GM unleashes fastest-ever Astra

GM’s European division has unleashed its fastest hot-hatch to date – known as the Opel Astra OPC (for Opel Performance Centre) in Continental Europe and Vauxhall Astra VXR in the UK.

GM claims the 206kW/400Nm tearaway – which goes on sale in Europe early next year – offers best-in-class performance against a rival pack that includes the Renault Megane RS 250, Mazda3 MPS and Volkswagen Golf R.

Although the 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo engine’s grunt is channelled to the tarmac via the front wheels only, the flagship Astra features a mechanical limited slip differential to quell wheelspin and, as per the lesser GTC range, it gains GM/Saab’s HiPer strut at the front to preserve steering precision while the huge torque loads are being deployed to the front hoops.

The front strut employs a separate knuckle joint that’s claimed to minimise the torque-steer that mars most high-powered front-wheel-drive cars, and is similar in principle to the set-ups used by Renault and Ford.

Full performance figures are yet to be released, with Opel/Vauxhall for now divulging a governed top speed of 250km/h, but the 0-100km/h split remains a secret. If we were to speculate, we’d suggest it will be in the high-five-second bracket.

As per the previous-gen Astra hot-shoe, the OPC/VXR has a switch in the cockpit that enables the FlexRide adaptive dampers to be tailored to a hardcore track setting, but there’s also a less manic Sport setting. The car’s stopping power should also be up to the mark, as the standard anchors are binned in favour of Brembo competition-derived discs.

As you’d expect, the chassis was honed at the Nurburgring Nordschleife – with some of the development work carried out by touring car ace Jo Winkelhock – but GM isn’t as yet doing any grandstanding about the Astra’s lap time.

The hot-hatch ’Ring record currently resides with the Renault Megane RS 250, which earlier this year scorched around the perilous 20.8km circuit in 8min 7.97sec.

For what it’s worth Winkelhock says: “We have devised a great package that will convince even the most enthusiastic drivers… and not just on the Nurburgring.”

Visual clues that distinguish the OPC/VXR from lesser models include an aggressive front bumper/spoiler assembly with large central air intake and brake cooling ducts, while the rear end features a bumper diffuser and twin trapezoidal exhausts. The high-po Astra’s stance is further beefed up by huge 20-inch alloys shod with liquorice-strip rubber.

Meanwhile, the cabin houses winged sports seats and a leather-trimmed sports steering wheel and gearknob.

As previously reported, the Opel brand launches here in November next year, but it’s not yet known whether the flagship Astra will be part of the line-up. Stay tuned…

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