!NEW! 15 Years of OPC Models: The Opel Sports Cars for the Road

• Start of an era: Opel Astra OPC with 118 kW/160 hp ready for the race track
• Turbo debut 2001: turbocharged Opel Zafira OPC fastest compact van in the world
• Lap records: OPC models are developed and set the pace on the Nürburgring
• OPC flagships today: Opel Astra with limited slip differential and Opel Insignia OPC with all-wheel drive

Debut 1999: Opel sounds in a new era with the first OPC model, an Opel Astra G with 118kW/160 hp, and bids farewell to the GSi abbreviation. 

At Opel exceptional athletes receive an abbreviation – OPC. Exactly 15 years ago, the first production model from the Opel Performance Center hit the roads. Since that day, Opel has combined its knowhow for motorsport outings with the development of performance cars for the road, guaranteeing a regular technology transfer between the world of motorsports and serial production.

“The Opel Performance Center provides our performance-hungry clients with vehicles that are irresistibly dynamic, have a sporty look and are very different from the large production models, without making any comprises on everyday usability. Our OPC models stand for outstanding performance and pure passion,” explained Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann.

The unmistakable OPC design: “Convey the performance”

Opel Astra OPC: Specially sculpted front and rear bumpers, side skirts, an aerodynamic roof spoiler and two fully integrated exhaust tail pipes in a trapezoid shape

“An OPC model must immediately be recognizable as such,” said Mark Adams, Opel’s Vice President for Design. Opel Astra OPC, for example, is keen to display its perfectly toned body with specially sculpted front and rear bumpers, side skirts, an aerodynamic roof spoiler and two fully integrated exhaust tail pipes in a trapezoid shape ensuring it has the specific OPC appearance. Moreover, for the Opel Insignia OPC the designers created an archaic sabertooth appearance for the voluminous air intakes. All OPC models follow the requirements set out by Mark Adams. “Every detail and every line must convey the performance of the vehicle.”

Opel Insignia OPC: Designers created an archaic sabertooth appearance for the voluminous air intakes

The new foundation for motorsports: OPC instead of GSI

Opel Astra F GSi: 2.0 16V 110 kW/150 hp

When the Astra G replaced the Astra F in 1998, the Opel bestseller increased quality, efficiency and spaciousness but Opel motorsport legend and OPC co-founder Volker Strycek remembers a flaw. “The car was a long way away from being suitable for motorsports. As there were no plans for a GSI version, both a competitive powertrain and a corresponding chassis were missing. So we sat down – inside only one year we developed and tested our debut model, the Opel Astra OPC 1,” explained Strycek. Numerous Opel OPC models followed and could hit the normal roads, in some cases immediately after setting new lap records on the Nürburgring.

Currently, the sporting OPC flagship is the 239 kW/325 hp Insignia OPC but the Astra OPC with 206 kW/280 hp is hot on its heels: With its compact dimensions and a more radical overall set-up the powerful Astra is almost as fast as its big brother is.

1999: Opel Astra OPC with 118 kW/160 hp leaves its mark

Based on the 100 kW/136 hp, 2.0-liter ECOTEC, the newly created OPC team built a free-revving and responsive engine that was completely different to the frugal base model. The engine befits from forged pistons, sharper camshafts, larger intake and exhaust channels along with an exhaust manifold system and optimized engine management, thus resulting in 118 kW/160 hp. An additional oil cooler and an adapted coolant thermostat ensured the correct temperature in every situation.

Opel Astra G OPC: 2.0-liter engine befits from forged pistons, sharper camshafts, larger intake and exhaust channels along with an exhaust manifold system and optimized engine management, thus resulting in 118 kW/160 hp

The chassis obviously also needed some refinement to match the increased performance of the engine, with Opel wanting the performance to be reflected in the drive characteristics and the handling. The car’s center of gravity was lowered by two centimeters, Bilstein dampers, larger brake discs behind 17-inch BBS rims, newly designed wishbones and a more direct steering were all incorporated. Furthermore, the Opel OPC stood out with an aerodynamics package and Recaro bucket seats. To this day, the Astra G OPC remains a very popular racing car that continues to win in the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine class.

Opel Astra G OPC: 17-inch BBS rims, Bilstein dampers, larger brake discs behind, 1999

Volker Strycek was responsible for 2,500 Sport-Astra, necessary for homologation, produced in series. However, the enthusiasm was much bigger. Even before hitting the market the motorsport fans went mad for the Astra OPC. As a result, the number was increased to 3,000 and these had sold out after only four months.

2001: Turbocharged performance plateau

Opel Zafira A OPC 2.0 Turbo with 141 kW/192 hp, 2001

The confidence of the OPC crew grew with the sporting and commercial success and the next project targeted something very special. The team set its sights on making the fastest compact van in the world. The debut of the Opel Zafira OPC also saw the introduction of turbocharging. From this moment on, all further models created in the Opel Performance Center were also equipped with the efficient turbo technology.

2002: Opel Astra G OPC: 2.0 Turbo with 147 kW/200 hp and Xenon headlights as option

Opel Astra G OPC Caravan: 2.0 Turbo with 147 kW/200 hp - New version from 2002

The performance of the 2.0-liter engines gradually grew from 141kW/192 hp in the first generation Opel Zafira OPC to 147 kW/200 hp in the second generation Opel Astra OPC, and then from 177 kW/240 hp to the 206 kW/280 hp available in the current Opel Astra OPC. The torque also grew with the performance. The first generation 2.0 liter turbo engine had 250 Nm whereas the latest has a breathtaking 400 Nm.

Record hunting: At home on the Nürburgring

Opel Astra H OPC: 2.0 Turbo with 177 kW/240 hp, 2005 

Opel Zafira B OPC: 2.0 Turbo with 177 kW/240 hp, 2005

The OPC models have proven just how good they are on an annual basis and they regularly break the lap record on the 20.8 kilometer long Nürburgring-Nordschleife. The second generation Opel Astra OPC set a new class record of 8:35:94 minutes in 2005. The following year the Opel Zafira OPC set a new record for compact vans (8:54:38 minutes) which is still valid today. And the Opel Corsa OPC set new standards in the small car segment in 2007, when a pure serial-production car completed the course in just 8:47:99 minutes.

Opel Corsa D OPC: 1.6 Turbo with 141 kW/192 hp, 2007

In addition to the record-breaking runs, all OPC vehicles ‘suffer’ vigorous endurance tests through the “Green hell”, which is classed as the most demanding racetrack in the world. The legendary Nordschleife is traditional Opel territory. The cars with the Blitz have been put through extreme tests there since the 1960s. Currently, Opel has a cooperation agreement with Nürburgring Ltd and furthermore established its own test center in the direct vicinity of the course as early as 2006.

Nürburgring Edition: Nomen est Omen

Opel Astra H OPC Nürburgring Edition: 2.0 Turbo with 177 kW/240 hp, 2008

To date the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker has produced two special “Nürburgring” editions, the Opel Astra OPC in 2008 and the Opel Corsa OPC in 2011. The Astra H in the special racing trim had the same performance as the Astra OPC but a special, spectacular livery. In 2011, the Nürburgring Edition Corsa OPC boasted an additional 14 kW/18 hp for a total of 210 hp delivered by its 1.6 turbo engine and a limited slip differential compared to the “normal” Corsa OPC which made it a more radical and efficient rocket.

Opel Corsa D OPC Nürburgring Edition: 1.6 Turbo with 155 kW/210 hp, 2011

Compact class athlete: Current Opel Astra OPC with impressive performance

Opel Astra J OPC: 2.0 Turbo with 206 kW/280 hp, 2012 

Opel Astra OPC has been the top-level model in the compact class since the summer of 2012. A two-litre turbo with 206 kW/280 hp and 400 Nm torque give it outstanding propulsion. The athletic Astra accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in six seconds flat and has a top speed of 250 km/h – faster than any previous Astra. It was fine-tuned on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Its HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) front suspension and   mechanical limited slip differential guarantee outstanding road holding and best possible traction when accelerating out of tight corners, even in the wet. Elsewhere, OPC drivers can rely on a Brembo high performance brake system if they need to reduce speed quickly.

Opel Astra J OPC: Brembo high performance brake system

Opel Insignia OPC: All-wheel drive with Touring Car genes

Fastest Opel: The ‘Unlimited-Version’ of the 239 kW/325 hp Insignia OPC (2011) reaches a maximum speed of 270 km/h – it is faster than any other Opel

Opel Insignia OPC is the flagship. Its turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 engine produces 239 kW/325 hp and sends 435 Nm torque to all four wheels. In order to guarantee that the power reaches the road in the best possible way, the OPC team developed an all-wheel drive based on the German Touring Car Championship experiences gathered with the Opel Calibra (International Touring Car Championship winner in 1996). With this powerful engine at its disposal, Opel Insignia OPC accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in six seconds (Sports Tourer 6.3 seconds) and achieves a maximum, electronically limited speed of 250 km/h. However, the Insignia can go even faster. The manual Unlimited-Version reaches up to 270 km/h (Sports Tourer 265 km/h).

New Opel Insignia OPC (2013): The ultimate Opel powerhouse.

The OPC highlight of the first 15 years:

• 2013: Further development of the Opel Insignia OPC with enhanced chassis
• 2012: Astra (J) OPC with 206 kW/280 hp 2.0 liter Turbo
• 2011: Opel Corsa (D) „Nürburgring Edition“ with 155 kW/210 hp
• 2009: Market launch Opel Insignia OPC Limousine and Insignia OPC Sports Tourer (2.8 liter V6 turbo with 239 kW/325 hp)
• 2009: Market launch Opel Astra (H) OPC Race Camp Edition
• 2008: IDS Plus 2 chassis as standard for Opel Astra (H) OPC
• 2008: Limited special edition Opel Astra (H) OPC „Nürburgring Edition“
• 2007: Opel Corsa (D) OPC sets small car lap record of 8:47:99 minutes on the Nürburgring Nordschleife
• 2007: Market launch of the Opel Corsa (D) OPC (1.6 liter Turbo with 141 kW/192 hp)
• 2006: Opel Zafira (B) OPC sets van lap record of 8:54:38 minutes on the Nürburgring Nordschleife
• 2006: Introduction of the Opel Meriva OPC (1.6-liter-turbo with 132 kW/180 hp)
• 2005: Opel Astra (H) OPC sets compact class lap record of 8:35:94 minutes on the Nürburgring Nordschleife
• 2005: Market launch of the Opel Vectra (C) OPC and Vectra Caravan OPC (2.8 liter V6 turbo with 188 kW/255 hp)
• 2005: Second generation of the Opel Zafira (B) OPC (2.0 liter turbo, 177 kW/240 hp)
• 2005: Market launch of the Opel Astra (H) OPC (2.0 liter turbo with 177 kW/240 hp)
• 2005: 20,000 OPC vehicles sold throughout Europe in only five years
• 2002: Market launch of the second Opel Astra (G) OPC-Generation (2.0 liter turbo with 147 kW/200 hp, three-door and Caravan variants)
• 2001: Introduction of the Opel Zafira (A) OPC (2.0 liter turbo with 141 kW/192 hp)
• 1999: Market launch of the Opel Astra (G) OPC (2.0 liter naturally aspirated engine with 118 kW/160 hp)

!NEW! 25 Years of Opel Calibra: From Aerodynamic Champion to Cult Coupé

• Big splash: World premiere at 1989 Frankfurt Motor Show
• Slippery shape: Low 0.26 Cd, best value among series production cars
• Affordable dream: Thanks to volume production technology, 115 hp for 33,900 marks
• Sporting highlight: All-wheel drive Calibra V6 wins 1996 ITC Championship
• Most successful sports coupé of 1990s: 238,647 units produced in seven years

Calibra: Real cult coupés come from Opel

Real cult coupés come from Opel. Following the successes of the Manta, Opel GT and Monza, the sleek Calibra continued Opel’s winning formula when it premiered at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in 1989, exactly 25 years ago. It was an extremely progressive concept way ahead of its time, with the best drag coefficient of all series production cars, independent wheel suspension and semi-trailing arm rear axle, optional all-wheel drive and ultra-modern gasoline engines with closed-loop-controlled catalytic converters fitted as standard. These attributes were recognized in 1990 when the Calibra won the coveted Golden Steering Wheel, Germany’s most prestigious automobile award.

Opel Calibra 2.0: Entry-level engine with 115 hp

The 2.0 liter entry-level engine with 85 kW/115 hp propelled Opel’s aerodynamic world champion to a top speed of 203 km/h, while the 150 hp, four-valve version went on to 223 km/h. Despite such impressive performance, the Calibra 16V was still able to return 7.7 l/100 km combined cycle fuel consumption. In other words, this was sporty looks and performance with no compromises – typical Opel, just like the low entry-level price of 33,900 marks.

This kind of value is, of course, a tradition for coupés from Rüsselsheim. The legendary Manta already benefitted from the high volume production technology of the Ascona, and the Calibra leveraged a similar gain from its close relative, the Opel Vectra. As a result, the Manta and the Calibra were both affordable dream cars that became cult coupés thanks to their successful recipe of sportiness with economy and reliability, and both are now much sought-after classic cars.

Design lesson: Form follows function

Opel Calibra: Wind tunnel testing 

Opel Calibra united exciting design with optimized aerodynamics and uncompromised everyday practicality. The wide-opening tailgate gave easy access to a versatile, 980 liter luggage compartment. And despite its coupé format, the Calibra’s long wheelbase ensured all four occupants had plenty of space and comfort. Generous standard equipment included power steering, a five-speed close-ration gearbox, a six-speaker audio system and tinted windows. Air conditioning, a four-speed automatic transmission and an electric tilt/slide sunroof were among the options.

Top priority: Safety first

In developing the Calibra, Opel engineers were already focused on pedestrian protection, a top issue today. Trend-setting features such as the slippery body shape, rounded edges, the hidden windshield wipers and concealed roof drip moldings would become part of future vehicle design.

Safety first: Opel Calibra new ellipsoid headlamps with higher light output

Electronic ABS and sleek, new ellipsoid headlamps with a higher light output, sharp contrast and reduced light scatter improved active safety. And the large, beautifully integrated front and rear bumpers were designed to absorb plenty of impact energy in the event of an accident.

The most important models: As you like it

Powerhorse: Opel Calibra Turbo with 204 hp

At market launch in 1990, a high-quality all-wheel drive system was optionally available in addition to the standard front-wheel drive for both 2.0 liter gasoline engines. The Calibra 4x4 impressed with excellent traction, superb braking stability and ultra-safe driving behavior. They were qualities that deserved even more power under the hood – and in March 1992 Opel made waves when the Calibra Turbo entered dealerships at a highly-competitive price of 49,800 marks. All-wheel drive, a six-speed gearbox, sports seats and 16-inch light alloy wheels with wide, 205/50 tires all came as standard. But the big story was the 2.0 liter turbo engine pumping out 204 hp (150 kW) with a massive torque ‘curve’ that resembled the elevated plateau of Table Mountain in Cape Town. In short, whenever the driver of a Calibra Turbo knocked on the door, there was always someone at home!

Six pointer: Opel Calibra 2.5 V6 with 170 hp

The Calibra’s Keke Rosberg Edition is, of course, legendary. Just in time for its works debut in the German Touring Car Masters (1993/94), Opel introduced  the new 125 kW/170 hp, 2.5 V6 Calibra, together with 2.0 liter four-cylinder  variants in Opel’s white-yellow DTM look. Customers who chose a Calibra Cliff Motorsport Edition in May 1996 were way ahead of the game. Its paintwork was the same as the Class 1 racing car in which Manuel Reuter would win the ITC championship – successor series to the DTM with World Championship status – for Opel at the end of the season. The street-legal Cliff racer had a 20 mm lower sports chassis, BBS light alloy wheels (7J x 16) and a price advantage of 3,601 marks.

For real fans: Opel Calibra Cliff Motorsport Edition

Grand finale: Last Edition

Just one year after its ITC success, the Calibra entered another home stretch, this time towards the end of production. After 222,000 registrations since 1990, a special limited volume Last Edition was created as a final chapter in the Calibra story. It could be ordered until the end of April 1997 and came with a sports chassis, BBS wheels, leather trim and air conditioning to provide a luxurious experience. The engine choice comprised the 2.5 liter V6 or a 136 hp/100 kW, 2.0 liter, four-cylinder unit.

Last but not least: Opel Calibra Last Edition

August 29, 1997 marked the official end of production. After seven years, 238,647 Calibras had been produced at the main plant in Rüsselsheim, and also at Valmet in Uusikaupunki, Finland. To meet high customer demand, the production run in 1990 was increased to 60,000 units from a planned volume of 20,000, with part of this being produced at Valmet Automotive.

The Calibra’s biggest markets were Germany, the UK, Italy, Spain and France. The 115 hp entry-level model led the sales charts with production totaling more than 130,000 units, followed by the 150 hp, 2.0 liter version, of which more than 61,000 were built.

Opel Calibra was most successful sports coupé of 1990s: 238,647 units produced in seven years

Fittingly, it was a black Last Edition with a 2.0 liter, four-valve engine which rolled off the assembly line as the final Calibra to be made. Today, Opel Classic enjoys showing this car at many Youngtimer events, where the beautiful coupé always ends up a crowd favorite.