The dormant OPC or Opel Performance Center moniker will reportedly be revived in 2023 on an all-electric version of the new Astra.
Last used in 2018 but dropped for the equally iconic but ultimately mildly performance-oriented GSI nameplate on the Corsa and Insignia, the return of the OPC-badged model first appeared in 2018 with hybrid motivation.
However, as Opel prepares to become an all-electric brand in 2027, the focus has reportedly shifted to full electrification with the apparent introduction of the all-battery-powered Astra next year.
READ ALSO: Opel OPC still in 2022, but only with electricity
Although the OPC name has not been revealed, Opel design chief Mark Adams told the British Top Gear of the Astra’s performance, remarked, “We’re working on things that aren’t too far off where we’ll start in that direction.”
Slated to preview a plug-in hybrid model that could potentially be called the GSI, Adams declined to give any details when asked about the final design of what will be sold as the VXR by Opel’s British subsidiary Vauxhall if it goes to the real world. .
“There’s a fine line between being perceived as sporty and dynamic, which is, shall we say, a positive characteristic. But at the same time, you don’t necessarily need a hard and aggressive brand. It’s about finding something to like, and as designers, we definitely have to think about those softer factors,” Adams said.
​​​​​​While nothing is known at the moment, there is speculation that the all-electric OPC will produce significantly more power than the 206kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo engine of the previous model.
In addition, it will also likely have all-wheel drive, a first for the Astra OPC, but not like the original Insignia OPC had an all-wheel drive system.
The expected return will unfortunately not spill over to South Africa, as there are currently no plans to bring the new Astra or any of Opel’s electric models, which currently consist of the Corsa-e and Mokka-e, to market.
