2005 Opel Astra OPC

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Aiming to demonstrate how an OPC version of the Astra GTC could look, the German car manufacturer Opel presented the Astra High Performance Concept at the 2004 Paris Motor Show. Six months later, at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, the Opel Astra OPC had its world debut, delighting the enthusiast public with its impressive design and features. Its deliveries in Germany are scheduled to begin on November 25. The efficiency of the high-performance unit is enhanced by the combined fuel consumption of 9.2 l/100 km. The fast three-door model appears as extremely agile as it is received power from a 240 bhp 2.0-liter turbo engine, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Even at low engine speeds, strong pulling power is ensured by the maximum torque of 236 lb.-ft., while maximum speed reaches 152 mph and the zero to 62 mph is covered in only 6.4 seconds, underlining the true sports character of the car. As compared to the GTC, the body stands about 0.4 inches lower due to the Opel Astra OPC chassis technology, which integrates firmer springs and shock-absorbers. Precise feel, durability and powerful deceleration are provided by the 17-inch high-performance braking system. Furthermore, the five-spoke, OPC light-alloy wheels with 225/40 R18 tires, the blue brake calipers, the strongly contoured door sills, the rear bumper with centrally positioned tailpipe, the large air intake as well as the deep front spoiler, essentially contribute to the uncompromising looks of the car, thus clearly distinguishing it from the GTC.
The interior is the epitome of style and refinement, showing a cockpit with additional OPC-specific details, a three-spoke sport steering wheel, aluminum pedals and door sill trim in OPC design. The safety technologies of the Opel Astra OPC include front and side airbags, active head restraints in front, head curtain air bags for the front and outer rear seats.

Opel Astra OPC review:

Astra High Performance Concept was the name of the attention-getting study Opel presented at the 2004 Paris Motor Show to demonstrate how an OPC version of the Astra GTC could look. Only six months later, the sporty top-of-the-line Opel Astra OPC made its premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2005.

The especially agile and fast three-door model is powered by a 240 bhp 2.0-liter turbo engine combined with a six-speed manual transmission. Maximum torque of 236 lb-ft ensures strong pulling power, even at low engine speeds. Zero to 62 mph acceleration in 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 152 mph underline that the Astra OPC is a true sports car. At the same time, combined fuel consumption of 9.2 l/100 km (MVEG) documents the efficiency of the high-performance unit.

The Opel Astra OPC chassis technology is also state-of-the-art in the compact class. The body stands about 0.4 inches lower than the GTC, with firmer springs and shock-absorbers. The electro-hydraulic power steering also features a specific OPC set-up for optimum feedback and contact with the road. A 17-inch high-performance braking system provides powerful deceleration, durability and precise feel. The Astra OPC impressive chassis is completed by the sophisticated IDSPlus suspension concept with Continuous Damping Control and networking of all driving dynamics systems as standard. This also offers the driver the SportSwitch mode, which gives the shock-absorbers, steering and gas pedal a more direct set-up.

The uncompromising looks reflect the sporty character of the Astra OPC. The deep front spoiler and large air intake, rear bumper with centrally positioned tailpipe, strongly contoured door sills, blue brake calipers, and five-spoke, OPC light-alloy wheels with 225/40 R18 tires also distinguish it further from the GTC. The cockpit features additional OPC-specific details such as Recaro sport seats in leather/fabric, instruments with special graphics, three-spoke sport steering wheel, door sill trim in OPC design and aluminum pedals.

The Opel Astra OPC's extensive standard equipment includes safety features such as front and side air bags, active head restraints in front, head curtain air bags for the front and outer rear seats, seat belt force limiters combined with pyrotechnic seat belt tensioners in front, the PRS Pedal Release System and ISOFIX mountings for child seats.

Customers can place orders for the youngest member of the OPC family, soon to be followed by additional models, in September 2005. Deliveries in Germany are scheduled to begin on November 25. End of Opel Astra OPC review.