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NEWS
Lighter, faster Astra VXR for 2017
Astra hot hatch to be replaced by all-new lighter and more powerful 210kW performance carThe 206kW Holden Astra VXR is gearing up for an Australian (re)launch in mid-2015, but the company that supplies the car, German-based Opel Performance Centre, or OPC, is already working on its successor.
And it's going be up to 150kg lighter and generate more power from a smaller engine.
Wilfried Diehl is the Performance Variants Manager for Opel, the brains behind the OPC brand if you will, and he confirmed to motoring.com.au that he is now working on the next-generation Renault Megane RS slayer.
"We are working on the successor of the Astra VXR, to be launched in 2017," he revealed.
The new model is to be based on the next-generation Opel Astra, which could arrive in late 2015. The red-hot Astra will develop slightly more power than the current 206kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol model, despite having a smaller, more efficient engine to meet ever tightening EU emissions regulations.
Diehl said the power increase is "not that much because we will reduce the displacement".
"I think we will go to 1.6-litres with around 280-plus horsepowers," he noted, which could mean an output of around 210kW hitting the road via the front wheels.
It's not clear if the car will get GM's new nine- or 10-speed automatic transmission being developed with arch-rival Ford. But one thing is for sure – it's about to embark on an extreme diet.
"It will be lighter because the current Astra is very heavy. I think if the new car is 100kg or 150kg lighter then you can feel more of the power. Everything improves, braking, handling, acceleration. This is for sure," explained Diehl.
The current Astra VXR – which is badged Astra OPC outside of Australia and the UK – weighs 1475kg, meaning it could drop down to 1325kg if Diehl gets his way.
The OPC boss hinted that some of the lightweight elements previewed on the Astra OPC EXTREME concept could help lower the cars weight.
"It was primarily a concept car that we would like to show new technologies. We had a lot of carbon parts in it," he said, noting the planned limited-run of road-legal Astra OPC EXTREME race cars was on hold.
"It was intended that we build 100 cars for the public but it's pending. A decision is not made that we'll do it," said the OPC supremo, noting that if the project went ahead, it would not make money.
Getting back to the 2017 Astra VXR, a car that definitely will be mass produced, Diehl said he is considering whether or not to attempt a record-breaking run at the Nurburgring lap record for a front-wheel drive production car. That record is currently held by the Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy at 7:54.3, with Honda insisting its 2015 Civic Type R will break that record and be the king of the 'Ring soon.
"We are thinking should we go into this battle or not? Because it's a tendency that came up when we started to build our Astra EXTREME vehicle as a show car.
"If we do it, we will win," proclaimed the OPC chief, but said no decision has been made on whether the challenge will be undertaken.
Artist's impression courtesy of Automedia
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Written byFeann Torr
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