The article was originally produced on September 18, 2014, some facts and prices may have changed since then.

Opel OPC day Dudenhofen

Join us for a day event to Opel's secret test track to drive the OPC models and be a test driver for a day.

"In order for our cars to be as good as they are, hundreds of thousands of hours of tests and test drives are the foundation. For this we use a very secret test track 30 minutes by car outside of Frankfurt. The area has been in Opel's possession since the 60s and in the current situation it would be difficult to sell such attractive land for reasonable money. In the secret area there is everything needed to be able to really test upcoming models. Among other things, a velodrome track, and lots of different test tracks to test road holding, wheel suspension, noise and more." 

If you are an enthusiast, you can go to Opel's website and register for this event. Then you get to come along on a day that is guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. It is not just the driving that offers extravagant experiences. On the guided tour around the area, you get the opportunity to see a whole range of upcoming models from both Opel and Chevrolet in the form of so-called test mules. Photography is strictly prohibited here and the guide makes it clear to us that we will be kicked out immediately if this is not followed.

 

Among the OPC cars available are the Corsa, Astra and Insignia. All with completely different characters, the Corsa OPC is also available in Nürburgring design. The cone track, which is the first stage, is an easy match for the Corsan. All models have oversized brakes from Brembo, which almost immediately show what they are capable of when we set out to handle the track. With sharp crests, height differences and fast sections, this feels like a Nürburgring in miniature. After the skies opened up and made the track drenched, it put the cars to the test even more. Thanks to a mechanical differential in the Astra, it copes with the wet surface very well and retains power through the corner exceptionally well. 

After lunch, a small test is on the program. It's about taking an Opel Astra, built for the VLN (Veranstaltergemeinschaft Langstreckenpokal Nürburgring) races in Germany, through a cone track and getting two laps as close as possible. It may sound simple but because man. in addition to that, laps to drive on the track. only has two laps it becomes a real challenge. This car is completely gutted and fitted with a cage, racing seats and slick tires, it doesn't resemble a standard car in any way. After the two laps, the pulse is high and the adrenaline flows through the body.

 

The last part of the day is the velodrome track, which should turn out to max out the adrenaline and pulse. The track, which has three lanes, goes like a big circle around the entire test area. You start in the bottom, right lane at around 70 kilometers per hour. A command on the com radio in the car increases the speed to 170 and changes to lane number two in the middle where it starts to lean. Suddenly we are overtaken by a couple of other cars in the left and top lane. It's a very strange feeling when you mostly see the roof of the car passing at very high speed. Another command and a speed increase to 240 and movement to the left lane. The car, which is an Insignia OPC, does not need to exert much effort to achieve this speed. In addition, it runs very calmly and balanced. We are ordered over the radio to let go of the wheel now and let the car steer itself. A slightly bizarre experience where the car actually stays in the same track quite undramatically due to the g-force. 

If you want to experience Opel's secret test track in Dudenhofen and get an equally wonderful adrenaline rush, go to Opel's website and register your interest. This is a must for every dedicated owner who likes speed and fan and wants to experience a day as a test driver.