Happy Holidays: Original Accessories for Opel Astra Electric and Co.

• Going electric: Wide choice of charging accessories including Universal Charger
• For XXL luggage: Practical carrier systems for roof and rear
• Clean and tidy: Luggage compartment trays and protective mats
• Travel in comfort: FlexConnect solutions for interior

The main travel season is approaching and Opel has new Astra models that make the holiday trip comfortable, quick and, above all, locally emissions-free. Especially the dynamic plug-in hybrids including the top-of-the-range Astra GSe (fuel consumption according to WLTP 1: 1.2-1.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 26-25 g/km; combined) and the new Astra Electric. With the all-electric variant of the compact class bestseller, up to 418 kilometres can be covered without stopping to recharge (WLTP 2). For longer journeys, Opel offers practical charging accessories. There are also many more tailor-made Opel Original Accessories for making the Astra and Co. even more individual and flexible. The range extends from practical transport and carrier systems to comfort and safety equipment to styling elements that are guaranteed to catch the eye.

Opel Astra Electric and plug-in hybrids: Charging accessories for every occasion

Opel models such as the battery-electric Astra Electric, Mokka Electric or Corsa Electric, and the plug-in hybrid variants of the Astra and Grandland promise performance and driving enjoyment with responsibility – with maximum torque from a standstill and locally emissions-free. The charging-offer includes the Mode 3 charging cable and matching storage bag as well as the Universal Charger with three adapters in the set: CEE-16 plug (3-phase) for industrial sockets (AC); type EF plug for household sockets; and type 2 plug for public charging stations. Drivers of electrified Opel model variants are thus well prepared for all charging situations, even when travelling.

Practical, safe and tidy: Transport and carrier systems from Opel

Opel  Astra Sports Tourer Hybrid already offers lots of room for luggage, with up to 1,553 litres of storage volume. But with the various Opel roof boxes as well as bike carriers from Opel partner Thule, Astra customers can enjoy extra luggage space. Sports equipment can be loaded comfortably, cleanly and, above all, safely. Trailers can be attached to the removable tow-hook if even more space is needed. The electrical equipment required for towing is also available, of course.

In addition, there is a practical luggage compartment tray. With its high, stable edge and anti-slip coating, the tray not only protects against dirt and moisture, but also keeps the boot tidy. And with the load compartment partition grille, luggage or pets travel safely too. Load-sill mats offer further protection against scratches during loading/unloading. Protective foils do the same for the doors, while front and rear mud-guards protect the paint from objects thrown up by the wheels.

Flexible and comfortable: FlexConnect accessories for the interior

In the passenger compartment, various FlexConnect solutions are available to keep things tidy and make the journey more entertaining. These include hooks and coat hangers as well as tablet holders or the folding table. This makes it easy to watch films or do office work in the rear seats during the journey. The FlexConnect attachments can be fixed to the base carrier, which is mounted on the headrests of the front seats and removed again with a flick of the wrist. Cupholder inserts provide the driver and front passenger with places for storing notes, tissues or cosmetic articles.

Customers who want to prepare for the next winter holiday can already order new winter tyre and wheel sets, offered in various sizes and wheel designs. Ski and snowboard carriers are also available.

Additional stylish and practical accessories for Opel Astra family and many other models from the brand with the Blitz are available to order online or from local Opel dealers.

[1] Values determined using the more realistic WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure) test method which replaces the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) test procedure. A vehicle's consumption, CO2 emissions and range not only depend on the efficient use of energy by the vehicle but are also influenced by driving style and other non-technical factors. The information on consumption and emissions does not refer to an individual vehicle and is intended solely for purposes of comparison between the various vehicle types. Vehicle not available yet.

[2] Range 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.

Opel unveils New Iconic ‘Blitz’ Emblem

• Bold: Sharpened, confident new ‘Blitz’
• Central: ‘Blitz’ forms key element of Opel Compass
• Prominent: New emblem to feature at the IAA Mobility in Munich

Today, Opel has revealed a new interpretation of its iconic emblem, the ‘Blitz’, which will feature on production vehicles as early as 2024. It will continue to form a central element of the Opel Compass, one of the main features of the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker’s exciting and critically acclaimed design philosophy, while simultaneously continuing to sit proudly at the centre of the Opel Vizor brand face. The lightning bolt – or ‘Blitz’ in German – is closely associated with electricity and is the ideal emblem to symbolise Opel’s approach to the era of electromobility.

“Our ‘Blitz’ is more relevant than ever before. It not only symbolises our commitment to the democratization of innovation and mobility but also conveys our commitment to becoming a fully electric brand in Europe by 2028. This year, we will already have 15 electrified models in our portfolio and can proudly say that Opel is electric,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

“The ‘Blitz’ is the icon for our Bold and Pure philosophy. The sharpened, confident new ‘Blitz’, intersects the pure supporting ring, giving our iconic emblem a progressive, modern look. It is positioned proudly at the centre of our compass, which is our key graphic design principle. The compass is the backbone of our front, rear and interior design elements,” said Mark Adams, Vice President design.

The German carmaker will gradually roll out the new ‘Blitz’ across its product portfolio in the coming years with the first production vehicle set to sport the new look in 2024. However, Opel CEO Florian Huettl announced that the new emblem will feature prominently this year already. “The IAA Mobility is one of the biggest motor shows in the world and therefore the perfect location to proudly introduce a large, international audience to our new ‘Blitz’. Furthermore, we also have a surprise planned. Visitors of our presence in Munich will be thrilled,” he said.

New chapter: Opel Astra Electric

• New chapter: Bestseller fully electrified for first time in success story
• Top performance: 115 kW/156 hp, 270 Nm torque, 170 km/h speed
• Locally emissions-free: Up to 418 km (WLTP 1) range thanks to 54-kWh battery
• Weight advantage: Battery-electric five-door weighs only 1,679 kilogrammes
• State-of-the-art driver assistance: Astra Electric first Opel with IntelliDrive 2.0 system
• Order now: Attractive monthly leasing rate of €399 (in Germany) for fully equipped Opel Astra Electric GS

Opel sets another milestone on the way to becoming an all-electric brand: The Astra is fully electric for the first time in its long success story. The new Opel Astra Electric offers locally emissions-free driving pleasure even for longer journeys. According to WLTP 1, up to 418 kilometres can be covered without a charging stop; and that in a quiet and light-footed manner, because the new Astra Electric weighs only 1,679 kilograms. That is a big advantage which is noticeable with every step on the pedal and in every curve.

The new Opel Astra Electric underlines the electrifying driving pleasure with an equally inspiring, clear and bold design and top equipment. Numerous electronic aids are on board as standard. In addition, the IntelliDrive 2.0 system with semi-automatic lane change assist and intelligent speed adaptation is available as an option for the first time with the battery-electric Astra. Comfort is enhanced by AGR-certified ergonomic Active Sport driver’s seat as standard, while the fully digital Pure Panel Pro cockpit with two 10-inch displays and Multimedia infotainment system ensures the best in connectivity and entertainment. The new Opel Astra Electric GS can be leased in Germany for monthly rates starting at €399.

Opel Astra customers can now choose from more drivetrain alternatives than for any other model with the “Blitz”. In addition to highly efficient combustion engines, the Astra is already available as an electrified plug-in hybrid including the new top-of-the-line model, the Astra GSe. And the range will be complemented this year by the battery-electric Astra Sports Tourer Electric, as the first all-electric estate from a German carmaker.

Efficient, emotional, everyday suitability: Driving fun with responsibility

The new Opel Astra Electric conveys pure locally emissions-free driving fun. The electric motor delivers 115 kW/156 hp and a powerful 270 Newton metres of maximum torque – both available from the first touch of the accelerator pedal, ensuring brisk starts. The low kerb weight of 1,679 kilogrammes contributes further to the lively progress. Also, while many other electric cars are limited to 150 km/h or 160 km/h, the new Astra Electric has a top speed of 170 km/h. Depending on preferences, Astra Electric drivers can choose between the three driving modes Eco, Normal and Sport.

The energy is stored in a 54 kWh lithium-ion battery. The energy is stored in a compact 54-kWh lithium-ion battery, which offers efficient packaging, low weight, exemplary range and short charging times. The five-door can cover up to 418 kilometres locally emissions-free in accordance with WLTP 1  and requires just 14.8 kWh of electricity per 100 kilometres (WLTP 2). The regenerative braking system ensures that energy can be recovered while driving. Even when the battery-electric Astra needs to be recharged, this only means a short “pit stop” at a charging point. Opel Astra Electric can be charged to 80 per cent of the battery capacity in under 30 minutes at a 100 kW direct current fast charging station. In addition, the all-electric Opel Astra is equipped as standard with a three-phase 11-kW onboard charger for the wall box at home.

The battery is located in the underbody, so no space for passengers and luggage is lost in the interior. Even with the rear seats up, Opel Astra Electric offers 352 litres of luggage space in the boot – with the seats folded down, the capacity increases to up to 1,268 litres. Another advantage: The low position of the battery also lowers the car’s centre of gravity, so that Opel Astra Electric has a solid stance on the road and the driver can take a sporty seating position. In addition, the torsional stiffness has been increased by 31 per cent compared to the already outstanding values of other Astra model variants.

Opel Astra Electric GS: Top equipment and top design as standard equipment

Thanks to the torsional rigidity of the body and the extensive noise attenuation measures, Opel Astra Electric occupants enjoy a particularly high level of comfort. For example, the laminated windows (standard equipment) effectively keep ambient noise and driving sounds away from the interior. The ergonomic Active Sport driver’s seat offers Opel Astra Electric drivers the highest level of seating comfort à la Opel. The seat, which has been certified by “Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.” (AGR; Campaign for Healthier Backs), offers excellent lateral stability and a wide range of manual and electric adjustment options.

The extensive list of assistance systems as standard equipment ranges from front collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane keep assist and traffic sign recognition, to drowsiness detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, park pilot at front and rear, and 360-degree IntelliVision camera.

The optional IntelliDrive 2.0 system, which integrates numerous electronic assistants and combines them for the first time with semi-automatic lane-change and intelligent speed adaptation, celebrates its premiere. If the targeted lane is clear, the assistant steers Opel Astra Electric into the desired lane with small steering movements. And intelligent speed adaptation ensures that - if confirmed by the driver - the vehicle's speed is reduced accordingly when a new speed limit is reached or increased up to that limit. In addition to sensors, IntelliDrive 2.0 also uses information from the over-the-air network. IntelliLux LED Pixel Light, with 168 LED elements, increases safety still further.

The fully digital Pure Panel also takes the driver into a modern cockpit world. Utilising the integrated Snapdragon Automotive Cockpit Platform from Qualcomm Technologies 3, the infotainment systems of Opel Astra Electric feature enhanced graphics, multimedia and computer vision functions. The intuitive human-machine interface with two large 10-inch widescreens displays all important functions such as battery charge status or range, while settings such as climate control can still be easily adjusted at the touch of a button. And with the large E-HUD head-up display and natural voice recognition, drivers’ eyes can stay focused on the road and the traffic situation.

Opel Astra Electric conveys a direct, dynamic driving feel at first glance. The new electric model in the Opel range is equipped as standard with 18-inch, five-spoke, light-alloy wheels in high-gloss black, which underline the bold and pure looks. The two-tone paintwork with the roof and exterior mirror-housings in carbon black also ensure that the Opel Astra Electric is an unmistakable eye-catcher.

[1] Range 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.

[2] Values determined using the more realistic WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure) test method which replaces the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) test procedure. A vehicle's consumption, CO2 emissions and range not only depend on the efficient use of energy by the vehicle but are also influenced by driving style and other non-technical factors. The information on consumption and emissions does not refer to an individual vehicle and is intended solely for purposes of comparison between the various vehicle types. Vehicle not available yet.

[3] Snapdragon Automotive Cockpit Platforms are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.

Opel Astra Cabrio turns 30: Fun in the Air

• Made in Italy by Carrozzeria Bertone
• Presented 30 years ago at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show
• Convertible version of the first generation of the Opel Astra

The arrival on the market of the first generation of Opel Astra could not fail to build on the great success of the Opel Kadett Cabrio by Bertone, produced in about 55,000 units from 1987 to 1992 at the Grugliasco plant, near Turin, by the famous coachbuilder Italian. Even the new Opel Astra F was to be available in a cabriolet version obviously designed by Bertone himself. And so it happened.

One could almost touch the sky with the Opel Astra F Cabrio presented thirty years ago as a world premiere at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show and on sale from the end of September of the same year in Italy. All you had to do was press the button located between the front seats on the central tunnel to raise the top and... discover the third dimension. If it then cooled off or threatened rain, the electric mechanism similarly repositioned the soft top exactly in its place in the short span of just 15-20 seconds. Maneuvering was just as quick and simple in the Opel Astra Cabrio without electric control: one hand was enough to operate the soft top.

The times when raising and lowering the soft top was an operation that required a certain effort were thus truly long gone. In the Opel Astra F Cabrio you could really touch the sky with a finger. Only one caution was required: pull the handbrake before pressing the electric control button. In order to force users, for their greater personal safety, to carry out the maneuver only with the car completely stopped.

On the other hand, when traveling with the top down, the three layers of which it was made ensured a high degree of rigidity and compactness of the whole and, consequently, that insulation from noise and heat which made it possible to use the Opel Astra F Cabrio in every month of the year. In this regard, unlike other convertibles at the time, the Opel Astra F Convertible was equipped with a glass rear window instead of plastic: a scratch-proof material that allowed the installation of a heated rear window.

Visionary contribution of Carrozzeria Bertone

These were just some of the consequences of technical progress and the long collaboration established in the open car sector between the German manufacturer and Carrozzeria Bertone of Grugliasco (Turin). “The designer knows how to imagine in his work the product that doesn't exist yet.” Nuccio Bertone explained thirty years ago “He responds in advance to trends in market taste which perhaps have not yet officially emerged, but which must be guessed. It glimpses before others what no research institute can ever guarantee.” Thus was born a convertible with a classic look, comfortable for four people which, although it lacked the roll-bar typical of the previous Opel Kadett Cabrio, ensured maximum safety for its occupants.

Safety first

The standard equipment of the Cabrio version included the same integrated safety system that was the heritage of all Opel Astra F and which included double steel bars inserted in the doors to protect against side impacts, front seat belt pretensioners and anti-slip seats. ABS and full-size driver's airbag were available as options.

The road holding and handling of the Opel Astra F Cabrio contributed to active safety, whose front McPherson strut suspension and compound torsion bar at the rear, although deriving from those of the corresponding 4-door sedan version, had special springs and calibrations. The arms, anti-roll bar and rear engine mount were attached to a separate subframe to better absorb noise, improve handling and ride comfort. The rear suspension had third generation wheel bearing assemblies with a double row of ball bearings. Bearings, hub, spindle and radial oil seal were combined in a single maintenance-free assembly.

The version initially on sale in Italy was equipped with a lively 82 bhp (60 kW) 1.4-litre single-cam 4-cylinder with multi-point electronic injection. The retail price of Lire 29,370,000 included power steering, front and rear electric windows, internally adjustable exterior mirrors, sport front seats, height-adjustable driver's seat, split-fold rear seat, rear-view mirrors painted in the same color as the bodywork, two-tone horn and 185/60 R14 tyres.

Opel to Offer Battery-Electric Variant of Every Model in 2024

• Opel Crossland successor with battery-electric version to launch next year
• Opel’s electrified portfolio already includes battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell drive, 48V hybrids coming soon
• Opel to offer exclusively fully electric vehicles in Europe by 2028

Opel has taken another major step towards becoming a fully electric brand by announcing that the successor to the Opel Crossland B-SUV will also be offered with all-electric drive in 2024. This means that every model in the product portfolio of the brand with the Blitz will be available as a battery-electric variant as early as next year.

Opel CEO Florian Huettl: “With the successor to the Crossland we will make the fun of battery-electric driving available across our entire model range – and give our customers access to locally emissions-free mobility in every one of our models.”

The wide range of battery-electric Opel models today already extends from the Rocks Electric quadricycle, the Combo-e Life and the Zafira-e Life to the all-electric variants of the Corsa and the Mokka. These vehicles have just been joined by the new Astra Electric, which is available to order now, and will be followed next year by the all-electric successor to the Grandland compact SUV. In addition. battery-electric versions of the entire commercial vehicle portfolio comprising Rocks Electric Kargo, Combo-e, Vivaro-e and Movano-e are already available today too.

The portfolio of Opel electrified vehicles also features locally emissions-free alternatives to pure battery-electric drive. These currently include the dynamic top models of the new Opel sub-brand GSe – the Astra GSe, the Astra Sports Tourer GSe and the Grandland GSe (fuel consumption according to WLTP1: 1.2-1.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 28-25 g/km; combined, weighted). Short for “Grand Sport electric”, the name means what it says; the GSe models offer a dynamic driving experience with the Grandland GSe delivering a system power output of up to 221 kW/300 hp and maximum torque of up to 520 Nm. In corners, the GSe cars stick to the road and remain stable thanks to special springs and dampers with KONI FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) technology.

Furthermore, Opel is continuing to pioneer development of hydrogen fuel cell transporters. The Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is already on the road and a large fuel cell transporter is scheduled to follow in 2024.

Also, 48V hybrids will join the electrified line-up in the future, starting soon with the recently announced new Opel Corsa. The 74 kW/100 hp and 100 kW/136 hp engines will come with a new dual-clutch automatic transmission. The new Corsa will thus offer customers a choice of drives, from purely battery-electric to hybrid to highly efficient combustion engines, which is unrivalled in this segment.

Opel will offer 15 electrified models by the end of this year alone. The brand with the Blitz is committed to a fully electric product portfolio in Europe by 2028.

[1] The fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures mentioned comply with the WLTP homologation (regulation EU 2017/948). From 1 September 2018, new vehicles are type-approved using the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), which is a new, more realistic test procedure for measuring fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The WLTP fully replaces the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC), which was the test procedure used previously. Due to more realistic test conditions, the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions measured under the WLTP are in many cases higher compared to those measured under the NEDC. The fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures may vary depending on specific equipment, options and format of tires.

Rallye Vosges Grand-Est: Another Premiere for Opel Corsa Rally Electric

• Third round of ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” in France
• Standings leader Max Reiter is the target on Rallye Vosges Grand-Est
• “Home game” for quick French drivers Callea, Rumeau, Gudet and Rott

In the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” one premiere follows the next. After the successful debut of the world's first electric one-make rally cup in Switzerland at the Rallye du Chablais, the electric competition cars will return to France next weekend. Whereby the third round of the season on June 17/18 at the Rallye Vosges Grand-Est also represents new territory for the teams with their 100 kW/136 hp Opel Corsa Rally Electric. The rally centre in the small town of Gérardmer is only around 50 kilometres west of Colmar and a good 90 km from the German border.

A demanding task awaits the Cup teams in this round of the French Rally Championship at the foot of the Vosges. Eight special stages over 96 km are on the agenda; including the connecting stages, the electrified competitors must cover 509 km on Saturday and Sunday.

In terms of sport, the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” 2023 leaves nothing to be desired. The current overall leader in the Cup, Max Reiter, had to push hard in Switzerland in order to achieve his second win of the season, just ahead of his Swedish opponent Calle Carlberg. Reiter’s lead in the overall standings gives him little reason to relax. “It's going to be tight. We must continue to do everything we can to stay ahead in this evenly matched field,” he admitted.

The two championship leaders are likely to face tough competition, not least from the local heroes. The lightning-fast Terence Callea wants to make people forget his accident in Switzerland on home soil, and Sarah Rumeau has impressively proven in the first two rallies of the year that she, like her teammate Cindy Gudet from the FFSA Academy, is always to be reckoned with. The Rallye Vosges Grand-Est is a real home game for Anthony Rott from Alsace, who is also contesting his first season in the world's first one-make electric rally cup.

However, the German juniors are always good for a podium, as Christian Lemke proved at the Rallye du Chablais. “We've often been close, but it finally worked. We want to continue like this,” he said. And Joe Baur, whose speed has often been slowed by small setbacks, has defined a clear goal: “Finally complete a rally without any problems, and right at the front!” A sentence that could also come from the Austrian Luca Pröglhöf.

Points standings ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup 2023 (after 2 of 8 rounds):

1. Reiter, 65.

2. Carlberg 56.

3. Lemke 46.

4. Rumeau 35.

5. Pröglhöf 33.

6. Callea 27.

7. Tarta 23.

8. Rott and Van Hoof, 22 each.

10. Gudet 16.

11. Wittenbeck 9.

12. Baur and Oprea, 8 each.

14. Mendoza 4.

Vauxhall Corsa Electric and Vauxhall Mokka Electric: Best-selling cars in their segments so far in 2023

• Vauxhall Corsa Electric and Mokka Electric are the best-selling models in their respective segments so far this year
• SMMT new car registration figures published today reveal 1752 Corsa Electric models sold this year
• Vauxhall Mokka Electric is the most popular small electric SUV so far this year with 3976 registrations

Vauxhall’s fully electric car range to grow this year with addition of Vauxhall Astra Electric and Astra Sports Tourer Electric

Vauxhall has best-selling models in small electric car and small electric SUV segments so far this year, according to the latest new car registration figures published today by Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Vauxhall Corsa Electric is top-selling small electric car year-to-date, with 1752 registered, while Mokka Electric has outperformed every other small electric SUV in market in 2023, with 3976 registrations.

Two models make up part of Vauxhall’s growing and diverse electrified range, with fully electric versions available across Corsa, Mokka, Combo Life and Vivaro Life passenger cars, and Plug-in Hybrid power available across Astra, Astra Sports Tourer and Grandland.

This year will see the addition of Astra Electric and Astra Sports Tourer Electric, while Vauxhall’s Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) line-up already features a fully electric variant across each model. Vauxhall is the best-selling electric LCV manufacturer so far in 2023 and has topped the sales charts for the past two years. By 2028, Vauxhall will be an electric-only manufacturer, seven years ahead of UK Government deadlines.

James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall, said: “Vauxhall’s electrified line-up is diverse and growing, and as the latest registrations show, one of the most popular. Having best-selling model in two key electric segments so far this year shows our electric vehicles impress a range of buyers and users, with customers able to choose a vehicle that best meets their requirements.”

Opel Corsa Rally Electric Celebrates Switzerland Debut

• Anticipation ahead of second round of ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “"powered by GSe”
• World's first electric one-make rally cup starts at the Rallye du Chablais
• Former racing driver and presenter Cyndie Allemann makes rally debut

After the exciting start at the ADAC Rallye Sulingen, the teams of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” are now looking forward to this season’s second instalment – and in more ways than one. On the one hand, because the electrifying rally entourage with the Opel Corsa Rally Electric will be celebrating its Swiss debut at the Rallye du Chablais around Aigle in the canton of Vaud on June 2 and 3. On the other hand, because the attractive special stages, characterised by large differences in altitude, in the foothills of the Alps south of Lake Geneva make every rally fan's heart beat faster. And thirdly, because the successful start to the season of the world's first electric one-make rally cup in northern Germany was mouth-watering.

From a sporting perspective, the Swiss round of the competition offers exciting action with an open outcome. The season opener in Sulingen already showed that there are several candidates for victory or a place on the podium. The winner of the opening round, Max Reiter (23, Germany), cannot afford to be complacent if he wants to maintain his lead. Because behind him the cup veterans Calle Carlberg (22, Sweden) and Christian Lemke (22, Germany) as well as the French newcomer Terence Callea (26) are waiting for the slightest weakness. Not to forget challengers like Joe Baur (24, Germany) or Luca Pröglhöf (23, Austria), who already caught the eye by setting top times in Sulingen.

Elsewhere, the field will be keeping a close eye on Sarah Rumeau from France. The 27-year-old celebrated her debut in the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup in Sulingen with an impressive best time on the first special stage and finally finished in fifth place together with co-driver Julie Amblard. Her team colleague Cindy Gudet (26), who has caused a stir in hillclimbs to date, also impressed in her first important rally alongside Cécile Marie.

The two all-French female crews and Romanian duo Cristiana Oprea/Alexia Parteni will face “unique” competition at the Rallye du Chablais – coming from a prominent guest entrant: Cyndie Allemann celebrates her rally debut in the Opel Motorsport VIP vehicle. The 37-year-old made a name for herself in the Formula 3 Euro Series, the US Indy Lights Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and now works successfully as a presenter. “I'm super excited,” admits the Switzerland native. “For me, the result is completely secondary. I want to experience my very first rally, enjoy it and have fun.” The rally novice is accompanied by rally veteran Horst Rotter.

The electrifying Corsa field will cover a total distance of 565 kilometres at the Rallye du Chablais, including 10 special stages over 98 km.

Standings ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup 2023 (after 1 of 8 rounds):

1. Reiter, 30 points

2. Callea and Carlberg, both 27

4. Lemke 20

5. Rumeau 16

6. Pröglhöf 15

7. Van Hoof 14

8. Rott 10

9. Tarta and Baur, both 8

11. Gudet 6

12. Oprea 5

13. Wittenbeck 3