FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: Opel Astra GTC to focus on handling not power

Opel's newest calling card was unveiled at Frankfurt motor show... The Astra GTC -- and it's coming Down Under. But it is not what it seems at first glance...

Given the GTC's sporty appearance and fancy name you could be forgiven for thinking the newest Opel is a rival to the Volkswagen Golf GTI or Renault Megane RS. After all, it uses two of the most revered letters in the automotive alphabet: 'G' and 'T'. No wonder we were expecting an 'I' or similar to follow.

But, like us, you probably got it wrong too. This is just the regular (albeit good-looking) version of the new three-door Astra, powered by rather tame 1.4 or 1.6 turbo petrol engines or a 2.0 turbo diesel. For now!

The all-singing, all-dancing hot hatch version – which Opel calls OPC (Opel Performance Centre) – is not due to break cover until next year.

In the meantime, Opel's hoping to cash-in on the GTC's looks. Compared with the Astra five-door, the GTC's height has been lowered by 15mm, while the wheelbase has grown by 10mm, and the footprint is wider at the front (+40mm) and rear (+30mm).

This is all in aid of making the GTC handle really well. But in case that wasn't enough differentiation, Opel engineers did something fancy with the steering and front suspension to make it feel more sporty.

We've read the press blurb several times and we still don't quite understand it. So, here's the explanation straight from Opel. (Warning: you may need an engineering degree. Good luck!).

"The HiPerStrut uses the Astra's existing pick-up points, but reduces the kingpin inclination angle by 44 percent and shortens the spindle length (kingpin offset) by 46 percent versus the MacPherson strut-equipped models.

"Adding the HiPerStrut has also reduced the amount of camber change on the GTC's front wheels during cornering, improving grip. Steering feel is enhanced, too, helped by a reduction the steering system's friction levels. The geometry changes brought by the HiPerStruts also mean that the GTC can be fitted with wheels of up to 20-inches in diameter."

Cool. I think I understood the last bit. You can fit bigger wheels on it.

Apparently the system also helps prevent the steering wheel from 'tugging' as you power out of corners. [Ed: HiPerStrut is Opel's version of the 'modified' Macpherson strut systems used by Renault in the Megane RS and Ford in the Fiesta RS]

Despite its sporting intentions, the GTC does not get independent rear suspension. But fear not. The world's fastest and most credible hot hatch, the Renault Megane RS, doesn't have independent rear suspension either, and it seems to go okay. Here's Opel's spin on it:

“The Astra's GTC compound crank/Watt's link rear suspension system has also been revised, with bespoke roll-stiffness and roll-center height settings for this application. The system has many advantages over a modern multi-link design [that's Opel picking on VW's system, in case you weren't sure], including improved packaging, greater wheel camber stiffness and reduced suspension friction. The Watt's link also ensures that lateral stability is maintained at all times.”

Regardless of the mumbo jumbo, we can't wait to get behind the wheel.

It should be in Australia in 2013. But it can't come soon enough.

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