Launch of the Opel Astra G

Launch of the Opel Astra G

From development to market launch of the Astra G

Given the big shoes the Opel Astra G had to fill at the end of the 1990s, it is no surprise that the development process of the car was ground-breaking. Repeating the success of the predecessor was paramount for Opel. That’s why the development team decided to look for some completely new inspiration when planning the second Astra generation. The film “Jurassic Park”, which had already become a huge box office hit, proved to be a great help for the designers. The Astra G had little to do with the dinosaurs themselves – rather the team used a computer-aided design program called ALIAS, which was originally developed for computer-animated films such as the Hollywood blockbuster. With the help of the software, the designers could create the new model in a virtual, three-dimensional computer world.

Outstanding overall package: DSA chassis, fully galvanized body and ample space

The DSA chassis, which was newly developed, played a part in the active driving characteristics. It also ensured maximum driving stability in critical situations such as braking on different road surfaces. “With the Opel DSA chassis, the front wheel with the better grip offers controlled manner toe-in, causing a counter-steering effect and thus counteracting the tendency to yaw,” stated the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker at the time. The safety chassis also combined comfort with agile and safe handling – even with a full load. From 1999, the introduction of ESP further increased safety. And the patented pedal release system, which protects against serious foot or leg injuries in the event of an impact, was also standard in every Astra G.

Competition ambitions: The Astra G as OPC and V8 Coupé

At the same time, the second Astra generation showed that it could do much more than just master everyday tasks perfectly. It became a popular piece of sports equipment – and thus aroused the emotions of particularly ambitious drivers. Almost at the same time as the Astra G was introduced, the Opel Performance Center, or OPC for short, was launched under the direction of Volker Strycek. The first model from the performance professionals was the 1998 Astra OPC with 118 kW/160 hp. Four years later, the team showed that much more is possible with the further refined Astra OPC, which could reach speeds of up to 240 km/h. The further developed version had 147 kW/192 hp under the bonnet – and was available both as a three-door model and as an estate.

But that’s not all: Starting in 2000, Opel also got involved in the German Touring Car Masters with the specially developed Astra V8 Coupé – and immediately took second place in the championship with the high-tech racing car. More competitions followed, such as the legendary 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. And at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show, Opel presented the sports car as a 326 kW/444 hp Astra OPC X-treme concept, which promised top acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and could be driven on normal roads.

Opel Astra and Astra GSe today: Outstanding driving pleasure – with responsibility

Opel is once again tapping into this sporty heritage with the current Astra – in a contemporary, future-oriented and above all responsible way. The new top-of-the-range Astra GSe² and Astra Sports Tourer GSe² are powerful, dynamic – and electrified. Because today GSe stands for “Grand Sport electric”. The models of the new Opel sub-brand offer everything that sporty but also responsible drivers desire: top performance, a sporty chassis and an electrified drive for locally emission-free driving. All this combined with a stunning design.