50 Years Ago: Walter Röhrl Wins European Rally Championship in Opel Ascona

• October 13, 1974: Röhrl/Berger take title with a maximum of 120 points
• Top class: Röhrl also wins 1982 World Rally Championship in the Ascona
• ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup 2024: Electrifying rally sport

In record time: From young talent to rally ace

Born in Regensburg in 1947, Walter Röhrl focussed on sport from an early age: football, rowing, skiing – and finally motorsport. According to his own statement, the young Bavarian consciously chose “rally instead of circuit.” It proved to be the right decision.

His breakthrough, which turned him from “nobody” (as he once said himself) into a surprise frontrunner in the rally circus, came in 1972. Röhrl played a dominant role in the Poland Rally, the Baltic Rally and the Olympia Rally. From 1973 onwards, the then 26-year-old drove for Opel – with Jochen Berger at his side. He gives Röhrl the route instructions and plays a significant role in the coming successes. Even back then, the co-driver was sure of Röhrl's driving qualities: “Driving through a special stage with Walter is safer than crossing the road in the city.”

He turns out to be right: in the same year, with just a few starts and almost the same number of overall victories, the two of them finish as runners-up in the European Championships in an Opel Ascona. For Röhrl, this proved to be the perfect springboard for the coming season with the recently founded Opel Euro Dealer Team.

Convincing display: Röhrl/Berger win 1974 European Championship in Opel Ascona

And so, in 1974, Walter Röhrl and Jochen Berger attacked the competition with great ambitions. Their car is again a factory Ascona A. This has an engine that has been bored out to two litres with an overhead camshaft and crossflow cylinder head. This means that the car produces between 141 kW (192 hp) and 156 kW (212 hp). Special springs and special shock absorbers as well as internally ventilated disc brakes at the front and ventilated drum brakes at the rear adapt the chassis of the rally car based on the production model to the tough competition conditions. In his biography “Aufschrift” Röhrl remembers: “The engine was easy to drive. Power came from around 2,000 rpm and continued to 7,600 rpm. But I refrained from revving it up so high. My moral limit was 7,000 rpm. Mostly."

However, Röhrl/Berger have to be patient until their first big success of the season. At the 8th International Firestone Rally – the 5th round of the European Rally Championship at the end of March 1974 – the time had finally come. As the top team in the Opel Euro Dealer Team, the two achieved a superior start/finish victory after 1,517 kilometres and 19 special stages in the northern Spanish mountains. From then on, things happened in quick succession: just four weeks later, Röhrl/Berger took the lead right from the start at the Tulip Rally in the Netherlands. After 1,250 kilometres and 38 special tests, they achieved their next impressive overall victory in their Ascona. The local authorities cause a moment of shock: They suspect Röhrl of significantly exceeding the permitted speed limit. Fortunately, this turns out to be a mistake. The law enforcement officers did not catch the German duo with starting number 1 speeding - instead the Polish team with number 7 were caught on camera.

Further victories follow in the Hessen Rally, the Moldau Rally and the Danube Rally in Romania. The Opel drivers clearly lead the overall standings – and the 13th Rally Internazionale di Lugano is scheduled to take place from October 11 to 13. Röhrl/Berger can already secure the European title. They once again took “pole position” among the 52 competitors right from the start. The 28 tough special stages in the mountains between Lugano and Lake Maggiore take their toll: only 18 teams cross the finish line on October 13 – with the Opel Ascona with Walter Röhrl and Jochen Berger leading the way. After 1,000 kilometres they are more than ten minutes ahead of the second-placed team. With their sixth overall victory and 120 points – the highest number of points ever achieved to date – they won the European Rally Championship in 1974 with three races remaining.

1974 European Championship: Start of Röhrl and Opel's further rally success

But after this success, Walter Röhrl has even greater ambitions. He writes: “With the European title I had achieved what I wanted. But one dream kept me going: winning the Monte Carlo Rally once in my life.”

In 1975, Röhrl achieved the first victory in a World Rally Championship race for himself and Opel, but in 1977 the exceptional driver and the brand with the Blitz went their separate ways. At this point in time, no one had any idea that their greatest sporting triumph was yet to come. In 1982, Röhrl returned to Opel. While Jochen Berger is manager of the motorsport department, his new co-driver Christian Geistdörfer also makes a decisive contribution to the success of the “Mission Monte Carlo” – along with the 191 kW (260 hp) Ascona 400. With Geistdörfer and the Ascona 400, Röhrl wins the legendary Monte Carlo Rally for the second time. A tailor-made start to the rally season, which ultimately culminated in a spectacular victory in the 1982 Drivers' World Championship.

Fast, exciting and electrifying – three words that perfectly describe the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe”. With the world's first fully electric one-make rally cup, Opel, ADAC and everyone involved are showing how modern, sustainable rallying works today. Luca Pröglhöf has just secured this year's title and thrilled the fans in exciting competitions. But Pröglhöf and his colleagues have famous “forerunners”. Because Opel and rallying are closely linked.

Watching cars drift and master difficult conditions has thrilled motorsports fans for many years. Today, they can see the battery-electric Opel Corsa Rally Electric in action. In the 1970s and 1980s legendary Opel rally cars and drivers thrilled the masses. Two names are inextricably linked to the rally successes of the time: the Opel Ascona as a reliable competition vehicle and Walter Röhrl as a young, aspiring rally driver who would ultimately become the best in his profession. The exceptional driver won his first major title exactly 50 years ago: Together with his co-driver Jochen Berger, he won the European Rally Championship on October 13, 1974 – with a maximum possible tally of 120 points.

Available to Order Now: Prices For All-New Opel Grandland Start at €36,400

• Order books opened: Opel Grandland Hybrid available for €36,400, plug-in hybrid for €40,150 and Grandland Electric from €46,750 (all prices RRP incl. VAT in Germany)
• Ultra-modern highlight: New Intell-Lux HD light with over 50,000 individual elements
• Versatile, clever, spacious: Up to 1,645 litres of boot space, additional cabin storage compartments such as new semi-transparent Pixel Box carry 36 litres
• STLA Medium platform: New architecture enables electric range of up to around 700 kilometres (WLTP 1)
• German Energy: Designed, engineered and made in Germany

All-new Opel Grandland celebrated its world premiere in Eisenach this spring. The general public could see it up close for the first time at the festivities marking 125 years of automotive production in Rüsselsheim. Customers will be able to order the top-of-the-line SUV “made in Germany” from October 10 and will have a choice of three electrified drivetrains. Prices for all-new Opel Grandland Hybrid with 48-volt technology start at €36,400 (all prices RRP including VAT in Germany). Alternatively, customers will be able to opt for the plug-in hybrid variant for prices starting at €40,150. And Opel Grandland Electric will also be available with a 157 kW (213 hp) electric motor, 345 Nm of torque, 73 kWh battery (net capacity) and a locally emissions-free range of up to 523 kilometres (WLTP 1) from €46,750. Furthermore, the battery-electric SUV will be offered with 82 kWh battery (net capacity) and a locally emissions-free range of up to 582 kilometres (WLTP 1) in the extensively equipped GS trim for prices starting at €51,950. But that is not all. The new Grandland is the first Opel based on the BEV-native STLA Medium platform. With the 97 kWh battery, which will be available soon, the Grandland Electric will be able to cover up to around 700 kilometres (WLTP 1) between charging stops. One thing all Grandland variants have in common: They all offer numerous innovative technologies, clever features and sustainable solutions along with a stunning appearance thanks to the new 3D Vizor – which even comes with illuminated Blitz emblem in the GS trim.

“With the groundbreaking Opel Experimental study, we gave a preview of the future of our brand. The new Opel Grandland, which will be available to order shortly, makes many visionary innovations a reality for customers It is a bold, clever and pure SUV that was designed and engineered in Rüsselsheim and is built in Eisenach. And the future-proof drive portfolio leaves nothing to be desired,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

Electrifying newcomer: Stunning SUV with practical solutions

Stylish and dynamic, spacious and versatile with a fully electrified drivetrain portfolio – this is the new Opel Grandland. The new top-of-the-line SUV brings visions to life – starting with the design. The 3D Vizor with illuminated Blitz logo proudly sitting at the centre immediately attracts the eye while the permanently illuminated “OPEL” lettering at the rear makes a clear statement.

The visual highlights underline the impressive stance of the largest Opel SUV. The new Grandland generation has a vehicle length of 4.65 metres, a width of around 1.93 metres and a height of 1.66 metres. This makes the new Grandland 173 millimetres longer, 36 millimetres higher and 49 millimetres wider than its predecessor. This increase in size benefit both the passengers and the luggage compartment. The 2,795-millimetre long wheelbase and the long roofline which flows into the tailgate increase the space available. Passengers in the second row benefit from 20 millimetres more legroom. The rear seats can be folded down 40:20:40 and thus, create a load volume of up to 1,645 litres.

In the cockpit the slightly driver-oriented 10- or 16-inch central display and high centre console generate a sporty feeling. Behind the steering wheel, a discrete wide and fully digital cluster provides essential information, allowing the driver to focus on the pleasure of driving and, in combination with the Intelli-HUD head-up display, avoiding the need to take their eyes off the road. Drivers also have the option of triggering the Pure Mode. This reduces the content on the driver information cluster and the central display and ensures even less distraction when driving at night or at high speeds. In typical Opel tradition, frequently used settings such as climate control can also be operated intuitively via a few remaining buttons.

The ergonomic seats with individually adjustable side cushions, certified by Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V., also ensure pure and, above all, relaxed driving pleasure. The patented Intelli-Seat ergonomics feature is already standard on all front seats. A special slot in the middle of the seat reduces pressure on the tailbone and increases driving comfort, even on long tours on the motorway. And true to Opel’s “Greenovation” approach, 100% of fabrics and coverings in the interior are made from materials with recycled content.

Practical and innovative solutions such as the Pixel Box, which comes as standard depending on the trim level, also make the journey more enjoyable. With the illuminated translucid glass and the fabric wrapping, this element not only enhances the visual appeal of the console – it is also highly functional. The wireless smartphone charger is located behind the glass so that devices can be charged while being stored safely. The constant visibility of the smartphone also helps to ensure that it is not forgotten in the vehicle when leaving the Grandland. 

Storage compartments such as the phone pockets in the backrests of the front seats or the large storage under the central console which also accommodates a 12V socket represent further clever storage space.

Elsewhere, Opel’s new top-of-the-line SUV comes with an extensive array of driver assistance systems including Automatic Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Extended Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Adaptation, and In Crash Braking. Parking and manoeuvring is also made easier by park pilots at front and rear, the rear-view camera with automatic cleaning function and the 360-degree Intelli-Vision camera. And the glare-free IntelliLux HD light, which for the first time in the new Grandland has more than 50,000 elements, increases safety when driving in the dark.

“Greenovation” a la Opel: Electrified, free of chrome and with recycled materials

Opel demonstrates its “Greenovation” approach by using recycled materials in the interior, not using chrome and purely offering electrified drivetrains. This approach not only benefits the climate, it is also good for the driving performance of the new Grandland – the first Opel to benefit from the Stellantis STLA Medium platform, which was specifically designed for battery-electric models. The new Grandland has particularly flat battery packaging as well as numerous energy-saving features including the heat pump, which is standard in Germany. With the Grandland Electric, which will be available from prices starting at €46,750 and including a 73 kWh battery (net capacity), up to 523 kilometres (WLTP 1) can be covered between charging stops. For €51,950 the Grandland Electric will be available in the extensively equipped GS trim with an 82 kWh battery and the range increases to 582 kilometres (WLTP 1). The 97 kWh battery will soon be able to cover up to around 700 kilometres (WLTP 1) with zero local emissions. And if the Grandland does need to be recharged, it takes less than 30 minutes to charge to 80 percent of the battery capacity at a public fast charging station.

At the same time, Opel gives everyone who does not currently want to drive a battery-electric vehicle a choice of alternatives. Although the STLA Medium platform is optimised for electric cars, it can also accommodate other drives. Alternatively, customers can also choose the hybrid with 48-volt technology. It comes with a 1.2 litre turbo petrol engine with 100 kW (136 hp) as well as 21 kW (28 hp) electric motor and electrified six-speed dual clutch transmission (from €36,400). The plug-in hybrid comes with 143 kW (195 hp) system output and 350 Newton meters of torque (€40,150). Regardless of the drivetrain, the Grandland always combines dynamic and comfortable driving pleasure thanks to its chassis which, on the electric and plug-in versions even comes with advanced Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology as standard.

[1] Preliminary range values determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). The actual range can vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular on personal driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and thermal preconditioning. Preliminary values, vehicle not available yet.

[2] A vehicle's values not only depend on the vehicle's efficient use of fuel, but are also influenced by driving behaviour and other non-technical factors. Preliminary values, vehicle not available yet.

Luca Pröglhöf Wins ADAC Opel Rally Electric Cup 2024 Title

• Rallye Coeur de France: Seventh race of 2024 ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe“ season
• Uncatchable: Austrian Luca Pröglhof seals title with one race left
• First win of season: Spaniard Alex Español leads way over weekend

Luca Pröglhöf left nothing to be desired at the Rallye Coeur de France and secured the title in the world's first electric rally one-make cup in the penultimate race of the season. Second place was enough at the asphalt event around Vendôme behind the strong Spaniards Alex Español/Daniel Rivera de la Red, who celebrated their first victory in the 100 kW (136 hp) Opel Corsa Rally Electric, for the 25-year-old Austrian and his co-driver Christina Ettel. Fourth place behind the guest drivers Arthur Roché/Quentin Proust was not enough for the brothers Anthony and Adrien Rott to challenge Pröglhöf for the title in the finale in three weeks at the Central European Rally.

“It was one of the most challenging rallies I have ever driven because risk minimisation was our priority. Our plan worked completely, we drove through it cleanly, made no mistakes and had no problems. Now we are overjoyed and a little speechless. The fact that we were able to secure the title here is brilliant. Now we have no pressure in the final race of the season and can enjoy the World Championship race. Now it’s time to celebrate,” said a delighted Pröglhöf.

Race winner Español delivered a strong performance in the “Heart of France” (Coeur de France), set the best time in six of the eight special stages and ultimately had a lead of 33.6 seconds over Pröglhöf. “We immediately found a good rhythm and were able to complete the rally without any problems. I'm really happy with the win. We were close to it in previous rallies – it's even nicer that it worked out now," said the Opel Spain driver.

Anthony Rott was in third place until the final Power Stage, but had to give way to guest driver Roché. After all, the Alsatian not only received the full points for third place, but also the five bonus points that could be won in the Power Stage. With a deficit of 42 points he can now longer catch Pröglhöf, but the runner-up position is within reach: “We congratulate Luca and Dina, who were the best throughout the season and absolutely deserve the title. We can also be very satisfied with our own performance. It's a shame that the podium place was snatched away from us in the last stage. But it was a good rally and now we want to try to secure second place overall.”

With fifth place and the points for fourth place, Alizée Pottier and Manon Perrin from the FFSA Academy team achieved their best result of the season. “It was a great rally. We had a lot of fun on the demanding special stages here. And the fact that it worked so well at my home rally is of course particularly nice,” said the 23-year-old from Le Mans, just 75 kilometres from Vendôme.

Jörg Schrott, head of Opel Motorsport, was one of the first to congratulate the new champions: “Luca and Dina have continuously improved their performance since joining the Cup. This year, they clearly set the bar as a team and truly deserved to win the title.”

The final of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” will take place on the 19th/20th October at the Central European Rally. The round of the World Rally Championship will be held under the auspices of the ADAC for the second time.

Standings ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” after 7 of 8 rounds:

1. Pröglhöf                 217 points.

2. Rott                         175 pts

3. Español                  156 pts

4. Lemke                    115 pts

5. Chalvin                  94 pts

6. Wittenbeck            91 pts

7. Pottier                    70 pts

8. Hangodi                 66 pts

9. Baudet                   65 pts

10. Melse                  37 pts

11. Kamermans        33 pts

12. Den Hartigh        24 pts

13. Bayer                   20 pts

14. Felke                    13 pts