Having launched the new 2016 Opel Astra hatchback 
at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show , Opel has now announced plans to develop a new Astra-based race car for the TCR series, too. The motorsport-spec car will be unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
If you’re not familiar with the TCR series, it’s a new touring car championship that debuted in 2015. Promoted as a cost-effective spin-off of the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), the TCR series is sanctioned by the FIA and based on a three-pillar concept that includes national and continental championships along with the global TCR International Series. All three tiers function under the same technical regulations.
Though it has already developed an Astra for the new series, Opel wants to use the improved aerodynamics and chassis of the redesigned model to create a more potent racer.
“Touring car racing has always been an important part of Opel. 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,” said Opel Group CMO Tina Müller.
Official details are still under wraps, but they will become available next month. Until then, check out my speculative review below.
Continue reading for the full story.
Exterior
The two renderings released by Opel ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show depict a beefed-up hatchback based on the new Astra. The vehicle features all of the visual improvements added in 2015, enhanced by an aggressive body kit that includes redesigned bumpers, a vented engine hood, widened fenders and side skirts, and a big rear wing atop the tailgate. Though it’s likely the actual car will not be as menacing as in these renderings, the new TCR racer will definitely look more menacing than the current model.
Interior
Note:Interior from 2014 Opel Astra OPC Extreme shown here.
Unlike the exterior, the interior will have nothing in common with the road car, except for maybe the door panels. Everything, from the dashboard, the passenger seat and rear bench, the carpeting, and the center console will be ditched in order to save weight. The standard steering wheel will be replaced by an Alcantara-wrapped unit with race-specific controls, while the standard driver seat will make way for a bucket seat with a five-point harness. A full, FIA-approved roll cage will be added as well.
Drivetrain
Note:Engine from 2014 Opel Astra OPC Extreme shown here.
There’s no word as to what might motivate the new race car, but it’s likely Opel will go with an updated version of the current Astra TCR’s turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit. The engine will probably mate to the same Drexler six-speed sequential gearbox and mechanical limited-slip differential. What I do know for a fact is that the upcoming Astra TCR will have an output of 330 horsepower and a maximum torque of 302 pound-feet (410 Nm), as required by TCR regulations.
Competition
Volkswagen Golf TCR
The TCR series is currently contested by five automakers, including Volkswagen , which developed a TCR-spec version of the Golf . Also powered by a 2.0-liter four-pot rated at 330 turbocharged horses and 302 pound-feet of torque, the Golf GTR uses a six-speed DSG with paddle shifters and an electronic differential. Other competitors include the Seat Leon , Audi TT , Honda Civic , and the Ford Focus.
Read more about the 2016 Volkswagen Golf TCR here .
Conclusion
Though it has five cars on the grid, Opel has yet to make a significant impact in the new TCR series, currently dominated by the Seat Leons and Honda Civics. This is probably why the Germans are eager to replace the current 2014 Opel Astra OPC Extreme race car with a better version that’s likely lighter, faster and more reliable. But that’s something we’ll find out more about once the 2016 TCR season is underway.
Press Release
Opel is expanding its activities in customer touring car racing. Based on the new Astra, which will celebrate its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) this September, the motorsports division of the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker is developing a touring car in accordance with the current regulations of the TCR series for national and international customer racing.
The TCR series, inaugurated in 2015, is based on a three-pillar concept that includes national and continental championships along with the global TCR International Series – all of which have exactly the same technical regulations. Therefore, a TCR vehicle can be used worldwide without undergoing any technical modifications. The two-liter turbo-charged engines have an output of 330 hp and maximum torque of 410 Nm.
“Touring car racing has always been an important part of Opel. 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,” said Opel Group CMO Tina Müller.
The Opel Astra TCR is currently under development and the technical specifications will be announced at a later date. Testing of the new customer sports touring car is set to start in October.