It’s common to see high-dollar builds made out of relatively-inexpensive cars in time attack. Civics, 180SXs, the odd Supra and a smattering of GT-Rs are the norm, and it’s not too common to see anything European in the bigger events. Why it attracts imports almost exclusively isn’t certain, but it’s a reality in most instances.

As the world of time attack spreads, more enthusiasts with different interests get involved and bring in different flavors of racing cars. Unlike the generally-accepted JDM, turbo, four-wheel drive beasts, the Opel Astra DTM is one of the stranger entries the time attack world gets to witness.

After their DTM career ended, the Opel Astra V8 was used by privateers for club racing, but this particular example seems to have found its way into the time attack world. With a four-valve, four-liter V8 pushing 460 horses and a remarkably quick, sequential gearbox to manage that power, the acceleration is mega. Vehicle weight is quite low – a mere 2,500 pounds wet – so it gets going and stops quick as well, thanks to ventilated 380 mm carbon discs mated to six-pot calipers up front, while 340 mm discs with four-pots adorn the rear axle, all courtesy of AP Racing.

While it’s not the most powerful entrant, a combination of rigidity and aero grip give this car a fighting chance.

It’s light, it’s nimble, it offers considerable downforce, tons of rigidity from its tube chassis, and it has no turbo lag. However, in the world of time attack, where one lap matters and excess is in, the car is relatively underpowered and porky. Are a well-sorted chassis, immense cornering speeds, poise, and acceleration enough to contend with cars with twice the power and modern-day aero? It’s likely the answer is yes.