Opel Readies Corsa OPC, Concept for Geneva

Posting only a shadowy image on its European website, Adam Opel GmbH is promising to reveal an all-new Corsa concept vehicle next month at the Geneva auto show.

The teaser release reveals an outline of the concept vehicle, but General Motors Corp.’s German subsidiary is less coy about the premiere of its Corsa OPC. The sporty version of the fourth-generation model, billed as the most powerful Corsa ever, also premieres in Geneva.

Powered by a 192-hp, turbocharged 1.6L 4-cyl. mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, the Corsa OPC can accelerate 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.2 seconds, Opel says. Torque maxes out at 170 lb.-ft. (230 Nm), but the Corsa can achieve a temporary “overboost” in torque to 196 lb.-ft. (266 Nm).

The model will go on sale in Europe in the spring.

Outfitted with a roof spoiler and front and rear aprons, the OPC’s exterior follows a motor-sports theme. The car features 17-in. alloy wheels, chrome-ringed instruments with red pointers and blue- or silver-ringed air vents, flat-bottomed leather sports steering wheel, and Recaro sports seats with integrated head restraints.

The introduction of the Corsa expands Opel’s performance-based OPC program to six models, including the top-of-the-line 280-hp Vectra OPC, available as a sedan or station wagon.

Corsa OPC attempts a motor-sports impression.