News Source: autoblog.com

General Motors has some serious performance machinery in its corner, but if it's a hot hatch you're after, for the most part you'll have to look elsewhere. The closest GM currently has to offer is the Chevy Sonic RS, and that only packs 138 horsepower. That is, in America, at least. In Europe it's a different story: that's where Vauxhall (in the UK) offers its VXR models, and Opel (on the mainland) can hook you up with an OPC. What you see here is the latest.

Based on the recently revised Corsa hatchback (comparable to the Ford Fiesta, for reference's sake), GM Europe's new hot hatch packs a 1.6-liter turbo four that's bigger and more powerful than the Sonic's, churning out 207 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque (on overboost). It's got a flatter torque curve compared to even to the exclusive Nürburgring edition of the previous Corsa OPC, and is quoted to sprint the pocket rocket to 62 miles per hour in a solid 6.8 seconds, en route to a top speed of 143 mph. Those figures ought to keep it right on pace with (if not just ahead of) competitors like the Ford Fiesta ST and Volkswagen Polo GTI.

Of course the Opel Performance Center has also given the hot Corsa other upgrades, including upgraded aero and visual touches, a dropped suspension, adaptive Koni dampers, adjustable ESP and traction control and upgraded brakes packed into 17-inch alloys coated in Michelin rubber. The interior even features Recaro buckets and a flat-bottom steering wheel. European enthusiasts with a bit of extra scratch will also be able to opt for the Performance Package, boasting a mechanical diff, 18-inch wheels and Brembo brakes.

The Opel Corsa OPC (or Vauxhall Corsa VXR) will debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. But while other Opel models have made the transatlantic voyage to Buick showrooms, chances of this one doing the same look rather slim.

New Opel Corsa OPC: Fifth Generation Athlete

2015-02-04

- Powerful: 1.6-liter turbo with 152 kW/207 hp and 280 Nm torque
- Fast: From 0 to 100 km/h in only 6.8 seconds, maximum speed 230 km/h
- Stunning: Tested on the Nürburgring, sporty look, with performance package
- Coming soon: World premiere at Geneva Motor Show in early March

Rüsselsheim. No matter whether the Green Hell or the urban jungle – the new Opel Corsa OPC is at home on all terrains. No matter whether on the Nürburgring or during rush hour – the fastest member of the new generation Corsa combines extreme uncompromising athleticism with outstanding suitability for everyday use. The roughly four-meter long powerhouse impresses with its high-torque, 207 hp, 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 Corsa OPC is the athlete of the small car family. It will celebrate its world premiere at the next Geneva Motor Show (March 5-15, 2015).

"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 after completing the final fast calibration laps in the new Corsa OPC at the Opel Test Center in Dudenhofen.

OPC design: Powerful appearance

Sticking to 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. In particular, the aluminum-framed openings below the headlights create a visual link to the Corsa's bigger sports brother, the Astra OPC. 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 that creates even more downforce 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 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 complete the interior. In addition, drivers will not have to miss out on outstanding connectivity. Opel's IntelliLink infotainment system will be available as an option and bring the world of smartphones, both Apple iOS and Android, to the Corsa OPC.