Opel Presents Eye-Catching Opel Corsa Rally Electric in Gamescom Look

• Trade fair highlight: Unique Opel Corsa Rally Electric on display until Sunday, August 25 at Gamescom in Cologne in Hall 10.1, stand B031
• Electrifying: Rapid Opel rally car demonstrates fascination of electric rallying
• ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup as pioneer: World’s first all-electric one-make rally cup is now in its fourth season

Emotional, all-electric and full of energy – this is the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” and the Opel Corsa Rally Electric. How the rapid electric car combines locally emissions-free rallying with show character is demonstrated on rally special stages, and now also at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany. At the world's largest trade fair for computer and video games as well as consumer electronics, the Opel Corsa Rally Electric is an extraordinary eye-catcher. It can be admired in a special “Gamescom look” at the ADAC stand B031 in Hall 10.1.

Coloured entirely in yellow, black and white, Opel Corsa Rally Electric is once again a unique show car. Bright yellow wheels and brake calipers increase the wow effect and make the fully electric rally car an absolute eye-catcher. The creatives at @blackfishgraphics are responsible for the unmistakable design.

The “Gamescom Special Edition” demonstrates what is possible: progressive design paired with production technology and state-of-the-art motorsport components. Opel Corsa Rally Electric thus continues Opel's pioneering achievements. With the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe”, the manufacturer and the automobile club have launched the world's first electric one-make rally cup and successfully established it in the rally scene. The international cup is currently in its fourth season and inspires fans and spectators as much as the participants.

Anyone who wants to experience the “Gamescom Opel Corsa Rally Electric” live can do so until Sunday, August 25. The trade fair is open to visitors daily until 8 p.m.

ADAC Rallye Stemweder Berg: Overall Leader Luca Pröglhöf Wins After Tough Fight

• Around Lübbecke: Fifth round of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe”
• Season victory number four: Austrian Pröglhöf extends his lead in the overall standings
• Electrifying experience: Actresses Gesine Cukrowski and Lina Helfrich thrilled by the ride in the Opel Corsa Rally Electric

Luca Pröglhöf is unstoppable in the 2024 ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe”. Perfectly guided as always by co-driver Christina Ettel, the 25-year-old Austrian celebrated his fourth win of the season at the ADAC Rallye Stemweder Berg and extended his lead in the overall standings to 42 points. “That was hard work,” sighed Pröglhöf, who had started the fifth of eight rallies of the season feeling unwell. “We had to give everything from start to finish and couldn't afford to make any mistakes. But that's how I like it best – fighting hard and celebrating hard at the end.”

In fact, the Austrian had to work much harder for his triumph than he did in his home victory in Weiz. In addition to the leader of the rankings, who was the fastest in four of the 10 special stages over a total of 101 kilometres, Christian Lemke put in an impressive performance with four best times. In the end, the 24-year-old and his co-driver Jan-Eric Bemmann crossed the finish line in second place, 12.9 seconds behind Pröglhöf, and thus jumped up to fourth place in the overall table. “After the setbacks of the last rallies, this second place is really good,” said the winner of the season opener in Sulingen. “We showed that we have the speed to fight at the front if everything goes right.”

Second in the rankings remains Frenchman Anthony Rott, who climbed onto the winners' podium again with his brother Adrien in third place. “I'm satisfied, but not extremely satisfied. There's still a little bit missing, but we're getting closer,” commented the Alsatian. Fourth place went to Spaniards Alex Español Jove/Daniel Rivera De La Red, who, like the Rotts, also set a best time. Johannes Wittenbeck also drove a strong rally. The German and his co-driver Maximilian Kugler got off to a perfect start in the rally with the second fastest time in SS1 and maintained a fast pace, which ultimately gave them the best result of their cup career with fifth place. “Simply fantastic,” beamed Wittenbeck. “We were well prepared and had agreed for the first time that I would not find out any times, but would just drive at my own pace. I could feel in the cockpit that things were going really well. We are very happy!”

Kilian Nierenz and Milena Raithel came sixth, although they did not receive any points as guest starters on their debut in the world's first electric one-make rally cup. “It was great fun! The car is super, we got better and better and felt right at home in the cup right from the start. We definitely want to be there next year,” said Nierenz.

Claire Schönborn also made an impeccable debut in the cup. The 25-year-old German, who has made a name for herself as a fast hill climb driver, made an excellent start to her first rally alongside her experienced co-driver Lisa Kiefer, finishing sixth in the first special stage. On the second day, the rally novice also completed the demanding asphalt stages without making any major mistakes and ended up in eighth place. This made Schönborn the second-best woman in the field behind the Belgian Lyssia Baudet and her co-driver Lea Sam Caw Freve.

Enthusiasm from actresses Gesine Cukrowski and Lina Helfrich

Actresses Gesine Cukrowski and Lina Helfrich were enthusiastic about their visit to the ADAC Rallye Stemweder Berg, which was marked by many strong impressions in the Opel service park as well as at the spectator points along the rally special stages. The highlight for mother and daughter was the ride alongside Opel racing legend Volker Strycek in the right seat of the VIP Corsa Rally Electric, which as course car drove ahead of the cup participants on the special stages.

The sixth round of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” will take place on September 6 and 7. The teams will then meet at the Rallye Mont-Blanc Morzine at the foot of the highest mountain in the Alps.

Standings ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” after 5 of 8 rounds:

1. Pröglhöf                                165 points.

2. Rott                                        123.

3. Español                                 96.

4. Lemke                                   71.

5. Chalvin                                  68.

6. Hangodi                                64.

7. Baudet                                  63.

8. Wittenbeck                           53.

9. Pottier                                   38.

10. Melse                                  37.

11. Kamermans                       16.

Compact Van Pioneer: Opel Zafira Celebrated its World Premiere 25 Years Ago

• Revolutionary: Flex7 seat concept set new standards for interior variability in 1999
• Award winning: Opel Zafira receives prestigious “Golden Steering Wheel” several times
• Fuel cell pioneer: Locally emissions-free HydroGen vehicles based on Opel Zafira
• Modern, flexible “spacecraft”: Opel Zafira, Combo and soon new Frontera

Emotional, efficient and, above all, highly practical, with lots of flexible space for the whole family or for use as a VIP shuttle – these are the qualities that make Opel's people movers stand out. The current Opel Zafira can accommodate up to eight people, while the Combo can carry up to seven passengers. This portfolio will soon be complemented by the new Opel Frontera, which recently celebrated its world premiere in Istanbul and made its public debut in Rüsselsheim to mark the anniversary “125 years of automobile manufacturing at Opel”. Opel Frontera will also have space for up to seven people as an option.

However, these modern “spacecraft” from the brand with the Blitz would hardly be conceivable without a very special model that is also celebrating an anniversary this year – in 1999, exactly 25 years ago, the groundbreaking Opel Zafira was launched. With its innovative Flex7 seating system, it revolutionised the compact van segment and set new standards for interior variability, for which it subsequently received numerous awards. At the same time, it paved the way for today's hydrogen fuel cell drive of the Vivaro HYDROGEN and the future Movano HYDROGEN, by serving as the basis for several HydroGen test fleets. Opel Zafira was a pioneer in numerous respects and brought automotive solutions to the fore that are now taken for granted.

Practical, space-saving, easy: Pioneering Opel Zafira onboard seat system

In the spring of 1999, production of a model that would make history began: the first examples of the new Opel Zafira rolled off the production line. The 4.32 metre long, 1.74 metre wide and 1.68 metre high compact van was designed for lightweight construction. The first generation weighed just 1,390 kilogrammes when it was launched. Efficiency was as important to Opel then as it is today. With a drag coefficient of 0.33, the Zafira offered top aerodynamic performance in its class. With its clear design and long wheelbase, it combined elegance with functionality. The vehicle's low centre of gravity and the ultra-modern DSA (Dynamic SAfety) chassis ensured driving stability and the best possible safety.

But Opel Zafira made headlines 25 years ago for another reason: it was the first compact van to offer flexible space for up to seven people without the need to laboriously remove heavy seats. This was made possible by the intelligent, patented Flex7 seating system. With this unique mechanism, Opel set new standards for fully integrated onboard flexibility in the interior. In just around 15 seconds, the compact van could be transformed from a seven-seater into a two-seater with up to 1,700 litres of luggage volume. After unlocking and retracting the headrests, the seats in the third row could be easily folded up and stowed in appropriately shaped recesses in the vehicle floor, creating a completely flat loading area. The annoying removal from the vehicle and storage of temporarily unused seats were now a thing of the past.

Same applied to the second row: it could be folded up, pushed forward and secured behind the front seats to save space. The front passenger seat could also be folded into a horizontal position. This meant that objects up to three meters long could be loaded into the Zafira and four passengers could be accommodated at the same time.

Award-winning concept: Opel Zafira wins “Golden Steering Wheel” three times

Success was not long in coming. In the year of its launch, the trendsetter received the “Golden Steering Wheel” for the first time. This was just a taste of what was to come. With the second generation of the Zafira in 2005, Opel engineers optimised the handling of the second row. The seats could be folded down in a 40:20:40 ratio, so that adults could also sit comfortably on the outer individual seats. The reward for the effort: with the further developed Flex7 seating system, the Zafira B was set another benchmark for interior flexibility – and once again won the “Golden Steering Wheel”.

Opel Zafira was accompanied by a premium partner in Opel Zafira Tourer and immediately won another “Golden Steering Wheel”. In addition to the flexible interior, the newcomer impressed with lounge comfort, panorama glass sunroof and innovations such as radar-based speed control and Forward Collision Alert. With this serial success, Opel Zafira alone, in its various generations, has contributed three times to Opel’s award series at the prestigious “Golden Steering Wheel”.

Opel Zafira for all occasions: From top athlete to locally emissions-free pioneer

In 2001 – two years after the introduction of the first generation Zafira – Opel asked: “Can a sports car have seven seats, or put another way: Can a compact van have sporty driving characteristics?” The Zafira OPC gave a clear answer. It combined two ostensibly different segments: the practical variability of a compact van with the driving characteristics and performance of a sports car. In figures, this means a 141 kW (192 hp) 2.0-litre turbo engine, 250 Newton metres of torque, zero to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 220 km/h. This made Opel Zafira OPC, which was launched in autumn 2001, the fastest van in Europe at the time.

Combining emotions with maximum efficiency – this is the motto that Opel followed then and still follows today. In the same year as the sporty Opel Zafira OPC, a completely different drivetrain also made its debut. In addition to fuel-efficient petrol and diesel engines, the compressed natural gas Opel Zafira 1.6 CNG complemented the portfolio as a particularly economical and resource-saving vehicle. It significantly reduced emissions compared to conventional petrol engines and retained full interior variability thanks to the practical packaging of all components. The gas tanks were installed under the floor and thanks to the “Monovalentplus” concept, the driver could simply switch to petrol operation when required.

Compact van is also a pioneer in locally emissions-free hydrogen fuel cell drive. In 2000, Opel’s fuel-cell development took to the streets with the Zafira-based HydroGen1. Its hydrogen fuel cell supplied electricity for a three-phase asynchronous motor giving 55 kW (75 hp) and 251 Newton metres of torque. A buffer battery covered power peaks. In 2001, a fleet of 20 HydroGen3 models was driven by test customers. Power was increased to 60 kW (82 hp), giving a top speed of 160 km/h. In the 2004 Fuel Cell Marathon, two HydroGen3 vehicles covered nearly 10,000 km across Europe, from Hammerfest in Norway to Lisbon in Portugal. At the wheel of a HydroGen3, F1 and Opel DTM driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen also won the 2005 Monte Carlo Rally for cars with alternative propulsion. The Zafira-based HydroGen vehicles paved the way for today's Opel Vivaro HYDROGEN van. Soon the range of locally emissions-free commercial vehicles that can be quickly refuelled with hydrogen will be even larger, with the new Opel Movano HYDROGEN.

Space for family, team and colleagues: Opel Zafira, Combo and new Frontera

While the first-generation Zafira from 1999 is considered a pioneer of interior flexibility with space for the whole family, Opel today offers a wide range of spacious vehicles for comfortable shuttle services as well as for relaxed vacation trips. These include the current Zafira with eight seats as well as the Combo with up to seven. And the next multi-seater will follow this year: with the recently presented new Frontera, Opel has for the first time a compact SUV that can carry up to seven people. Spacious and comfortable, focussed on the essentials and electrified in every variant, the Frontera with its characteristic, robust design is the ideal car for outdoor fans and families. The attractive newcomer, which will be available to order shortly, comes with many practical solutions, including an innovative smartphone station and a comfortable Intelli-Seat feature for the front seats. It is available either as a hybrid with 48-volt technology or all-electric. The new Opel Frontera thus offers resource-saving driving pleasure including locally emissions-free operation and continues the brand's electrification offensive.

Ready to Go: New Opel Zafira Electric Available to Order Now

• Ideal as shuttle or family van: Prices for new Opel Zafira Electric start at €47,550 (RRP including VAT in Germany)
• More design: For the first time with characteristic Opel Vizor brand fascia
• More flexibility: Two lengths, space for up to 9 people or 4,900 litres of luggage
• More safety: Top technologies and up to 18 assistance systems including high resolution 180-degree rear view camera
• More range: Up to 347 kilometres locally emissions-free driving range (WLTP 1)

New Opel Zafira is ready to go. Having already shown the first pictures of the next Zafira generation, Opel is now opening the order books for the spacious people-mover. The new, locally emissions-free Opel Zafira Electric is now available from €47,550 (all prices RRP including VAT in Germany). Each Zafira Electric has the unmistakable Opel Vizor brand fascia. Inside, the electric van offers plenty of space as a shuttle as well as an everyday and holiday vehicle for the extended family; depending on the variant, the new Zafira has up to 9 seats or a maximum of 4,900 litres of storage space. There are also numerous state-of-the-art assistance systems – up to 18 optionally – which increase both safety and comfort. Passengers are well entertained and connected even on longer journeys with the intuitively operated infotainment systems based on the cockpit platforms from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc 3.

“Opel Zafira Electric has made a name for itself as a modern and comfortable lounge on wheels. With up to 9 seats and plenty of space for passengers and luggage, it is the ideal locally emissions-free people-mover for shuttle services as well as for everyday use and leisure. With the start of orders for the next generation, the Zafira Electric adds the unmistakable Opel Vizor design and state-of-the-art technologies,” said Patrick Dinger, head of Opel Germany.

New Opel Zafira Electric: Comfortable, modern VIP shuttle for up to nine people

Latest Zafira generation is the first to feature the Opel Vizor brand face – like all new Opel models – and draws attention with the bold and pure design of the front fascia, which flows seamlessly into the LED headlights. The new Zafira Electric impresses not only with its design, but above all with its practical strengths. The battery-electric van is available in two lengths (4.98 metres and 5.33 metres), in two equipment variants (Edition and GS) and with numerous customisation options, while the XL version offers optional space for up to 9 people. The rear is particularly comfortable with four independent, face-to-face seats, which turn the new Zafira Electric into a VIP shuttle. Entry and exit to rows two and three is made easier by optional sensor-controlled, electric sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle (standard with GS equipment). The optionally available panorama glass roof creates an even airier atmosphere.

New Opel Zafira Electric in the 9-seat configuration has a loading volume of up to 1,500 litres; with 5 people, luggage with a volume of up to 3,000 litres can be transported, and with 2 or 3 people on board, 4,900 litres. Particularly practical in shuttle services from hotels and the like: similar to its predecessor, the new Zafira measures just 1.90 metres in height and is therefore fully suitable for underground parking.

Travel further: All-electric range up to 347 kilometres (WLTP 1) without charging stop

All-electric Zafira Electric is even better than before in terms of efficiency and range. It is available with either a 50 kWh or a 75 kWh battery. With the further developed 75 kWh battery on board, a range of up to 347 kilometres (WLTP1) is possible without stopping to charge – over 20 kilometres more than before. In order to be particularly energy-efficient on the road, the Zafira Electric (like its “little brother”, the Opel Combo Electric, which is also already available to order) has a regenerative braking system that can be set to three recuperation levels using the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. The shuttle, family and travel all-rounder can be quickly charged with alternating current (AC) using the 11 kW onboard charger that comes as standard in Germany. At a 100 kW DC fast charging station, a stop of around 38 minutes for the 50 kWh battery and 45 minutes for the 75 kWh battery is necessary to charge to 80 per cent of the battery capacity.

New Opel Zafira Electric is powered by a 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor; the maximum torque of 260 Newton meters is available at the first touch of the pedal, as is typical for electric vehicles, so that the locally emissions-free van can accelerate quickly to a top speed of 130 km/h. Depending on their preference, drivers can choose between the three driving modes Normal, Eco and Power.

Safety and comfort: Top infotainment, up to 18 modern assistance systems

Safety is also part of a relaxed journey. And this is a top priority for the new Opel Zafira Electric. The spacious people-mover offers up to 18 state-of-the-art driver assistance systems. Highlights include the adaptive cruise control with stop and go function as well as the high-resolution 180-degree rear view camera (standard on the GS). It makes turning and manoeuvring easier with additional sensors at the front and rear as well as flank guard and blind spot warning. Numerous other systems including Intelli-Grip with hill descent assist for traction on difficult surfaces such as snow, mud or sand complement the portfolio. For optimum vision in the dark, Full-LED headlights are standard in every variant.

Ergonomic cockpit also increases safety and comfort. The optional fully digital 10-inch digital driver information centre (standard on GS) provides all important information, including the navigation system and also offers data on energy consumption and charging. The new infotainment systems with 10-inch colour touchscreen use the integrated Snapdragon Cockpit and Auto Connectivity platforms from Qualcomm Technologies and enable, among other things, state-of-the-art graphics, multimedia and connectivity functions such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 4G. In addition, important functions can be operated using the natural speech recognition “Hey Opel”. Compatible smartphones can be connected wirelessly to the Zafira's multimedia systems using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and can now also be charged inductively.

[1] 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.

[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.

[3] Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.

Opel: Strong growth in Italy in July

• Opel Corsa posts record sales results
• With 125 years of automobile production, every Opel model has at least one battery-electric engine

Excellent sales results for Opel in July in Italy with a 32% growth in registrations of cars and commercial vehicles compared to the previous year reaching a total share of 3.3%, corresponding to a growth of 0.7 percentage points.

The result is driven in particular by car sales, which saw registrations grow by 43% and share by 0.9 percentage points.

Great performance by the best-selling Opel Corsa which achieved record results: +140% in registrations, a doubled segment share (11.6%) and tripled contractual collection from private individuals.

This great appreciation from Italian customers allows Opel Corsa to be the third best-selling car in its segment and the fifth overall in Italy; furthermore, Opel Corsa is the best-selling German car in Italy.

The new Opel Corsa captivates with its refreshed design, which includes the characteristic Opel Vizor at the front and the Corsa lettering confidently positioned in the center of the rear. State-of-the-art technologies make driving more relaxed. The new Opel Corsa offers a fully digital cockpit based on the Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms from Qualcomm Technologies 1, with a new, intuitive infotainment system and a color touchscreen of up to 10 inches. The IntelliLux LED Matrix light, which Opel Corsa introduced to the small car segment in 2019, has also been further enhanced and made more precise with 14 LED elements. The latest interpretation of the small bestseller also boasts advanced technologies under the hood. The Opel Corsa Electric now comes with more power and an improved battery that enables a range of 402 kilometers when driving in accordance with the WLTP cycle 2. Other engines are also genuine innovations. 

The Opel Corsa is the first model of the brand also available as a hybrid version with a 48 V system that does not require charging at a charging station or wallbox. The new Opel Corsa therefore offers customers a wide choice in terms of engines: from purely electric to hybrid, up to the highly efficient combustion engine, a broad range suitable for all needs.

“At Opel we contribute to the democratization of technologies by offering equipment on very popular cars like our Opel Corsa that were previously only available on premium and higher segment cars. This approach, which is part of Opel’s culture, has proven to be highly appreciated by Italian customers who are rewarding us,” says Federico Scopelliti, Director of the Opel Brand in Italy.

Opel is enthusiastically celebrating its first 125 years of automobile production and is offering at least one battery-electric model in every model range, including the new Opel Frontera, a spacious and family-friendly SUV with up to seven seats, and the second-generation Opel Grandland, which marks a new era in the German manufacturer’s design, with the new Vizor front end gaining a depth dimension and an illuminated Opel logo.

[1] Snapdragon branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its affiliates. Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.

[2] The range values ​​were calculated according to the WLTP test procedure (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). The values ​​recorded in everyday use may differ and depend on numerous factors, including: personal driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, heating/air conditioning and any preconditioning.