Emotional, Electric, Exciting: Opel Motorsport Looks Back on Successful 2024 Rally Season

• Electrifying fourth season of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe”
• Luca Pröglhöf becomes first Austrian to lift title in electric rally cup
• Diverse field: Teams from eight countries, eight female drivers

ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” has once again turned heads on the international rally scene in its fourth season. Up to 16 of the near-production, 100 kW (136 hp) Opel Corsa Rally Electric once again provided exciting rally sport and battles for position for tenths of a second in the world's first and to date only electric rally one-make cup. The diversity in the field of participants was greater than ever: teams from eight nations (Germany, Austria, France, Spain, Belgium, Hungary, Sweden and the Netherlands), including a total of eight female drivers, set standards. With the two-time DTM champion Timo Scheider and the Austrian motorcycle legend Matthias Walkner, two seasoned motorsport pilots made guest appearances and tested their skills against the up-and-coming talents. Especially Scheider impressed by finishing a remarkable fifth place at the start of the season as part of the ADAC Rally Sulingen.

In his second season, Luca Pröglhöf proved to be the driver to beat. Alongside his co-driver Christina Ettel, the 25-year-old Austrian from Sittendorf near Vienna celebrated a total of four victories this season and thus clinched the title before the grand finale at the Central European Rally. For the second time, the Opel Corsa Rally Electric took part in this round of the FIA World Rally Championship and demonstrated its strong performance in front of 125,000 spectators and international media. The other victories in one of the eight cup races in five countries were celebrated by Christian Lemke (Germany), Alex Español (Spain), Jérôme Chavanne (France) and Tom Heindrichs (Belgium), half-brother of the newly crowned rally world champion Thierry Neuville.

Eight female drivers in the field also attracted a lot of attention: Emma Chalvin and Alizée Pottier (both France), Esmée Den Hartigh (Netherlands), Pia Steffe (Austria), Lyssia Baudet (Belgium), Hannah Jakobsson (Sweden) along with the Germans Claire Schönborn and Ann Felke pushed their male rivals throughout the season. With Chalvin, Baudet, Schönborn and Felke, four Opel drivers were invited to the international “Beyond Rally” women's screening in Poland which is hosted by the promoter of the World Rally Championship. Both Baudet and Schönborn not only qualified for a place at the Junior World Championship stage at the Central European Rally, but will even fight for a cockpit for the entire Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC) 2025 next February as part of a shootout at the Rally Sweden.

ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team: Big challenge for Luca Pröglhöf

With his brilliant performances, this year's ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup champion Luca Pröglhöf qualified for promotion to the ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team. There he will try to follow in the footsteps of his successful predecessors in the Junior European Rally Championship (JERC) next season. A total of five Junior European Championship titles by Emil Bergkvist, Marijan Griebel, Chris Ingram, Mārtiņš Sesks and Laurent Pellier testify to the high ambitions of ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team. In the 2024 JERC season, the 2023 and 2022 Cup champions Calle Carlberg and Timo Schulz also caused a stir with second and fourth places overall.

Opel Motorsport boss Jörg Schrott's expectations for the upcoming rally season are therefore high: “The international perception and interest on the part of organisers and teams in ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup have grown steadily over the past four years. We are already working hard on the 2025 season. With seven attractive events in five countries and a once again very international field, the fifth season of our innovative Cup also promises a lot of excitement. With Luca Pröglhöf, a promising talent is once again promoted from the Cup to ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team. I'm excited to see how Luca and Dina will do in the fight against the best youngsters in Europe. We are looking forward to the coming rally season, which will once again bring many challenges for Opel, but hopefully also successes.”

Opel Corsa Trophy turns 40

• In 1984 the first of 15 consecutive editions
• An excellent proposal to enter the world of rallying
• Forerunner of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup "powered by GSe"

Forty years ago, in 1984, the Italian single-make championship debuted, initially reserved for Opel Corsa-A 1.3 SR (the GSi was not yet available) prepared according to the international Group N regulations. 

The event, launched by the then importer of the German manufacturer, was born in the wake of the enthusiasm for the successes of the Opel Ascona 400 in the Italian and world championships of the specialty - which materialized respectively with the titles of “Tony” Fassina and “Rudy” Dal Pozzo in 1981 and Walter Rohrl and Christian Geistdörfer in 1982 - and aimed to introduce young enthusiasts to the specialty.

How did it start?

In particular, the Opel Corsa Trophy aimed to, if not solve, at least contain the problem of participation costs, which for many were absolutely prohibitive. The series was in fact run as part of the Coppa Italia trials, that is, the first series national rallies with a maximum duration of 400 kilometers, suitable for those who wanted to try their hand at this specialty for the first time. In essence, it was possible to participate in the trophy with a budget of around 10 million lire, thanks to the 14% discount on the purchase price of the car and the equipment kit that included the essential elements for the rally setup of the Opel Corsa. In this way, it was possible to participate in both the Coppa Italia and the single-make trophy which, in each of its more than 60 races, offered a prize pool of 2,250,000 lire. Result: with 64 participants in its first edition in 1984, it immediately achieved the record for the most crowded single-make.

The story continues “electrically”

The history of the Italian one-make series ended 25 years ago at the end of 1999 (coinciding with the launch of the third-generation Opel Corsa) after fifteen consecutive editions, but it can be said that it paved the way for today's ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup "powered by GSe" which is a glimpse into an innovative future of motorsport. The world's first electric one-make rally cup, which was contested for the first time in 2021 with the Opel Corsa Rally Electric, is uncharted territory in every respect. With this pioneering achievement, Opel Motorsport is pushing the electrification of rallying forward, thus combining Opel-typical sustainability and efficiency with high dynamics and emotionality.

Stellantis Reaffirms Commitment to Opel and Germany

• Visit of Rüsselsheim plant and Design Centre
• Preview of future grEEn-campus

Stellantis Chairman John Elkann und Xavier Chéreau, Stellantis Chief Human Resources & Heritage and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Opel Automobile GmbH, visited the premises in Rüsselsheim and reaffirmed their support and commitment for the long-term future of the site. Together with Florian Huettl, Opel CEO and Stellantis Germany Managing Director, they visited yesterday the production plant, where the best-selling Opel Astra in all drive variants and the DS4 from its sister brand DS Automobiles are manufactured. They also received an insight into Opel’s future model portfolio in the Design Centre. Furthermore, they took time to talk to employees and social partners.

“Opel and Germany are very important to Stellantis. At a time of deep industrial transformation, I was happy to take the opportunity of this visit in Rüsselsheim to reaffirm our commitment to Stellantis’ German operations and to our high-quality dialog with our key partners and stakeholders, in particular IG Metall. This cooperative approach will bring sustainable opportunities to all in Germany, a first example of which is the construction of the grEEn-campus in Rüsselsheim,” said Stellantis Chairman John Elkann.

“The speed with which our German plants have transformed into efficient, state-of-the-art production sites is impressive. Of course, we must not let up on continuously increasing our competitiveness and quality in production and customer service. I would like to thank IG Metall and our works council for the constructive and trustful collaboration,” added Opel Supervisory Board Chairman Xavier Chéreau.

“Rüsselsheim not only stands for 125 years of automotive production, but also for innovation and progress. We look forward to the future with confidence, we will continue to play a pioneering role in the transformation of the automotive industry and surprise our customers with our exciting models. Opel is the first German manufacturer to offer a battery-electric variant of every model, without exception. 

With our employees and all partners, we are implementing our strategy with full conviction and concentration,” said Florian Huettl, Opel CEO and Stellantis Germany Managing Director. “With our extensive Stellantis brand portfolio, we have a strong market position; we are number two on the German market in total and number one in the German light commercial vehicle business. 

We will further develop the entire organisation together and focus on collaborative partnerships – inside and outside the company. We are one team for Stellantis in Germany. We have a strong dealer network as well as successful brands and models like the Opel Astra, Peugeot E-3008, Citroën ë-C3 and Fiat 500e.”

Just a few weeks before a crucial year for the entire automotive industry in connection with the stricter CO2 fleet limits, Stellantis rejoined the European Automotive Association ACEA. “We intend to engage constructively with all stakeholders, from our union and commercial partners to political leaders, to identify a common path towards a strong future for our industry. Our strategy and commitment to electrification remain unchanged,” emphasised John Elkann. The Stellantis Chairman shared his views with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, in recent conversations.

During the visit to the Adam Opel Haus, Elkann and Chéreau also received an update on the progress of the grEEn-campus project, the future Stellantis Germany headquarters and the new global Opel headquarters on Mainzer Straße in Rüsselsheim. The new modern, efficient and urban company headquarters will make a decisive contribution to reducing the carbon footprint of the Rüsselsheim location.

Pure Focal Sound On Board The Latest Generation Of Opel Grandland

Focal brings its signature sound on board the next-generation OPEL GRANDLAND Electric model, with a Premium hi-fi system boasting 10 speaker drivers. Available as an optional extra, this system features exclusive audio technologies to offer a high-quality, immersive emotion-fuelled listening experience for the driver and passengers alike. Already a partner for PEUGEOT and DS AUTOMOBILES vehicles, this is the first time Focal has made its mark on an OPEL model.

FOCAL QUALITY: IMMERSIVE SOUND

The Premium hi-fi system made for this vehicle boasts no fewer than 10 exclusive speaker drivers:

• 4 woofers/mid-ranges (4 x 50W / 2 Ω) in the doors and a central speaker (30W / 2 Ω) fitted in the dashboard.

All are equipped with Polyglass technology, a light yet rigid high-performance cone, extending the bandwidth of the speaker drivers while retaining excellent sensitivity. Their uncompromising design delivers powerful, faithful rendering.

• A compact, powerful elliptical subwoofer (3 x 50W / 2 Ω), capable of flawlessly reproducing musical dynamics.

Its Power Flower neodymium motor consists of several magnets and offers tight control of the cone’s movement for perfect sound reproduction.

• 4 TNF tweeters (4 x 15W / 4 Ω) with aluminium inverted dome, which reproduce the top end of the spectrum with finesse and precision in the sound space.

• 12-way, 690-watt amplification using boosted Class D technology. Tightly controls all speaker drivers thanks to its impressive damping and low distortion. The amplifier offers excellent energy efficiency, consuming only the energy required, to avoid unnecessarily affecting the vehicle’s battery life.

AN ENHANCED EXPERIENCE

Matching the vehicle’s impressive collection of automotive technologies (electric STLA Medium platform), alternative propulsion modes, Selective Frequency Damping technology, a wide range of driver-assist systems, and more), the Focal hi-fi system delivers top-of-the-range performance. Each element has been considered both individually and as a whole, for meticulous sound rendering. Focal has also paid particular attention to the positioning of the speaker drivers. Plus, Focal offers two listening modes for incredible immersion: “All-Passengers”, an optimised stereo mode for each passenger, and “Front Optimized”, an experience that augments the stereo stage, making it wider and deeper for the front seats. The sound is enveloping, voices clear and detailed, the bass deep and impactful.

IN-CAR COMFORT

Inspired by the design codes from the OPEL EXPERIMENTAL concept car, the next-generation OPEL GRANDLAND combines elegant and dynamic exterior design with a spacious, versatile and comfortable interior. Its comfort level is enhanced by an innovative lighting system (IntelliLux Pixel HD), a 16-inch screen, ergonomic AGR seats, clever storage solutions, and of course the quality of its Focal hi-fi system. The French brand is a leading audio manufacturer for a reason: combining expertise and technology, craftsmanship and innovation, it provides multiple listening solutions: at home, on the go with headphones and in-car kits, in professional studios, and even on board yachts – whatever the scenario, Focal brings its audiophile signature.

FOCAL Premium hi-fi system:

‘SMARTBEST 2025’: Opel wins AUTOBEST Award for ChatGPT

• Top connectivity: International jury of experts honours Stellantis brands for the introduction of ChatGPT in their vehicles
• Extensive line-up: ChatGPT now available in most Opel passenger cars and LCVs
• Easy access: ChatGPT activated by a simple “Hey Opel”

Opel makes top technologies accessible and affordable for everyone. This has also been recognised by the high-profile international AUTOBEST jury. The journalists from more than 30 countries have now awarded Opel and other Stellantis brands unanimously with the ‘SMARTBEST 2025’ for the introduction of ChatGPT 1 in their models. The award recognises pioneering solutions for onboard connectivity in vehicles.

“We are delighted to receive this award,” said Vanessa Repp, Vice President Future Product at Opel and Vauxhall. “The unanimous vote of the independent journalists shows that we offer vehicles with pioneering technologies that make driving more enjoyable and that at the same time customers can afford. This applies to locally emissions-free electric drives as well as intelligent connectivity solutions such as ChatGPT 1.”

With ChatGPT 1 Opel drivers and passengers have access to a wide range of information from a long list of topics including science, biology, nutrition, pop culture, music and many more. In combination with the navigation system, a "Hey Opel" is sufficient to use natural speech recognition – which has now become even more desirable thanks to the addition of ChatGPT 1. The system can now learn and independently suggest destinations and route guidance based on the habits of the linked driver profile.

Opel is currently rolling out ChatGPT 1 in the new Opel Mokka as well as in many other models like the new Opel Grandland, the Opel Corsa, the Opel Astra, the Opel Astra Sports Tourer, the Opel Combo and the Opel Zafira. Furthermore, the Opel Combo and the Opel Vivaro light commercial vehicles are also available with the artificial intelligence chatbot.

[1] This new service uses the power of generative artificial intelligence including the technologies of the SoundHound Chat AI platform. Version 3.5 of ChatGPT uses data dating back to January 2022 at the latest, and therefore has no knowledge of events and data after that date.

Opel CEO Florian Huettl takes additional responsibility as Managing Director of Stellantis Germany

• New combined role aims at overall optimisation business on the German market, profitable growth and strengthening customer orientation for all brands

In addition to his position as CEO of Opel and Vauxhall, Florian Huettl will also be responsible for Stellantis' activities in Germany with immediate effect. This bundling of responsibilities will increase efficiency and support profitable growth in times of comprehensive industry transformation.

“We want to strengthen our organisation in Germany through targeted management and a focus on partnership-based collaboration inside and outside the company. We are therefore pleased that Florian Huettl will be taking over the management of Stellantis’ German business in addition to his role as Opel CEO,” said Jean-Philippe Imparato, COO Enlarged Europe and CEO Stellantis Pro One.

“I am very much looking forward to actively and collaboratively managing the German market for Opel and all other Stellantis brands from now on and to further sustainably expand the Stellantis market position. Our clear goal is to work together with our partners to get even closer to our customers and get them excited about the attractive brand portfolios,” said Florian Huettl.

Florian Huettl will succeed Lars Bilalkowski in this role. “We would like to thank Lars Bialkowski for his work over the last few years, which has significantly influenced the success of Stellantis in Germany, and we wish him all the best for the future,” said Jean-Philippe Imparato.

“125 years and not a bit quiet”: Opel at the RETRO CLASSICS BAVARIA 2024

• “125 Years of Opel Automobile Construction”: Legendary automobiles from Opel Patent Motor Car System Lutzmann to Opel Aero GT and all-electric Opel Manta GSe
• “40 Years of DTM”: Opel racers from Kadett GSi to “Cliff” Calibra to Vectra GTS V8
• 6 to 8 December: Exhibition at the Nuremberg Trade Fair daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Shortly before the end of the year there is a real highlight for car lovers: the classic car fair RETRO CLASSICS BAVARIA . It will be held from December 6th to 8th at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre as the “traditional end of the season for driving culture”. Opel has a very special place this year. Because 2024 is the year in which the brand with the lightning bolt will celebrate “125 years of Opel automobile construction” . Opel Classic will be supplying numerous classics for the special exhibition “125 years and not a bit quiet – Opel celebrates 125 years of automobile construction at RETRO CLASSICS BAVARIA” – from the Monza GSE to Sepp Herberger’s Rekord B, from the Admiral to the 1899 Patentmotorwagen, the first Opel car produced in-house. They will all delight the audience in Hall 3C – just like Opel Manta GSe . The fully electric concept vehicle with electric drive and Opel Vizor brand face shows what Opel understands by the anniversary motto "Forever Forward since 1899" and how a rich tradition can be combined with inspiring, future-proof mobility. The numerous exhibits of the Opel Classic collection are complemented by other classic cars from the Alt-Opel IG on the stand right next door.

But that's not all: There are further highlights for motorsport fans to experience in Hall 3A of the Nuremberg trade fair. Famous racing touring cars are being presented there in a large special exhibition under the title "40 Years of DTM" . Legendary ITC Opel Calibra V6 4x4 "Cliff", an Astra V8 Coupé and a Vectra GTS V8 are among the most exciting exhibits here. In addition, four historic rally vehicles from Rüsselsheim will be on display, including a 1982 Ascona 400 from the Röhrl/Geistdörfer team.

"RETRO CLASSICS BAVARIA has become a magnet for all lovers of vintage cars, youngtimers and neo-classics. A highlight at the end of the year, which we are happy to celebrate with a wide range of anniversary items from '125 years of Opel automobile manufacturing'. Visitors experience the Opel model history in a variety that they will rarely find outside of Rüsselsheim," says Opel Classic Director Leif Rohwedder, inviting visitors to Nuremberg.

RETRO CLASSICS BAVARIA opens to the public from Friday, December 6th to Sunday, December 8th, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors can also look forward to the RETRO NIGHT on the opening day. The event, which runs until 10 p.m. and is already included in the ticket price, features live music as well as interesting greetings and discussions that give an overview of the highlights of the trade fair.

“125 years of Opel automobile construction: Forever Forward since 1899!”

Opel is putting the RETRO CLASSICS BAVARIA under the sign of the characteristic lightning bolt to mark the end of the anniversary of "125 years of Opel automobile construction". The Classic department from Rüsselsheim is travelling to Nuremberg with no fewer than 21 automotive rarities from almost every decade of the company's history. At both the "125 years of Opel automobile construction" exhibition in Hall 3C and the "40 years of DTM" in Hall 3A, great classics are just as important as legendary racing cars and concept cars. Here are a few examples that will certainly increase the desire to visit RETRO CLASSICS BAVARIA:

In the spring of 1899, the first automobile manufactured by Opel, the Patent Motor Car System Lutzmann, rolled out of the Rüsselsheim factory - and marked the start of what would become more than 75 million Opel vehicles. The 1,000th vehicle was built in 1906. With models such as the 4/12 hp "Laubfrosch" from 1924, Opel was quick to turn a prestige vehicle for the wealthy into a means of transport for broad sections of the population.

Fritz von Opel, the eldest grandson of the company's founder Adam Opel, is on a very special mission on May 23, 1928. At 10 a.m., a futuristic racing car with wings on the side whizzes along Berlin's Avus. It is the RAK2 with 24 powder rockets in the rear. With it, Opel spectacularly ushers in the rocket age in front of running cameras - and lays the first foundation stone for manned space travel.

Opel's success with series vehicles continued unabated. In 1956, the two millionth vehicle with the lightning bolt rolled off the production line - a Kapitän . To mark the occasion, the company made the "anniversary" a one-off: As a unique flagship of the brand, the cream-white painted Opel model was given a 24-carat gold coating on all decorative and chrome parts.

"Only flying is more beautiful..." - these four words are enough to awaken longings and pure emotions. Just as the slogan went down in advertising history, the advertised car has itself become a timelessly beautiful classic since its launch in 1968: Opel GT. In Nuremberg, visitors can take a look at a particularly unusual example. 1969 Aero GT convertible study with an electrically retractable rear window and removable roof will be on display - one of only two examples produced.

In addition, numerous rally and touring car classics are on display in Hall 3A. One unforgettable example is Opel Ascona 400, in which the exceptional driver Walter Röhrl and his co-driver Christian Geistdörfer first won the 1982 Monte Carlo Rally and then spectacularly won the drivers' world championship. 

Black Opel "Cliff" Calibra is just as legendary: high-tech coupé with a 500 hp V6 engine dominated the 1996 International Touring Car Championship, winning both the constructors' and drivers' titles.

As a desirable sports coupe for everyone, Opel Manta has secured a firm place in Opel history and in the hearts of numerous fans. Opel Manta GSe shows just how true this still is today . It combines the appearance of the style icon with the latest technologies and a locally emission-free electric drive - and wherever it has been driven since 2021, it continues to attract attention with its Opel Pixel Vizor, bright yellow and black paintwork and rejuvenated drive train.