OPEL PERFORMANCE CENTRE
The powerful coupé rolls on specially developed 20-inch tires (265/30 ZR 20 at the front and 305/25 ZR 20 at the rear). Based on the same engineering as the DTM car, the study not only proves its suitability for the road, it also demonstrates the synergies that are possible between motor racing and series production. "With this super sports car concept, Opel is under-lining its engineering expertise and, at the same time, displaying its commitment to motor sports", says OPC racing manager, Volker Strycek.
The "X-Treme" project took shape under the supervision of Opel's subsidiary company OPC (Opel Performance Center GmbH), which is responsible for the company´s European motor sport activities and also for the development of exclusive, high-performance products. Created in a mere seven weeks as the result of close cooperation with engineers and designers at Opel's International Technical Development Center (ITDC), the Astra Coupé OPC X-Treme embodies, in concentrated and sensational form, the dynamics and engineering expertise that are channeled into all new Opel products. As OPC's general manager and head of motor sport, Volker Strycek says: "The 'X-Treme' demonstrates how Opel can play in the top league!"
The overall concept of this high-tech sports car is very similar to the DTM racing version: the safety bodyshell has gull-wing doors and a spaceframe and uses various high-strength carbon-fibre components. The 4.0-liter V8 engine with four valves per cylinder drives the rear wheels through a six-speed, transaxle gearbox located at the rear and there is double-wishbone suspension at the front and rear with a brake system using carbon-fibre discs at all wheels.
About half of the competition car's components have been modified or redesigned for use on the road car. The body is more harmonious in appearance, with more rounded nose and tail sections, smoother transitions, 20-inch center-lock wheels of new OPC design and a specially-created bright red paint finish. Alcantara fabric, brushed aluminium trim and many details crafted to a very high standard are to be found inside the "X-Treme", which manages to combine sports car character with a distinguished 'techno-look'. The seats, which feature five-point seat belt harnesses, have carbon-fibre reinforced shells just like the DTM racer, although they are more comfortably upholstered for non-competition driving.
The engine has also been modified to better suit road driving conditions. The valve timing and electronic management software have been modified, the compression ratio lowered and the flywheel mass increased in order to give the engine the operating characteristics needed for more day-to-day use. Yet with its power output of 326 kW (444 hp) and an unladen weight of only 1150 kilograms, the Astra Coupé OPC X-Treme is among the very fastest sportscars in terms of performance.
Volker Strycek comments: "Both the media and the public have reacted very enthusiastically to the 'X-Treme'. After its debut in Geneva, we received a number of spontaneous orders. As you can imagine, we are very tempted by the idea of producing a small, exclusive batch of these cars, each 'X-Treme' equipped to customers' personal preferences. This would also be an opportunity to explore new sales and customer service concepts. For instance, buyers might be able to log into the internet and see their cars being built, step by step."
Reply With Quote