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Monday, November 26, 2012

Ascona 400 : There's (399) more where that came from!

This is one of a very small batch of very special Opel Asconas. We called it Ascona 400, because that's how many there will be. And while the majority will win themselves a place in connoisseurs' collections, some of them are destined to win international fame.

Opel Ascona 400 Brochure Opel Ascona 400 Brochure Opel Ascona 400 Brochure

The standard Opel Ascona is renowned for its superb dynamic qualities and outstanding reliability. The Ascona 400 exploits that sporting potential to the full.

In addition to its sophisticated 16-valve engine, performance was boosted still further by intensive wind tunnel testing, resulting in a lower drag coefficient and increased stability (front end lift was cut by 50%, while that at the rear was reduced by almost 100%!). And although the Ascona 400 makes a spectacular yet practical road car, its design features make it easy to prepare for effective competition use.

Look what it offers:- 2.4 litre, 16-valve engine with crossflow head and chain-driven, twin overhead camshafts * 144bhp(DIN) at 5200rpm, 155lb/ft torque at 3800rpm * 5-bearing crankshaft with 8 balance weights * Electronic fuel injection * 5-speed gearbox, with optional heavy-duty close-ratio version also available * 9" single dry-plate clutch * Choice of 3.18:1 or 3.45:1 rear axle ratios * 80% locking differential * Gas-filled shock absorbers * Specially uprated front and rear suspension with 5-link back axle * Light alloy 6Jx15 wheels with ultra-low profile 205/50 VR 15 steel-braced tyres * Front and rear spoilers, plus side spoilers linking wheel arch extensions.

Performance: 0-62mph in 7.6 secs. Top speed (depending on rear axle ratio) 125+ mph.

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