Auto Salon Geneva 2020
03.03.2015
J a, it really is. The new Corsa OPC. Recognizable by the mailbox slot on the front end of the bonnet. And yes, Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. Ergonomically correct, he has adjusted the Recaro seat, which provides plenty of lateral support, and offers me his hand. You can tell from his happy smile that he enjoys this car - an impression that solidifies after the first few meters. Neumann lets go of the sonorous humming 4-cylinder from the leash and the 280 Nm (in overboost) on the mechanical lamellar differential lock (series with performance package). Despite the slightly damp motorway entrances near the exhibition center, the wheels do not spin, the electronics seem to regulate little and the Corsa accelerates emphatically. Neumann flips the corridors through the alleys. The OPC happily lies in the 180-degree left of the next driveway loop. Neumann didn't have to steer a lot. The fun of accelerating quickly comes to an end on the Swiss autobahn - the federal sign forest dictates 100 km /h here. Time for questions to the still happily smiling Opel boss:
You have a Corsa 1.3 CDTI with 95 hp and a consumption of only 3.1 liters. CO2 emissions of just 82 grams of CO2 per kilometer in the program. Now the OPC comes with more than twice as much power, but also more than twice as much consumption and CO2 emissions - how does that fit together?Neumann : 'The Corsa OPC is a niche product and in view of the correspondingly low number of units we can live with a consumption of 7.5 liters per 100 kilometers. The Corsa OPC is a very emotional product, which with its charisma the Opel brand and the 'brand' Corsa will positively charge '.
The Corsa OPC is not light years away from its nominal performance values, but will probably cost more than a Polo GTI, for example . Where do you see the advantages of the Opel Corsa OPC that justify the additional price?Neumann: 'We believe that we have the whole package into one very fair price. The Corsa OPC is extremely well balanced and especially with the optional performance package it is absolutely suitable for the race track. This is what OPC stands for, where all models have to pass the set-up and endurance test on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring '.
Will you?Publish the lap time on the Nordschleife?Neumann: 'Let's see (grins). But I can promise you: We'd have to hide with it not “.
Opel Corsa OPC: suitable for the race track and everyday use
With the release of the Nürburgring time OPC boss Volker Strycek no problems either. The ex-racing driver is more than convinced of the racetrack qualities: 'We balanced the car excellently. In the end, we redesigned the entire rear axle. Another key is certainly the FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) suspension. Together with Koni we have developed a damper that, thanks to a special valve, adapts the damping force to the vehicle's frequency of movement. 'The effect is similar to that of adjustable dampers, such as They are now used in the compact class: The more flexible dampers, despite all the sportiness, allow good comfort in city traffic, for example.
An advantage that Karl-Thomas Neumann also has for the Corsa OPC: 'I just drive a lot in the city and there you appreciate a little comfort, even if you like it sporty. The car shouldn't annoy our customers even on longer journeys. ”The impression on the ride confirms Neumann's assessment: also on the one from the Swiss winter The fast Corsa doesn’t take any undue blows in the streets around the equipment area and remains very binding.
That doesn't sound like it d feels like something well-rounded: a small track tool with a lot of everyday use. 24,395 euros seem to be just within the limits. That is only 135 euros more than its predecessor with 195 hp. However, 2120 euros more than the Polo GTI with 'only' 192 hp, but a maximum of 320 Nm. The Opel has better features: cornering lights, continuous head airbags, multifunction steering wheel and, above all, the Prima Recaro sports seats are on the smallest OPC Model series. Nevertheless, the Corsa OPC will have the better lap time on the Nordschleife, but possibly the worse chances for customers, especially since the performance package (18-inch wheels, larger Brembo brakes and differential lock) again a whopping 3,150 euros extra costs.
With the Corsa OPC, the small car family is getting another athlete. In addition to the exclusive paintwork in opal blue, the Opel Corsa OPC can bring other peculiarities into the field. The face of the Corsa OPC is made up of large surfaces In front of the strongly shaped bonnet there is a narrow scoop that is supposed to give the front a shot more sportiness. A shot of sportiness for the flanks nd new side skirts. At the rear, the Opel Corsa OPC offers a choice of two roof spoiler variants - large and small. In the basement thetwin-pipe sports exhaust system framed by a diffuser.
Opel Corsa OPC can go up to 230 km /h
The OPC world also extends to the interior. Two Recaro sports seats are waiting for the passengers here. The driver can also look forward to a sports steering wheel with a flattened bottom, an OPC gear knob, sports pedals and OPC instruments. The IntelliLink infotainment system is optionally available.
What is much more important, however, is what goes on under the bonnet. Here powers a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder, which brings it to 207 hp and 245 Nm. Even 280 Nm can be called up for a short time via overboost. The gears are sorted using a manual six-speed gearbox. From a standing start, the Opel Corsa OPC should crack the 100 km /h mark in 6.9 seconds. The OPC has a top speed of 230 km /h. The standard consumption of the turbo dwarf is 7.5 liters.
Performance package for even more sportiness
The Corsa also carries OPC genes in the chassis. Adaptive dampers and a lowering of 10 mm should be able to provide comfort and driving dynamics. ESP and traction control can be set in stages, and ESP can even be switched off completely. The more directly coordinated steering should optimize road contact, 215/45 slippers the grip. Braking power is provided by 308 discs on the front axle.
Those who want to experience even more racing atmosphere will find what they are looking for with the Performance Package: In addition to a mechanical multi-disc differential lock from Drexler and 18-inch wheels, an even sportier chassis setup is included. Corsa OPC drivers who order the performance package also get a high-performance brake system from Brembo with 330 mm discs on the front axle.
