Even as the new Opel Corsa E is enjoying its big debut in Paris, German engineers are hard at work on another model, the hardcore OPC supermini hot hatch that will be launched in 2015.
We've seen prototypes in various stages of development throughout the year, but this Corsa OPC is special because it's a fully built up car, the exact same thing you'll be able to buy. How do we know? Because of a couple of photos were taken in September and show what it looks like without camouflage. Underneath that front camo is a hood scoop and a re-sculpted front bumper. Around the back, there's a new diffuser and twin exhaust pipes instead of a single one in the middle, like on the current OPC.
Speaking of the current OPC, you'd be forgiven for confusing the 2015 model with this one, since they're actually based on the same platform. Opel has been really lazy with the design of the Corsa, which will probably not sit well with hot hatch fans.
What's under the bonnet?
A 1.6-liter turbo engine is pretty much guaranteed to be used by the new Corsa OPC, in combination with a six-speed manual. But we're not completely sure which 1.6 they will use. Sure, there's the brand new SIDI Turbo with an aluminum block and low-friction internals. It's already available on most C-segment Opels with either 170 or 200 PS. But on certain models, the company has used older engines, as is the case with the Adam S.
A carry-over is not necessarily such a bad thing, since the Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition currently on sale packs 210 PS, a little more than the SIDI unit. However, you need to use 100 octane gas to get that number, which you can only get at the track. The rest of the time, this 1.6 mill makes 200 to 205 PS - that's more than the Renault Clio RS and Ford Fiesta ST.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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