March 2008


OPC: High Performance Corsa, Meriva, Astra, Zafira and Vectra Models

• 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
• Vectra OPC and Vectra Station Wagon OPC: 2.8-liter V6 turbo with 280 hp

Rüsselsheim. While OPC stands for Opel Performance Center, car enthusiasts know OPC is more than just an acronym – it is a distinction. OPC showcases just how much sporty potential and technological expertise are in Opel cars. The OPC versions evoke emotion and are the top-of-the-line variants in their model range for driving dynamics. Currently there are six high-performance models available.

Opel Corsa OPC: Newcomer to OPC sextet

The newest addition to 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 compact 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 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 what it needs to ensure 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 reflected in the Corsa OPC’s interior, which is color-keyed 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 special Recaro sport 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 light 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 308 mm front disk brakes and 264 mm rear disk brakes 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. Exact power steering gives the sporty minivan precise response 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 with computer-calculated deformation zones, 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).
Just as safety oriented and an example of the Meriva’s many high-tech options are the halogen curve and cornering headlamps, which are 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 light 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 far 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 requires 9.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. 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 IDS^Plus (Interactive Driving System) as standard, with electronic networking and coordination of driving dynamics systems such as the Electronic Stability Program ESP^Plus, Traction Control TC^Plus, and various functions of the 17-inch high-performance brake system. A major element in this network is the electronic CDC (Continuous Damping Control), which 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 a more direct steering and pedal response.

Because of its dynamic potential, the Astra OPC underwent bench tests in the laboratories in Rüsselsheim as well as a comprehensive real life test program, 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 Manuel Reuter.

A special “Nürburgring Edition” Astra OPC variant was launched in January 2008. Limited to 835 units, it comes in Casablanca white lacquer and boasts exclusive standard equipment such as 19-inch light-alloy wheels in bi-color design, special leather trim, IDS^Plus2 chassis, exclusive carbon-look décor elements and a badge on in the interior with engraved serial number.

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, 18-inch 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 IDS^Plus2 chassis − the newest generation of the established driving dynamics control system. This system networks and coordinates all driver assistance systems including ESP^Plus, Traction Control TC^Plus, 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 set-up.

Opel Vectra OPC and Vectra Station Wagon OPC: Powerful duo

With the Vectra OPC in the five-door hatchback version and the Vectra station wagon OPC, Opel offers two cars in the sporty, mid-size class segment. Not only are they the current top-of-the-line models in the Opel program, they also rank among the most powerful front-wheel drive cars available. Both are powered by the 206 kW/280 hp Opel V6 engine with 2.8-liter displacement, twin-scroll turbocharger and variable valve timing. The sedan and station wagon require just 6.3 and 6.5 seconds respectively to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h, while their top speeds are limited to 250 km/h. These driving performances can be achieved when the model is fitted with the optional six-speed automatic transmission rather than the six-speed manual gearbox.
Both Opel Vectra OPC versions share a deep front apron and fog lamps in spotlight design. Profile highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels in exclusive OPC six-spoke design (235/40 tires) and strongly accentuated side sills. Both cars are characterized at the rear by prominent bumpers with diffuser-like contours, discreet spoiler lips and twin exhaust systems with trapezoidal tailpipes.

The passenger compartment’s sporty ambience is enhanced by door sills in OPC design, exclusive OPC Recaro sport seats, ergonomic three-spoke leather steering wheel and leather sport gear lever, uniquely designed sport instruments, special colors and a speedometer scale up to 300 km/h.

In terms of sporty handling characteristics and high active safety, both Vectra OPC models feature newest-generation Interactive Driving System, IDS^Plus2. All electronic driving dynamics systems − Electronic Stability Program ESP^Plus, Traction Control TC^Plus, Understeer Control Logic UCL, Cornering Brake Control CBC, various brake functions and electronic Continuous Damping Control CDC − are networked and coordinated in a highly efficient system. For even sportier handling, the driver can select a firmer and more direct chassis, pedal response and steering set-up with the SportSwitch (also with gearshift pattern for optional six-speed automatic transmission). A high-performance brake system with 345 mm front disc brakes offers deceleration rates rivaling those of a sports car.

In addition to exciting design, carefully tuned 2.8 V6 turbo acoustic from the exhaust system, top-class technology and outstanding driving performance, the Vectra
high-performance models also offer comprehensive functions and comfort equipment, as well as extensive safety features, including six airbags, active head restraints in front, the Pedal Release System (PRS), and mountings for the ISOFIX child seat system in the rear.

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