2012 Opel Astra OPC

(continued from above)

The exclusive body work of the Astra OPC is an expression of pure passion for power and speed. The Astra GTC with its racy edge has so far been the most emotional expression of Opel's design language but the OPC version flexes its muscles. The OPC is given extra sportiness with a set of specially sculpted front and rear bumpers, side skirts, an aerodynamic roof spoiler and two exhaust tail pipes in a trapeze shape. In the inside, the compact sports car has performance seats, a flat OPC sports leather steering wheel and special instruments.

The whole chassis of the sports car is designed to deliver power, without comprise. In line with the finest OPC traditions, the car was put through its paces and polished on the Northern Loop ("Nordschleife") of the Nurburgring race track in Germany under the supervision of the Opel brand ambassador Joachim ("Jockel") Winkelhock, winner of the 24 Hours Nurburgring in 1990 and 1991.

The 2012 Astra OPC is geared especially towards lateral dynamics and superb handling qualities. The high tech front-wheel suspension, HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) of the Astra GTC helps to achieve this goal. In addition to the HiPerStrut feature, the OPC also enjoys all the benefits of the fully-adaptive FlexRide chassis control system. The FlexRide chassis lets the driver sharpen the characteristic shock absorber line, the steering and the gas pedal responsiveness. The driver can do that at the touch of a "Sport" and "OPC" button.

The OPC model has also been fitted with a limited slip differential on the front axle. This gives the Opel Astra OPC even more stability and better handling, in other words the car has more grip when exiting bends at high speeds - even in wet conditions.

"We have devised a great package that will convince even the most experienced sports drivers - not just on the Nurburgring," Winkelhock explains. "The high performance brake system made by the prestigious manufacturer, Brembo, ensures good deceleration stats and maximum stability, even in moments of intense pressure."

The Astra OPC will be sold as the Vauxhall Astra VXR in the U.K.