Opel releases new Corsa OPC

Opel have unleashed the latest and most powerful version of the Corsa to date. The limited ‘Nürburgring Edition’ is based on the recently face lifted Corsa and just 500 units are planned. Opel claim the major ingredients are increased power, performance and passion.

The engine management and turbocharger have been modified and tied to a new sports exhaust which will reduce back pressure, specifically optimised for use of 100 octane fuel. Power is increased from 192 hp (141kW) to 210 hp (154kW) giving 131 hp per litre. Torque also increases by 20 Nm to 250 Nm and 280 Nm when the turbocharger’s ‘overboost’ function is activated.

The power increase has been countered by a new mechanical multi-plate limited slip differential. This should reduce wheel spin under heavy acceleration and help the vehicle cope with road surface variations while also increasing the cars capability on track.

Opel have also spent some time tuning the chassis to cope with the extra power. The ride height has been lowered and Bilstein have developed new springs and dampers while Brembo have provided a new light weight braking system. OPC have also recalibrated the chassis and driver support systems including the ABS, Traction Control and the Electronic Stability Control to work with the new engine and chassis settings.

Opel extend the treatment to the exterior of the car, two new colours will be available – apple- green ‘grasshopper’  and red ‘Henna’ as well as new 18” forged aluminium wheels in high gloss grey. A new front lip spoiler and stainless steel dual exhaust will be added to compliment the ‘Nürburgring’ logos on the B-pillars.

The interior of the Corsa has also been upgraded, the sill plates have black and red ‘Nürburgring’ lettering and the Recaro sports seats have white stitching, as do the rear seats, handbrake and gearshift console. The front seats also gain the ‘Nürburgring’ logo.

All of these improvements should not just improve the performance of the car but Opel claims provide outstanding driving fun. The car will hit 62 mph (100km/h) in 6.8 seconds and in gear performance is boosted by the increased torque, 80-120 km/h in 5th gear is despatched in 6.2 seconds. Top speed is boosted to 230 km/h.

To justify the name the new Corsa has been extensively tested at the ‘Nürburgring’ to make sure it stands up to the toughest tests. The newly developed exhaust system should add to the aural experience to suit the character of the vehicle. Vauxhall say that the car is summed up by their brand ambassador, the racing driver Joachim Winkelhock who says “you drive and drive and drive – and you just don’t want to stop.”

The Opel Corsa ‘Nürburgring Edition’ can now be ordered at a recommended retail price of 27.650 euros (incl. VAT in Germany).