Opel Insignia by Steinmetz

The Opel Insignia is proving itself to be an attractive package of pricing, style, and nice technology like innovative lighting systems and adaptive suspension. For any tuner looking to do extra work on the Insignia, a competent canvas is laid out in front of them.

Steinmetz is one such "artist" going for the Insignia canvas with this provisional tuning package. It consists of a ride lowering suspension system, black and white 20-inch alloy wheels, changes to the front grille and front spoiler, a rear silencer tailpipe and floor mats.

Insignia, the new European Car of the Year, is offered with a choice of four 2.0-litre engines running on diesel, power figures range from 110hp to 190hp. The four petrol engines range from 140PS/ 103kW to 260 PS/ 191kW for the 2.8-litre V6 turbo.

Opel Insignia by Irmscher

Prior to the new Opel Insignia's European market launch on November 22, 2008, it's no surprise that long time Opel tuning partner (40 years to be exact), Irmscher, is the first to present a styling package ready to go. Available from the beginning of Insignia sales through Opel dealerships, the package consists of the a honeycomb grille with or without a stainless steel upper bar molding, front lower spoiler, side skirts, deck lid spoiler and rear diffuser fitted to the standard bumper fascia which accommodates quad exhaust. Lastly, 20-inch Irmscher wheels available in various designs add the final styling touch.

Opel Corsa OPC by Steinmetz

The Opel Corsa OPC is quite a little number with its 192 hp 1.6 turbo engine, but Steinmetz has some more fun adding factors in store for the hot hatch.

Starting with the engine, Steinmetz has a midified exhaust system for the Corsa OPC adding 10 hp to total at 202 hp and provides a deeper note to impress bystanders. The German tuning house also installed a new suspension system and lowered the car by 30mm, resulting in a lower center of gravity and less roll tendency.

Besides performance adjustements, Steinmetz has also developed some new visual extras like the new front grille Type II with honeycomb design and two-piece front spoiler. The front and sides are linked through 'designer stripes' in silver or anthracite, topped off with a aluminum filler cap and 16 to 19 inch bi-color wheels.

Press release:

The front spoiler in its 2-piece form, and the wheel and tyre combinations up to 19", are simply made for a high fun factor. And the "little one" delivers fun on every journey, especially with the modified exhaust which not only offers an extra 10 HP but also provides a deeper note. The overall package is completed by a 15 mm lowering, leaving the driver with lingering impressions to make him smile long after, when remembering the drive.

Engine/Silencer: The already powerful engine, developing 141kW/192HP as standard, has been coaxed by the Steinmetz engineers into giving a further 7kW/10HP thanks to the use of the new left/right silencer system. This exhaust is also available for the central silencer arrangement. So the "little" Corsa OPC by Steinmetz, with its hefty 202 HP, is ready for the sprint.

Suspension: The Steinmetz lowering kit brings the Corsa OPC by Steinmetz 30 mm nearer to the tarmac. "A few“ millimetres which reduce the vehicle's roll tendency and lower the centre of gravity. These two elements together give the Corsa OPC by Steinmetz even better road-holding in the limit zone, while retaining the expected level of comfort for everyday use.

Aerodynamics/Interior: Crouching down and apparently smiling from the headlamps, the power of the front is emphasised by Steinmetz front grille Type II in honeycomb design with its vertical double strut and 2-piece front spoiler. Flowing transitions provide a pleasing uniformity. The front and rear sections are linked by the new Steinmetz designer stripes in silver or anthracite, and the aluminium filler cap sets a further accent. The interior is enhanced by the Steinmetz foot mats with stainless steel.

Wheel/tyre combination: Wheel and tyre combinations from 16" to 19" are available for the Corsa OPC by Steinmetz. The ST3 can be fitted in size 8.0J x 19“ and the ST4 in 8.0J x 18“. The ST4 is a bicolor wheel which fascinates observers thanks to its black/silver appearance, where its brilliance is the result of the polished finish. The resulting light interplay gives the desired effect which makes the wheel a true eyecatcher. All components together combine to create an everyday "race car" in which every kilometre driven is a kilometre more fun.

2008 Opel Astra OPC Nurburgring Edition

At the start of the fourth round of the OPC Race Camp, Opel unveils the Astra OPC Nurburgring Edition, a limited special edition version of the successful three-door model. The Nurburgring Edition emphasizes the connection between the racetrack steeped in tradition and the Opel brand. The Nurburgring, and in particular the legendary Nordschleife, are rightfully known as Opel territory, as this is where Opel production cars are extensively tested during their development stage. Manuel Reuter first highlighted the OPC models’ performance power in 2005, when he set a circuit record with the Astra OPC in this vehicle class. With the special Astra OPC Nurburgring Edition, Opel now raises the connection to the Nordschleife to a new level.

The Nurburgring Edition is particularly eye-catching thanks to the sporty white lacquer, large rear spoiler, as well as exterior mirrors and B-pillars in carbon look. The racing circuit’s red signet also adorns the B-pillars. The second-generation IDSPlus2 chassis is familiar from the Vectra and Zafira OPC models and ensures even greater driving dynamics in the Astra OPC Nurburgring Edition. Weight optimized white rims, a two-millimeter wider track and ultra high performance tires complete the high-performance package. The interior features special full leather trim, carbon-look decor and a badge on the glove compartment with engraved serial number. An image of the race track is also engraved in the head rests. The special edition’s 240 bhp 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine takes it from zero to 62 mph in 6.4 seconds and to a top speed of 151 mph. The front-wheel drive model comes with a sportily tuned six-speed manual transmission.

“The special edition model is a tribute to the Nurburgring and our customers, who have made the Astra OPC the best-selling OPC model of the current generation,” says Alain Visser, Executive Director Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Adam Opel GmbH. The special edition Astra OPC Nurburgring Edition goes on sale in the first quarter of 2008.

OPC Race Camp Makes Racing Dream Come True

The fourth level of the OPC Race Camp that starts this month (August 2007) on the Nordschleife is the perfect stage for presenting the Astra OPC Nurburgring Edition. Opel breaks new ground with the OPC Race Camp – a professional talent casting that helps ordinary drivers discover and develop their motor racing skills. 500 candidates were chosen from the almost 18,500 applicants in the first round, which took place in April. Since then, further selection has taken place and today, 20 racing talents go into the fourth round hoping to capture one of the coveted eight positions in the race team that will participate in the legendary 24-hour race on the Nurburgring in 2008.

With its sporty OPC model range (Opel Performance Center) and OPC Race Camp, Opel now opens up a new range of possibilities in its traditional domain of popular motorsport. Candidates must have the talent and determination to achieve their dream of race car driving, while Opel provides them with the cars, the professional training and the necessary organizational support. After all, the dream of being a racing driver often dissipates because of the high investments that are required. Alain Visser sees the OPC Race Camp as a motorsport venture with good prospects for the future: “With the OPC Race Camp, Opel opens a completely new dimension in motorsport. The Race Camp addresses friends of motorsport that would otherwise experience car racing from the sidelines at best. It is an ideal project for Opel’s participation in popular motorsport because we can get our fans even more directly involved.”

Opel Racing Driver Star Wanted

Another new idea is the focus on people and excitement at the OPC Race Camp. The fortune of the candidates at the various casting levels captivates both the media and outside observers, as do the demands of the thrilling selection processes and training stages. As a result, the OPC Race Camp has strong media partners in print and television, who accompany the entire project with regular and extensive coverage.

The Race Camp candidates use several 240 bhp Astra OPCs as training vehicles, and two racing versions of the compact sports car are ready for later competitive races.

Because of the positive response to the OPC Race Camp – with almost 18,500 inquiries from German-speaking European countries – Opel is considering expanding the Race Camp concept to other European countries.

Opel Agila by Irmscher

Arriving onto forecourts in the coming months is Opel's new Agila, marketed as 'Flex in the City' for its versatile city car nature. But not until a re-working by tuning firm Irmscher will the new city car and its tagline have the brawn. In its second-generation with over 40,000 total units sold, the production model Agila is a successful model. And so it is with 40 years of experience that the German tuner is to offer Opel's youngest a range of Irmscher sporting accessories.

Its intention being to stand out from the crowd, the Irmscher Agila turns the heads of city dwellers with an air of 'sporting elegance' and subtle accessories - all tailored to demonstrate a higher standard in vehicle design.

Although unveiled with only rendered photos, the modified new Agila features new skirts front and rear as well as SUV-style under-body protector panels in a contrasting gray. The addition of Irmscher's larger honeycomb grille gives a more exclusive look to the model, with dynamics enhanced at the rear by a tailgate spoiler and a more prominent chromed exhaust pipe.

The Irmscher Agila is undoubtedly finished off by a range of exclusive light-weight wheels, such as Stila-Design designated 16" alloys. Better road-holding and city handling are too equipped in this new model, offering buyers a more enjoyable drive. As yet there are a no details on interior modifications, but expect the usual: splashes of chrome and a sportier trim, chiefly of note new bucket seats.

Königseder Opel GT'aime

The press release for this car reads like an embarrassing personal, but marketed as the GT'aime, an Opel GT modified by Königseder allegedly a magnet for adultery, it's hard not to want to read on about the car that'll have women lining up for a ride.

The modified Opel GT 'causes the tensions an affair consists of' with racy aerodynamic accents, namely a re-modelled front spoiler and rear wing, emphasising both the dynamism and soft form of the car. Powered by a 300 PS unit, and boasting custom made Brembo brake system and a sporty KW coilover suspension setup for sports ride and lap records, thrills are guaranteed at every corner. The 'climax' comes in the form of an enhanced cabin with a hand made wooden floor in black and red with GT'aime inscriptions.

Königseder makes his own motor show - not in Essen - but with his work on Opel GT. Women finally know what they want:

300 sleek-tuned PS.
The affair Königseder and Opel takes place.
With aerodynamic accents - frontspoiler and rear wing - race wins over mass and causes exactly the tension which an affair consists of. They emphasize the soft silhouette on the one hand and power the dynamic character of the car on the other hand.

A KW coilover suspension version 3 guarantees sporty driving and lap records through individual damper adjustmest - also due to the Yokohama tires.

Las Vegas: 20" Giovanna Dalar rims remind of Elvis' best times with rivet belts and match the car like chalk and cheese. Two American giants meet at Konigseder. Why not earlier?

The custom made Brembo brake system provides excellent deceleration and the 332mm brake discs with red 4 pistons calipers underline the exciting e! rotic style of this convertible.

The climax of the affair - naturally - takes place in the interior:
Very special: Hand made wooden car floor in black and red with GT`aime writing.

Opel Presents Racing Version Astra OPC Race Camp at Essen

Opel have entered a new territory of motorsport with the advent of the Astra OPC Race Camp. Two teams partnering Opel and Kissling Motorsport are presently undergoing training and entry vehicles under development for 2008's 24-hour event on the Nurburgring.

But models entered will not be modified versions of the production models they are based on, instead being built by Kissling Motorsport to personify a true racing-bred Astra from the ground up. An unpainted chassis forms the basis for the new Race Camp models, with a strengthened frame and a wide number of racing components. Subframe, tank, chassis and powertrain mountings and steering components are specially tailored.

An all-new drivetrain is introduced for this special race-bred Astra OPC. Mated to a six-speed sequential racing gearbox is the Race Camp's purpose-built supercharged air-cooled 2.0-litre turbo unit, generating a maximum power output of 221 kw / 300 hp at 6,300 rpm. Maximum torque of 400 Nm is developed at 3,980 rpm.

Kissling Motorsport are right at home on the Nurburgring, their workshops situated on the race track's doorstep in Bad Münstereifel. With a proven track record modifying Opel vehicles, Kissling have brought Opels to the track since the 1970s. Partners Dunlop and Recaro, for seat furnishings, also played an intensive role in development of the vehicle, with first roll-out scheduled for early next year.

Check out the racing team's official website at www.opc-racecamp.de, where you'll find team details, information on OPC models and the 'Ring, and should you wish, can listen to the official OPC Race Camp Song and its runners-up. (I'd quite like others to endure the same musical affliction, as I've listened to each enough during the writing of this article to grudgingly want two on mp3.)

Opel Astra GTC by Stainmetz

This tuned Astra GTC now has lowerder suspension, special 19 inches alloy wheels and an aerodynamic package with the Opel in Sports mode.The big wheels are type ST1 with closed spokes and secondly the type ST3, available in 19″ in silver and also in Shadow silver.The exterior design is changed by the big honeycomb front grille with the Steinmetz Logo, side skirts are designed to follow the lines to the rear and give the Astra an even lower appearance and in the rear a sporty spoiler is available.

At the interior a new aluminum gearknob for the Astra H has been developed by the tuner and aluminum handbrake handle, the 3-piece aluminum pedal set, the aluminum foot rest and of course the Steinmetz emblem.

Astra OPC Nurburgring

Opel presented, having the occasion of the OPC Race Camp, the limited edition Astra OPC Nurburgring, which can be distinguish by:

~ white paint, cu “race flag” drawn on the roof and on the hood;
~ bigger aileron;
~ carbon lateral mirrors;
~ accessories covered by carbon on which they put the circuit sign;
~ IDSPlus1 chassis (the second generation, presented on Vectra and Zafira OPC);
~ small weight rims, painted in white;
~ leather interior and carbon decorative elements.
Astra OPC Nurburgring has the same 2.0 turbo engine of 240 hp, attached at a manual 6 speed gearbox. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is made in 6.4 seconds, and the maximum speed is of 244 km/h.

Opel Corsa OPC

Opel recently added a new member in the family. Opel Corsa OPC is the newest release and will be presented for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2007. The model can be included in the sport category for its appearance and its technical characteristics. The OPC presents a 1.6 liter turbocharged engine, developing 192 hp which gives the possibility to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds and reach the top speed of 225 km/h.
The car is provided with an “overboost” facility, which allows the maximum torque of 230 Nm to be increased to over 260 Nm.

All though it is a performing model, when it comes to the fuel consumption the OPC requires only 7.9 liters per 100 km.
The new OPC goes with 17 –inch alloy rims and 215/45 R17 tires, also available with 18 –inch rims and 225 tires.

With a 16 –inch break system that ensures deceleration, a well-designed chassis, an ESP system and assisted power steering, Corsa OPC is the perfect image of performance and viability.
Having a sophisticated interior and a sport chassis, the OPC tends to be this year’s greatest success.