2008 Opel Astra OPC Nurburgring Edition

At the start of the fourth round of the OPC Race Camp, Opel unveils the Astra OPC “Nürburgring Edition”, a limited special edition version of the successful three-door model. The “Nürburgring Edition” emphasizes the connection between the racetrack steeped in tradition and the Opel brand. The Nürburgring, and in particular the legendary Nordschleife, are rightfully known as Opel territory, as this is where Opel production cars are extensively tested during their development stage. Manuel Reuter first highlighted the OPC models’ performance power in 2005, when he set a circuit record with the Astra OPC in this vehicle class. With the special Astra OPC “Nürburgring Edition”, Opel now raises the connection to the Nordschleife to a new level.

The “Nürburgring Edition” is particularly eye-catching thanks to the sporty white lacquer, large rear spoiler, as well as exterior mirrors and B-pillars in carbon look. The racing circuit’s red signet also adorns the B-pillars. The second-generation IDSPlus2 chassis is familiar from the Vectra and Zafira OPC models and ensures even greater driving dynamics in the Astra OPC “Nürburgring Edition”. Weight optimized white rims, a two-millimeter wider track and ultra high performance tires complete the high-performance package. The interior features special full leather trim, carbon-look décor and a badge on the glove compartment with engraved serial number. An image of the race track is also engraved in the head rests. The special edition’s 177 kW/240 hp 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine takes it from zero to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and to a top speed of 244 km/h. The front-wheel drive model comes with a sportily tuned six-speed manual transmission.

“The special edition model is a tribute to the Nürburgring and our customers, who have made the Astra OPC the best-selling OPC model of the current generation,” says Alain Visser, Executive Director Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Adam Opel GmbH. The special edition Astra OPC “Nürburgring Edition” goes on sale in the first quarter of 2008.

The fourth level of the OPC Race Camp that starts today on the Nordschleife is the perfect stage for presenting the Astra OPC “Nürburgring Edition”. Opel breaks new ground with the OPC Race Camp – a professional talent casting that helps ordinary drivers discover and develop their motor racing skills. 500 candidates were chosen from the almost 18,500 applicants in the first round, which took place in April. Since then, further selection has taken place and today, 20 racing talents go into the fourth round hoping to capture one of the coveted eight positions in the race team that will participate in the legendary 24-hour race on the Nürburgring in 2008.

With its sporty OPC model range (Opel Performance Center) and OPC Race Camp, Opel now opens up a new range of possibilities in its traditional domain of popular motorsport. Candidates must have the talent and determination to achieve their dream of race car driving, while Opel provides them with the cars, the professional training and the necessary organizational support. After all, the dream of being a racing driver often dissipates because of the high investments that are required. Alain Visser sees the OPC Race Camp as a motorsport venture with good prospects for the future: “With the OPC Race Camp, Opel opens a completely new dimension in motorsport. The Race Camp addresses friends of motorsport that would otherwise experience car racing from the sidelines at best. It is an ideal project for Opel’s participation in popular motorsport because we can get our fans even more directly involved.”

The concept includes several new ideas. Firstly, it is aimed at drivers looking for a special challenge, regardless of their age, sex or current brand of car. The only condition is that they may not have any previous experience in motorsport. After all, the key question is: “Is it possible to professionally train performance-oriented drivers for a 24-hour race, and perhaps even guide them toward their dream job of being a racing driver?”

Another new idea is the focus on people and excitement at the OPC Race Camp. The fortune of the candidates at the various casting levels captivates both the media and outside observers, as do the demands of the thrilling selection processes and training stages. As a result, the OPC Race Camp has strong media partners in print and television, who accompany the entire project with regular and extensive coverage.

The Race Camp candidates use several 177 kW/240 hp Astra OPCs as training vehicles, and two racing versions of the compact sports car are ready for later competitive races. In addition, Opel has a long tradition associated with the Nürburgring. A few months after setting this record with the Astra OPC in 2005, Opel reproduced this feat with the Zafira OPC as one of the world’s fastest series production vans. Opel plans further record drives with its OPC models.

Because of the positive response to the OPC Race Camp – with almost 18,500 inquiries from German-speaking European countries – Opel is considering expanding the Race Camp concept to other European countries.

Opel Corsa Hybrid Concept 2007

Corsa Hybrid concept car with just 99 grams CO2 per kilometer

The Opel Corsa Hybrid concept car, which makes its world debut next month at the IAA in Frankfurt, is a result of General Motors’ expanded efforts to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Powered by the next-generation GM Hybrid system and diesel engine technology, the Corsa Hybrid concept car requires just 3,75 liters of diesel per 100 km and emits only 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer. Based on the 55 kW/75 hp Corsa 1.3 CDTI, fuel savings are largely achieved by GM’s next-generation belt-alternator starter technology debuting in this concept. The Corsa Hybrid uses a lithium-ion battery.

The Corsa Hybrid concept car’s hybrid technology combines the functions of a starter motor and electric generator. Its highly efficient diesel engine is also switched off by the hybrid system when the car is stopped, and restarted when the brake pedal is released. When extra power is required, such as when accelerating or overtaking, the motor provides significantly higher torque. This combination of 1.3-liter diesel engine and electric generator reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The lithium-ion battery provides the necessary electrical power for the belt-alternator starter, and the battery itself is recharged by the concept car’s regenerative braking function: when decelerating, the fuel is shut off and the vehicle’s kinetic energy is transformed into electrical energy.

The Corsa Hybrid concept car represents GM’s global commitment to a comprehensive and cost-effective advanced technology strategy focused on producing commercially viable and sustainable cars and trucks. These include alternative fuel vehicles, ongoing improvements to conventional internal combustion engines and transmissions, hybrid-electric and electric vehicles, as well as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Opel Corsa OPC 2007

Opel has shifted into top gear with the new Corsa. Following the successful market launch of the bestseller's fourth generation, Opel now sends the sporty top version on to the road.

This level of performance provides the newest member of the sporty OPC family 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 Corsa OPC requires 7.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, a moderate figure in this performance class. It makes its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in early March, shortly before its market launch.

The top-of-the-line Corsa's look also reflects pure sportiness. The roof spoiler, as well as the powerful front and rear aprons with distinctive gill-like air intakes and outlets 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.

The 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 and adjusted torsion beam rear axle weld-in angle, new spring/dampener tuning, lowering of the chassis by 10 mm and a larger stabilizer. The standard ESP system, which can be deactivated, has also been tuned to the car's sporty character. The new 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 powerful deceleration: the Corsa OPC boasts internally ventilated, 308 mm front disk brakes and 264 mm disk brakes at the rear.

Sportiness also dominates the Corsa OPC's cockpit. In addition to the typical OPC door sills, chrome-ringed instruments with red pointers and blue-ringed air vents (also available in silver), the flat-bottomed leather sports steering wheel is especially eye-catching. Also reminiscent of motor sport vehicles, the steering wheel features a blue (or optionally silver) ring at its crown, while the center console in piano lacquer finish and aluminum pedals underline the sporty, high quality ambience. Particularly striking are the newly developed Recaro sports seats with integrated head restraints. The race-car-like seats protect both the driver and front passenger with integrated side airbags ? a world premiere for this type of seat.

The introduction of the Corsa expands Opel's OPC program to five model lines. The top-of-the-line Vectra OPC with 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 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.