Opel Performance Center
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| Division | |
| Industry |
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| Founded | Rüsselsheim, Germany (1997) |
| Headquarters | Rüsselsheim, Germany |
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Key people
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Volker Strycek, Managing Director |
| Products |
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| Owner | General Motors |
| Parent | Opel |
| Website | opel-opc.ie |
Opel Performance Center (OPC) is a division of the German automobile manufacturer Opel, initially set up as a subsidiary in 1997.
The main focus of OPC is the development of performance derivatives of the Opel range, such as the hot hatch Corsa OPC and Astra OPC. The OPC name is also used in some motorsport activities such as the VLN. In the United Kingdom, where Opel vehicles are sold under the Vauxhall marque, the VXR name is used instead.
Former DTM racer Volker Strycek is managing director of Opel Performance Center.
Opel Performance Center GmbH was established in 1997. The first OPC car was an Astra G launched in 1999.
Prior to OPC models, Opel used the Grand Sport Injection (GSi) designation in the mid 80s and the late 90s for its high-performance and hot hatch derivatives. Opel has offered many GSi models, e.g. the Manta B GSi, Kadett E GSi or Astra F GSi. The last vehicle with the GSi moniker was the Corsa C GSi, which was offered in the Opel model range until 2004. After three years, Opel decided to use the GSi moniker for the Corsa D in 2007.
The retail versions developed by OPC are sold under the Opel brand, as special versions of the standard Opel vehicles. They are typically painted in a bright shade of blue (though other colours are available too). Their competition in Europe are, e.g. the ST versions of Ford's European range and Volkswagen's GTI and R range. In the United Kingdom, Vauxhall's versions of OPC models are badged as VXR.
Opel Astra J OPC
Opel Insignia OPC (facelift)
Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer (facelift)
OPC has developed the following special versions of Opel vehicles: *"1998-2004 Opel Vectra a version of the sedan and hatcback"
Opel Astra G OPC
Opel Astra G OPC Caravan
Opel Zafira A OPC
Opel Astra H OPC
Opel Zafira B OPC
...
Wikipedia