2015 Opel Corsa E OPC unveiled with 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and 207 hp

After celebrating its successful world premiere at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show the new Corsa OPC is ready to hit the roads. The fastest member of the new generation Corsa combines uncompromising athleticism with outstanding suitability for everyday use. The roughly four-meter long powerhouse impresses with its high-torque, 207 hp, a 1.6 liter turbocharged engine, agile handling and not least with its sporty look. However, neither the spacious interior, well known from the Corsa, nor the good comfort have suffered. The latest addition to the OPC family is available for order now from 24,395 euros (RRP including VAT in Germany) and will be in dealerships soon.

"Our OPC models are the dynamic spearheads of our car ranges. They reflect Opel's sporting tradition, epitomize German engineering, emotional design and distinctive driving dynamics. The new Corsa OPC impressively proves how high our engineers have set the bar in the sporty small car segment. It shows exactly what it is made of on winding mountainous roads and even on the racetrack, and it is so much fun that you do not want to get out of it anymore. Typical OPC - simply pure passion," enthused Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann.

OPC design: Powerful appearance

In line with the OPC tradition, the top-of-the-range Corsa can immediately be identified as a true member of the Opel Performance Center. Apart from the new, OPC-exclusive paint in flash blue the Corsa also boasts a new front-end design with new large air intakes. A small scoop is located in front of the distinctive hood giving the Corsa OPC an additional optical dash of athleticism. The dynamically modelled flanks with bold sill side trims create the appropriate connection to the rear end.

The Corsa OPC's uncompromising sporty design is continued when viewed from the rear. The spoiler attached to the trunk lid is available in two different varieties - a subtle rear spoiler that comes as standard and a much more flamboyant version. The twin-pipe Remus exhaust with a diffusor around the tailpipes adds further athletic touches.

The interior also creates a sporty ambience. Recaro performance seats, which offer passengers optimum side support even in the most demanding maze of corners, are prominent. The leather steering wheel, flattened at the bottom, the OPC gear knob and the sports pedals along with the characteristic instruments in the OPC design all come as standard and complete the interior.

1.6 Turbo ECOTEC: 207 hp and up to 280 Nm

Under the hood, the 152 kW/207 hp turbocharged gasoline engine of the new generation Corsa OPC is only waiting to be kicked into action. The 1.6-liter OPC unit now offers maximum torque of 245 Nm between 1,900 and 5,800 rpm - an additional 35 Nm are available when required with the overboost functionality. The OPC power is transferred to the front wheels via a six-speed transmission with short and sharp shifting travels. The new Corsa OPC accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds - almost a half-second faster than the Corsa OPC from the previous generation. When overtaking in fifth gear, the new edition needs three-tenths of a second less, now just 6.4 seconds from 80 to 120 km/h. Maximum speed is also boosted by 5 km/h and now reaches up to 230 km/h. Despite its sporting credentials, fuel consumption is a respectable 7.5 liters per 100 kilometers for the combined cycle (174 g/km CO2).

FSD sports chassis: Always the right frequency

In order to deliver the power to the road in the best possible manner the Opel engineers teamed up with the specialists from Koni to develop a chassis that can boast innovative damping. The new Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology enables the damping forces to adapt to the frequency of the car, thus enabling the balancing act between uncompromising athleticism and an adequate level of comfort. Elsewhere, experienced drivers can switch off the electronic stability program (ESP) completely when pushing the vehicle to its limits. Furthermore, the newly developed steering reacts even more direct and precise and gives OPC drivers much better feedback.

Performance Package: Pure racing flair for road use

Drivers looking for even more racing flair can order the Corsa OPC Performance Package. It includes a mechanical multi-disc differential lock made by Drexler, 18-inch wheels with powerful grip Michelin tires and an even more athletic chassis set-up. Furthermore, the Performance Package comprises a Brembo high performance braking system with 330-millimimeter braking discs on the front axle providing optimal deceleration. With this package the new Corsa OPC is perfectly equipped for the demands of the toughest race track in the world, the Nürburgring Nordschleife where it was developed and tested extensively - as well for the normal city traffic.

Pure OPC Power: Performance in Abundance

The P in OPC stands for performance - and that is exactly the new Corsa OPC's biggest trump. Under the hood with the small scoop 207 wild horses are waiting to be unleashed. In words: two hundred and seven. From a standing start, they can propel the small athlete to 100 km/h in a mere 6.8 seconds and they keep pushing on until a top speed of 230 km/h is reached. The new Corsa OPC boasts 11 kW/15 hp more than its predecessor. This results in a specific output of 129.5 hp per liter - an outstanding value in this engine class. With the overboost functionality, the four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine delivers 280 Nm of torque to the crankshaft. Furthermore, the 1.6-liter turbo offers maximum torque of 245 Nm between 1,900 and 5,800 rpm - a lot of power from low engine speed combined with outstanding responsiveness for pure driving pleasure. Typical OPC.

Faster, nippier, more frugal - the new Corsa OPC impresses

The Opel engineers had to redevelop numerous components of the OPC engine to achieve these impressive performance values. The engine block is a class apart and forms for instance the technical base for the drive of ADAM R2 rallye car. The OCP specialists took full advantage of the motorsport experience while developing the new Corsa OPC.

"We initially thought that the 'Nürburgring Edition' of the Corsa D represented the end of the line from a developmental point of view," said Volker Strycek, Director Performance Cars & Motorsport. "But the new Corsa OPC actually makes its predecessors look almost ordinary. Improved power delivery across the entire rev band, more power especially at low revs and moderate consumption for a car with this performance including compliance with the Euro 6 emissions standard make the Corsa OPC a benchmark in this class."

The technicians identified some optimization potential, for example, in the charging of the motor and constructed a completely new intake line leading to the turbocharger. A new intercooler, that cools the air a lot better than to date, is also used. New fuel injectors, controlled by the new engine management, ensure an even finer and more precise dosing of the fuel. This results in a noticeable improvement in responsiveness especially at low engine speeds and the engineers also managed to optimize power output at higher engine speeds.

Elsewhere, the exhaust system of the engine is almost completely new. In cooperation with the exhaust specialists from Remus the OPC technicians developed a new exhaust starting at the turbocharger exit. This included sound engineering. Certification was done according to the so called "Lex Ferrari", a rule on pass-by-noise: This amendment in the European regulation allows performance cars over 140 kW output and 75 kW/ ton to produce one extra decibel. The twin-pipe exhaust of the new Corsa OPC is exactly in line with legal pass-by-noise regulations - which will delight fans of rich and sporty engine sound.

New six-speed transmission with short shifting travel for more driving pleasure

The new Corsa OPC also delivers more precision when selecting gears. The OPC power is transferred to the front wheels via a six-speed transmission with shorter shifting travels and a modified sliding block. Compared to the standard Corsa the Corsa OPC also has a modified gear lever ratio, a new insert for the shift finger in the bearing cap and a new shift cable. These shorten the distances by 13 percent. In combination with a new clutch Corsa OPC drivers can enjoy crisp and precise gear changes. Therefore, the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is completed in just 6.8 seconds - almost half a second faster than its predecessor. Overtaking maneuvers in fifth gear also completed three tenths of a second quicker with the new Corsa OPC only need 6.4 seconds to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h. Top speed is up 5 km/h to 230 km/h. Despite these impressive credentials, fuel consumption is a respectable 7.5 liters per 100 kilometers for the combined cycle (174 g/km CO2).

Performance Pack with racetrack suitability

Even in its standard trim level the new Corsa OPC offer pure driving pleasure but the OPC team has found a way to step things up another gear for drivers who like to challenge themselves on racetrack - the Performance Pack. It includes a mechanical multi-disc differential lock made by Drexler for even better traction, a more dynamic chassis set-up, 18-inch wheels with Michelin performance tires and a Brembo high performance braking system.

Crisp, Powerful, Direct: Feel the OPC with every Fiber

The new Corsa OPC is the fastest member of the new Corsa generation and drivers can immediately feel the OPC. Uncompromising athleticism and suitability for everyday use go hand in hand. The 152 kW/207 hp 1.6-liter turbo guarantees outstanding performance. The OPC power is transferred to the front axle via a six-speed transmission. Opel engineers overhauled the chassis completely to ensure that this power reaches the road in a controlled manner while maintaining driving pleasure. In doing so, they uncompromisingly trimmed each component for sport.

The new Corsa OPC already impresses with its powerful acceleration from a standing start. Thanks to the new springs it sits where a sports car belongs - close to the tarmac. A full 10 millimeters closer than the standard Corsa models to be precise. Further, profound changes throughout the entire chassis result in the car delivering exactly what its design leads to expect. For example, the engineers treated the new Corsa OPC to a completely new rear axle with new axle geometry for a modified roll rate. In combination with a new torsion profile, this results in improved responsiveness compared to its predecessor. The spring rates and the stabilizers along with the bearing bushes to integrate the rear axle in the chassis are also completely new.

Innovative FSD technology for the OPC of today

Corsa OPC drivers can also look forward to another important improvement compared to its predecessor: an innovative damping system with FSD technology (Frequency Selective Damping) that Opel engineers developed with the specialists from Koni. This damping technology enables the damping forces to adapt to the frequency of the car, thus enabling the balancing act between uncompromising athleticism and an adequate level of comfort. More grip in fast passages or in corners increase the confidence of the Corsa OPC driver. At the same time, the FSD technology of the dampers allows a set-up suitable for everyday traffic. The systems is an entirely mechanical solution and does not required any electronic components.

Obviously, a perfect chassis set-up calls for newly developed steering. The engineers applied targeted measures to improve steering behavior and steering feel considerably compared to the predecessor. Amongst others, new wheel carriers ensure that the Corsa OPC reacts even more direct and precise to steering wheel movements and give the driver precise feedback in every driving situation. Thus, the OPC driver always knows the level of his road contact - he can actually feel it. 215/45 R17 Michelin performance tires as standard connect the car with the tarmac. A braking system with 308-millimeter braking discs on the front axle ensures appropriate braking performance.

Safety and unlimited driving pleasure all in one

The new Corsa OPC also has an electronic control system of the latest generation for those who want even more racing driver feeling. In the predecessor, the stability program ESP and the traction control (TC) were either activated or deactivated. Now OPC drivers can select different modes for ESP and TC. Both systems are activated in the standard configuration. "Driving pleasure is already tremendous in the standard setting and the new Corsa OPC stands up to any comparison," emphasized Volker Strycek, Director Performance Cars & Motorsport. In the so called "Competition Mode" ESP and TC both basically remain in stand-by mode and do not intervene even with a dynamic style of driving. However, if the sensors detect critical situations the systems are activated and assist the driver. Experienced drivers who want to push the limits can even switch the ESP off completely.

Open fire: the OPC Performance Pack for pure racing feeling

As the sporting spearhead of the Opel portfolio, OPC vehicles already offer pure driving pleasure. However, the OPC experts have something special in store for Corsa OPC drivers who are still not satisfied because they want to take their car for a spin round a racetrack: The OPC Performance Pack. "The Corsa OPC is already a tremendous car without the Performance Pack but the pack is basically the entrance ticket for the racetrack," explained Strycek.

The already distinct handling dynamics of the Corsa OPC are fine-tuned even further by the Performance Pack. It includes a mechanical multi-disc differential lock made by Drexler that distributes the torque perfectly to the drive wheels. 18-inch wheels with Michelin performance tires transfer the OPC power to the road. The even stiffer chassis set-up (front and rear springs and dampers) creates even more performance feeling. Furthermore, the Performance Package comprises a Brembo high performance braking system with 330-millimeter braking discs on the front axle providing optimal deceleration.

The Performance Package ensures that the Corsa OPC becomes a true athlete. Thus, it is ideally suited to return to toughest racetrack in the world, where it was developed and tested extensively - the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

OPC Appeal: Corsa with Racing Flair and many Features

Simply unmistakable and immediately recognizable as a member of the Opel Performance Center - the new Corsa OPC unites motorsports passion and a muscular design. The especially charismatic design of the front end, featuring prominent large air intakes, immediately catches the eye. A small scoop is located in front of the distinctive hood giving the Corsa OPC an additional optical dash of athleticism. The dynamically modelled flanks with bold sill side trims create the appropriate connection to the rear end. OPC bumpers in the respective color of the car round off the sleek overall appearance.

The headlamps and the new LED daytime running lights assume the typical Opel wing design. The low sporty trapezoidal grille, with its dynamic bar in high gloss black supports the Opel emblem. Two low, outward laying but graphically connected inlets with chrome trim give the Corsa OPC an even wider appearance.

The Corsa OPC's uncompromising sporty design is continued when viewed from the rear. The spoiler attached to the trunk lid is available in two different varieties - according to personal taste. People who prefer athletic understatement can choose the subtle rear spoiler that comes as standard. Those who want the power of the new Corsa OPC to be visible from afar can opt for a more flamboyant version with a real motorsports touch that gives additional aerodynamic assistance at the rear axle. The twin-pipe Remus exhaust with a diffusor around the tailpipes adds further athletic touches both optically and acoustically which becomes apparent once the accelerator is pressed. The positions of the rear lights separated by the trunk lid also add to the overall appearance. They make the rear end look wider and give the Corsa OPC a powerful road stance when viewed from the rear. The well-known 'wing' graphic design shines when the rear lights are switched on and other drivers can immediately recognize that the new Opel racer is setting the pace.

The new Corsa OPC also attracts attention with its colors. Apart from the OPC-exclusive paint in flash blue, seven further colors are available from snow white to magma red or apple green. It also comes with 17-inch alloys with carbon grey brake calipers. Those who choose the optional Performance Pack will receive 18-inch bicolor alloys with Michelin performance tires. The Corsa OPC can be tailored even further with the optional Carbon Pack. With the Carbon Pack, the door mirrors and the grille bar shine in a cool carbon design.

Get in, feel good, enjoy the racing feeling: the OPC's inner values

The interior also creates a sporty ambience. Recaro performance seats, which offer passengers optimum side support even in the most demanding maze of corners, are prominent. They are available in black nappa leather or black Morrocana. In the nappa leather variant, they offer passengers cozy warmth in the winter thanks to the seat heating. The leather steering wheel, flattened at the bottom, the OPC gear knob, the door sills with OPC lettering and the stainless steel sports pedals complete the interior and create an ambience befitting an athlete like the new Corsa OPC. The characteristic instruments in the OPC design add to the overall OPC look and feel.

Stronger, smarter, safer: The Corsa OPC with modern driver assistance systems

The new Opel Corsa OPC is more dynamics, more powerful and more precise than before and is even safer thanks to new features and assistance systems. The modern bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light and LED daytime running lights sparkle with lower energy consumption, enhanced durability and improved range, brightness and color intensity. Hill Start Assist also comes as standard. It maintains the brake function for about two seconds after the driver has taken his/her foot off the brake pedal. This prevents the Corsa OCP from rolling back when starting on a slope. The optional front and rear Parking Pilot offers acoustical assistance when maneuvering in an out of a parking spot (euro 450). The optional Rearview Camera (euro 295) ensures that OPC drivers always know with is going on behind them.

The second-generation Opel Eye front camera system with Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, Following Distance Indication and Forward Collision Warning (euro 700) offers additional safety on normal roads. Lane Departure Warning alerts drivers with an acoustic and visual warning when they unintentionally stray out of their lane. Traffic Sign Recognition reads speed limit, no-passing and supplementary road signs. Forward Collision Warning uses an acoustic alert and a LED warning whenever the distance to the preceding vehicle falls below the pre-set minimum distance. Following Distance Indication (FDI) provides the driver with the distance to other vehicles in front in seconds.

And when OPC drivers want to cruise at a more leisurely speed they can activate the speed limiter function which comes as standard. This feature is particularly useful in town or city driving, for instance to prevent a 30 km/h speed limit being inadvertently exceeded.

Outstanding connectivity with the IntelliLink infotainment system

What engine and chassis are for the driving pleasure, the corresponding infotainment system is for on-board entertainment. And Opel decided that the Corsa OPC deserved the best in this area too. The CD 3.0 BT system, with radio and a MP3/WMA compatible CD player featuring Bluetooth and USB connections comes as standard. Audio streaming via smartphones or iPods is possible. Six loudspeakers deliver rich sound. DAB+ is available for euro 200 and promises an even greater selection of channels and improved sound quality.

And even the most dynamic driver will not have to miss out on all-round connectivity in the Corsa OPC. Opel's IntelliLink infotainment system brings the world of smartphones and apps into the cabin. IntelliLink is fully compatible with the latest Android and Apple iOS-based smartphones and is extremely affordable at only 300 euros. Up to five mobile phones can be connected inside the car through Bluetooth. BringGo is IntelliLink's navigation app. Apps such as Stitcher and TuneIn ensure that OPC drivers have access to all of their favorite radio stations. The integration of Apple iOS devices within IntelliLink also enables SIRI EYES FREE voice control. This makes it possible for drivers to hear an incoming SMS read aloud, or dictate an SMS and emails - all while keeping their hands on the wheel of the 152 kW/207 hp Corsa OPC.