Brazil’s national soccer team seems to be a major attraction for automakers’ April 1 pranks, with Opel releasing a similar story to Mini. Named after Rio de Janeiro’s famous beach, the new Astra Copacabana features a livery including the Brazilian flag on the roof, palm trees and dancing lines along the doors.

However, the main feature of the car is the upholstery made of real grass from the Maracanã Stadium, with each vehicle arriving with a certificate confirming the authenticity of the grass. Complementing the greenery there’s sand from Copacabana filling the footwells, as well a pair of flip-flops.

Other April1-specific features are the Samba or Vuvuzela tones of the horn and a beverage vending machine that mixes up ice cold Caipirinhas during the drive – alcohol-free, because the Cachaça goes directly into the tank as a turbo cocktail.

The Astra Copacabana is powered by the 197 hp (200PS) 1.6 Turbo gasoline engine, which allows it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. Priced from €24,444.44, the car is available exclusively on April 1 at Opel dealerships.

By Dan Mihalascu

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