Friday, December 28, 2007

Opel Corsa OPC in Depth


  • OPC powerhouse with 192 turbo hp

  • Up to 266 Newton meters with overboost

  • Zero to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds

  • Top speed 225 km/h

  • Pure Corsa driving fun

Opel is shifting into top gear with the new 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 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 225 km/h. The maximum torque of 230 Nm is delivered to the front wheels by the standard six-speed transmission. In addition, 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 Corsa OPC requires 7.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, a moderate figure in this performance class. The first models are already available at Opel dealerships this month.
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.

Sportiness also dominates the 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, which are integrated into the seat back − a first for a series production folding body-contoured seat.

Chassis tuned on Nürburgring Nordschleife

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, 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 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 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 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 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.

Opel Corsa OPC – overview of important data:

Length 4040 mm
Width 1713 mm
Height 1488 mm
Wheelbase 2511 mm
Track front/rear 1485/1478 mm
Curb weight (without driver) 1203 kg
Engine Four-cylinder turbo
Displacement 1598 cm3
Max. output 141 kW (192 hp) at 5850 rpm
Max. torque 230 Nm at 1980 − 5800 rpm
Max. torque with overboost 266 Nm
Transmission Six-speed, manual
Top speed 225 km/h
Acceleration from 0 – 100 km/h 7.2 seconds
Acceleration from 80 – 120 km/h in fifth gear 6.7 seconds
Consumption urban/extra-urban/combined 10.5/6.4/7.9 liters
CO2 emissions 190 g/km

All data refer to the European base model with standard equipment. The consumption data according to 1999/100/EU takes into consideration the vehicle’s curb weight as stipulated by this regulation. The published performance figures are possible with the vehicle’s curb weight excluding driver plus a 200 kilogram load allowance.















Related entries:

Opel Corsa OPC Sets Circuit Record on Nürburgring




0 comments:

Post a Comment