Opel extends exclusive OPC line
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Rüsselsheim. Opel has extended the high-performance OPC family with an especially dynamic duo – the three-door Astra OPC and the Astra OPC station wagon – designed for customers who take pleasure in driving a sporty car, but at the same time want comfort. The 147 kW (200hp), two-liter ECOTEC turbo engine in the two models provides first class performance, enabling a maximum speed of 240 kilometers per hour (station wagon: 231 km/h). The fast station wagon model is Opel’s unique contribution to the compact class. No other car manufacturer offers the same combination of engine power, functionality and space in this segment at such an attractive price. “The Astra OPC and the Astra Caravan OPC are part of our new model offensive and they are perfect examples of the Opel brand values of dynamism, creativity and versatility. We combined our know-how as an innovative car manufacturer with our extensive experience in motor sport to produce these two cars,” said Carl-Peter Forster, Chairman and Managing Director of Adam Opel AG.
Specialists responsible for the development of exclusive high performance vehicles at the Opel Performance Center Ltd. (OPC) matched chassis, wheels and brakes to the performance potential of the Astra OPC models. Packaged together with the high torque, four-cylinder, four-valve turbo engine, it all makes for an exciting, yet comfortable, driving experience with high safety standards. Opel designers have expertly tailored an athletic outfit for the two new Astra top models in a discreet yet sporty OPC style. The interiors feature a strong sporting emphasis while providing lots of comfort and a full range of safety equipment.
2.0 Turbo ECOTEC engine: rapid acceleration and 240 km/h top speed
The 2.0 liter ECOTEC engine, which is also standard in the Zafira OPC, the Astra Coupé Turbo and the Astra Cabrio Turbo, guarantees first class performance in the two new Astra OPC-models. The 147 kW (200 hp) engine accelerates the three-door Astra OPC from zero to 100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds (station wagon: 7.8 seconds). And just 9.5 and 10.5 seconds, respectively, are needed for the mid-range sprint from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear. The Astra OPC has a top speed of 240 km/h and the OPC station wagon a top speed of 231 km/h.
This turbo engine’s impressive engine torque curve produces an immediate response and sustained thrust from every speed range. Maximum torque of 250 Newton meters is available at a constant boost pressure of 0.85 bar between 1950 and 5600 rpm. Peak performance of the 200 hp engine is reached at 5600 rpm. At full throttle, the engine’s electronic management system has additional reserves at its disposal by allowing maximum rpm of 6800 instead of 6400 for a short period of time. Innovative packaging of the integral turbo system is the basis for the 2.0 turbo ECOTEC engine’s turbine-like performance. Exhaust manifold, turbine housing, waste gate and other components are integrated as a single, compact component. This has allowed Opel engineers to significantly reduce engine size and weight. The entire turbo assembly weighs only 7.1 kilograms. A precise five-gear manual transmission transfers the engine power to the front axle.
The 2.0 liter four valve engine in the new Astra top models consumes a mere 8.9 liters (three-door) and 9.1 liters (station wagon) of premium gasoline per 100 kilometers in the MVEG combined cycle, proof that good performance does not necessarily mean limited economy. Thanks to a highly efficient double-cat system consisting of a fast reacting pre-catalyst, a large volume main catalyst and two lambda probe sensors, these high performance cars already fulfill the Euro 4 exhaust standard for the year 2005. Refinement is another strong characteristic of this turbo engine. Two counter-rotating balance shafts effectively dampen vibrations while optimized pistons reduce engine noise.
Bodywork and aerodynamics: form follows function
“The sporty OPC models visually reflect their performance potential while appealing to car enthusiasts who prefer understatement. Every design feature has a particular function and is in no way purely an end in itself,” Opel Design Director Martin Smith said. Aside from the OPC street models, all Opel racing cars -- all German Touring Championship (DTM/STW) cars built since 1990 and the very successful Astra Kit Car and Corsa Super 1600 rally cars -- were styled by Smith´s team.
This motor sport influence can be clearly seen in the Astra OPC models. The expressive exterior designs are not meant to simply look good. Functional styling was a key part of the concept right from the start. This can be seen in details like the rear spoiler on the three-door which exerts increased downforce on the rear axle for additional stability at high speeds.
Apart from exclusive 17-inch aluminum wheels, distinctive features of these cars include a special OPC grill and front and rear lower aprons. Viewed from the front, the enlarged air intakes, black engine grill and air cooler catch the eye. Ducts located next to the round fog lights, which are integrated into the bumper, channel cool air to the high performance brake system. The angular lower rear panel creates a distinctive finish to the vehicles while accentuating OPC designed light alloy wheels and chromed exhaust pipe. These new OPC variants also feature aerodynamically optimized exterior mirrors, along with side sills, side moulding and door handles all painted in the car’s colors, a short roof antenna, carbon-look B-pillars and darkly-tinted rear lights.
The Astra OPC station wagon holds a special place in the high-performance compact car segment. It combines the traditional benefits of a station wagon – versatility, flexible interior space and spacious luggage compartment – with expressive sporty handling and dynamic driving performance. No other carmaker offers such an attractive combination in the compact segment.
DSA sport chassis: tested at the Nürburgring “Nordschleife”
Opel’s chassis developers were looking to strike a good balance between agility, active safety and a standard of comfort suitable for everyday driving. The two Astra models provided a superb foundation to which the OPC specialists were able to apply their vast motor sport experience. The engineers adapted the components of the proven DSA (Dynamic Safety) chassis to the demanding OPC philosophy. The chassis was lowered by 20 millimeters in the front and also by 10 millimeters in the rear in the case of the station wagon. The suspension was set stiffened and the combination of Electronic Stability Program (ESP), traction control (TCPlus) and the anti blocking system (ABS) all help these cars meet the needs of a more demanding driver. For sportier handling drivers can switch off the ESP and TCPlus traction control in both Astra OPC models via a button on the instrument panel. 215/40 ZR 17-tires (station wagon: 215/45 ZR 17) on special light alloy wheels measuring 7.5 J x 17 transfer the power to the road. The brakes also emphasize the sporty character of this new series. A 16-inch brake system with large discs all round (ventilated at front, diameter: 308 mm / rear: 264 mm) ensures powerful deceleration.
“We have meticulously fine-tuned the chassis. The extensive tests carried out on the 'Nordschleife' of the Nürburgring were worth the effort. Both new Opel Astra OPC models are very agile, a quality which makes cornering great fun. Despite the sporty set-up, the ride chosen for the Astra OPC and the OPC station wagon make traveling over a long distance a pleasant experience,” said Opel Motorsport Manager, Volker Strycek.
Equipment: sporty elegance with a lot of comfort and safety
Interior and equipment match the dynamic appearance of these new models, which are available in the exterior colors Arden Blue (exclusively for the OPC models) Star Silver, Sapphire Black and Magma Red. The interiors reflect a sporting flair, quality and sound ergonomics. The comprehensive package of standard equipment and the individual choice of materials ensure comfort and class. For example, special semi-leather sports seats – jointly development by Opel and seating specialist Keiper Recaro – were designed for drivers and front passengers. Rear seats were designed in a matching Recaro-look. The three-spoke sports steering wheel with integrated radio remote control and two-tone, perforated semi-leather cover feels just as good in the hand as the aluminum polished gear shift lever. The metallic grey center console, instruments with white backgrounds, red indicator needles, mat chrome rings and OPC logo on the tachometer, the chromed sill plates with “Turbo” inscription and color-keyed safety belts (Arden Blue exterior color only) all add up to a sporty yet elegant ambience.
Air-conditioning, high-quality CDR 500 stereo-CD-Radio, on-board computer, electric windows all around, a rain sensor, automatic rear mirror dimmer and central locking system with remote control, provide added comfort. The standard Xenon headlights with tinted glass, high pressure cleaning system and automatic levelling ensure the best possible visibility while making for a high level of driving safety. The extensive list of options include: complete leather fittings, electronic climate control, parking pilot, cruise control, audio equipment/telephone combinations, CD changer and navigation system with color display.
The standard OPC safety package features full-size front airbags, side airbags in the front, and full-size curtain head-airbags front and rear. The Astra OPC and OPC station wagon both have three-point safety belts for all seats, the Opel-patented Pedal Release System (PRS) and active head restraints for the front seats.
OPC: transferring technology from racing to the roads
OPC stands for Opel Performance Cars, a series of exclusive, high performance cars offering superior driving dynamics and a distinctive, sporty design, yet which are well suited to every day driving conditions. The Astra OPC and OPC station wagon are the third and fourth variants, respectively, in the high performance OPC series. They follow the limited-edition three-door Astra OPC introduced in 1999 with a 2.0 liter, 118 kW (160 hp) naturally-aspirated engine and the successful Zafira OPC sports van. These exclusive Opel models are the products of a close cooperation between the specialists at Opel Performance Center GmbH (OPC), an Adam Opel AG subsidiary, and the experts at the International Technical Development Center (ITDC) in Rüsselsheim. OPC vehicles designed for the streets benefit from the know-how and extensive experience of the Opel racing engineers responsible for the company’s racetrack activities – DTM (Deutsche Touring Masters), rally sport and Formula 3.
The Astra OPC station wagon is built at Opel’s Bochum, Germany plant and the three-door in Antwerp, Belgium. Final assembly takes place at Opel Special Vehicles GmbH (OSV) in Rüsselsheim, Germany.
Opel Astra OPC and Astra OPC station wagon – technical data at a glance
| Model | Length (mm) |
Width (mm)* |
Height (mm)** |
Wheelbase (mm) |
Turning circle (m)*** |
Load capacity (l)**** |
curb weight (kg) |
Payload (kg) |
| Astra OPC, 3-door |
4110 | 1709 | 1425 | 2606 | 11.10 | 370 - 1180 | 1250 | 520 |
| Astra OPC station wagon | 4288 | 1709 | 1510 | 2611 | 11.10 | 480 - 1500 | 1340 | 520 |
* width without side mirrors
** height of station wagon including roof railing
*** turning circle from kerb to kerb
**** load capacity according to ECIE
| Model | Astra OPC, 3-door | Astra OPC station wagon |
| Cylinder/Valve | 4/16 | 4/16 |
| Displacement (cm³) | 1998 | 1998 |
| Maximum output (kW/hp at rpm) | 147/200 at 5600 | 147/200 at 5600 |
| Maximum torque (Nm at rpm) | 250 at 1950 - 5600 | 250 at 1950 - 5600 |
| Top speed (km/h)* | 240 | 231 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)* | 7.5 | 7.8 |
| Elasticity 80 - 120 km/h, 5th gear(s)* | 9.5 | 10.5 |
| Fuel consumption (l/100 km)** | 8.9 | 9.1 |
| Emission category | Euro 4 | Euro 4 |
| Insurance classification (Liability/comprehensive/semi-comprehensive) |
18/29/33 | 18/29/33 |
| Basic price (Euro)*** | 25,660 | 27,370 |
* at kerb weight (70156 EEC) with 125 kg payload
** fuel consumption: combined according to MVEG (99/100/EG)
*** recommended retail price in Germany including VAT