Media Release:Full Opel Performance Centre (OPC) line up set to heat up Australian roads from March 2013

• Most powerful hot hatch in its segment, Astra OPC confirmed for 2013
• Insignia OPC and Corsa OPC to complete OPC model line-up from March 2013
• Opel Performance Centre (OPC) – emotional and performance spearhead of Opel

The Opel Australia family is set to get even hotter with the confirmation of the Insignia OPC and Corsa OPC to join the Astra OPC from March 2013. Opel Australia’s Managing Director, Bill Mott said that being able to bring the three model OPC line-up to Australia has long been on the top of the wish list since Opel announced they were heading down under.

“Since we confirmed the Astra OPC at the Sydney show, dealers have reported back strong customer enquiry with many customer orders being placed already. OPC has always been on the top of our local wish list and we’re very excited to confirm that when the Astra OPC arrives in March, it will be joined by the Corsa OPC and Insignia OPC,” he said.

For over 13 years the OPC brand has been the emotional and performance halo of Opel. OPC combines the style and practicality of the Opel range while delivering an ultimate performance car. Whether it is in the Corsa, Astra or Insignia, the OPC brand is set to ignite pure passion behind the wheel.

Insignia OPC
The most powerful production vehicle Opel has ever produced, the Insignia OPC sedan is powered by Opel’s advanced 2.8-litre V6 Turbo ECOTEC engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Producing segment leading , 239kW of power and 435Nm of torque the engine uses a single, twin scroll turbocharger and variable valve control for quick throttle response.
The model will be the first Opel in Australia to come with Opel’s adaptive 4X4 technology, using a bespoke chassis developed through an extensive test programme at the gruelling Nürburgring circuit in Germany.

The HiPerStrut system is unique to the Insignia OPC and serves two primary functions to reduce torque-steer, but also to maintain negative camber during cornering, thereby improving ultimate grip levels in wet or dry conditions.

Complementing these features are standard 19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch lightweight forged alloys will be a cost option), revised bushing and damper settings on both axles, and Brembo® brakes with colour-keyed callipers and vented/cross-drilled discs.On the exterior the Sedan will carry a deeper bumper, incorporating bold, twin mesh grilles either side of the main grille, a rear spoiler and dual matt chrome exhausts.

This sporting theme continues in the Insignia OPC’s cabin. Recaro® front seats, OPC steering wheel, OPC gearknob and unique mouldings are standard, along with different instrument graphics, OPC sill plates and a black headlining.

Corsa OPC
The three-door sports hatch is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo engine paired with Opel’s six-speed manual transmission providing 141kW power and 260Nm of torque with overboost. Underneath the Corsa OPC carries a unique lowered OPC sports chassis with McPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension. Standard on the Corsa OPC are 17-inch, OPC-exclusive alloy wheels and like all OPC models comes with Brembo® front brakes.

The Corsa OPC carries a distinctive sporty exterior with a number of OPC exclusive elements including, heated body coloured mirrors, body kit, rear roof spoiler and a centrally mounted chrome exhaust tip.
The Corsa OPC has been awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating. Dual front, front-side, and curtain airbags are all standard, along with Opel’s Electronic Stability Control (ESC), traction control, anti-lock braking system (ABS). The Corsa’s optional technology package including
Opel’s adaptive forward lighting package, rear park assist and daytime running lamps are also standard on the OPC model.

For the driver and front passenger, the Corsa OPC offers Recaro® performance four-way adjustable bucket seats as standard. The OPC exclusives continue inside the vehicle with OPC branded deluxe carpet floor mats in the front and rear, door sill plates and leather covered steering wheel.

Astra OPC
Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine, the Astra OPC achieves a power output of up to 206 kW and maximum torque of 400 Nm. Never before has an Astra been so fast, sprinting from zero to 100km/h in just 6.0 seconds. The Astra OPC will be the most powerful hot hatch available in its segment .

The Astra OPC comes with a long list of standard features including; Opel’s FlexRide adaptive chassis system, dual front, front side and curtain airbags, premium front sports bucket seats with electrically adjustable bolsters, seat heating, a manually extendable front seat cushion and electric lumbar adjustment, Bluetooth® connectivity with voice recognition, infotainment system complete with a seven-inch colour information display, satellite navigation, iPod® connectivity, SD card reader and seven premium audio speakers.

Strong Track Record of OPC Brand

The Opel Performance Centre, responsible for the sporty accents in the Opel model line-up since 1999, is a decisive element in the Opel brand profile. It embodies a high level of emotion and passion for striking design, top-class technology and extraordinary driving dynamics. The vehicles with “OPC” in their model name are positioned as the emotional spearheads of the respective model lines.

Pricing and further specification for the Insignia OPC and Corsa OPC will be announced closer to launch. Order books for the highly-specified Astra OPC, priced from $42,990, are open in all Opel dealerships across Australia with the first of the OPC models arriving in showrooms from March 2013.