Opel/Vauxhall will launch the new Astra OPC at the next Geneva International Motor Show (March 8-18), but one of the very first definitive models of this new sporty variation of Opel’s hatchback was on display as a ’surprise guest’ at a recent event in Palma de Maiorca, Spain, which had been organized to promote the ‘regular’ Astra GTC. Opel had already released a few official pictures of this car before, but these are the first ‘live’ pics of a model that will be officially unveiled in Switzerland in a few months and will enter the market in Summer 2012. The Astra OPC is actually based on the GTC, but it is pushed by a powerful turbocharged 2.0-litre direct injection unit delivering an impressive 280 hp and 400 Nm of maximum torque.

Aesthetically, the OPC can be recognized by the specifically designed front bumper, side skirts, rear spoiler and the trapezoid-shaped exhaust tips. In the cabin there are new sports seats, exclusive OPC steering wheel and a re-designed instrument cluster. Probably more interesting is the a specially developed mechanical limited-slip differential, that will help the driver to handle all that power.

Astra OPC’s standard equipment include ventilated discs braking system by Brembo, specifically adjusted HiPerStrut suspension and the fully-adaptive FlexRide chassis control system, that lets drivers sharpen the characteristic shock absorber line, the steering and also the gas pedal responsiveness by simply touching “Sport” and “OPC” buttons. However, the only performance figure officially confirmed so far is its top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph). The Astra OPC will be marketed in the UK as Vauxhall Astra VXR.

Photos | Charlie Magee

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