The Germans know just what we need, and have released more information about what hiding under those flared wheelarches - a more advanced front suspension setup to make the chassis stick better to the road.
A number of components, such as the HiPerStruts used on the front axle have reportedly been borrowed from the 325 hp Insignia OPC. At the back, it’s not as mind-blowing, but upgrades have been made to the GTC’s unique Watt’s link/compound crank rear end. So while, the engine range for the GTC features powertrains offering between 120 and 180 horsepower, all will stick much better to the road than the regular 3-door.
“Our aim was to exceed the best in class with the GTC’s dynamics,” said Michael Harder, Opel engineering’s supervisor for vehicle dynamics. “We also wanted to change the emphasis in steering and damper feel from the regular Astra 5-door to a set-up that was more focused, yet still comfortable enough for the most demanding roads in Europe and the UK.”
Steering feel is enhanced too, helped by a reduction of the steering system’s friction levels. The geometry changes brought by the HiPerStruts also mean that the GTC can be fitted with wheels of up to 20-inches in diameter and that the car has better traction under cornering.
For that added bit of fun on the track, the GTC’s right height became more focused by a lowering of 15 mm, while both tracks are now wider, by 40 mm at the front and 30 mm at the back.
Google News