New Record @ the 'Ring

[Joey D]

Seem the Opel Corsa OPC set a record for it's class.

I just thought this picture looked cool.

During the same round of the OPC Race Camp that saw the introduction of the Opel Astra OPC Nürburgring Edition, former Opel works driver Manuel Reuter decided to update the official Nordschleife record book. He did this by taking a production-spec Corsa OPC and lapping the course in 8 minutes, 47.99 seconds -- a new record for superminis on The Green Hell.

The Corsa OPC is no stranger to the Nordschleife, as Opel uses the track regularly during the development of its automobiles. The little hot hatchlet is driven by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 192 horsepower. Its peak torque rating of 169 lb-ft can be bumped up an additional fifteen percent thanks to the car's Overboost function. We sit here waiting patiently for the next Corsa revision, so that we can see a Saturn-badged version take on the forthcoming Ford Fiesta/Verve/Whatever when both ultimately arrive Stateside. If the Detroit automakers cooperate, we'll get a Red Line vs. SVT duel, too. (Fingers crossed.)

PRESS RELEASE
Corsa OPC Sets Circuit Record on Nürburgring Nordschleife

* Manuel Reuter sets new supermini record of 8m47.99 minutes
* Third record for Opel OPC model after Astra and Zafira

Rüsselsheim. The Nürburgring Nordschleife, nicknamed the "Green Hell", met its match today in the shape of a standard production Corsa OPC. After 20.8 challenging kilometers, the stopwatch showed eight minutes, 8m47.99 seconds – a new record for a supermini. Manuel Reuter set the officially confirmed circuit record during level four of Opel's popular motorsport initiative called "OPC Race Camp". The former Opel works driver and current head of the innovative racing driver talent search showed the candidates just what the 141 kW/192 hp top-of-the-line Corsa OPC is capable of. Reuter has already set class records on the legendary Nordschleife with the Astra OPC and Zafira OPC.

Manuel Reuter, who is involved with the chassis tuning and post launch modifications to OPC variants, said: "You can sense that this car had its final tuning here on the most demanding racing circuit in the world. The Corsa OPC reacts directly to driving commands and remains fully predictable even well into the car's physical limits." The Nürburgring, and in particular the famous Nordschleife circuit, is Opel territory, as development engineers from Rüsselsheim regularly test and optimize the driving dynamics of new models there.

The Corsa OPC, which has been on sale since March and already exceeded the planned annual sales target of 3000 units, also offers top class everyday driving fun away from the racing circuit. The sporty top version of the fourth-generation Corsa has a 1.6-liter turbo engine, which accelerates the car from zero to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. The Corsa OPC has a top speed of 225 km/h, and its maximum torque of 230 Nm can be temporarily increased by 15 percent via the Overboost function. The Corsa OPC's only conservative trait is its fuel consumption – just 7.9 liters per 100 km.

 

[YSSMAN]

Which car did it beat? AFAIK, just shy of nine minutes seems rather fast in a car that size...

Good job Opel!

 

[Joey D]

I can't seem to find the old record anywhere.

But the car is on par with the Jaguar XKR and the Renault Clio V6 Mk1 which both ran a 8:49 and slightly quicker then the E55 AMG and Focus ST which both ran 8:50.

 

[JCE]

Can the US get that car please?

 

[Joey D]

Can the US get that car please?

If the Astra does well here I'd expect to see it as a Saturn in the near future.

 

[Philly]

That's faster than I ran the GTI in GT4. Impressive. I want one.

 

[Kent]

Indeed that is a feat to strive for to all other companies.
Well done!

However, I doubt this is the fastest the car can run.
Just give Sabine a chance and I garuntee atleast one full second off the record.

I mean really... She ran a freaking 130hp transit van down to 10'13! With a time like that from a car like that I would expect her to easily run this thing down to a faster time. 👍

Btw, I doubt this car would come to the states (even with the astra doing well). The US car market is still controlled by people who wouldn't care to see this thing in the mix (unless it had four doors).

 

[daan]

However, I doubt this is the fastest the car can run.
Just give Sabine a chance and I garuntee atleast one full second off the record.

I mean really... She ran a freaking 130hp transit van down to 10'13! With a time like that from a car like that I would expect her to easily run this thing down to a faster time. 👍

I don't mean to put Sabine down as she is a great driver, but have you heard of Manuel Reuter?

 

[Joey D]

Btw, I doubt this car would come to the states (even with the astra doing well). The US car market is still controlled by people who wouldn't care to see this thing in the mix (unless it had four doors).

The demand for little cars is rising so I wouldn't count it out just yet. Although I really wouldn't expect it till 2010.

 

[Philly]

Btw, I doubt this car would come to the states (even with the astra doing well). The US car market is still controlled by people who wouldn't care to see this thing in the mix (unless it had four doors).

Me too. Will it fit in with crash and emissions regulations? Isn't that an obstace to most European compacts who want to come over here? I can see something like it coming over here soon, with the small car market how it is over here. Especially if it does well over there. We could use more than the GTI when it comes to European hot hatches.

 

[Kent]

I don't mean to put Sabine down as she is a great driver, but have you heard of Manuel Reuter?

Nope, didn't know of that person until you pointed it out... I suppose he is a great driver. 👍
Of course, being a Le Mans champion has little to do with mastering the Ring but none the less I understand your point.
That is to say, this fella drove the car as fast as anyone will and certainly faster that Sabine (who's won the 24hrs Ring race).

No, really though, I can tell he's a great driver with other class records. 👍

In any case, thanks for the link and info, I'm always pleased to learn of drivers and racing I didn't know before hand.

As for coming to the states... I seriously doubt it (just to voice that opinion again). While it is true that small cars are becoming more popular again, it is not necessarily the case that small cars of this nature are becoming popular. In my opinion (since I can't use the word 'fact'), two door models of sub-compact cars don't sell well in the States, partly because of the limited number of availible models, but also because of (what I'm guessing is) some sort of unknown cultural issue.
I'm guessing about this but, maybe Americans who buy two door cars only want to buy sporty coupe designs like Integras and Celicas?

I think a good question to ask when looking at the possible success of this car in America is... How would a two door Honda Fit sell in the U.S.?
I'd say poorly.

None the less, the car seems like it would be a great addition to the market and I'd love to drive one. 👍

 

[Philly]

As for coming to the states... I seriously doubt it (just to voice that opinion again). While it is true that small cars are becoming more popular again, it is not necessarily the case that small cars of this nature are becoming popular. In my opinion (since I can't use the word 'fact'), two door models of sub-compact cars don't sell well in the States, partly because of the limited number of availible models, but also because of (what I'm guessing is) some sort of unknown cultural issue.
I'm guessing about this but, maybe Americans who buy two door cars only want to buy sporty coupe designs like Integras and Celicas?

I think a good question to ask when looking at the possible success of this car in America is... How would a two door Honda Fit sell in the U.S.?
I'd say poorly.

None the less, the car seems like it would be a great addition to the market and I'd love to drive one. 👍

I think the cultural issue you are thinking of is the SUV cult. Everything is bigger in America. Houses, hamburgers, roads, people, distances, cars. Everybody is trying to be better than the guy driving next to them, and the solution is usually to be bigger. An Opel Corsa has nothing on a Ford Explorer. The other alternative is to be faster. Cars ar also a status symbol. Bigger cars an have more stuff. A Toyota Sequoia has more cool stuff than say a Taurus. A Ford Ka wouldn't fly too well here because it is more of a basic car, and people will try and do better.

The question about a two door Fit isn't really relevant. The Fit is not a sporty car. This is some sort of a special Corsa. 2-door GTIs sell fine. This car probably would too.

How does the Corsa compare size-wise to the Fit? I get the feeling that if this car is significanly smaller, overlooking the number of doors will be pretty easy.

 

[YSSMAN]

Current GM Cannon, as currently guestimated and semi-confirmed on GMI suggests that the Corsa will be coming to the United States no-sooner than 2010 or 2011, largely depending on the future of the platform and what exactly ends up coming out of the Delta II chassis. The point of the matter is that the Corsa will not only become a Corsa under the Saturn brand, but will also (reportedly) replace the Aveo in the Chevrolet lineup (Asian-market influence in design is still being debated). The car, much like the next Astra and Vectra (among others) will be more of a "global" effort not only in design, but engineering as well... Thusly, the Corsa bought in Hong Kong would be no different than one in London or Tampa Bay. I'm almost certain, however, that it will remain a hatchback-only design. But, there will be three and five door models available when it comes about.

...Keep in mind that Ford is bringing the Fiesta over here, and GM doesn't want to lose out on that market where Ford will pretty much be the dominant player until Honda brings out a new Fit...

 

[Holdenhsvgtsr]

video of the lap http://livestream.innovationmecom.de/popup_opc.php

 

[YSSMAN]

I may need to brush up on my German, but it sounds as though he was praising the grip and the power quite frequently...

 

[Philly]

I would expect the grip. It's a pretty light hatchback.

Power? It's front wheel drive. It's good to have some power, but you can't have too much. I would hope it's below 230, otherwise it would be a big of a wild ride without fairly tall gearing.

 

[YSSMAN]

He seemed to be leaving it in taller gears than I'd expect for the 'Ring, so there has to be a good amount of torque at the very least. That, or the gears are pretty short...

 

[niky]

He seemed to be leaving it in taller gears than I'd expect for the 'Ring, so there has to be a good amount of torque at the very least. That, or the gears are pretty short...

Turbo. Leave it in gear and enjoy the midrange rush. Wastes less time shifting.

 

[Joey D]

I would expect the grip. It's a pretty light hatchback.

Power? It's front wheel drive. It's good to have some power, but you can't have too much. I would hope it's below 230, otherwise it would be a big of a wild ride without fairly tall gearing.

According to a www.duemotori.com article...

Its 1.6-liter turbo engine with 141 kW/192 hp accelerates the compact three-door from zero to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds and enables a top speed of 225 km/h. The maximum torque of 230 Nm is delivered to the front wheels by the standard six-speed transmission. In addition, the standard 'overboost' system can temporarily increase torque by around 15 percent to 266 Nm when required, providing a corresponding dynamics increase.

230Nm = ~170 lb. ft. of torque while 266Nm = ~196 lb. ft.

It's effectively a smaller, lighter, VW GTI.

 

[Philly]

According to a www.duemotori.com article...



230Nm = ~170 lb. ft. of torque while 266Nm = ~196 lb. ft.

It's effectively a smaller, lighter, VW GTI.

Those actually appear to be some pretty impressive numbers for a car like that. With the overboost on, I'm sure that thing can really take off. It probably weighs around what I think a GTI should be.

 

[Joey D]

That is one problem I have with the new GTI...it's heavy. Granted it handles like a dream and is still quick, but it could be a whole lot quicker if it shed some pounds...but you already know this because if I'm not mistaken you own a GTI.

 

[Philly]

That is one problem I have with the new GTI...it's heavy. Granted it handles like a dream and is still quick, but it could be a whole lot quicker if it shed some pounds...but you already know this because if I'm not mistaken you own a GTI.

Yup. That's what I drive back in Seattle. It is still an amazing car, but making it lighter could only make it quicker. At 3300 pounds, there are a lot of cars that are bigger yet weigh about the same. If you'll look at a lot of the road tests and things, that actually doesn't make it too incredible fast compared to everything else on the market. I guess they have a different idea of chassis-based performance than the old MKI.

 

[Joey D]

One thing that the GTI does very well though is be fast and comfortable at the same time, which is exactly why I think German hot hatches, or their sport compacts in general would do very well here in America. Take a car like the SRT-4 Neon or the Cobalt SS, they are faster and cheaper but they are very harsh cars to drive around every day. The Germans know that people like to drive fast cars, but not be tossed about and uncomfortable while doing it.

I hope GM brings this concept over with it's German based Opels .

 

[livemusic]

Nice Corsa, I wouldn't mind if they brought that over here.

 

[Philly]

One thing that the GTI does very well though is be fast and comfortable at the same time, which is exactly why I think German hot hatches, or their sport compacts in general would do very well here in America. Take a car like the SRT-4 Neon or the Cobalt SS, they are faster and cheaper but they are very harsh cars to drive around every day. The Germans know that people like to drive fast cars, but not be tossed about and uncomfortable while doing it.

I hope GM brings this concept over with it's German based Opels .

That is the one thing that really helps me get over the car's weight. The car is amazingly well done on the inside. There really aren't that many cars that can think of touching it in that price range. I think you have to go like $8000 up to the RX8 to get something like it. I haev always been amazed that VW has created a car that you can take to the track and be really quick, but then turn around and take to whatever you need a very nice car for.