Opc(2008)

Opel is shifting into top gear with the new Opel Corsa OPC. Following the sensational market launch of the Opel bestseller's fourth generation, the OPC version is now the quintessential expression of the Corsa's dynamic character. Top-level agility and vehicle control ensure pure Opel Corsa driving fun. Its 1.6-liter turbo engine with 141 kW/192 hp accelerates the compact three-door from zero to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds and enables a top speed of 22http://img1.netcarshow.com/Opel-Corsa_OPC_2008_thumbnail_05.jpg5 km/h. The maximum torque of 2 transmission. In addihttp://img1.netcarshow.com/Opel-Corsa_OPC_2008_thumbnail_05.jpgtion, the standard 'overboost' system can temporarily increase torque by around 15 percent to 266 Nm when required, providing a corresponding dynamics increase. This level of performance provides the newest member of the sporty OPC family, which now includes six models, with superb propulsion power in all driving situations. For instance, accelerating from 80 to 120 km/h takes just 6.7 seconds in fifth gear. The Opel Corsa OPC requires 7.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, a moderate figure in this performance class.

Design: Reminiscence of motor sport vehicles

The sporty lines of the three-door Corsa are even more striking in the OPC variant. The roof spoiler, as well as the powerful front and rear aprons with distinctive gills make the OPC a real eye-catcher. Elements such as the darkly contrasting diffuser with integrated, centrally located triangular tailpipe and specially designed exterior mirrors are just a few examples of how much attention to detail was put into further developing the Corsa's bold, sporty character.Chassis tuned on Nürburgring Nordschleife

The Opel Corsa OPC's chassis has a unique, even sportier character thanks to extensive modifications. Through intensive tuning drives on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, engineers were able to achieve a sophisticated balance of agile handling and pronounced vehicle control. Key modifications include a stronger rear axle profile, which increases the roll rate by 25 percent, new spring/dampener tuning and a lowering of the body by 15 mm. The standard ESP system, which can be deactivated, has also been tuned to the car's sporty character. The new Opel Corsa OPC comes with 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 R17 tires ex works, while 18-inch rims and size 225 tires are available as an option. The large 16-inch brake system with blue painted brake calipers ensures strong deceleration: the Opel Corsa OPC boasts internally ventilated, 308 mm front disk brakes and 264 mm disk brakes at the rear.

Variable-progressive steering for sports car feeling

A unique feature for this class is the Opel Corsa OPC's variable-progressive steering, which provides a true sports car feeling. With a ratio of 13:1 during straight-ahead driving, the system response is already very direct. As the turning angle increases, so does the level of direct response, so that by 90 degrees the ratio is at 11.9:1. The variable progression also ensures that the response ratio increases again at greater steering-wheel angles to up to 13.1:1, reducing the effort needed for maneuvering or parking.

Broad range of OPC models

The introduction of the Corsa expands Opel's OPC program to six models. The top-of-the-line Vectra OPC with a V6 turbo and 206 kW/280 hp is available as a sedan or station wagon. The Zafira OPC − the fastest production van in the world with a top speed of 231 km/h − and the Astra OPC both have a 177 kW/240 hp, two-liter turbo engine. The Meriva OPC is powered by an engine similar to that of the Opel Corsa OPC: with 132 kW/180 hp and a top speed of over 220 km/h, the versatile five-seater is unique in the minivan segment. "The OPC models are high-performance cars that infuse the brand with emotion and passion. That is why the OPC version fits brilliantly to the new Corsa, which is positioned as a young car offering plenty of fun," says Alain Visser, Executive Director, European Opel Marketing.

Design: Expressive Styling with a Passion for Geometry

The OPC model range has never been so wide and varied. This gave the design team the opportunity to design an extraordinary car with the Opel Corsa OPC. OPC Designer Ulli Hochmuth − responsible for shaping Opel's sportiest cars since 1999 − says, "The Corsa OPC is aimed at a considerably younger target group than most of its model family. That's why we styled the Corsa's sporty lines to be more expressive. We wanted to create an unmistakable driving machine."

Powerful front and rear aprons with distinctive gills give the compact, bold-looking sporty car a powerful stance, while the rear spoiler and darkly contrasting diffuser in the rear bumper ensure good looks and downforce. The front and rear are united by a sporty modeled side sill and as in other OPC models, the color-keyed crossbar is a distinctive characteristic of the radiator grille.

Attention to detail was just as important for the designers as the expressive styling, which is apparent from the repeated use of the triangle. In the Opel Corsa OPC, designers make use of this shape in a variety of places: from the radiator grille structure and the fog lamp frames to the perfect, centrally located triangular tailpipe integrated in the rear bumper. The two clips on the unique, thin exterior mirrors form a triangle and the spokes on the special, finely crafted 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels are also triangular. Even the rubber grips on the aluminum pedals are easily recognizable as Opel Corsa OPC parts.

Sportiness also dominates the Opel Corsa OPC's cockpit. In addition to the typical OPC door sills, chrome-ringed instruments with red pointers and − depending on upholstery color − blue or silver-ringed air vents, the flat-bottomed leather sports steering wheel is especially eye-catching. Also reminiscent of motor sport vehicles, the steering wheel features a ring at its crown, while the center console in piano lacquer finish and aluminum pedals underline the sporty, high quality ambience. The sports seats with integrated head restraints are a joint new development by Opel and Recaro. These race-car-like seats provide optimal side support and protect both the driver and front passenger with integrated side airbags.