Thrilling Finale to 2025 ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup ‘powered by GSE’: Tom Heindrichs Takes the Title

• Dramatic ending: Rollover on the last stage of the Central European Rally costs Alex Español the title
• Debut win: Marcel Neulinger celebrates his first Cup race victory at the Central European World Championship round
• Eye-catching displays: Opel Mokka GSE thrills in front of World Championship backdrop, strong rally debut for Fabian Vettel

The finale of the 2025 ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup ‘powered by GSE’ could not have been more dramatic. Until the last special stage, the Spaniard Alex Español and the Belgian Tom Heindrichs fought for every point at the Central European Rally (CER). When it came to the decisive ‘Power Stage’ (SS10) on Sunday afternoon, the Iberian was virtually a mere three points ahead. Full attack, all or nothing, was the motto for both. In the case of Alex ‘Sito’ Español, it was nothing in the end. A few kilometres before the finish, the Opel España driver lost control of his vehicle in a very fast passage and rolled over. Thanks to the high safety standards of the Opel Corsa Rally Electric, both Español and his co-driver Borja Odriozola emerged unscathed.

This cleared the way for second-placed Tom Heindrichs to win the championship: “It will take a while before everything sinks in,” admitted the 21-year-old from the German-speaking part of Belgium, who, as always, was guided by the announcements of his co-driver Jonas Schmitz. “It was a tough season in which not everything always went according to plan. But we accepted every challenge. That made us strong and helped us to keep a cool head in this close final. I'm sorry for Sito, he was an enormously strong opponent. We also had our moments in the Power Stage, but we brought home the title and are extremely happy about it.”

Thanks to this triumph, the younger brother of the reigning World Rally Champion Thierry Neuville will join the ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team and will take on Europe's best rally talents in the FIA Junior European Rally Championship in an Opel Corsa Rally4 supported by Stohl Racing. “That was our goal,” Heindrichs beamed. “I'm extremely proud of the whole team and of Jonas, who did a fantastic job. I can only thank all the partners without whom this would not have been possible. I've never learned as much as I have this season!”

Marcel Neulinger was equally happy with his first race victory in the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup. The Austrian took the lead in the standings alongside co-driver Jakob Ruhsam on Friday afternoon with the first two of a total of four special stage best times and did not relinquish it until the finish. After the ‘Power Stage’ and a total of 127 special stage kilometres, his lead over second-placed Heindrichs was only 2.1 seconds! “The victory feels fantastic,” said the 20-year-old.

In third place, Christian Lemke and co-driver Jennifer Gräfe celebrated another podium finish to end the season. Narrowly missing the podium, but once again strong with two special stage best times, the French brothers Anthony and Adrien Rott finished fourth ahead of the German duo Kilian Nierenz/Milena Raithel. The pair from Upper Franconia thus secured third place in the final standings.

Jörg Schrott, Head of Opel Motorsport, was also excited the thrilling finale: “Today two hearts beat in my chest. On the one hand, the finale could not have been more fantastic: a whole season was decided in the very last special stage, at the highest level. Both title aspirants had to demonstrate exactly what makes motorsport so fascinating – namely to give it their all in full concentration. On the other hand, there is this discrepancy between the one who rightly celebrates and will start next year in the works team in the Junior European Championship, and the other who would have deserved it, gave everything and ended up on the roof. Sito now goes home as runner-up, having been at the top of the table since the beginning of the season. This is motorsport in all its facets, united in an incredibly thrilling finale.”

“Sensory overload” for guest driver Fabian Vettel

Away from the thrilling title fight, Fabian Vettel made an impeccable rally debut in the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup. “My ultimate goal was to have fun,” stressed the brother of four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel, who was perfectly guided by Gino Kruhs and finished a good tenth in the end. Vettel: “I think I approached the matter with realistic expectations. That was a real sensory overload for me. Every day I learned a lot of new things and had new challenges to overcome. I tried to do my best and continuously improve. At least I was not world apart from the experienced Cup drivers. I think I need to come back ...”

Grand entrance of the fast electric cars in Hauzenberg

Like last year, the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup set up its service area in Hauzenberg. The Corsa Rally Electric and the new 207 kW (281 hp) Opel Mokka GSE Rally, which Junior European Champion Calle Carlberg piloted as a lead vehicle, became the top attractions in the small town northeast of Passau. On Sunday, the speedy electric cars rolled across the market square and gave visitors a close-up view of the world's first electric rally one-make cup.

Final standings 2025 ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup ‘powered by GSE’:

1. Heindrichs            190 points

2. Español                 172 points

3. Nierenz                 159 points

4. Lemke                   134 points

5. Kamermans           129 points

6. Neulinger               122 points

7. Wittenbeck             86 points

8. Rott                        83 points

9. Jungnickel              63 points

10. Eertmans              62 points

11. Steitz                    54 points

Order Books Open: New Opel Grandland Electric Long Range with Range of up to 694 Kilometres

• Electric freedom: Grandland Electric Long Range with 97 kWh battery available from €51,750 euros (RRP incl. VAT in Germany)
• Electric driving pleasure: 170 kW (231 hp), 345 Nm torque, from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds, top speed of 170 km/h
• Travel in comfort: With Intelli-Seats, multimedia infotainment and Frequency Selective Damping technology as standard
• ‘Electric All In’2: Opel makes the switch to electric mobility easy

Opel Grandland family is growing once again: After the introduction of the all-wheel-drive version of the electric top-of-the-line SUV, Opel is now launching the new Opel Grandland Electric Long Range. With its 97 kWh battery, the newcomer enables a range of up to 694 kilometres (WLTP1) between charging stops, making it the range champion among the battery-electric Grandland variants. Even in the entry-level ‘Edition’ trim, it comes with ergonomic Intelli-Seats as well as a chassis with Frequency Selective Damping technology as standard. The new Grandland Electric Long Range thus promises safe as well as comfortable and, above all, extensive locally emissions-free driving pleasure. The latest addition to the Grandland range can be ordered now for prices starting €51,750 (RRP incl. VAT in Germany).

"Since its launch last year, the Opel Grandland has been convincing customers as a sporty, elegant, state-of-the-art SUV with the highest level of comfort. We are now increasing this even further. We promised the battery-electric Grandland with even more range – and here it comes: In the new Grandland Electric Long Range, drivers and passengers can now drive up to 694 kilometres (WLTP1) locally emissions-free without having to recharge – a range increase that makes our top SUV even more attractive for long business or holiday trips," said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

Free choice of electric powertrain: Opel Grandland Electric now available in three variants

Since its launch, the Opel Grandland Electric has already been available with a 73 kWh battery and a range of up to 521 kilometres (WLTP 1). Just a few weeks ago, the Grandland Electric AWD, which has a system output of 239 kW (325 hp) and 509 Newton meters of torque, celebrated its public premiere at the IAA Mobility in Munich as the first all-electric all-wheel-drive vehicle from Opel. And with the Opel Grandland Electric Long Range, which can be ordered now, Opel is once again expanding the range of the battery-electric top-of-the-line SUV ‘made in Germany’.

For those who want to enjoy even more electromobility freedom than before, the new Grandland Electric Long Range is the ideal choice. A range of 694 kilometres (WLTP 1) goes well beyond the usual everyday requirements. This is made possible by the STLA Medium platform, on which the Grandland Electric is built. It is designed to accommodate batteries of up to 97 kWh – as in the Long Range variant – without compromising on the passenger compartment or cargo space. In this way, Opel  Grandland Electric drivers and their families can now travel even longer distances until the battery needs recharging to 80 percent of the battery capacity in about 27 minutes at a public fast charging station.

Furthermore, powerful locally emissions-free driving pleasure is ensured. The electric motor of the Opel Grandland Electric Long Range offers 170 kW (231 hp) of power and 345 Newton meters of direct torque. This allows the electric car to accelerate to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds; a top speed of up to 170 km/h is possible.

Well equipped: With Frequency Selective Damping, Intelli-Seats and much more

In addition to the three selectable driving modes ‘Normal’, ‘Eco’ and ‘Sport’, the suspension with Frequency Selective Damping technology guarantees maximum situationally adapted driving comfort – as with every battery-electric Grandland. Depending on the situation, road conditions and driving style, the unique technology enables different damping characteristics for comfortable gliding at high frequencies – i.e. for short-wave impacts such as on cobblestones – as well as for a sporty, ambitious driving style with more direct road contact at low frequencies. Opel Grandland Electric thus reacts even more immediately and directly to every command from the driver and remains stable when braking, cornering and at high speeds on the motorway, as is typical for Opel.

Opel Grandland Electric Long Range enhances the safe and comfortable driving experience with numerous other state-of-the-art features. For example, the entry-level ‘Edition’ trim already includes Intelli-Seats with ergonomic recess in the seat surface as well as multimedia infotainment with a 10-inch colour touchscreen and Intelli-LED headlights. In the higher trim levels, electronic helpers such as the award-winning glare-free Intelli-Lux HD light with more than 50,000 elements, the Intelli-HUD head-up display or the 360-degree Intelli-Vision camera as well as the Intelli-Seats certified by Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. are available. The multimedia navigation system with a 16-inch colour touchscreen provides outstanding entertainment and connectivity. Solutions such as the transparent Pixel Box in the centre console, in which one's own smartphone can be charged wirelessly, increase practicality. And for convenient access to the rear compartment, the sensor-controlled tailgate opens and closes electrically in the Grandland Electric Long Range ‘GS’ and ‘Ultimate’.

‘Electric All In’: E-services included for affordable electric mobility

In order to give electromobility a further boost, Opel is making it even easier and more attractive for customers – starting with the purchase of a vehicle. Because anyone who buys a battery-electric model such as the new Opel Grandland Electric Long Range now will receive numerous services at the same time with ‘Electric All In’2. For example, services such as an eProWallbox Move for fast charging at home, e-routes functions and eight years of mobile charging and roadside assistance4 as well as a battery warranty are already included.

[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] Offer for private customers when purchasing a fully electric passenger car from participating Opel partners in Germany by December 31, 2025.

[3] 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.

[4] Eight years of roadside and mobile charging assistance; mobile charging assistance up to three times a year.

Opel Electrifies with Emotional Line-up at XS Cars'n'Coffee

• Goosebumps, speed and euphoria: Opel Mokka GSE Rally and Opel Mokka GSE at the DEKRA Lausitzring
• Rugged show car for all occasions: Opel Frontera GRAVEL made for adventure seekers
• Opel in the spotlight: After the XS Carnight Festival on Lake Wörthersee, XS fans gather in Brandenburg

On Sunday, motorsport and tuning fans flocked to the DEKRA Lausitzring in Brandenburg where the community celebrated particularly sporty and eye-catching automobiles at the XS Cars'n'Coffee event. And Opel was right in the middle of the action. The brand with the Blitz attracted a lot of interest with its new battery-electric models Opel Mokka GSE Rally and Opel Mokka GSE as well as the extraordinary show car for adventure seekers, the Opel Frontera GRAVEL. A look at the trio was enough to create the proverbial OMG! feeling. Furthermore, Opel once again demonstrated that it has always sent the pulses of motorsport fans racing. The German brand also displayed an Opel Vectra B racing car from the Opel Classic collection.

Pure OMG! GSE power: New Opel Mokka GSE Rally and Opel Mokka GSE

At the Lausitzring, the new Opel Mokka GSE Rally was in its element at the weekend. Because the new rally electric car with the characteristic GSE abbreviation stands for goosebumps, speed and euphoria – perfect for the XS fans who had travelled to the event. From the outside, Opel Mokka GSE Rally, which was recently shown at the IAA Mobility in Munich, attracts attention with motorsport foiling including OMG! GSE lettering, black bonnet, yellow brake calipers and many other rally accents. The key technical data are even more impressive: 207 kW (281 hp) of peak power, 345 Newton metres of torque and sophisticated motorsport technology make the Mokka GSE Rally a unique all-electric rally car.

Best of all, Opel is also bringing this motorsport feeling to the general public in the form of the new Opel Mokka GSE, which is already available to order. With 207 kW (281 hp), the series electric car is just as powerful as its motorsport counterpart. And with the immediate torque of 345 Newton meters brisk acceleration is also guaranteed. Opel Mokka GSE accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds – and with a top speed of 200 km/h, it is now the fastest all-electric production Opel. The sophisticated technology, which is also inspired by the rally car, contributes to the extraordinary performance. For example, Opel Mokka GSE has a Torsen multi-plate limited-slip differential as well as a chassis with specifically designed axles and new double hydraulic shock absorbers. All high-voltage components of the production Opel Mokka GSE come from Opel Mokka GSE Rally. The steering system, chassis and brakes have also been designed to be particularly sporty and optimised with Opel's experience from electric rallying.

Adventure calls: With the Opel Frontera GRAVEL show car

Eleswhere, a completely different Opel celebrated its second XS Carnight appearance at the Lausitzring: the Opel Frontera GRAVEL. The bold, all-electric show car had already caused a stir at its first public appearance at the XS Carnight on Lake Wörthersee in the spring. Now the adventurous version of the family-friendly SUV Frontera thrilled visitors to XS Cars'n'Coffee. The exterior design of the Frontera GRAVEL already awakens the desire to head off the beaten track thanks to its characteristic paintwork and foiling. The matt black roof and the matt black bonnet contrast with the ‘Desert Stone’ foil uniquely selected for Opel Frontera GRAVEL. Additional orange accents are provided by the exterior mirror housings, front and rear bumpers, spoiler and the Opel Blitz in the black Opel Vizor.

The rugged look is further enhanced by a front-mounted winch and hook, side storage boxes at the rear, and a robust lattice-style roof rack designed to maximise gear-carrying capacity for all adventures. And in keeping with the tougher challenges of rough gravel and stone surfaces, Opel Frontera GRAVEL stands on special, seven-inch-wide CWE-16-inch BORBET wheels.

Combined values for Opel Mokka GSE according to WLTP1: Energy consumption 17.9-18.5 kWh/100 km, CO2 emissions 0 g/km; CO2 label: A

[1] The values of a vehicle depend not only on the efficient use of fuel by the vehicle, but are also influenced by driving behavior and other non-technical factors.