2014 Astra Extreme revealed

The new Extreme version of the Vauxhall Astra VXR / Opel Astra OPC certainly lives up to its name.

To start with, over 300 horsepower (around 220 kW) has been squeezed from a 2.0 litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine. All of that output is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, so it’s perhaps just as well that a limited-slip differential is part of the specification.

Opel Astra OPC Extreme (2014) Front Side

Complementing the extra grunt is a substantial weight loss. The Extreme is 100 kg (220 lbs) lighter than a regular VXR or OPC, with 20 kg (44 lbs) of the Astra’s diet accounted for by the fitment of 19” carbon fibre wheels instead of alloy rims.

Carbon fibre has also been used for numerous other components including the roof panel, bonnet, engine cover, rear wing and huge front splitter. Furthermore, the front wings are made from aluminium rather than steel.

On the inside there’s no mistaking the motorsport inspiration. The usual front seats have been binned in favour of Recaro items with Schroth six-point safety harnesses, while those in the back have gone altogether. In their place is a sturdy looking roll bar.

Nevertheless, the Astra Extreme remains fully road-legal and a limited production run is planned. Vauxhall / Opel hasn’t said exactly how many will be built, though.

Opel Astra OPC Extreme (2014) DashboardVauxhall Astra VXR Extreme (2014) Rear Side

Opel Astra OPC Extreme (2014) WheelVauxhall Astra VXR Extreme (2014) Interior

Related posts:
Astra VXR upgraded by Superchips
Astra VXR / OPC revealed

Images © General Motors.

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