Opel has recently announced that the new generation of the Astra OPC will be officially presented at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.
The most powerful production Astra ever is based on the sporty-looking Astra GTC three-door hatch and features a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine developing 206 kW and a maximum torque of 400 Nm. A six-speed manual gearbox and a specially developed mechanical limited-slip differential transfer power to the front wheels.
The OPC model also benefits from a raft of bespoke chassis modifications with changes to the suspension, steering and braking systems, while it is also employs Opel’s FlexRide adaptive dampers featuring a dedicated Sport- and OPC-drive mode.
Likewise, the interior boasts select upgrades such as the body-hugging sports seats trimmed in leather with contrasting stitching that also feature on the door panels, the flat-bottom steering wheel and gear shifter.
Without going over the top, the Astra OPC looks the part with a new front bumper sporting a larger lower vent, side skirts, roof spoiler, a new rear bumper that houses a diffuser and rectangular tail pipes, and delicious 20-inch alloy wheels.
The new Astra OPC will compete against the Ford Focus ST, the VW Golf GTI/R (depending on pricing) and the Renault Megane RS. More details on the model are expected to be announced at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show next month.
