Opel has released information on the OPC version of the new Vectra. Seeing as how the new Vectra will be the basis of
Saturn’s new Aura sedan, we thought this was important to share. The Vectra OPC sports a 255 hp 2.8-liter V6 similar to
the one in the new Saab 9-3 Aero. A sedan and wagon are both planned. While we suspect any ‘Red Line’ version of our Saturn Aura will not have the turbo
V6 seeing as how the Saturn may have a 250 hp 3.6-liter V6, perhaps the Aura will take a few styling ques and
suspension suggestions with its performance version. Click for more pictures and the details straight from GM. The
Vectra OPC will debut at Frankfurt in September.
The Vectra OPC is the fastest and most powerful IAA world premiere on the Opel stand this year. The high-performance
Vectra (255 hp, 260 km/h top speed) can be seen at the International Automobile Exhibition in Frankfurt from September
15 – 25, 2005, and will be introduced in Germany a few weeks later. Following the current Astra OPC and Zafira OPC, it
will extend Opel?s OPC (Opel Performance Center) range of high performance cars. The Vectra OPC will be available as a
five-door hatchback and a station wagon.
The powerhouse of the new top-of-the-line Vectra is an aluminum 2.8-liter V6 turbo gasoline engine. With variable
valve timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger, the six-cylinder unit has an output of 188 kW/255 hp and provides an
exciting drive: a top speed of 260 km/h and zero to 100 km/h acceleration in less than seven seconds. In addition,
maximum torque of 355 Newton meters ensures excellent pulling power even at low engine speeds. The Vectra OPC comes
with a six-speed manual transmission as standard.
Debut for second-generation IDSPlus chassis
The Vectra OPC?s chassis is tuned to complement its power. The high-performance Vectra is the first production car
worldwide from a volume brand to feature a further developed version of the electronically controlled IDSPlus chassis
with newest-generation Continuous Damping Control (CDC). Comparable high-end solutions are currently only available in
a few low-volume production super sports cars.
The new-generation CDC minimizes body movements even more effectively and quickly with the help of separate modules.
The result is a noticeable enhancement of roll-prevention and body control, with optimized suspension comfort. The
brakes ? 345-millimeter diameter at the front, and 292 mm at the rear ? provide powerful deceleration and precise
feel.
The Vectra OPC?s looks highlight its sporty character. The front end features large air inlets and a honeycomb grille,
while the side profile is accentuated by large 18-inch rims in exclusive OPC design. A special highlight is given to
the rear by the two trapezoidal tailpipes. The interior also features sporty and functional details, with Recaro sport
seats, instruments in OPC layout and a leather sport steering wheel. The Vectra OPC has one particularly attractive
detail in common with all other OPC family members ? the blue brake calipers.