2011 Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition

Opel has added a new member to it’s OPC family. It’s called the Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition and will be limited to around 500 units. The difference between the Nurburgring Edition and the Corsa OPC will be an engine that will deliver 210 HP, instead of the standard 192 HP, and a peak torque of 169 lb-ft, as opposed to the standard 184 lb-ft. This new engine will sprint the Corsa from 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds and will allow it to hit a top speed of 142 mph.

For the new Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition, Opel offered a specific 10,000-kilometer test program under the toughest conditions on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife to validate the car’s endurance and to fine-tune the chassis and drive components. Additional traction and drive stability is ensured by a mechanical multi-plate limited slip differential, a newly developed sports chassis by Bilstein, and a high-performance braking system by Brembo.

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gallery:2011 Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition

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The new 2012 Opel Zafira Tourer

Opel have released details on the new Zafira Tourer ahead of it’s world debut at the Frankfurt Motor show in September. According to Opel the new Zafira aims to combine functionality and wellness, it’s anyone’s guess what “wellness” even refers to but we will take their word for it. One of the biggest selling points in the Zafira Tourer is obviously the interior space. When the first Zafira was launched in 1999 it was the only 7-seater in its class and it set standards for on-board flexibility. The new Zafira continues this tradition and builds onto it with an optional Lounge Seating system which provides limosine-like seating space for the passengers in the second row. Another interesting feature is that the back of the middle seat in the second row can be folded down and rotated to provide arm-rests for the passengers in the outer seats. The increased cabin space and flexible seating system has resulted in 710 litres load volume which is 65 litres more than the previous Zafira, with all the seats folded down the figure comes to 1860 litres. Another big feature of the new Zafira is its safety features. The safety features include; FDI (Following distance indication) that lets the driver know the distance to the vehicle in front. FCA (Forward collision alert) which alerts the drive via visual and audio regarding imminent collisions with the car ahead. ILR (Intelligent light ranging system) which constantly adapts the headlamp low beam based on the distance of the car in front, to maximize the light without blinding. When the new Opel Zafira Tourer launches it will be available in 3 versions of the 2.0 CDTI common-rail turbo diesel, with outputs ranging from 81 kW (110 hp) to 121 kW (165 hp). The petrol engine range is aimed at being more fuel efficient and will be available as a 1.4 ECOTEC turbo-charged engine, the range of engine options produce from 88 kW (120hp) to 103 kW (140 hp). Look for more information on a South African release date closer to the time.

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THE NEW OPEL ASTRA GTC

The new Opel Astra GTC

The new Opel Astra GTC will make its world premier on the 15th of September at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt. It will also make an appearance at the Goodwood festival of speed, happening next month. 

The exterior of the new Opel Astra GTC has been designed to emphasize “drama” by limiting the number of lines running down the side of the car. The direct relation of drama to number of lines is something that Opel will need to clarify at some point. That said, the car looks slick and sporty and is certainly pleasing to look at. 

The front suspension architecture of the Astra GTC, which is similar to that of the Opel Insignia OPC, improves the handling performance of the car with sharper steering. All Astra GTC models will come with front suspension High Performance Strut (HiPerStrut). This improves the wheel-guidance and grip as well as reducing torque-steering and improving cornering power. 

Compared to the standard 5-door Astra, the ride height of the GTC has been lowered by 15mm, the wheelbase has increased by 10mm and the tracks are also wider. This has allowed the GTC to use sport wheels that have enhanced tyre diameter and create improved stability and road stance. 

At launch the car will be available with a choice of 3 petrol and 1 diesel engine options. The engine options include a 2.0 CDTI common-trail turbo diesel which produces 121 kW/165 hp and is fitted to a 6-speed manual transmission, which completes 0-100km/h in 8.9 seconds. Start/Stop technology comes as standard and results in a combined fuel economy of just 4.9 litres/100km.

The two 1.4 litre turbo-compressed petrol options produce 99 kW/120 hp and 103 kW/140 hp, both with a 6-speed manual transmission. Their fuel economy stats clock in at 5.9 litres/100km. The top of the line petrol engine is the 1.6 litre turbo which produces 132 kW/180 hp, also with a 6-speed transmission and a top speed of 220km/h.

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