Limited Edition Corsa OPC Nürburgring lands in South Africa
- “Green Hell” unleashes fiercest Corsa OPC yet
- Equipped with Mechanical, multi-plate limited slip diff
- Newly-developed Bilstein Performance Chassis
Port Elizabeth, 18 September 2013 – The Corsa OPC has emerged out of Sir Jackie Stewart’s “Green Hell” as an agile and feisty hot hatch ready to thrill South African drivers. With only 65 of the limited Corsa OPC Nürburgring Edition models produced by Opel globally allocated to South Africa, the latest addition to the Opel range is likely to become a sought after collector’s item.
The Corsa OPC Nürburgring Edition arrives in South Africa boasting an arsenal of performance enhancing features including lower ride height, newly developed spring and damper units by Bilstein and – as a further high-tech detail – a new lightweight front braking system from specialists Brembo with bespoke, high-performance brake linings. The control algorithms for the chassis support systems – ABS, Traction Control (TC) and the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – have all been recalibrated by the engineers at the Opel Performance Centre to match the car’s new configuration.
Perfected at the world’s toughest track
Largely regarded as the mecca of performance car engineering, the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany shares a rich, fifty-year-strong history with the Opel brand, where several of the marque’s performance derivatives have set and still hold lap records. The Corsa OPC has been no exception with Opel’s OPC engineering team using the track to create an exceptionally quick and exhilarating hot hatch.
Based on the already impressive Corsa OPC, the Nürburgring edition has received numerous upgrades and enhancements to improve acceleration, handling and braking – along with a long list of standard features for a more enjoyable day-to-day ownership experience.
The Nürburgring edition’s additional power is delivered by modified engine management and turbocharger systems, and a sports exhaust with reduced back pressure. As a result, the maximum output of the 1.6-litre OPC turbo engine increases from the standard vehicle’s 141 kW to 154 kW, giving a specific power rating of 96.2 kW per litre which is exceptional in this engine class.
The maximum torque of the base engine (230-266 Nm) also increases to 250 Nm, and 280 Nm when the turbocharger’s ‘overboost’ function is activated. The increase in output combined with the overboost function on the turbocharger result in an improved 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 230 km/h.
The Euro 5-compliant engine is still able to deliver outstanding fuel efficiency of just 7.6-litres per 100 km on the combined average cycle and carbon emissions of 178 g/km.
Mechanical upgrades for improved handling
In order to convert the 154 kW of power into efficient propulsion, Opel engineers have equipped the front axle with a mechanical, multi-plate limited-slip differential which helps to reduce wheel slip when there are very high lateral forces under acceleration, or changes in the texture of the road surface. It is also ideal for forays onto the race track.
In keeping with the Nürburgring Edition’s sporty nature, the traction control and ESP programmes have been adjusted to suit the extra grunt and improved dynamics. Even at the limit, the Corsa OPC Nürburgring Edition remains a composed and sure footed sports car.
Other changes include a body that sits 20 mm lower than before, with new Bilstein dampers and springs to both absorb bumps and ensure sure-footedness at all times – the shock absorbers are now gas pressure monotube units with altered characteristics.
Braking is by ventilated discs all-round, the front brakes having been specially designed by Italian experts Brembo. The new four-piston braking system features unique high-performance pads which provide 10% more braking surface than the pads used in a normal Corsa OPC, while a weight reduction of 30% in the brake callipers adds to the overall result of improved cooling, responsiveness and feel under maximum load.
A sharper suit and improved specification
Visual highlights include two new, exclusive body colours – apple-green ‘Grasshopper’ and red ‘Henna’ – as well as newly-designed 8 x 18-inch, forged aluminium wheels in high-gloss grey, shod with 225/35 R18 V tyres. Other features distinguishing the Nürburgring Edition from the existing Corsa OPC are a front spoiler lip and a new dual exhaust in stainless steel, as well as ‘Nürburgring’ logos on the B-pillars.
The sports interior features unique sill plates with black and red ‘Nürburgring’ lettering, and decorative white stitching on the front Recaro sports seats, as well as the rear seats, handbrake and gearshift console. The front seatbacks are also embossed with the ‘Nürburgring’ logo and the steering wheel insert is finished in piano black. Added extras include automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and climate control.
Outstanding dynamics and driving performance
Standard performance figures give only hint of what the Corsa OPC Nürburgring Edition is capable of. It hits 100 km/h from a standing start in just 6.8 seconds with in-gear elasticity boosted by the extra torque. The Nürburgring Edition completes the transition from 80 to 120 km/h in 5th gear in just 6.2 seconds, and with a top speed of 230 km/h it is among the performance leaders in its class.
The top-of-the-line Corsa had to prove its brilliant driving dynamics during testing and tuning runs under maximum load on the Nürburgring north loop, the world’s most demanding race track. But the driving fun on offer is not restricted to speed and handling precision alone. It also includes an exciting aural experience: the sound of the newly developed exhaust system is tailored to suit the character of the vehicle, as well as giving optimal performance.
Pricing and warranties
The limited edition Opel Corsa Nürburgring Edition retails for R343 200 including VAT and emissions tax. The price also includes a 5-year/ 120 000 km warranty and Opel’s 3-year/ 60 000 km warranty.
Opel Corsa Images
