What you see here is a prototype version of the all-new Opel Astra GTC OPC, or as Vauxhall buyers in Britain will come to know it, the upcoming Astra GTC VXR, and it was spotted doing test rounds at the Nurburgring race track.
Having already revealed the mainstream models of the new and rather sporty looking in a VW Scirocco kind of way GTC, the Astra’s engineers turned their focus on the fastest and most powerful version of the series, which will look a lot like the original concept seen at last year’s Paris Motor Show.
The study featured a 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbo-charged four-cylinder engine with direct injection and Start/stop tech delivering an estimated 290-horsepower, but sources from Germany state that the production model may top that number nearing the magic 300HP mark.
With that kind of power, the Astra GTC OPC could have the edge over the upcoming Ford Focus ST that gets a 2.0-liter Turbo with 250HP as well as the Golf and Scirocco R models that are both motivated by a 2.0-liter turbo delivering 270HP and 265HP respectively.
We also hear that the OPC will channel those ponies to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox and a new limited slip differential.
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