Opel Insignia, Corsa OPC models confirmed for 2013

Opel has officially confirmed the Australian arrival of the Opel Insignia OPC and Opel Corsa OPC for 2013.

Following CarAdvice’s exclusive story in October, the General Motors-owned brand has confirmed the Opel Performance Centre (OPC) variants of the Insignia medium car and Corsa city car will join the previously confirmed Opel Astra OPC from March next year, expanding its local line-up to six models.

Opel Australia managing director Bill Mott said since confirming the Astra OPC at October’s Sydney show, customer enquiry had been strong with orders already being placed.

“OPC has always been on the top of our local wish list and we’re very excited to confirm that when the Astra OPC arrives in March, it will be joined by the Corsa OPC and Insignia OPC.”

Opel’s most powerful production vehicle ever, the Opel Insignia OPC, is powered by a 239kW/435Nm turbocharged 2.8-litre V6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, Opel’s adaptive 4×4 technology, and HiPerStrut torque-steer-reducing system all combining to give controlled performance â€" 0-100km/h coming up in six seconds.

A deeper front bumper with twin intakes either side of the main grille, a rear spoiler, dual matt chrome exhausts, 19-inch alloy wheels â€" or optional 20-inch lightweight forged alloys wheels â€" and Brembo brakes with ventilated and cross-drilled discs help to clearly distinguish the OPC variant from the standard Insignia.

Inside Recaro sports front seats, a leather-wrapped OPC steering wheel, OPC gearknob, different instrument graphics, a black headliner, and OPC sill plates ensure owners will not fast forget their purchase.

The three-door Opel Corsa OPC relies on a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine for its 141kW power and 260Nm of torque, while a six-speed manual transmission, lowered OPC sports chassis, body kit, rear roof spoiler, centrally mounted chrome exhaust tip, 17-inch alloy wheels, Brembo front brakes, and a 0-100km/h time of 7.2 seconds confirm the hatch’s performance potential.

Again, Recaro bucket seats up front, a leather steering wheel, and OPC-specific sill plates feature inside.

Full pricing and specifications of the Insignia and Corsa OPCs will be announced closer to the cars’ launch. Opel says the first of the Astra OPC models are due to arrive in showrooms from March 20, 2013.

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