Next Corsa OPC for launch in Geneva

RUSSELSHEIM, Germany - Regardless of where the car is being driven, the new Opel Corsa OPC is at home.

The new Corsa OPC combines extreme uncompromising athleticism with outstanding suitability for everyday use. The car impresses with its high-torque, 152kW, 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, agile handling and not least with its sporty looks. The new Corsa OPC will celebrate its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show (March 5-15, 2015).

ATHLETIC TOUCHES

Opel group CEO Dr Karl-Thomas Neumann said after completing the final fast calibration laps in the new Corsa OPC at the Opel test centre in Dudenhofen: "Our OPC models are the dynamic spearheads of our car ranges. They reflect Opel's sporting tradition, epitomising German engineering, emotional design and distinctive driving dynamics.

Sticking to the OPC tradition the top-of-the-range Corsa can immediately be identified as a true member of the Opel performance centre.

Apart from the new, OPC-exclusive paint in Flash Blue the Corsa OPC also boasts a new front-end design with new large air intakes. In particular, the aluminium-framed openings below the headlights create a visual link to the Corsa's bigger sports brother, the Astra OPC.

The Corsa OPC's uncompromising sporty design is continued when viewed from the rear. The spoiler attached to the boot lid is available in two different varieties - a subtle rear spoiler that comes as standard and a much more flamboyant version which creates even more down force at the rear axle. The twin-pipe Remus exhaust with a diffuser around the tailpipes adds further athletic touches both visually and acoustically which becomes apparent once the accelerator is pressed.

INTELLILINK OPTION

The interior also creates a sporty ambience. Recaro performance seats, which offer passengers optimum side support even in the most demanding of corners, are prominent. The leather steering wheel, flattened at the bottom, the OPC gear knob and the sports pedals along with the characteristic instruments in an OPC design complete the interior.

Opel's IntelliLink infotainment system will be available as an option and bring the world of smartphones, both Apple iOS and Android, to the Corsa OPC.

Under the bonnet lurks Opel's proven 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine boasting 152kW and maximum torque of 245Nm between 1900 and 5800rpm - an additional 35Nm are available when required with the overboost functionality. Much attention has been paid to quick torque build-up and extending the torque plateau compared to the previous generation model (max torque was only reached at 2250rpm in the exclusive Nürburgring Edition), so that the car is much more responsive at low engine speeds.

Opel engineers teamed up with specialists from Koni to develop a chassis that boasts innovative damping. The new Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology enables the damping forces to adapt to the frequency of the car, thus enabling the balancing act between uncompromising athleticism and an adequate level of comfort.

PERFORMANCE PACKAGE

Other chassis components were also calibrated accordingly. The Corsa OPC is 10mm closer to the road surface than its tame standard Corsa siblings. A latest-generation electronic control system allows for various modes to be selected for the electronic stability programme and traction control.

Steering has also been optimised. It reacts even more directly and precisely and gives OPC drivers much better feedback. Standard 215/45 R17 Michelin performance tyres ensure perfect grip. An OPC-optimised braking system with 308mm brake discs on the front axle can be seen.

Drivers looking for even more racing flair can turn to the Corsa OPC Performance Package. It includes a mechanical multi-disc differential lock made by Drexler, 18” rims with even stickier Michelin tyres and an even more athletic chassis. The Performance Package involves Brembo high-performance brakes with 330mm discs on the front axle.

The new Corsa OPC scheduled to reach South Africa in the third quarter of 2015.