OPEL Corsa OPC Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

While most of the automotive manufacturers had already released their sportier versions, the Corsa OPC was the last to be unveiled to the public.

With technology borrowed from the Opel Adam R2 rally car, the OPC featured a 1.6-liter turbo engine that cranked out 204 hp and 181 lb.-ft of torque. In the sprint to 100 kph, the Corsa Opc took around 7 seconds and the top speed was rated at 228 km/h.

The aggressive look of the exterior design made it pretty clear that the sporty Corsa was a fast hot hatch.

A performance package was available and added 18-inch alloys instead of the standard 17-inch wheels, a sportier suspension that somehow compromised comfort and a Drexler differential lock for better grip.

With so many rivals on the market, the Clio RS seemed to offer a more refined ride, with the Fiesta ST was more playful on the road. The Corsa OPC felt heavy for its size and drifting was not among the list of games to play with it.

The sporty feeling inside the cabin was mostly given by the Recaro seats, whereas the dashboard and the steering wheel were not very different from the regular Corsa. The quality of the materials used was not the best, but looked well overall.

More expensive than most of the competitors available at the time, the Opc’s price started at around $30,000 and the Performance Package was an additional $1,800.

Opel introduced the most potent version of its small-size vehicle Corsa at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2007.

With an increased demand for hot hatches, the Corsa OPC tried to fight on the European market dominated by Renault Clio RS, Volkswagen Polo GTI, and Ford Fiesta ST. But the German brand owned by General Motors had a trick up its sleeves: it was developed on the grueling Nürburgring race track.

Opel didn't want to hide the performance version of the Corsa and clearly showed that on the car's front fascia. That featured a large bumper that incorporated a broad center grille flanked by a pair of scoops. The small pocket rocket revealed its 17" light-alloy wheels from its profile. Additionally, a set o 18" alloys, massive for the car's segment, was on the options list. Furthermore, Opel OPC (Opel Performance Center) enhanced the car's look with aerodynamic side sills. Finally, at the back, the pumped-up Corsa featured a roof spoiler and a diffuser with a center-mounted triangular exhaust.

The changes toward a sportier look continued inside the cabin by introducing a pair of Recaro sports seats with integrated headrests. At the back, the split-folding bench sported new colors and upholstery. In addition, the instrument cluster featured large dials with satin-chromed surroundings for the fuel gauge, rev counter, and speedometer adorned with OPC lettering. As a final touch, the automaker installed a set of aluminum pedals and leather wrapping for the gear stick and handbrake.

Under the hood, OPC installed a turbocharged 1.6-liter gasoline unit paired exclusively with a six-speed manual. In addition, the stiffer suspension and thicker anti-roll bars drastically improved the car's handling abilities.