After finally showing off the highly anticipated Astra GTC hot-hatch in Frankfurt a few months ago, Opel/Vauxhall have decided to unveil the new even-hotter-hatch Astra OPC (that’s spelled VXR if you’re British) that will launch in Europe in the summer of 2012.
As anticipated, this rakish range topper features a 2.0-liter Ecotec direct injected turbo four. Power figures are incredibly dense with a rating of 280 hp (206 kW) and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm) with a top speed regulated to 155 mph (250 km/h). That’s pretty hard core for a front-wheel-drive hatch, which manages torque steer by utilizing GM’s HiPer Strut suspension system. If it works as well for the Astra OPC/VXR as it does in the 2012 Buick Regal GS, then drivers should experience very little, if any, torque steer.
Other elements that will help the Astra OPC/VXR an edge will be a limited slip differential in the front axle, a Brembo brake package, Recaro seats and a FlexRide chassis control system. FlexRide allows the driver to adjust the car’s handling characteristics by selecting different driving modes (such as Sport mode or the super-responsive OPC mode) to their preference.
Will we see the Astra OPC emerge in America, possibly as a Buick? A lot of signs point to yes, and this car would totally help the sporty and passionate image Buick has been holding up lately… or something like that.
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Comments
It totally should come here!! Now take that Engine and put it into the Cruze!!
Cute little ride , I couldn’t help but notice the hp and torque numbers 280hp 295lb ft of torque . Is this not the same exact 2.0 ecotec turbo found in the regal turbo and GS ,-10 hp on the American spec I hope it has something to do with fuel economy!
It might be the new 2.0 turbo that GM is working on.
In a alternate universe this is a Saturn! in the states haha 🙂
Alternate Universe indeed, HA… Somewhere people will be driving these as saturns…
The cruze has a nice engine as well