Steinmetz Opel Astra GTC: Mainstream Tuning

By Feann Torr - 29/6/2005

Now this is one European hot hatch I'd like to see in Australia, and though Holden won't be getting the Golf GTi-rivalling Astra GTC (Astra SRi Turbo) until early in 2006, the tuners have already taken the thing apart and reassembled it in Europe.

Steinmetz, a dedicated Opel (GM) tuning house in Germany that has been in operation for more than 25 years, has come up with a number of upgrades for sporty Astra models.

This Deutsch company is a little different to most tuning operations in that it is endorsed by General Motors in Germany (Opel), meaning that you can upgrade your Astra GTC with Steinmetz bits and pieces directly via the Opel dealership, all with two year warranties if installed when new.

The Aachen-based outfit offers a number of turbocharged GTC models - diesel and petrol - that have been fettled to provide more power, better handling, improved aerodynamics and a more individual look and feel.

First we'll look at the engines, a pair of the most powerful units that Steinmetz modifies - one diesel, one petrol.

The diesel engine, a 1.9-litre CDTI lump, gets a piggyback chip, or is given an extra chip if you like, to achieve substantial gains in horsepower and torque.

The 'extra control module' as Steinmetz refers to it changes the air/fuel mixture and other aspects of the engine's inner workings (ignition timing etc) to boost power, negating the need for add on parts, such as bigger intercoolers or lumpy camshafts.

However, the German company does talk fondly of exhaust pipes: "Characteristic of Steinmetz are the bright polished, trapezoid twin rear tailpipes. On the left or left/right, their unmistakable appearance and sound leave nothing to be desired and are incredibly well fitting. Optionally the twin tailpipe can be fitted both with and without rear skirt." Gotta love attention to detail.

The petrol engine, one of GM's trusted workhorses - a 2.0-litre 16-valve turbo mill - needs no piggyback chip for more thrills, as Steinmetz simply plugs in a laptop and alters the factory standard engine control unit (ECU) as is. The results of the changes to both the diesel and petroleum engine's software equates to a wider spread of torque over a wider rev range:

A deft tweaking of the engine's control unit can result in much better outputs (but often less fuel efficiency), and it's interesting to note that in the 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine the 300Nm of torque arrives @ 4000rpm, as opposed to the 4200rpm in it's standard state of tune.

On top of the exhaust and engine control unit changes, Steinmetz can install it's own springs for a more driver-focussed suspension setup, ensuring the power increase is put to good use. Lowered by a good 30mm, the new springs give the GTC a brilliant on-road presence, and in Steinmetz' own words they help "lower the centre of gravity of the Astra, which reduces the roll tendency on cornering and allows faster direction changes. Driving the road becomes a pleasurable experience, and you simply won't want to stop."

The uprated suspension is also compatible with the nifty IDS Plus system that can be set to different modes, such as sports mode etc. in order to suit changing road conditions. For more info on the IDS gizmo, check out this article on the Astra GTC.

Supporting the sporty suspension suite are a number of wheel and tyre packages from Steinmetz, ranging from 17- to 19-inches in diametre.

The Steinmetz Opel GTC featured in the photos is fitted with the big 19-inch mags, shod with 225/35 R19 rubber, which help increase grip levels.

Like all self-respecting European tuning houses, Steinmetz also offers its own custom-made body kits, which include all the usual suspects, such as side skirts, front and rear aprons plus spoilers and the like.

But more than just giving the Astra GTC more visual flair, there are numerous aerodynamic advantages, says Steinmetz:

"For the roof spoiler, the Steinmetz designers have come up with something special. A two-piece roof spoiler gives more downforce on the rear axle, then creates the 'wow' effect for anyone viewing the Astra GTC from behind."

Increasing the 'wow' effect we all know and love, you can also choose to ditch the Opel grille/badging and opt the official Steinmetz items, which comprise a honeycomb- style front grille with the Steinmetz Logo, and let's not forget the new heated and electrically adjustable sports mirrors either.

Interior highlights/upgrades can also be ordered, from aluminium gearknobs that sit "perfectly in the hand on gear changes" to 3-piece aluminium pedal sets, side sills/scuff plates.

Steinmetz Opel-Tuning has developed a new aluminium gearknob for the Astra H. This sits perfectly in the hand on gear changes. The interior is finished with the aluminium handbrake handle, the 3-piece aluminium pedal set, and the aluminium foot rest. Steinmetz complete the atmosphere with the 4-piece foot mat set with the Steinmetz logo in stainless steel and sill trims.

We love hot hatches here at the Motoring Channel, and Steinmetz' new take on the Astra GTC is not only pleasing to the eye, but also to the soul, with a more sporting chassis/powertrain combination. GM Holden will be getting supplies of the 147kW Astra SRi Turbo (Aussie for 'GTC') early in 2006, and though no upgrades are planned as yet, it's close ties with HSV (Holden Special Vehicles) could yield an all-new beast equally as impressive as Steinmetz new toy.