March
2009
OPC: High Performance
Corsa, Meriva, Astra and Zafira Models
- Opel Performance Center –
Expression of pure passion
- Corsa OPC and Meriva OPC: 1.6-liter turbo engine with 192
and 180 hp
- Astra OPC and Zafira OPC: 240 hp, 2.0-liter turbo
engine
Rüsselsheim.
While OPC stands for Opel Performance Center, car enthusiasts know OPC is
more than just an acronym – it is a distinction and expression of pure
passion. OPC showcases just how much sporty potential and technological
expertise is in Opel cars. The OPC versions evoke emotion and are the
topofthe-line variants in their model range for driving dynamics. Currently
there are four highperformance models available.
Opel Corsa OPC: Newcomer to OPC
quartet
The liveliest member of the OPC
family is the Corsa OPC, the sporty top version of the fourth Corsa generation
that made its premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2007. With top-level
agility and vehicle control, the powerhouse ensures pure driving fun. The
1.6-liter turbo engine with 141 kW/192 hp accelerates the three-door car from
zero to
100 km/h in 7.2 seconds and enables a top
speed of 225 km/h, while accelerating from
80 to
120 km/h takes just 6.7 seconds in fifth gear. This gives the sporty car superb
propulsion power in all driving situations. It comes with a six-speed
transmission as standard, and the maximum torque of 230 Nm can be temporarily
increased by 15 percent to 266 Nm via an 'overboost' function. The Corsa OPC
requires a modest 7.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers.
The top sporty Corsa model is also a real
eye-catcher. The roof spoiler, as well as the powerful front and rear aprons
with distinctive gill-like air intakes and outlets give the OPC a look that
reflects its top performance.
Elements such as the
darkly contrasting diffuser with integrated, centrally located triangular
tailpipe and specially designed exterior mirrors are typical sports car
characteristics. This is also echoed in the Corsa OPC’s interior, which is
color-coordinated to the exterior. In addition to the chrome-ringed instruments
with red pointers and center console in piano lacquer finish, the flat-bottomed
leather steering wheel with a mark at its crown and the aluminum pedals are
especially eye-catching. The Recaro bucket seats with integrated head restraints
provide optimal side support and protect both the driver and front passenger
with integrated side airbags.
The Corsa
OPC’s chassis was designed for maximum precision via spring/dampener
tuning and a stronger stabilizer. The body is also 10 mm lower than the Corsa
Sport version. The standard ESP system, which can be deactivated, has also been
tuned to its peak. The 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 internally ventilated disk brakes
(308 mm front, 264 mm rear) ensures strong
deceleration.
Opel Meriva OPC: Minivan with
sporty ambitions
Thanks to its superior
driving performance, the first sporty model in the minivan segment fits
perfectly into the dynamic, exclusive OPC family. The highlight of the Opel
Meriva OPC is its 1.6-liter, four-cylinder 132 kW/180 hp turbo engine - a close
relative of the Corsa OPC’s engine - which takes the multi-variable
five-seater to a top speed of 222 km/h and accelerates it from zero to 100
km/h in only 8.2 seconds. In addition to the engine and correspondingly tuned
six-speed manual gearbox, the sport chassis forms the basis for the
minivan’s exciting drive. It is designed to offer maximum precision and is
set lower in the front and rear than the other Meriva models. The Meriva
OPC’s performance is enhanced by 17-inch wheels with 205/45 tires.
Precise power steering makes the sporty minivan supremely controllable and large
brakes ensure powerful deceleration.
Meriva OPC
standard equipment includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability
Program (ESP), brake assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). The
Meriva OPC also boasts passive safety features such as a stable, torsionally
rigid passenger cell, doors reinforced with steel tubes, six airbags including
head curtain airbags, active head restraints in front, mountings for the ISOFIX
child seat system and Opel’s patented Pedal Release System (PRS). For even
more safety, one of the Meriva’s many high-tech options is the halogen
curve and cornering light AFL, which is unique in this
class.
The Meriva OPC’s distinctive face,
honeycomb grille with wide color-keyed chrome crossbar, roof spoiler and rear
apron all reflect its role as the sporty top variant in the model line. The
17-inch alloy wheels in OPC design with six Y-spokes, blue brake calipers and
trapezoidal tailpipe are also model trademarks. The Meriva OPC interior boasts
Recaro sport seats with fabric/leather upholstery as standard, an OPC leather
sport steering wheel, as well as chrome-ringed instruments with special dials.
Like all other Meriva variants, the OPC model features the unique FlexSpace
concept. The compact leisure and family sport van can quickly and easily be
transformed from a five into a spacious four, three, two or one-seater with
generous luggage space, without cumbersome removal of the
seats.
Opel Astra OPC: Compact sports
car
With the Astra OPC, Opel advances into
the territory of established sports cars. The coupé-like three-door model
is powered by a 177 kW/240 hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that
accelerates it from zero to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds, and has a top speed of 244
km/h. The Astra OPC’s fuel consumption of 9.2 liters per 100 kilometers
highlights the powertrain’s efficiency. Power is transferred to the front
wheels via a sporty six-speed manual
transmission.
The Astra OPC’s striking
looks clearly identify it as the top model in its line. The body design with
front apron pulled down low, central air intake and large 18-inch wheels in
characteristic OPC six-spoke design (tires 225/40) showcases the car’s
dynamic potential, as does the rear with its centrally positioned trapezoidal
tailpipe. In the interior, Recaro sport seats, sports instruments in OPC design
and aluminum pedals all contribute to the high-class sporty
ambience.
The attribute “high-tech”
also applies to the Astra OPC’s chassis. This features IDSPlus2 (Interactive Driving System) as standard, which was previously only found in the
limited edition Astra OPC Nürburgring Edition. IDSPlus2 electronically networks and coordinates driving dynamics systems such as the
Electronic Stability Program ESPPlus, Traction Control
TCPlus, and various functions of the 17-inch highperformance brake
system. An element in this network is the electronic Continuous Damping Control
(CDC). The IDSPlus2 system ensures that damping characteristics are
automatically and continuously adapted to prevailing road conditions, vehicle
movements and individual driving style. Additionally, the driver can select an
even sportier setting by pushing the SportSwitch, which also provides more
direct steering and pedal response.
Opel
Zafira OPC: Sports van with extraordinary driving
dynamics
The
Opel Zafira OPC is not just one of the fastest production compact MPVs in the
world: in its current version it also represents an unrivalled blend of sports
van driving dynamics and unequaled versatility. Just like the Astra OPC, it is
powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 240 hp, coupled with a
six-speed manual transmission. The engine accelerates the front-wheel drive
sports van from zero to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and to a top speed of 231
km/h.
The Zafira OPC’s sporty potential
is also expressed in its design: features include the strong hood tapering, deep
front apron with two-part radiator grille, fog lamps in distinctively styled
housings, 18inch wheels in exclusive OPC design with 225/40 tires, accentuated
side sills as well as a striking rear with two transparent 3-D cells in the tail
lamps, twin exhaust system and trapezoidal
tailpipes.
The vehicle’s exclusivity is
emphasized in the interior with a sport steering wheel, instruments and door
sills in OPC design, and particularly by the high-quality Recaro sport seats.
The seven-seater is optionally available with nappa leather trim and boasts
exemplary spaciousness as well as the unbeatable advantages of the patented
Flex7 seating system, which enables it to be effortlessly transformed within
seconds into a six, five, four, three, or two-seater, without cumbersome removal
of the seats.
Like the engine, the Zafira
OPC’s chassis tuning adds to the sporty character and ensures ample safety
reserves. These are further enhanced by the high-performance brake system and
IDSPlus2 chassis − the newest
generation of the established driving dynamics control system. This system
networks and coordinates all driver assistance systems including
ESPPlus, Traction Control TCPlus, various brake functions
and electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC). The result: excellent handling
and further improved suspension comfort. For even sportier handling, the driver
can select the SportSwitch mode for a firmer chassis and steering
setup.
Because of their dynamic potential, all
OPC models undergo bench tests in the laboratories in Rüsselsheim as well
as comprehensive real life test programs including tuning drives and endurance
runs on the Nürburgring Nordschleife and at the Opel Test Center in
Dudenhofen. As with all OPC models, the compact sports car received its final
touches from two-time Le Mans winner and Opel brand ambassador Manuel
Reuter.
Opel OPC vehicles: Facts and figures
Timeline
- 1997: Opel establishes Opel Performance Center GmbH
(OPC)
- 1999: Market launch of Astra OPC (2.0-liter aspirated
engine, 118 kW/160 hp); all
3000 limited edition
units sold within four months
- 2001: Market launch of Zafira OPC (2.0-liter turbo
engine, 147 kW/200 hp); around 12,000 units sold up to model update in
2005
- 2002: Market launch of second-generation Astra OPC
(2.0-liter turbo engine,
147 kW/200 hp) in
three-door and station wagon variants
- 2005: Up to model update in the summer, around 20,000 OPC
cars sold across Europe
- 2005: Market launch of current Astra OPC (2.0-liter turbo
engine, 177 kW/240 hp)
- 2005: Market launch of second-generation Zafira OPC
(2.0-liter turbo engine,
177 kW/240
hp)
- 2005: Market launch of Vectra OPC and Vectra station
wagon OPC (2.8-liter V6 turbo, 188 kW/255 hp)
- 2006: Market launch of Meriva OPC (1.6-liter turbo
engine, 132 kW/180 hp)
- 2006: 2.8-liter V6 turbo engine with 206 kW/280 hp for
Vectra OPC and Vectra station wagon OPC
- 2007: Market launch of Corsa OPC (1.6-liter turbo engine,
141 kW/192 hp)
- 2007: Optional six-speed automatic transmission for
Vectra OPC and Vectra station wagon OPC
- 2008: Special limited-edition “Nürburgring
Edition” Astra OPC model
- 2008: IDSPlus2 chassis system standard for
Astra OPC
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