GM’s Opel division is challenging both the 250-horsepower Ford Focus ST and the 267bhp (270PS) Volkswagen Golf R with its brand new Astra OPC that will be sold as the Vauxhall Astra VXR in Britain.
Revealed to the public for the first time at the ongoing 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the new Astra OPC is based on the sporty looking three-door Astra GTC hatchback adding to the mix a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 276bhp (280PS) output and maximum torque of 400Nm (295 lbft).
A six-speed transmission and a mechanical limited slip differential on the front axle drive the front wheels allowing for a top speed of 250km/h (155mph). Opel has not yet confirmed acceleration times.
As with the rest of the Astra GTC range, the OPC model gets the GM/Saab sourced HiPer Struts (High Performance Struts) on the front axle while the company’s engineers also made changes to the suspension, steering wheel and brake systems.
“We have devised a great package that will convince even the most experienced sports drivers – not just on the Nürburgring,” says Opel tester and motorsport legend, Joachim Winkelhoc.
Styling upgrades on the outside include new sculpted front and rear bumpers, side skirts, a roof spoiler and two exhaust tail pipes in a trapeze shape plus a set of 20-inch forged alloy wheels.
As for the interior, the OPC benefits from a pair of body-hugging Recaro sports seats trimmed either in fabric or a choice of leathers, a flat-bottom sports steering wheel with a 360 millimeter diameter and bespoke trim accents.
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