Opel shows off Astra race car
Race-ready new five-door 246kW hatchback built for European customer touring car teamsGM’s European arm, Opel, has shown off the all-new race cars it will offer to customer racing teams from February 2016.
Built and developed to international TCR (Touring Car Racing) regs, the new racer can compete in both short and long distance races, including the Nurburgring 24-hour.
Based, loosely, on the new 11th-generation Astra, the new racer weighs in at 1200kg and produces 246kW/420Nm from its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.
Like the family hatch, the racer remains front-wheel drive but gets a race-spec sequential six-speed transmission.
Boasting huge 378mm front brake discs with powerful six-piston callipers, the brake system allows drivers to alter brake balance from the cockpit.
Underneath its bulging Astra bodywork there’s fully adjustable suspension -- but all electronic aids, including ABS, are banned.
The rules of TCR also govern the aero, which is limited to an adjustable front splitter and big rear spoiler that are all interchangeable on other TCR-spec racers to keep costs down.
The ready-to-race, fully built-up Opel Astra TCR will be delivered to teams in February 2016. Each car costs $145,000, plus local taxes.
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