Opel to develop the new Astra OPC for TCR

A new model is set to be introduced in the TCR International Series as Opel announced today the development of the new Astra OPC according to the series’ specifications.

The new car, which will provide a basis for customer racing for the German manufacturer, is based on the new Astra K, and its 2.0 litre turbocharged engine is set to have an output of 330 bhp, with a maximum torque of 410 Nm.

“Touring car racing has always been an important part of Opel,” said CMO Tina Müller. “The philosophy of the new TCR series corresponds to our idea of customer racing. We want to give ambitious privately owned teams a platform for exciting sport at reasonable costs.”

The Opel Astra TCR is being developed and will start the testing phase in October, while a presentation will be held at the world famous Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Marcello Lotti commented: “We are very pleased with Opel’s decision. We knew they were seriously evaluating the TCR concept in the latest month, and now the announcement that the new Astra is being developed in TCR-specs makes us very proud and adds another premier automobile brand to the TCR world.”

A version of the Opel Astra OPC has been used by Campos Racing this year, reaching a podium in the hands of Fernando Monje in Monza.