!NEW! Opel Astra OPC EXTREME: Uncompromisingly Sporty

• Study for low-volume production run: World premiere at Geneva Motor Show
• From the racetrack to public roads: Fastest-ever Astra on its way
• Turbo power and carbon fiber: Over 221 kW / 300 hp, 100 kilograms lighter than OPC
• Breathtaking looks: High-tech lacquer highlights sculptural Opel design

The new Opel Astra OPC EXTREME  - The fastest-ever Astra boasts more than 2.0 liter turbo engine with over 221 kW / 300 hp and is 100 kilograms lighter than conventional OPC.

The Opel Astra OPC EXTREME that makes its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in six days is a real race-bred performance car. Developed on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the most challenging race track in the world, it is powered by a 2.0 liter turbo engine with over 221 kW / 300 hp and equipped with all the key high-tech components from its racing peer, the Opel Astra OPC Cup. The Astra OPC EXTREME was developed directly from the Cup version and brings pure racing technology to the road. If public reaction is as positive as expected, Opel plans a low-volume production run for the super sporty, street-legal EXTREME.

2.0 liter Turbo Direct Injection engine with over 221 kW / 300 hp

Over 300 hp will be unleashed from under the EXTREME’s carbon fiber hood. Its 2.0 liter turbo gasoline engine, with Direct Injection and variable camshaft phasing, is quite simply the most powerful four-cylinder unit Opel has ever produced. The all-aluminum engine is mated to a slick, six-speed manual gearbox transmitting power through a limited-slip differential. This race-proven powerplant will have an easy time of it with the OPC EXTREME, because the super sporty car is 100 kilograms lighter than a conventional Astra OPC thanks to its high-quality, carbon fiber components.

Widely used in Formula 1 racing to reduce weight, carbon composite is incorporated throughout the EXTREME. This high-strength, ultra-light material is used for the aerodynamically-optimized rear wing, the diffuser, front spoiler, hood, suspension cross-bracing, the engine cover, complete wheels, rear wheelhouse ventilation and roof. The carbon wheels are 20 kilograms lighter than their aluminum counterparts. This is weight saving in a decisive area because unsprung mass is substantially reduced – much to the joy of engineers and driving fun of drivers. The inhouse manufactured carbon fiber roof is almost as light as a feather. It weighs just 2.6 kilograms, compared to a steel roof’s 9.3 kilograms, and noticeably lowers the Astra EXTREME’s center of gravity. The fenders are made of aluminum and weigh only 800 grams a piece instead of 2.2 kilograms in steel.

Weight reduction in key areas greatly improves agility, overall handling and, of course, the car’s power-to-weight ratio. As a result, the street-legal EXTREME sweeps through fast curves as playfully and quickly as its racing brother in the Nürburgring Endurance Championship (VLN). Opel has also given the EXTREME breathtaking stopping power to match, with a Brembo six-piston brake system including 370 mm diameter discs up front race car. Ultra high-performance, 245/35, 19-inch tires, specially developed for the EXTREME, also play a key role and give almost as much grip as those on the race car. In addition, the chassis (spring/damper) is adjustable, just like in a real touring car racer.

The pursuit of uncompromised performance continues in the design of the EXTREME’S cabin: the back seats are out and a safety roll bar is in. The driver and co-driver are perfectly positioned in specially-designed Recaro bucket seats, complete with six-point safety belts from Schroth. In the Astra OPC EXTREME, the crew doesn’t just sit in the car, they are fully integrated as part of the vehicle itself. The driver also has the tactile pleasure of gripping a superb, carbon-fiber-reinforced, suede-covered steering wheel with fine yellow decorative stitching.

Opel Motorsport’s core color also dresses up the Astra OPC EXTREME elsewhere, for instance in the exclusively designed logo and as lacquer on the side sills and front spoiler lip.

Apropos lacquer, the Astra GTC body format – the base model for the OPC EXTREME – ideally embodies Opel’s sculptural design philosophy. Its flowing, sculpted shapes and precise accents blend into dramatic proportions. The Astra OPC EXTREME’s multi-layer paint lacquer is combined with high-quality decal details to give a three-dimensional effect, further emphasizing the car’s clean edges, bold lines and athletic proportions.

“With the new Astra OPC EXTREME we show the pure joy of driving! This study is quite simply spectacular and driving enthusiasts will appreciate its looks, which are head-turning without grandstanding. Its interior is superb and typically Opel – exciting, precise and quality-made in Germany. The EXTREME is the new top-of-the-line model in our Astra family with all the attributes of a super sporty car,” says Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann.

!NEW! Lifestyle Car Opel ADAM Bound for International Rallying

• Geneva World Premiere of concept study in FIA-based R2 specification
• ADAM is important part of Opel motorsport program
• Development and homologation during 2013
• Admissible for all national championships in Europe

New Opel ADAM R2

Opel returned to motorsport with the ADAM “Cup“ in November 2012. At the Geneva Motor Show the brand now presents another star in the firmament: a new concept study of the recently introduced ADAM lifestyle car, built based on FIA R2 regulations. Its final development and homologation are planned during 2013. With the ADAM R2, Opel takes another step in its new motorsport strategy by offering a top-class vehicle for international customer rallying which will be eligible for every national championship in Europe.

Chic, classy, eye-catching: this applies to the ADAM in general, as well as its R2 rally variant. Special body components from the sporty Opel OPC product line, quick release catches on the hood and tailgate, as well as under-ride guards front and rear, emphasize the sporty format of this athletic asphalt and gravel specialist. Its unique shell also harbors pure high-tech.

The ADAM R2 is powered by a 1.6 liter ECOTEC 16V engine with variable camshaft phasing that develops around 185 hp and maximum torque of about 190 Nm in its competitive configuration. Power is transmitted through a Sadev sequential five-speed gearbox and a limited-slip differential with a multi-disc lock. The chassis set-up, including asphalt and gravel settings, guarantees maximum traction and dynamic handling. Excellent deceleration is provided by a braking system with a hydraulic ‘fly-off’ handbrake, Brembo 4 piston front brake calipers and braking pressure regulation for the rear axle.

The R2’s cabin features all the attributes of a professional competition vehicle, and many details are already part of the specification to be homologated this year by FIA, the world motorsport association. Equipment includes: an integrated safety structure; SPARCO Competition racing seats compatible with the HANS driver safety system; a cockpit with an LCD gear indicator, control light and MONIT trip computer; a central control panel; a map reading light and an electric fire extinguisher.

New Opel ADAM R2 cabin with SPARCO Competition racing seats

The ultra-compact R2 is based on the new ADAM Cup variant. This already marks the first step in Opel’s new, European focused program to promote customer rallying, which will enable talented young drivers to gradually progress to the pinnacle of European competition. From the 2013 season, up to 40 ADAM Cup vehicles will compete for brand trophies in Germany and France. In the German ADAC OPEL RALLYE CUP, the winner of a special “Rallye Junior” rating (for drivers up to 27 years of age) will advance into the R2 class, with special support in the next season from Opel and the ADAC.

Opel ADAM R2: Technical Data

Engine:                      1.6 l ECOTEC 16V, variable camshaft phasing,
BOSCH Motorsport engine control module

Power output:           185 hp (approx.) at 7,750 rpm

Torque:                      190 Nm (approx.) at 6,200 rpm

Transmission:           Sequential Sadev five-speed gearbox, limited-slip differential

Chassis:                     REIGER racing suspension, 3-way adjustable, McPherson suspension struts with Uniball mounts, asphalt and gravel specification

Steering:                    Electro-hydraulic power steering

Wheels:                      EVO Corse aluminum, 6.5 x 16-inch (asphalt), 6 x 15 (gravel)

Braking system:       Hydraulic ‘fly-off’ handbrake, pressure regulation for rear axle, Brembo 4-piston front brake calipers

Brake discs:              310 mm ventilated (asphalt, front), 278 mm ventilated (gravel, front), 264 mm (asphalt and gravel, rear)

Bodywork:                 Lightweight shell, integrated safety structure, under-ride guard for engine and fuel tank;

                                    Interior: SPARCO Competition seats (HANS system-compatible), electric fire extinguisher, dry battery

                                    Exterior: ‘OPC Line’ bodywork components, quick release catches on hood and tailgate, towing loops

Electronics:               Motorsport display, LCD gear and shift indicator, MONIT trip computer, central control panel, map-reading lamp

Dimensions:              Length: 3,698 mm, width: 1,720 mm, (adjustable) height: 1,442 mm (asphalt configuration), wheelbase: 2,310 mm, weight: 1,030 kg

New Four door sporty sedan completes Opel Astra J line up

• New notchback version is fourth body style of Opel´s compact top seller
• Four door sedan with balanced proportions and typical Astra strengths
• Advanced technologies, high quality and upscale mid size finish in compact class
• Ultra efficient ecoFLEX models with only 99g/km CO₂ and up to 96 kW/130 hp                                                

Opel is expanding its successful Astra J model family with a new sporty and stylish sedan. Featuring typical Astra strengths, including advanced technologies and its widely recognized quality, the new upscale and elegant notchback is a more affordable alternative for customers who would usually opt for this type of car in the mid size segment. With this new four door sedan, the five door hatchback, the Sports Tourer station wagon and the racy GTC coupe, the line up of Opel´s top seller Astra is now complete.

At the start of sales in June, customers can initially choose between seven engines for the new Astra sedan: four gasoline units (74 kW/100 hp to 132 kW/180 hp), of which three can be combined with a six-speed automatic and three diesel engines (70 kW/95 hp to 96 kW/130 hp). The two ultra-efficient Astra notchback 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX models with Start/Stop system and further efficiency enhancing technologies combine powerful outputs of 81 kW/110 hp or 96 kW/130 hp with diesel consumption figures as low as 3.7 liters per 100 kilometers. This is equivalent to only 99g/km CO₂ emissions. In addition to this broad powertrain offer, early next year the new Astra four-door will benefit from the launch of Opel’s new highly efficient, powerful and refined SIDI ECOTEC four cylinder gasoline engine generation with 1.6 liters displacement, turbocharging and spark ignition direct injection.

The new Astra notchback sedan (Length/Width/Height: 4,658/1,814/1,476 mm) has a  wheel base of 2,685 mm and provides generous interior space. Its separate trunk offers 460 liters of volume - 90 liters more than the five-door model. By folding the 60:40 split rear bench flat the luggage volume can be increased up to a maximum of 1,010 liters.

Sporty and stylish design combined with balanced proportions

The Opel design team gave the new Astra notchback a very stylish and sleek silhouette. The roofline arcs gently over the passenger area, then descends in a seamless sweep through the steeply raked rear screen to the sculpted aerodynamic lip at the end of the short rear deck. And because the raked C-pillar stretches so far back into the rear deck area, it visually conceals the size of the trunk in an elegant fashion. The feature line running through the door handles becomes more defined towards the rear, creating a muscular “shoulder” effect below the base of the C pillar and the rear deck.

The rear is characterized by the steeply raked rear screen, the integrated deck spoiler, and the broad sweep of the sculpted bumper. The design of the tail lights echoes those of other Astra models, and the subtle crease which links them adds width and avoids any impression of bulkiness. The lamps also have an inner wing shape for the taillight function that continues the Opel brand signature. There are more sculptural features within the bumper where the number plate indent reflects the shape of the deck lid cutout. Together, all these elements combine to create a particularly well balanced and harmonious automotive design.

Top technology standards and typical Astra qualities in notchback segment

With its sporty, elegant design, typical Astra qualities and a large array of technological highlights – some are unique, some are unusual for the segment - Opel´s new compact four door notchback targets customers with high expectations. The Advanced Forward Lighting (AFL+) with bi-xenon headlamps and a host of sophisticated lighting functions including variable light distribution, curve light, cornering light and high-beam assist greatly enhance active safety. The adaptive FlexRide chassis system automatically adjusts damping to the prevailing driving conditions and gives the driver the choice between three different modes – Standard, the comfort oriented Tour mode and the more responsive Sport mode. The highly ergonomic AGR (“Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V”) approved seats that are easy on the back are available for the driver and the front passenger. Added to that are several infotainment systems which make travelling even more relaxing and safer. The Navi 900 top unit features the routes of more than 30 European countries and a digital travel guide stored on an SD card.

Compact notchbacks offer growth opportunities

The new four-door sedan is an important addition to the latest generation of the successful Astra model family. In Western Europe, especially in Germany and Spain, Opel marketing experts see growth opportunities for the new four door model as an elegant, more  affordable alternative to sedans from the upper segment. Moreover, there is strong demand for compact notchback variants in the high growth markets of Eastern and Central Europe, particularly Russia and Turkey. Russia currently has the second highest sales volume in Europe and is expected to become Europe´s main market with up to 3.4 million total vehicle sales in 2014. Across all segments, more than 60 percent of all sedans sold in Europe are sold in Russia. Last year, in the compact segment 51 percent of customers there opted for a notchback version. Russia is also the third biggest market for the Astra in Europe. Therefore, Opel has decided to celebrate the world premiere of the new member of the Astra model family at the Moscow Auto Salon 2012 (August 29 - September 9). 

New Opel Astra J OPC Engine - King of Torque

Turbocharged Direct Injection 2.0 liter engine with 280 hp and 400 Nm of torque

The strongest four cylinder gasoline engine on the European market in terms of highest specific torque comes from Opel.

The turbocharged, direct injection, 1998 cm³, all aluminum unit in the Astra OPC not only has a maximum power output of 280 hp; with 200.2 Nm per liter, it has higher specific torque than any of its rivals, more even than super sports cars. The maximum torque of 400 Nm is developed at 2,450 rpm, stretching all the way to just under 5,000 rpm in a very wide plateau which ensures that the Astra OPC can deliver high performance in a variety of situations.

The Opel engineers carried out far reaching changes on the existing turbocharged direct injection 2.0 liter gasoline unit used in the Insignia, giving it a more sporty edge and adding extra power to it. A completely new state of the art engine air intake system was developed in order to feed as much air to the turbocharger as possible. The turbocharger itself was further improved to withstand more charge air pressure and therefore the durability of the charger was increased accordingly by using new components. The build-up of pressure starts as early as around 1,400 rpm; gas pedal movements thus result in immediate and powerful propulsion. The maximum charge pressure has been increased to 1.5 bar – that represents a 25 percent increase compared to the one previously used in the Insignia.

A powerful car like the Astra OPC needs a powerful sound track that appeals to the emotional side of the high performance car enthusiast. That is why sound engineering played an important role in the development of the car. The engineers wanted to deliver the robust and masculine exterior sound typical of all Astra OPCs. 

They also wanted to re-create the jet noise like sound on the interior which OPC fans will remember from the last Astra when the driver accelerates from the mid to high rpm range. This is especially noticeable when changing up from third into fourth gear under acceleration.

12 percent fuel saving

The Astra OPC that comes with Start/Stop technology as a standard, consumes 8.1 liters per 100 kilometers, a CO₂ value of 189 g/km. These are highly competitive figures in the high performance segment. Compared to the previous model (221 g/km, 9.2 l/km), CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption are now 14 percent/12 percent lower. The new high performance coupe can sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in just six-point-zero seconds.

Before the modified Astra OPC engine could go into production, it was subjected to a series of challenging tests. Then it was put to an endurance test of 10,000 kilometers in the Opel Astra OPC on the Nordschleife segment of the Nürburgring race track under racing conditions which equivalent of 180,000 kilometers on normal roads.

New Opel Astra J OPC - Exclusive High Performance chassis for closer road contact

• Maximum traction with multi-plate limited slip differential
• Specially lowered high-performance chassis and FlexRide with HiPerStruts
• Chassis dynamics control with ramp and roll control sub-modes

Opel has designed a high performance chassis package geared especially towards lateral dynamics and superb handling qualities for its new Astra OPC to complement its powerful 206 kW/280 hp, 400 Nm engine. The chassis which is equipped with dampers made by ZF Sachs benefits from several decisive elements that all enhance the car’s driving dynamics: high performance struts (HiPerStruts) on the front suspension, the mechatronic FlexRide chassis system, a mechanical limited slip differential and Brembo brakes. The chassis has been further sharpened with 19” alloy wheels as standard together with tires of the 245/40 ZR type. 

Limited slip differential for more stability

In order to convert the power of the new Astra into efficient propulsion, the front axle is equipped with a mechanical multi-plate limited slip differential. When one of the front wheels spins, the two multi-plate packs inside the differential work like clutches and subject the drive to a clearly defined resistance. This locking effect (50 percent maximum) depends on the ramp angle with which the plate packs are pressed together and which consequently determines how pressure is applied to the multi-plate clutch depending on the amount of torque. The shallower the ramp angle is, the more sensitive the system is. In the case of the Astra OPC, a ramp angle of 45 degrees was chosen for acceleration. In the case of deceleration, in other words when brakes are applied or pressure is taking off the accelerator pedal, the plates of the clutch are separated again and thus allow the ABS to work on the front wheels.

OPC tuned FlexRide suspension satisfies many sporty driving styles

The mechatronic FlexRide chassis which has been especially tuned and enhanced to OPC needs lets the driver choose between three different driving modes, with each mode offering a unique and specific experience of high performance driving. The Standard mode delivers all-round performance while comfort is preserved at all times for everyday drive situations. Even in this mode, the Astra OPC performs brilliantly in bends, shines with its responsive steering and minimal body tilt. At the touch of a button, the Sport mode stiffens the chassis suspension, increases agility by reducing body roll and makes the steering more direct. Meanwhile, the OPC mode creates the ultimate driving experience: steering becomes even more direct than in the Sport mode, the throttle more responsive and the chassis setting is geared towards delivering maximum performance. The instrument panel lights up red to signal that the car is in the OPC mode.

  

Chassis dynamics control with ramp and roll control sub modes 

For best possible ride control, the ramp control sub-mode further adjusts the damping, ensuring that the wheels are in contact with the road constantly when travelling over bumps at high speed. This means the vehicle experiences a soft landing even when the springs on the struts rebound on an uneven road surface. Meanwhile, the roll control sub-mode reduces side tilt further so that the vehicle lies flat in the road so that agility is maximized.

  

Compared to the turbocharged 1.6 Astra GTC (132 kW/180hp), the OPC engineers stiffened  the standard springs by around thirty percent and lowered the vehicle by a further ten millimeters, thus bringing the car even closer to the road. In order to give the driver an even more agile and responsive drive, the bushings and the rear axle were also made stiffer.

 

ESP can be deactivated for extra sporty driving

Like the FlexRide, the ESP stability control also offers three different modes depending on how challenging and sporty one wants to drive. The preset standard setting, which has been optimized for OPC use, ensures maximum ride safety in everyday situations without the driver losing control over the car. The Competitive mode raises the threshold at which the automatic systems intervene. However, when the vehicle is in a borderline dangerous situation it will be stabilized by the brake system. In the ESP-off mode, when the ESP button is pressed down for more than five seconds, the ESP system can be completely deactivated

New Opel Astra J OPC

NEW Opel Astra J OPC – Most Powerful Astra Ever

·        Sporty high performance version of Astra GTC with two liter turbo engine

·         206 kW/280 hp, 400 Nm and top speed of 250 km/h

·         Exclusive performance chassis with limited slip differential and Brembo brakes

·         Lightweight high-performance bucket seats with prestigious “AGR” health seal.

 

The new Opel Astra J GTC is being given a sharper edge: at the Geneva motor show on March 6, 2012, its high performance OPC version (Opel Performance Center) has its world premiere. From spring 2012, the new car crowns Opel’s the racy compact coupé offer. The Astra OPC is powered by a 2.0 liter Direct Injection turbo gasoline engine, with 206 kW/280 hp output and maximum torque of 400 Nm. This power house ensures that the Astra OPC can reach a top speed of 250 km/h. Never before has an Astra been so fast.

The turbocharged four-cylinder engine ensures that the Astra OPC is now the most powerful member of Opel’s compact segment. Both the induction tract and the exhaust system were optimized to get the most out of the engine. The high-performance chassis was also adapted to the power plant. In line with the finest OPC traditions, the car was put through its paces and polished on the Northern Loop (“Nordschleife”) of the Nürburgring race track in Germany. All OPC cars are tested in the “Green Hell” – the nickname given by the British racing driver Jackie Stewart to this part of the track. Not just driving dynamics are pushed to the limit on the world famous race track. No OPC model can be sold to the customer without first passing a 10,000 kilometer endurance test on the Nürburgring. That is equivalent to 180,000 kilometers of driving in normal conditions. Under these extreme conditions the durability of new components can be guaranteed.

 

High Performance: FlexRide chassis, HiPerStruts and Brembo brakes 

The Astra OPC chassis is geared especially towards lateral dynamics and superb handling qualities. The high tech front-wheel suspension, HiPerStruts (High Performance Struts) of the Astra GTC is the decisive ingredient.

The standard mode puts the vehicle in a high comfort setting, while the special sport mode adds a notable extra in agility. The OPC setting places drivers in a third dimension: steering is more direct, the gas pedal speaks clearly and the chassis turns on to maximum handling.

However, the OPC model goes one major step further: it has been fitted with a mechanical limited slip differential on the front axle. This gives the OPC even more stability and better handling, in other words the car has more grip when exiting bends at high speeds – even in wet conditions. “We have devised a great package that will convince even the most experienced sports drivers – not just on the Nürburgring,” the motorsport legend, Joachim Winkelhock, explains. The high performance brake system on the front axle made by the prestigious manufacturer, Brembo, ensures good deceleration stats and maximum stability, even in moments of intense pressure.

Aggressive Design: High Performance Astra Flexes Its Muscles

 The exclusive body work of the Astra OPC is an expression of pure passion for power and speed. The Astra GTC with its racy edge has so far been the most emotional expression of Opel’s design language but the OPC version flexes its muscles. The OPC is given extra sportiness with a set of specially sculpted front and rear bumpers, side skirts, an aerodynamic roof spoiler and two exhaust tail pipes in a trapeze shape. 20” forged alloy wheels are available and give the Astra OPC a bold appearance.

High-tech Weight Saving Material in Seats

The interior of the new Astra has the typical OPC features such as a leather flat-bottom sports steering wheel with a 360 millimeter diameter and a sporty dashboard. The driver and his co-pilot will be able to benefit from a new high-performance bucket seat with stateof-the art technology that makes its debut in the compact sports coupe segment. The new front seats increase the sporty and dynamic driving experience while providing a lower seating position and enhanced side support.

 OPC engineers used an organic injection molded sheet in the performance seat shell, resulting in a weight saving of 45 percent compared to a conventional shell. The sheet is filled with a composite material of polyamide and fiber glass. The new high performance seat boasts up to 18 different settings. In addition, pneumatically adjustable cushions are available for the flanks of the performance seat. They fit around every body shape and give support from the side at the push of a button. Customers can choose from a fabric/morrocana combination and two other leather covers.

Opel is the first car manufacturer to offer high-performance seats certified by the independent healthy back experts, AGR (“Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.”), starting in 2003 with the Signum. The AGR only approves seats with its quality seal that meet its high ergonomic standards. In order to be honored with the AGR seal, the seat has to fulfill a list of ten criteria. They include four-way lordosis support and that the seatback contours adapt exactly to the natural curvature of the spine. The new Astra OPC continues this tradition and brings the only AGR certified seat to the compact sports coupé segment.

OPC: Performance and pure passion

The Opel Performance Center (OPC), responsible for the sporty accents in the Opel model line-up since 1999, is a decisive element in the brand’s profile. It embodies a high level of emotionality and passion for striking design, top-class technology and extraordinary driving dynamics. The vehicles with “OPC” in the model name are positioned as the emotional spearheads of the respective model lines. Current OPC models include the Corsa, 141 kW/192 hp (154 kW/210 hp as Nürburgring-Edition) as well as the Insignia OPC, which is available as a four or five-door sedan and Sports Tourer. The 2.8 liter V6 turbo gasoline engine (239 kW/325 hp) is the most powerful Opel production engine in history. For the “Unlimited” version of the Insignia OPC, maximum speed goes up to 270 km/h (depending on trim and transmission variant).

11. June 2012 UPDATE: Autoexpress UK wrote: ...this is the best VXR model that Vauxhall has ever produced – and a genuine contender for a place at the top of this class.

Read more at : http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/284305/vauxhall_astra_vxr.html#ixzz1xiUhQyhj