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Corsa pocket rocket revealed

<b>HOT HATCH:</b> Opel's new 141kW Corsa OPC is revealed at the Johannesburg International Motor Show.
<b>HOT HATCH:</b> Opel's new 141kW Corsa OPC is revealed at the Johannesburg International Motor Show.
The Opel Performance Centre’s (OPC) objective is quite simple: take existing Opel models and turn them into high-performance sporty vehicles.

At the Johannesburg International Motor Show the German automaker’s tuning arm has revealed its latest hot hatchback - the Corsa OPC.

OVERBOOST SYSTEM

Power is derived from a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine producing 141 kW at 5850 r/min with 230 Nm at 1980 - 5800 r/min. For those who seek even more power the new model features an “overboost” system which can increase torque to 266 Nm when a short burst of extra performance is needed. The powerplant is mated to a six-speed transmission.

In a vehicle that weighs 1280 kg this translates into a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of just 7.2 seconds with a top speed of 225 km/h. Fuel consumption rated at a claimed 7.9-litres/100km.

The Corsa OPC continues its hot hatch heritage with assertive styling in the form of the roof spoiler and revised front and rear bumper. A dark shaded diffuser boost aerodynamics and moulded side sills complete the transition from standard Corsa hatback to sports-tuned pocket rocket.

In keeping with the OPC tradition, a colour-keyed crossbar highlights the new grille. Other unique styling cues are the distinctive side mirrors and 18-inch alloy wheels, both accented with a triangular design motif used throughout the vehicle.

Inside the sporty nature of the OPC continues with door-sill treatments, chrome surrounds and sporty OPC gauges. Air vent surrounds are colour keyed in either silver or blue depending on the body and upholstery colour. To complete the sporty package drivers are treated to a chunky steering wheel, aluminium pedals, leather gear knob and lacquer finish for the centre console

CREATURE COMFORTS

The sports seats fitted to the new model are the product of a joint development programme between Opel and specialist seat maker Recaro.

Creature comforts include air conditioning, power windows (front), MP3 compatible RDS radio/CD combo with seven speakers, steering wheel controls and speed sensitive central door locking.

Dual front and side airbags are fitted and isofix child seat attachments are provided…though we’re not sure if the missus would let you keep this pocket rocket.

The OPC variant rides 15mm lower compared to the standard Corsa, and Opel engineers have increased stiffness and decreased roll rate by 25%.

The Corsa OPC is fitted with 7.5J X 18 alloy rims with 225/35 R18 tyres. Brakes are a massive 308mm ventilated discs at the front and 264 discs at the rear while the callipers are finished in trademark OPC blue.

Designed for enthusiastic driving the new Corsa OPC is perfect for any hatchback fan and could give Vokswagen GTI fans a run for the money.

Read more reports about the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show.
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