12 years after Opel displayed a unique one-off Astra OPC X-treme Concept in 2002, featuring a DTM-sourced 4.0 V8, Opel will be arriving at the Geneva Motor Show in March with a more modern OPC EXTREME, and this time, it’s destined for production – albeit in a limited production run.
The new Opel Astra OPC EXTREME will essentially be a road-going version of the Astra OPC Cup racecar, and will be the fastest production Astra the world has ever seen. To assist in this task, the OPC will go on a weight-shedding diet including the addition of high-quality carbon-fibre components in order to reduce the weight of the OPC, which has been plagued by weight issues since its release.
The Astra OPC EXTREME will be fitted with a roll-cage, racing seats, and 6-point racing harnesses. Opel Performance centre (OPC) are attempting to stick to their motto of “OPC. Pure Passion” and describe the OPC EXTREME as “racing technology for use on public roads – including the occasional detour to the Nürburgring Nordschleife.”
While there is no word yet on power upgrades etc, expect the Astra OPC’s 2.0T engine to remain, with outputs of 206kW and 400Nm. But with an expected weight-shedding of around 150-200Kg if our estimates are correct, the Astra OPC should finally put out the performance figures we’ve all dreamed of.
There is, as of yet, no final word on how many units will be produced, or whether they’ll make it to South Africa, but for an Opel fan like myself, I shall pray for it every night before I go to sleep.
