UNDERDOG! Opel/Vauxhall Astra OPC/VXR on the Nürburgring!

[@Cooked_Brakes]

Hello Misha, hello everyone. It's a pleasure to finally see my car on the channel, driven by Misha. Wet conditions and the braking system wasn't in the best shape but we managed to put in a fun lap.😃 I'm going back this year with some modifications to the car, and I can't wait for us to get back to the ring of hell 😝 Cheers everybody✌

[@jouhajohnny]

Hope to see your car on the channel this year 😁

[@bimsi100]

Very nice car!

[@Friendroid]

O sotaque pareceu-me português, tive que vir confirmar 👍💪💪

[@TheNuno190]

fogo, so pelo sotaque pareceu logo tuga ahah! grande maquina!!

[@Cunha_G13]

Bem me pareceu ser tuga, estamos em todo o lado. Força

[@alexmarianclinch]

Too many complains about this car.😒.Why don't you take it as Opel/Vauxhall wanted to be, an overall car. If it was a more hardcore, people complains is not comfortable, if it was high quality, is expensive, if it's more about safety, is heavy and things goes on😒. It's a good car, even Jeremy Clarkson said it. And the best looking car in his class.

[@YOSRD]

Je suis d'accord 👌

[@sonniowenbarnes4656]

Agreed

[@hackerino9707]

And also, there are more expensive cars which aren't as reliable as the Astra

[@Inazuma68]

That was cool to watch. So sad that the German press destroyed Opel with constantly bad comments. I owned some cool ones like the Kadett 16V, Calibra turbo, than because of the kids a Vectra Caravan OPC and now for over 10 years the Insignia OPC which is the same series as the driven Astra. For the fun, I have my 996.2 GT3 Clubsport. But all in all Opel always gave us good cars, sometimes better then VW for a much better price

[@lollypop9580]

I Can not more agree. ✨👍

[@madsdgdhg]

I'm really enjoying these "hot hatch series" of videos. Hopping to see some Peugeot 208 or 308 GTi by Peugeot Sport sometime in the future. Cheers.

[@anon7661]

207 GTi runs the same engine

[@jelle1611]

Coming in a few months is my Polo WRC 330hp, a true hot hatch!

[@lollypop9580]

@@anon7661 Reliability IS better in the 208 GTI and less weight.

[@lollypop9580]

@@jelle1611 Straight line Monster when it acquires traction. ❤️

[@juanramaki]

@@anon7661 no, isnt same engine

[@jankees4037]

These Astra OPC's can go really fast. Basic set up is promising and good. Upgrade suspension and brakes and boost the turbo more so it has at least 350hp, and it is awesome. Maybe get some weight out of the car (rear seats and boot stuff). The standard handling with those big wheels is pretty alright.

[@ARDEN440i]

can't get 350hp on stock turbo

[@nazmo_za9654]

I own a clio Mk4 trophy and still feel the corsa and astra OPC are still the best looking hatches of their generation

[@khalabongani2117]

It is truly aging well for a car that is ten years old, and it is remarkable on the circuit. I believe it can perform just as well as the blue Opel Corsa OPC you previously drove with a few tweaks😊

[@ilic2005]

If you don't need brakes... Performing is one thing, stopping when you have to quite another

[@kevineis9088]

@@ilic2005 It´s more than enough for daily use and fast driving.

[@SONNYG2197]

Nah, the corsa is 300kg lighter than the Astra J OPC

[@DennisfromMunich]

That looks like a really stable car in these tricky conditions! Awesome lap! Looking forward to see the car again with some mods!

[@asifnoaman8978]

I own this as a VXR in the UK. They come with Drexler LSD, Fully independent and adaptive suspension, best seats in its class and turns a lot of heads. Plus its very practical. Much better than the Ford equivalent

[@doughnuts5364]

Great car but I believe it has torsion beam at the rear

[@asifnoaman8978]

@@doughnuts5364 it doesn't. You can look it up

[@MrDavidfball]

been waiting for you to lap one of these, highly under-rated cars, LSD fittted from the factory, plenty of tuning options (being UK based i'm blessed) and being a opel/Vauxhall alas they will become a nice cheapish ring tool soon

[@asifnoaman8978]

they are holding value now

[@deutsch323]

Too heavy

[@calvinpas3384]

The only thing is weight.. i own one to but it doesnt feel heavy driving

[@asifnoaman8978]

@@deutsch323 have you driven one. I own one and it has good weight to it

[@Rob.Mitchell]

@@asifnoaman8978 they're bloody heavy & long gearing makes them slooow in stock form.. Map wakes them up Nicely & helps with its lardyness. Im wanting to drop to 18" wheels on mine to see if i can get abit of feeling/weight to the steering as that's also 2 light imho.

[@randomsurfer3963]

Seems like a decent base for a track tool, I am surprised there aren't more lapping the Ring, especially with it being a German car..that engine is easily tunable as well from what I have seen on road applications

[@csllover]

Definitely a reason for it, they’re not very good.

[@mdev8846]

@@csllover Why ?.

[@austrianaviator7920]

@@csllover if you claim something like that, you should at least give arguments for it.

[@csllover]

@@austrianaviator7920 handling and reliability. Happy now?

[@austrianaviator7920]

@@csllover Well, these are two arguments, they are absolutely not true, but yeah I‘m happy that everyone can drive what suits him/her the best, no need to decry other brands/cars with untruths. :)

[@blavrilleaud]

This driving with wet conditions is amazing ! Great car, great owner and for sure great pilot ! I'm totally in love with this J OPC 😍

[@adelaideautowashes]

I live in australia and these are sold as Holdens. Not many people bought them but i've always liked them for their unique and crazy styling.

[@KhaosOPC]

Chris Harris laped one of these faster than the megane 3 rs. It is an awesome car, great handling, can't wait to see Misha driving it again with proper brake pads and dry tarmac.

[@jstllucky]

We talking about the ring? Id love to see that lap. Do you have any links?

[@Rob.Mitchell]

Finally! Been wondering if you'd ever do one of these.. I was going to see if you wanted to lap in mine when i come over from UK.. 340BHP H&R springs,uprated pads,lines & fluid on Goodyear F1Supersport

[@MrStiffmeister1980]

I think its not good to drive when you know this car must have a Service, all the other Guys are laughing about a slow Opel without understanding whats the reason, i am very angry about this Situation because i have the same Car and i am proud of it, but my Car is always in the best Conditions to show what OPC can performe......

[@TheWhiteLightningOPC]

OPC ist Leidenschaft ❤️

[@matthiasschmitt2311]

I love opels! Nice to see the Astra on the track. "Benzin im Blut, Opel im Herzen." ("Gasoline in the venes, opel in the heart.")

[@larssonk22]

It's a shame they never released the Astra OPC Xtreme, hoping they haven't killed off the VXR brand I always felt the MK5 and MK6 were they best looking of all the hothatches.

[@kapiszontlw]

I used to have same Arden Blue J OPC with Aero Pack. Really nice car but like they said, a little bit heavy 😊

[@shushu8811]

So for a fun quick daily that is not a gti it's ok ?

[@asifnoaman8978]

@@shushu8811 yes I own one and its practical with biggest boot for 2 door hatchback in its class, it has the nicest seats especially in full leather with blue pin striping plus heates steering wheel etc

[@shushu8811]

Sounds nice Cauz they are reviews on yt but some say it's underrated rare and cool some say at the end of the day it's a opel it will break and it's not as good as a gti But the price is really attractive and imo it's one of the best looking hot hatch

[@kapiszontlw]

@@shushu8811 I tested 7 GTI and I already have Jetta GLI 17’ 2.0 TSI US spec tuned for 300hp and in comparison to J OPC they are fckn boring for me. Astra has great suspension in OPC mode, rear steering axle and multi plate LSD. I was fast and stable in the corners despite the weight. About A20NFT - yes I repaired engine once… cracks on pistons :D

[@Rob.Mitchell]

@@kapiszontlw the rear axle does NOT have steering capabilities so that info is incorrect

[@Donovanthegoodthings2]

Would love to see a Astra h VXR too , thanks for great video

[@JamesBalazs]

I have told Misha before in the comments that I'll take mine at some point for him to drive 😉 probably this year once it has a bit more power

[@Donovanthegoodthings2]

@@JamesBalazs perfect Mate , I need a stupit visa to go , will probably never see the ring

[@JamesBalazs]

@@Donovanthegoodthings2 since England left the EU I might need one, I'm not sure what it's like to travel to Europe at the moment as I've only been to the US for the last few years It might be a hassle 🤦‍♂️

[@Donovanthegoodthings2]

@@JamesBalazs I need a schengen visa , lots of effort too... Yours should be easier yes

[@JRosey777]

Good to see Astra at the ring, I track mine and run a 600 F brake fluid and flush and bleed every meeting. You can really brake hard and out brake dedicated track cars! At track days it’s often faster than the current hot hatches eg Yaris, Type R, Focus RS etc

[@NeilOosthuizen]

My first car was an Opel back in South Africa... it was the days of the Boss and Super Boss Kadet GSI's... Having to choose what Vauxhall to drive now in the UK doesn't feel the same.

[@lollypop9580]

Car market has completely changed in comparison to those days, not only for Opel's. Kadett E gsi 16v, What a joy this motor. 😍

[@thedarkofthearc]

I have this car and track day it. Just change the break fluid with a racing one, so it has higher boiling point like DOT 5.1, replace disks and pads with original Brembos.

[@mdev8846]

Endless brake fluid is the best !.

[@goldtutch]

in new zealand and ozzy this is a holden astra , i think they are cool and quite futuristic

[@janliberda9493]

I had a fatal engine failure on my 3MPS (BK) last spring. I really miss that car, I need to get another hot hatch in the future. Every time I see a video like this I think of her :)

[@thusmarshal8815]

For a hot hatch you should drive a 2009 to 2011 STI if you find a cosworth as well it will be the cherry on top

[@sinanemati88]

Nice to see an Astra J on track, hardly see any on the road/track in the UK.

[@rexxo2844]

Great car! I was looking for one of these few months ago, but was little bit out of my budget, but I would love to have one for daily driving. Also looking forward for the next year so you can compare it!

[@royTheLightning]

2:31 the finger taps, im dying,,, speed up speed up speed up.. All jokes aside, amazing car

[@souldrummer818]

Please do a lap in a 2015_ 2016 VXR, I've just bought one here in 🇦🇺 they are a amazing handling car, standard with Brembo brakes and more power.

[@johnsimun6533]

I had a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. With new disk and pads, I would stop fine, and that includes slowing down from triple digits. I had Firestone Firehawks. Mounted on the 16 in. wheel option, from the LT trim. Sun/sound and convenience also. I forgot which tire it is identical to over there, but. After several heat cycles. It would shake the car and especially the wheel, some, and at higher speeds, while braking. Then when applying the brakes later would be normal, without any shaking or vibration. A few heat cycles later, and when the application of the brakes, it would shake at lower speeds and while applying less pressure on the brakes, and I understand that the brakes were boosted, where at certain times the brakes would become touchy, but not always. That trend was continued until just driving on the highway at the speed limit 55 mph, and not even close to emergency breaking. Even late at night, no cars were close. Application of the brakes, any, would result in the car, and especially the wheel shaking violently. I tried, and I needed a time or so to, apply heavy pressure to the brakes, while the shaking was still happening. It felt as if the disc warped, and the pads were skipping in top of the raised areas. I determined that by the frequency of the shaking, along with the frequency along the amplitude of the noise produced. At those times it would be as loud clumps, like the slamming except for imagine it being rapidly occurring, along with the same feel in the bottom of the seat, along with more coming through the wheel. It was so bad the few times I done it, when I determined that I needed to do a brake job, several times previously. That it seemed as if the shaking was, was shaking the whole car so much that, I could hear the shaking occurring throughout the structure. Like the tail lights was shaking, along with some of the bracing. If I remember correctly, sometimes it is more important to pay attention to the surroundings, while the brakes are sliding and you are not slowing down much at all. More importantly if there is a turn ahead. But, I recall that I could see the car shaking, it was that bad. It might have been some in the rear view mirror, along with the side view mirrors. But it looked like it was really bad. As soon as I released the brakes and gave it a few seconds, and reapplied, I would have a second or two, without the shaking, and would be variable according to the pressure applied. Eventually, no vibrations would be noticeable, until I got to the point where it occurred, as I previously said it would happen, and would get worse as the heat cycles build up, until changing the disk and pads. Every time there were blueing along with micro cracks present. So I got good, even after doing disk and pads, which I done right under every year of ownership, with me. I never experienced that before, nor after. Only explanation I received, and was from a Master Welder, was that I was probably,removing the tempering from the disk. Basically, allowing the disk to soften up with the heat being added, while breaking, and when as they cooled, they would return to flat, and with the additional heat cycles being completed, the tempering would be reduced more, each time, while removing an increased amount of tempering each cycle. Sorry for all that, but you was saying the wheel was shaking and you could feel the brakes need some servicing. Would that be similar, and/or what is your opinion/s?

[@Squee7e]

Damn, you could've used half the text for the same story with proper sentences 😂 Anyways what happened to your brakes was extreme stress with no cool down afterwards. That can warp the discs. I recommend using high performance disks with better cooling but you got to let them cool down while driving. After a couple of hot laps when just parking your car they are so hot that the part that is between the brake pads cools down slower than the rest of the disc. That applies heavy stress to the disc that can even lead to shattering in case of hard disc materials. I hope this helps.

[@TheWhiteLightningOPC]

My car 🥰 the J OPC 🤩

[@youtubejunkie8053]

Love the hot hatch drives! I love my mk6 GTI

[@deeeeeeeench1209]

I don't get why he become irritated when mentioning the boiled break fluid HE boiled 🤣🤣🤣

[@mitchelroos22]

Really nice car! Still feel sad when Misha drove my Insignia OPC and the camera's didn't work :(

[@Fatlace24]

Im from Fribourg too, and have an astra OPC too aha. Nice video !

[@ooleg]

I had one of those in black with ebc discs and pads and a tune for stage 2 but had to sell it during first hit of covid, really glad you did this run, it was a dream to take mine a round the green hell!😂

[@9613enrico]

"I have a picture in the air" 😂❤

[@shaynehuneault1915]

Hood vent or air flow help with that, cause even park temps under the hood is insane hot after a lap so the fluid is at high temps. I got my self a 12v rad fan and low degen battery i use to cool down everything faster and help the car be ready for another 20minutes session since here tracks are not 20km long 🤣😅

[@raullasvegas]

Thank you for sharing your car with us.

[@aj_shooter4097]

Took my astra gtc 1.6 t for a hard drive other day, i killed the brakes on the twists and turns, EBC yellowstuff brakes now ordered 😊

[@official_Quube]

The Astra J OPC is such a good car, I love it and I will get one someday

[@FSCOD_YT]

J'espère tellement un jour voir l'opel vectra opc 2.8 v6 ❤

[@nathandepasquale9571]

So much hate for these. So capable. A few mods and it would be a weapon 👍

[@m87orion]

Love the "split" camera view. Keep it up! 💯🔥

[@MaloPlayz]

Getting mines soon 💙

[@manuelmayr8831]

Have fun with it

[@iceb-akap77ice93]

Yeah man. Another car that does well until something goes wrong. But after upgrades should be good. Cheers for the lap. ✌🔥

[@afc4lifeseamus]

Good review got mine 3 months ago handles well shocked the GT3 backed off …

[@dolex161]

Wish that the 2016-19 Chevy Cruze was available with this engine... We only got the 1.4T instead of the 1.6t. if it had AWD it would have been a better competitor to the Impreza

[@g4tlan]

The opc has a 2 liter a20neh

[@ARDEN440i]

It's a very heavy car for sure. First thing that I upgraded were the pads and brake fluid as even I cooked the brakes on a track day.

[@AnteFuerst]

i like the astra opc but it has no automatik and it is crazy heavy for a hatchback without awd and automatic.

[@calvinpas3384]

I had this car its the best handling car i had its heavier then its competitors but also haves insane brakes that weigh a lott its better then the scirocco R i have now while the scirocco has 8k in mods

[@zdravo4]

Astra IPC has IDS+ suspension and it has sport mode, I hope you have turned it on. It’s big Sport button under the central screen

[@thetruthwillsetyoufree4781]

OPC button mate. Actually, it was switched on, take a look how it they bounce while driving. I've got that motor so believe me.

[@zdravo4]

@@thetruthwillsetyoufree4781 I had Astra H with that suspension so I know for it. I also know that now 4 IDS+ shocks cost more than whole car. I mean on Astra H 2004.

[@dawidcloete6268]

206 kw is enough for a daily drive, that car can still take 5 people. OPC is the best looking and most fun for the price.

[@SuperGurrier]

I love my J Vxr, not as good to drive as a mk3 megane rs but is any fwd car ? But with the big tyres and wheels they do feel quite stable, love the max power styling and from some angles they just look awesome. Aftermarket parts aare getting harder to get now though as are factory bits which i find bizzare for such a young car. Those crap brakes are very expensive too 800+ for 2 front discs o0

[@superfejmus]

I had few opels and every had problem with brakes :D

[@danielkirchhoff7372]

Got its 180hp little brother. Those cars are actually pretty fun to drive.

[@einfranke677]

Nice drive, nice car👍! By the way, the Hockenheim GP course is much worse for street cars than the NR GP.

[@Yhiozzz-]

My favorite car 😍💪🏽

[@pxplay]

Misha can you do a lap in a Clio 4 RS Trophy? I own one and I would love to see it in your hands at Nurburgring. If only I lived in Germany

[@lollypop9580]

Drive to the Ring this year, WE only live once. You'll remember this trip Al your life, it's really worth every penny and Time you spent there... If you are insecure on the track, take an instructor and trust him, all will be fine. 😉👍

[@okismooki6783]

OPC POWER 🔵💪

[@Tom_Lu420]

We would love to see you drive something like a Fk2 type r/ Clio Sport 203 or maybe even something a bit more old school like a nicely built Civic Ek/Eg. By the way, we are loving your content Misha! 😄

[@flavioxy]

next time i go on a trackday on NOS, misha, be sure i'll invite you. i have a unique opel, old caravan with 390hp, competition suspension, drexler diff etc.

[@thijss1272]

great lap, i whas curious for your opinion about the astra opc as i've heard they are quite heavy compared to other hothatches.. i love how rare they are tho. they look so good :)

[@Inazuma68]

Yes they are heavy but they also are solid as a rock. I drive an Insignia OPC Caravan (over 10 years). It still is basically like new. Never had a better car for long trips. The Recaros are awesome. For the fun I take my 996.2 GT3 😎

[@alexandervotintsev8114]

Nice to hear Misha speaks better English than the Swiss guy.

[@hamzasherazi9334]

Some tricky conditions. We need some winter content too my brother.

[@asssiesgaming453]

What winter?

[@blaststars37]

Brakes are not in ideal condition, but lets do a lap anyways... Im not a fan of that, But at least you know to take it easy.

[@bertlzansinger]

As an admirer of knowing the driven speeds I thought about maybe using a race navigator or something to be able to display the speed anyways.. 🤔🤷🏼‍♂️ A suggestion. Or more a hope of mine.. 😅

[@lollypop9580]

It was not a planed lap. 😉

[@bertlzansinger]

Thx. I know. Wanted to make this suggestion in general for Mishas Videos. To like step up the game and provide the speed digital and not filmed.. 👍🏼

[@TrashhMack]

Just subscribed man I love your content.

[@spadgm]

Nice car, see a few here in Aus. I often wonder if I get another hot hatch whether to buy one of these or a Megane 250 or 265rs...

[@ltg8382]

Beautiful car tbh

[@Liam.......]

Do like these cars, look really good and drive well

[@loicmarino7717]

Belle voiture fribourg on est là 🔥🔥

[@lollypop9580]

#fribourgonfire. 🤗

[@kenrossaukrsa]

Before the Astra owner interrupts me while writing this comment , Misha, has any or what normal road car has made it around the Ring at full poke without the brakes or engine / oil overheating ?

[@lomp8]

megane rs if it is stock wont have any issue

[@hassosigbjoernson5738]

Great car, too bad you had no speedo cam. *Please more of those underdog cars!* It looks like an affordable entry into track racing with drivers willing to learn and evolve and not just "BMW's that drive like a douchebag"! Really like that understatement and not having to show off!

[@TG-pd3ft]

One of the slowest laps from Misha I've ever seen

[@RWL2012]

Nice title :P The video is even better :D

[@rumblebelly6780]

That's a 2013 Astra? Wowzers! One thing: a passenger must spit out the chewing gum before the lap starts.

[@juststuff531]

Could you do a focus st next ? Mk3

[@RogueBrit]

The OPC /VXR was developed at the ring......

[@madrx2]

1550kg very hefty for FWD cars hence whilst the undersized brakes struggle

[@THESHADOW97139]

Under .... we are not talking about the same car

[@madrx2]

@@THESHADOW97139 isn't this the car featured in the video bro?

[@THESHADOW97139]

@@madrx2 Absolutely ... but the braking is absolutely not undersized. Poor quality may be (oil, pads, etc.) but not undersized. An STI with these 1450/1500 kg, has undersized braking if we compare the two .... yet it brakes very well (by doing what it takes)

[@mdev8846]

Winmax or Endless brake pads all you need !.

[@joebeus6886]

Misha can we expect another Summit this winter with you and Robert?

[@mgcharoudin]

Maybe we can make it work!

[@lollypop9580]

@@mgcharoudin It would be really nice, I miss them so much. 👍💋

[@calvinpas3384]

Nice vid to bad that there is no speedo cam so i think we should do a lap with my gtc opc with speedo cam👀😈

[@menshealthforwealth2368]

Would like to see the astra h vxr on your channel

[@Mystic_Morgan]

"I don't go too hard on the break" so he thinks Misha is going to take it slow???!!

[@goranzarkovic7350]

he can say nobody overtook us. which is true

[@martinchapman2168]

Good video

[@MarioPerez-eq1yy]

Citroen C4 WRC please

[@micheltebraake7915]

Het zal een rede hebben dat er weinig Opel Astra's OPC naar de Nordschleife komen.

[@asssiesgaming453]

Meer dan die ouwe 205's

[@TheCommentator112]

Any Clio RS 4 coming up?

[@mgcharoudin]

Not yet, maybe this season!

[@Nalafraser]

Vraiment lourd et remapage bof 315cv max une Leon Cupra 1p est bcp plus nerveuse et légère et facilement 320cv

[@THESHADOW97139]

Its engine collects more than 400 hp without changing the internals ... the only big problem with this vehicle is its weight

[@bits2646]

OMG the understeering ... :DD But, very predictable handling, and Misha just said in that moment "very good handling"

[@Regarageteamgermany]

❤❤❤

[@Lorijenken]

wonder if we will ever see the super ultra elusive 1996 Acura RSX type S running around there :> (wink wink nudge nudge).

[@paulbaker4941]

Why keep bringing these cars with bad brakes, suspension or tyres.

[@xFactoryUSA]

The gum chewing does it for me, nobody in America chews gum, or has since the 90s? Lol

[@bga.123]

Nice lap, I wish the owners would stop chewing the whole time. very distracting. I doubt they realize how silly they look

[@ballievogel5385]

Liked that

[@lourencotome4029]

PORTUGAL!