Launched in 2012, the latest Opel Astra OPC (Vauxhall Astra VXR in the UK) is one of the most powerful hot-hatches on sale today – currently, it’s topped by the premium models from Audi, BMW and Mercedes. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that develops 276 hp (280PS) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque, the Astra OPC is able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6 seconds and reach a top speed of 250km/h (155mph).
To remind us of all these numbers and provide new interesting information on the Astra OPC, Opel had the boss of its OPC performance division, Volker Strycek, talk us through the most important features of the hot Astra.
A former DTM race driver, Strycek obviously had a decisive influence during the development of the Astra OPC. Judging from the way he talks about the car, it looks like he’s not only doing his best to please Opel’s PR department, but that he’s also genuinely satisfied of how the car turned out.
That can only be good news for Opel fans and hot-hatch enthusiasts in general. Scroll down to watch Strycek’s presentation of the Astra OPC.
By Dan Mihalascu
VIDEO