Opel Takes Diesel Speed Record with Astra 2.0 CDTI

The OpelOpelGermany, 1863 > present85 models
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AstraOpel Astra Gen.4 [J/D]Germany, 2010 > 2015194 versions
355 photos
has been certified as the world’s fastest diesel car, well kind of. Opel brought two Astras to the Millbrook Proving Grounds in Bedford, England, on October 5 and ran them for 24 hours around the oval. Over the course of the day, they drove 4,800km with 22 minutes of downtime in the 24 hours. There were a total of 12 drivers split among the cars.

Both cars were Astra 2.0 CDTI models, and they averaged 201km/h over the 24 hours to set a new FIA record for 1600-2000cc forced-induction diesel production cars. The only changes to the cars were roll cages, race seats and harnesses for safety and Michelin Pilot Super Sports tires in the cars’ standard size.

“This is real testament to the durability, safety and performance of the Astra in extreme conditions that a normal motorist would never experience,” said Duncan Aldred, Acting Vice President Sales and Aftersales Opel/VauxhallVauxhallUnited Kingdom, 1857 > present31 models
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.