Hot hatch a scorcher
Opel has revealed details of its new Corsa OPC ahead of its Geneva show debut next month
OPEL is launching its new Corsa in SA this week, but the news real petrolheads have been waiting for is on the next generation of the OPC (Opel Performance Centre) pocket rocket version. It will premiere at next month’s Geneva Motor Show and the company has prereleased some information and pictures.
Opel says that its new 152kW hot hatch will combine extreme uncompromising athleticism with outstanding suitability for everyday use.
“Our OPC models are the dynamic spearheads of our car ranges,” said Opel group CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann. “They reflect Opel’s sporting tradition, epitomising German engineering, emotional design and distinctive driving dynamics. The new Corsa OPC proves how high our engineers have set the bar in the sporty small car segment. It shows what it is made of on winding mountainous roads and even on the racetrack.”
Apart from the new OPCexclusive paint in Flash Blue the Corsa OPC also boasts a new front end design with new large air intakes. In particular, the aluminum framed openings below the headlights create a visual link to the Corsa’s bigger sports brother, the Astra OPC.
At the rear, the spoiler attached to the tailgate will be available in two different varieties — a subtle rear spoiler that comes as standard and a more flamboyant version which creates even more downforce at the rear axle. The twin-pipe Remus exhaust with a diffuser around the tailpipes adds further athletic touches visually and acoustically, according to the company.
The interior also creates a sporty ambience. Recaro performance seats, which offer passengers optimum side support even in the most demanding of corners, are prominent. The leather steering wheel, flattened at the The Opel Corsa OPC, right, will be available in SA in the third quarter of 2015. Above: The interior boasts OPC-specific items including Recaro sports seats. bottom, the OPC gear knob and the sports pedals along with the characteristic instruments in an OPC design complete the interior. In addition, drivers will not miss out on connectivity. Opel’s IntelliLink infotainment system will be available as an option and bring the world of smartphones to the Corsa OPC.
Under the bonnet will lurk a 1.6l turbocharged petrol engine offering 152kW and torque of 245Nm between 1,900 and 5,800r/min. An additional 35Nm is available when required with the overboost functionality. The company says that much attention has been paid to quick torque build-up and extending the torque plateau compared to the previous generation model, so the car is much more responsive at low engine speeds.
The power is transferred to the front wheels via a six-speed transmission and the company is claiming a sprint to 100km/h from standstill in 6.8 seconds. A maximum speed of 230km/h is possible. Despite its sporting credentials, fuel consumption is said to be a respectable 7.5l/100km and emissions 174g/km.
To deliver the power to the road in the best possible manner, Opel engineers teamed up with specialists from suspension company Koni to develop a chassis that has innovative damping. The new Frequency Selective Damping technology enables the damping forces to adapt to the frequency of the car, enabling a balancing act between uncompromising athleticism and an adequate level of comfort.
Other chassis components were also calibrated accordingly. It is 10mm closer to the road surface than its tame standard Corsa siblings.
A latest generation electronic control system allows for various modes to be selected for the electronic stability program (ESP) and the traction control. In Competition Mode, for example, traction control is inactive while the ESP gives the car a slightly longer leash. Experienced drivers can even switch off the ESP when pushing the vehicle to its limits on racetracks.
The steering has also been optimised. It reacts more directly and precisely and gives the driver much better feedback. Standard 215/45 R17 Michelin performance tyres ensure optimum grip while an OPC-optimised braking system with 308mm brake discs is standard.
Drivers looking for further racing flair can turn to the Corsa OPC Performance Package. It includes a mechanical multi-disc differential lock made by Drexler, 18-inch wheels with even stickier Michelin tyres and an even more athletic chassis setup. Furthermore, the Performance Package comprises a Brembo high performance braking system with 330mm brake discs on the front axle providing optimal deceleration.
The new Corsa OPC is planned for launch in SA in the third quarter of 2015.