Opel resurrected a much-loved badge from the past when it revealed the Opel Insignia Grand Sport GSi, but the badge is poised to find a home on the Opel Astra next.
Spy shots show the upcoming Opel Astra GSi completely uncovered, save for a few strips of camouflage around the head and taillights. Production wheels are also missing, but everything else is in its place. Red accents can be seen in the front and rear.
Curiously, the car wears a “GS” badge up front, which leads us to believe it may be using parts bin components from the Buick Verano GS, which is sold in China. That car is a carbon copy of the Opel Astra. Otherwise, everything seen here is all Opel.
Power may come from the Insignia GSi’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is the same powerplant used in the outgoing Buick Regal GS. It makes 252 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which seems like more than enough power for Opel’s pocket rocket.
Though, this begs the question: is an Opel Astra OPC still on the table? With the resurrection of the GSi badge, Opel never cleared up if it replaces OPC, or if it simply represents a slightly less hot version of various products. Previously rumors pointed to a 300 hp Astra OPC in the pipeline when Opel was under GM leadership. Things could change with PSA Groupe, however.
Spy shots: CarScoops
Comments
Zooming in on the masked out badge, am I alone in thinking whatever’s hiding underneath, it doesn’t look much like an Opel badge? Kinda looks more Holden-ish, albeit impossible to tell with any certainty.
If they intend on being a serious player in the hot hatch market, they need at least 300bhp on that thing.
– Honda Civic Type R – 306bhp
– Ford Focus RS – 350bhp
252hp sounds more like the power in a Tonka Toy than a serious hot hatch contender.