15 years after the launch of the first OPC model, the Astra G OPC, Opel takes a look back at the high-performance models produced to this day.

The abbreviation OPC (Opel Performance Center) replaced the GSI moniker used for performance versions of Opel models before 1998. The Astra G was the first model to receive the OPC treatment, getting a 160PS (158hp) 2.0-liter Ecotec petrol engine that was based on the 136PS version from the Astra G lineup. The modified engine was more responsive than the base unit, thanks to upgrades including forged pistons, sharper camshafts, larger intake and exhaust channels, as well as an exhaust manifold system and optimized engine management.

It also featured chassis upgrades including Bilstein dampers, larger brake discs, newly designed wishbones and a more direct steering. The center of gravity was lowered by 20mm and the Astra OPC rode on 17-inch BBS rims and featured an aerodynamics package and Recaro bucket seats. The production run of 3,000 units was sold out after only four months.

For its second project, OPC chose the Zafira MPV with the objective of turning it into the world’s fastest compact van. The car got a turbocharged version of the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 192PS (189hp). The engine was later upgraded to 200PS (197hp) in the second generation Astra OPC.

The latter set a new class record of 8:35:94 minutes on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 2005, followed a year later by the Zafira OPC, which set a new record for compact vans (8:54:38 minutes) that still stands to this day.

OPC has a special connection with the Nürburgring, with Opel producing two special “Nürburgring” editions, the Astra OPC in 2008 and the Corsa OPC in 2011. While the Astra H in the special racing trim had the same performance as the Astra OPC plus a special, spectacular livery, the Nürburgring Edition Corsa OPC featured 18PS more than the standard Corsa OPC for a total of 210PS (207hp). It was also fitted with a limited slip differential.

Opel’s latest and most powerful OPC models are the Astra OPC and Insignia OPC. The former is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo with 280PS (276hp) and 400Nm (295lb-ft) of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6 seconds flat and to reach a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – faster than any previous Astra.

As for the Insignia OPC, it is the division’s most sophisticated model yet, benefitting from all-wheel drive and a 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 engine that produces 325PS (321hp) and 435Nm (321lb-ft) of torque.

The Insignia OPC sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6 seconds and achieves a limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). There’s also a manual Unlimited Edition that reaches up to 270 km/h (168 mph).

OPC highlights of the first 15 years:

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

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