2006 Opel Vectra OPC review

Opel Vectra OPC review:

With the Vectra OPC in the five-door hatchback version and the Vectra station wagon OPC, Opel is entering the category of midsize sports cars with two vehicles. Not only do they represent the present performance peak of the Opel program, they also rank among the most powerful front-wheel drive cars. The Vectra high-performance models made their debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA); they will be launched on November 25, 2005.

In both cases, they will be powered by a newly developed V6 high-tech engine with a 2.8-liter capacity, driving the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Thanks to twin-scroll turbocharging and variable valve timing, the engine develops a maximum output of 188 kW/255 hp and a maximum torque of 355 Nm. Driving performance rivals that of a sports car. The hatchback and the station wagon require 6.7 and 6.9 seconds respectively to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h, while their top speeds are 260 km/h and 254 km/h respectively.

The Opel Vectra's high-performance versions combine the styling of the recently re-designed model range with the distinctive OPC design language, resulting in an emotionally-charged, dynamic appearance. The expressive front is dominated by a deep front spoiler and fog lamps in spot-light design. The side view's highlights are the large-sized 18-inch light alloy wheels in the exclusive OPC six-spoke design (tires: 235/40 R18 Y) and more accentuated door sills. The rear ends of both cars are characterized by prominent bumpers with diffuser-like outlines, discrete spoilers as well as twin exhaust systems with trapezoidal tail pipes. For the paintwork, there is - as for all OPC models - the choice of the following colors: Arden blue, star silver, sapphire black or magma red.

The side sills in the exclusive OPC design make for an comfortable ambience in the passenger compartment; the same goes for the exclusive OPC-sports seats by Recaro, which are available in two fabric-leather combinations, an ergonomic three-spoke sports steering wheel and a sports gear lever, both leather-covered; sports instruments, special colors and a speedometer up to 300 km/h.

In terms of sporty handling and high active safety, the Vectra OPC models are endowed with the latest development of adaptive chassis control system. All electronic driving dynamics systems are linked up with each other to form a complete system; this includes the electronic stability program (ESPPlus), the traction control system (TCPlus), understeer control logic (UCL), cornering brake control (CBC), various brake functions and Continuous Damping Control (CDC). For even sportier handling, the driver can select, via CDC, the "SportSwitch mode", with firmer shock absorbers and more direct steering and gas pedal response. A 17-inch high performance braking system offers deceleration rates rivaling those of a sports car.

Alongside exciting design, top-class technology and outstanding driving performance, the Vectra high-performance models also offer an excellent price-performance ratio. In Germany, the Vectra OPC is available at 37,800 euros, and the Vectra OPC station wagon is priced at 38,600 euros. In accordance with their top-of-the-line status, the vehicles feature, besides the OPC specific details, a comprehensive equipment and comfort package. Passive safety includes six airbags, active head restraints in front, a Pedal Release System as well as mountings for an ISOFIX child's seat in the rear. End of Opel Vectra OPC review.