Spyshots: 2011 Opel Astra OPC

Opel has already launched the new Astra range but everybody's expecting the OPC flavor which is basically the most powerful configuration of the Astra. Well, here are some new spyshots of the Astra OPC, a model that will be probably released this autumn at the Paris Motor Show in September. However, some voices are saying that the first appearance could be made as soon as next month at the Geneva show.

Curiously, this front-Vauxhall rear-Opel model comes with only a few changes at the rear, where the only sporty enhancement is actually the double exhaust pipe system. However, more upgrades are visible at the front where the spied car comes with a re-designed front bumper, hidden under the camouflage, and bigger air intakes plus daytime driving lights.

Overall, the car seems to be a few centimeters lower as compared to the standard Astra.

No details or rumors are available at this point but the previous OPC version was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that developed 240 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. Translate this into performance figures and you get a top speed of 244 km/h and a 6.4 seconds 0-100 km/h. Taking into account that rivals - including Golf R20 - are a bit faster, Opel will probably upgrade the engine as well, so a slight increase in power is very likely.

More details are likely to be released in a few weeks as Opel continues testing the OPC in various regions of the world.