Compromised Internals

Overview Specs Highlights Characteristics

Overview

The Opel Astra GSi was initially developed as a Group A front-wheel-drive rally car and later evolved into a full-fledged Kit Car under the FIA’s Formula 2 regulations in the late 1990s. Built on the Astra F platform, it was designed to compete in tarmac-focused national championships, most notably in Germany. The Astra Kit Car combined Opel’s proven chassis with a high-revving naturally aspirated engine and extensive suspension development, offering a serious alternative to the dominant French F2 entries in regional and European events.

Technical Specs & Innovations

The Astra’s naturally aspirated C20XE engine was a legend in its own right, providing strong torque and a thrilling powerband, especially when paired with Opel’s well-balanced chassis and aggressive kit car enhancements.

🏆 Competitive Highlights

German National Rally Championship Podiums — Frequently challenged top contenders like VW and Peugeot on tarmac stages.
Top Results in ADAC and Central European Series — Especially strong in regional F2 asphalt rounds.
Though never a WRC front-runner, the Astra Kit Car proved its worth in the highly competitive German F2 scene.

Its success helped maintain Opel’s rallying presence and gave national-level teams a reliable, responsive, and well-developed kit car platform during the F2 golden era.

Driving Characteristics

The Astra GSi and Kit Car variants offered stable, confidence-inspiring handling with crisp turn-in and strong braking performance. Its wider track and predictable chassis behavior made it well-suited to high-speed asphalt events, where it could maintain excellent cornering speed and manage weight transfer gracefully.

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