 Y), testifies to the dynamic potential of the car, as does the rear section with its centrally located tailpipe. The interior exudes high quality and driver-focus, with Recaro sport seats available in two leather/fabric combinations, sporty instruments in OPC design, and aluminum pedals all contributing to a sporty atmosphere.

The attribute “high tech” also applies to the sporty set-up of the Astra OPC’s chassis. This features as standard IDSPlus (Interactive Driving System) with electronic networking of all driving dynamics systems including the electronic stability program ESPPlus, and traction control TCPlus , as well as numerous features of the 17 inch high performance brakes. All these systems are interconnected and harmonized with each other. Another major element in this network is the electronic CDC (Continuous Damping Control), that ensures that the damping characteristics are automatically and continuously adapted to the current road conditions, the movements of the vehicle and the individual driving style. Additionally, the driver has the possibility to select an even sportier setting by pushing the “SportSwitch”.

Like all OPC-models, the Astra OPC stands out for its fascinating design, state-of-the-art technology and first-class driving dynamics, as well as extraordinary value for money. With prices starting at 28,000 Euros, the compact sports car represents a very competitive offer, especially as the standard equipment meets nearly every requirement, and the safety features are state-of-the-art, including six airbags, active headrests at the front and the PRS pedal release system.

Customers can order the Astra OPC since September, the dealer launch in Germany will be on November 25, 2005.

Design: power and emotion


The new Opel Astra OPC is based on the Astra GTC – a real challenge for the design team headed by Ulli Hochmuth, as the original three-door model already features a very dynamic appearance. The new Astra OPC’s design is even more emphatic, reflecting the OPC design philosophy – uncompromising sportiness in a distinctive design language.

The front of the Astra OPC is dominated by a deep front spoiler with a large, central engine cooling-air intake flanked by fog lamps in spot-light design. Unlike the vane design used in the Astra GTC, the OPC has honeycomb openings and intakes in the front spoiler and radiator grille.

The rear of the Astra OPC is also unmistakable, defined by the distinctive rear spoiler and centrally located trapezoidal tailpipe, a characteristic styling element of the OPC design language. The most striking features of the side view are the door sills, which are more prominent than those of the GTC, the blue brake calipers as well as the large-sized 18 inch wheels with OPC exclusive six-spoke design, fitted with tires in the dimension 225/40 R18 Y. Two different 19 inch wheels with 235/35 ZR19 XL tires can be ordered as an option. Bodywork colors to chose from are arden blue, star silver, sapphire black and magma red.

The cockpit is sporty and sophisticated, boasting matte chrome-ringed instruments with special graphics, a three-spoke, leather-covered sport steering wheel, leather-covered gearshift lever, door sill trims in OPC design as well as aluminum pedals.

Ergonomically optimized Recaro sport seats not only have an extraordinary fit with precise longitudinal and lateral support, they are also examples of the high-quality materials and meticulous workmanship in the interior. There are two standard fabric/leather color combinations to choose from (blue/black and silver/black); a complete leather variant (black) is available as an option. Customers can also choose décor strips in anthracite, silver or blue.

Engine: Powerful and efficient

The turbocharged 2.0 litre engine of the Astra OPC is the latest and to date the most powerful evolution version of the ECOTEC engine generation. Compared to the 147 kW/200 hp version from the Astra 2.0 Turbo, the OPC-engine with its 177 kW/240 hp has some significant modifications. Among these are oil-spray cooling and modified rings for the aluminum-silicon forged pistons, a pressure-optimized turbocharger, an intercooler with increased flow rate as well as larger fuel injection nozzles. A reduction of the engine rotating mass is achieved through elimination of the balance shafts, significantly contributing to the engine’s liveliness and responsiveness.

Another distinguishing feature of the four-valve engine is the integral turbocharger system, which combines the exhaust manifold, turbo housing and wastegate into one single assembly. This solution was first introduced in a production model by Opel in 1992 in the Calibra Turbo. The integral turbocharger system is not only lighter and more compact than conventional designs, it also makes a key contribution to the engine’s performance: the shortened gas flow paths between the turbine and the engine, as well as the use of a low-inertia turbine, result in what is known as high “low-end torque”, an engine operating characteristic in which the torque curve rises steeply from idle speed, ensuring immediate response to even the smallest load changes.

Thus, at an engine speed of only 2400 rpm and a maximum boost of 1.2 bar, the torque curve reaches a top level of 320 Newton meters, which remains constantly and fully available up to 5000 rpm. The engine reaches its top performance of 177 kW/240 hp at 5600 rpm.

High tech is also dominating in the engine bay. Gas pedal movements are registered electronically (“drive-by-wire”) and mechanically implemented by a butterfly throttle actuating motor. The electronic engine management system features high-precision hot film air mass measurement, sequential fuel injection as well as separate-coil ignition with cylinder-selective knock control. A double catalytic converter with metal supports and two lambda sensors already ensures an effective exhaust air cleaning when the engine temperatures are still low.

Chassis: IDSPlus adaptive chassis control as standard


The Astra OPC also ows its attribute as a driving machine

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