2015 Opel Astra OPC Extreme - Review and Design

The Opel Astra OPC Extreme, which makes its world premiere at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, is a real race-bred performance car. Developed on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the most challenging race track in the world, it is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo engine with over 300 hp and equipped with all the key high-tech components from its racing peer, the Opel Astra OPC Cup. The Astra OPC Extreme was developed directly from the Cup version and brings pure racing technology to the road. If public reaction is as positive as expected, Opel plans a low-volume production run for the super sporty, street-legal Extreme.

Over 300 hp will be unleashed from under the Extreme's carbon fiber hood. Its 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine, with direct injection and variable camshaft phasing, is quite simply the most powerful four-cylinder unit Opel has ever produced. The all-aluminum engine is mated to a slick, six-speed manual gearbox transmitting power through a limited-slip differential. This race-proven powerplant will have an easy time of it with the OPC Extreme, because the super sporty car is 100 kilograms lighter than a conventional Astra OPC thanks to its high-quality, carbon fiber components.

Widely used in Formula 1 racing to reduce weight, carbon composite is incorporated throughout the Extreme. This high-strength, ultra-light material is used for the aerodynamically-optimized rear wing, the diffuser, front spoiler, hood, suspension cross-bracing, the engine cover, complete wheels, rear wheelhouse ventilation and roof. The carbon wheels are 20 kilograms lighter than their aluminum counterparts. This is weight saving in a decisive area because unsprung mass is substantially reduced - much to the joy of engineers and driving fun of drivers. The inhouse manufactured carbon fiber roof is almost as light as a feather. It weighs just 2.6 kilograms, compared to a steel roof's 9.3 kilograms, and noticeably lowers the Astra Extreme's center of gravity. The fenders are made of aluminum and weigh only 800 grams a piece instead of 2.2 kilograms in steel.

Weight reduction in key areas greatly improves agility, overall handling and, of course, the car's power-to-weight ratio. As a result, the street-legal Extreme sweeps through fast curves as playfully and quickly as its racing brother in the Nürburgring Endurance Championship (VLN). Opel has also given the Extreme breathtaking stopping power to match, with a Brembo six-piston brake system including 370 mm diameter discs up front race car. Ultra high-performance, 245/35, 19-inch tires, specially developed for the Extreme, also play a key role and give almost as much grip as those on the race car. In addition, the chassis (spring/damper) is adjustable, just like in a real touring car racer.

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Review : 2015 Opel Adam Rocks

The newest model in Opel's urban lifestyle family is a 3.74-meter short car with huge zest for life - inside and outside the city. Featuring an electrically operated, retracting, Swing Top canvas roof as standard, signature body cladding all-round and a 15 mm raised ride height, Adam Rocks opens a new market niche; it is the first three-door urban pocket-crossover under 4.00 meters in length. To further individualize its cabin, Opel designers have developed new design elements, décors and seating trims that are unique to the Adam Rocks. In addition to the many innovations that raise Adam's safety and comfort - like its hands-free Park Assist that parks the car automatically - the Rocks also features Opel's new generation IntelliLink infotainment system. It allows seamless integration of Android as well as Apple iOS smartphone functionalities into the car and makes it the best-connected small car at a very affordable price.

Inspired by the exploits of agile 'Parkour' athletes who use the city landscape as their playground, the new Opel Adam Rocks body style opens a new niche - a space in the small car segment for urban mini three-door crossover vehicles. So far, the most compact model that is comparable is about 40 cm longer. Rugged good looks, a higher stance and muscular proportions as well as a Swing Top roof for fast, open-air fun will appeal to those seeking personal freedom off the beaten track in the city and beyond the urban landscape.

Key to Adam Rocks' purposeful stance is a 15 mm increase in body ride height, giving greater ground clearance, and a wider, masculine appearance. Parts of the chassis system have been modified or re-tuned - including dampers, springs, the rear suspension geometry, and direct, responsive steering. The higher, wider looks are matched by a choice of 17-inch standard or 18-inch optional alloy wheels. These can be further personalized with new wheel clips in "Wild" design and different colors that are unique to the Rocks.

Protective, anthracite-colored cladding is wrapped tightly around the Adam Rocks, giving it a tough, muscular look. The front trapezoidal grille, with a chrome central brand bar, is embedded in the cladding, while contrasting, satin chrome 'boomerang' elements frame the front fog lamps/indicator housings and the reversing/fog lamps at the rear. LED daytime running lights and tail lights also come as standard. Silver skid plates front and rear and a bold chrome exhaust complete the exterior design.

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