Record 24-hour drive for Opel’s Astra

Posted 23rd October, 2013 in Opel, Videos | Leave a comment

Opel and Vauxhall are awaiting FIA confirmation that the Astra has secured the title of fastest series-diesel in the world.

Competing in for the record for diesel passenger cars in the FIA’s 1600-2000cc forced-induction diesel production car class, twelve drivers, including three Opel and Vauxhall staff and nine motoring journalists, each drove a total of four hours over 24 hours at Millbrook Proving Ground’s High Speed Bowl.

Totally standard, apart from the obligatory fitting of roll cages, Corbeau race seats and Luke harnesses, the pair of Astra 2.0 CDTIs covered 4,800 kilometres with just 22 minutes downtime, resulting in an impressive average speed of 201 km/h. Each car had a precautionary tyre change due to the intense forces exerted by the track’s banking.

“The two Astras were absolutely convincing at full throttle. The combination of performance and efficiency made the 24 hour benchmark possible. Furthermore, the cars didn’t need a single drop of oil,” commented Opel Performance Cars & Motorsport Director Volker Strycek.