First look: Latest hi-po Vectra vetoed for Oz

IF the prospect of a 188kW Vectra whets your appetite then try not to get too excited about the Vectra OPC, previewed this week by Opel ahead of its Frankfurt motor show debut next month.

Powered by a Holden-sourced, Opel Performance Center-fettled 188kW/355Nm 2.8-litre turbocharged V6, the hottest Vectra yet seen is unlikely to see duty Down Under.

Indeed, as reported previously, the future of Holden’s Belgian-built Vectra itself is in doubt as Holden investigates a replacement in the shape of Daewoo’s new mid-sized Magnus sedan, which is due to be launched in South Korea in November.

Which is a shame, because while the new front-drive Magnus will come with Daewoo-built 2.0 and 2.5-litre straight-sixes and Holden’s 2.0-litre Family II four-cylinder, the Vectra OPC – which goes on sale in Europe in October – will provide an altogether different level of performance.

The stove-hot Vectra, which makes its world debut at Frankfurt and will be available elsewhere in both five-door hatch and wagon bodystyles, offers claimed 0-100km/h acceleration in less than seven seconds and a top speed of 260km/h.

Featuring variable valve timing and a twin-scroll turbo, the thumping new 2.8 V6 is mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission.

Vectra OPC is also claimed to be the first global production car from a volume brand to feature intelligent damping control, in the shape of Opel’s electronically controlled IDSPlus chassis with latest-generation Continuous Damping Control (CDC).

The new system is claimed to more effectively minimise bodyroll during hard cornering as well as increase comfort during regular driving.

Vectra OPC also comes standard with unique 18-inch alloys, two trapezoidal exhaust outlets, a new front-end design with honeycomb grille and larger air intakes and an interior featuring OPC instruments and Recaro seats, plus 345mm/292mm brake discs with blue callipers.