Opel Astra OPC Extreme: over 300 CV directly to Geneva

A few weeks ago we told you that Opel was preparing something very special based on its compact model, the Astra. Well, today the German brand has cleared up all doubts and presented one of its sportiest vehicles.

It is the Astra OPC Extreme, which, although still a concept model, will be presented in world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show.

This very special model has been developed using a large part of the components used in the Astra OPC Cup, which gives a good indication of the aspirations of this little powerhouse.

Even the exterior design reveals that we are not looking at just any Astra, nor even a version with sporty aspirations. We are facing a true “customer racer”, that is, a vehicle designed to compete on circuits but which can also legally be driven on open roads.

Opel places great emphasis on the intensive use of carbon fibre, which is present practically everywhere on the vehicle. Thus, we can find it on the roof, the rear wing, the front spoiler and even the wheels, which are 100% carbon fibre. The total weight reduction exceeds 100 kg, which gives a good indication of the level of the Astra OPC Extreme.

In the interior the changes are also very evident. To begin with, the rear seats have been removed, replaced by a safety cage. The conventional seats give way to a pair of bucket seats signed by the specialist Recaro, which, combined with a 6-point harness restraint system, make the occupants feel part of the vehicle’s structure.

So that the Astra OPC Extreme is as fast as it looks, the specialists at Opel have completely reviewed the chassis, improving the suspension, which is now fully adjustable.
The braking system also improves substantially, incorporating a Brembo setup consisting of 370 mm discs and 6-piston fixed calipers on the front axle, which help it achieve decelerations in keeping with its performance level.

Finally, the engine, which, although it remains the 2.0 Turbo fitted to the traditional Astra OPC, has been suitably upgraded to deliver more than 300 CV. Coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox with mechanical limited-slip differential, it gives the Astra OPC Extreme a level of performance worthy of a racing car.

Source | Opel