Opel Corsa VXR hot hatch

The Corsa has just been released in its most powerful incarnation yet, with the UK hot hatch market the beneficiary of the VXR Nurburgring Edition.

Australians haven't seen a decent hot hatch from GM since the Holden Barina SRi bit the dust in 2005, but with the impending return of Opel, there may be a chance - a Corsa OPC paying homage to the same track.

Officially there's nothing more from Opel on its Australian model line-up beyond what was revealed by Opel vice-president for business and product planning Frank Weber.

"All are under study, because it only makes sense to come to the market with a certain portfolio size and where you are also different from what Holden has," he said at the Geneva motor show. But given there's a chance of production Astra GTC, the Opel OPC is a shot of making the boat as well.

Opel communications director Peter Erhardt says: "we can however confirm that OPC models will be part of the Opel portfolio in Australia. The exact OPC models, their arrival times to market will be communicated closer to the 2012 launch."

On sale in the UK next month with a Vauxhall badge and a 22,295/AUD$33,975 pricetag, the VXR Nurburgring edition uses the same 1.6-litre turbo four engine of the existing VXR.

The little powerplant now produces 151kW (up from 141kW) and between 250-280Nm of torque (up from 230-266Nm) with the benefit of an overboost function.

A modified engine management and turbocharger system, a sports exhaust with reduced back pressure and an apetitite for 98RON PULP the ability to run on 98-octane fuel - have all contributed to the rise in power.

The hot little mite has a mechanical limited-slip differential to temper the anger from the front wheels and the GM Europe staffers are saying the LSD also takes care of any throttle-induced understeer or torque steer.

The Nurburgring logos are not just for decoration either - the company is saying the lowered chassis tune (toughened up with Bilstein springs and dampers) got its final sign-off after time on the renowned Nordschleife test track.

The special edition also gets lighter yet larger Brembo brakes, as well as recalibrated stability and anti-lock brake systems.

Clues to the performance upgrade - which boasts 0-100km/h in under seven seconds and a 230km/h top speed - also include stainless steel exhaust tips, Recaro sports seats and forged alloy wheels.