Opel Hottest Astra

The last time Opel (Vauxhall for the British) made a hot hatch, it was the Astra OPC. That had more power than it could make use of. Almost as if they gave it a lot of power to make sure it wipes the road with other cars. Sure that worked but it couldn’t handle a simple corner.

Now years later they have unleashed a new model and yes with even more power. The high performance 2.0L four cylinder turbocharged engine produces 280hp/209kw and 400Nm torque. 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds and top speed of 250km/h. The fastest Astra ever.

Before it was almost an impossible feat to steer, now the new Astra OPC features adaptive suspension or HiPer strut in development by FlexRide system, allows the wheels to turn while the suspension strut remains in a fixed position so that it doesn’t compromise the suspension geometry through the corners. A limited-slip front differential has also been fitted for the first time in the Astra OPC, much like the one found in the Focus RS to help keep all of its power on the road, so you can drive it without seeing the Grim Reaper’s face in every corner.

Astra OPC also comes with a power app for those of you who use an Apple smartphone. It accesses the “CAN bus” system of the car and allows you to see sixty different data, from engine boost, throttle position, engine torque, G-forces and many more. It also lets you store them so you can compare it with your OPC friends. You no longer need a laptop and special software, just your iPhone or iPad.

Don’t worry an Android version is in development.

JohnV

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