“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.

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

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

In record time: From young talent to rally ace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Opel Classics to participate in Germany’s biggest Oldtimer Rally

• Classic Opel competition cars among 197 starters of Olympia Rally ’72 Revival
• World rally champion Walter Röhrl pilots Opel Commodore GS/E and Ascona 400
• Opel Astra plug-in hybrid for organisers

Opel Classic will participate in the Olympia Rally '72 Revival, which will take place across Germany from August 8-13. One hundred and ninety-seven teams from nine nations will complete 6 daily stages between Kiel in the north and Munich in the south – a total of 2,252 kilometres. Among the starters is rally legend and double world champion Walter Röhrl, whose career took off exactly 50 years ago on the original Olympia Rally.

“We are delighted to be able to contribute real gems to this great revival with classic Opel models such as the 1971 Rallye Kadett and the Commodore GS/E Coupé. And of course, the Opel Olympia will also play a part to match the title of the rally. Just like our new Astra plug-in hybrid, which will attract attention with its bold, clear design and pioneering technologies as an advance and crew vehicle,” said Harald Hamprecht, Vice President Communications.

“1972 Olympia Rally was unique and the Revival will thrill the fans”, said Opel Classics Manager Leif Rohwedder. “Our legendary Opel cars are sure to bring back lots of memories for the participants and spectators.”

Walter Röhrl drives Opel Commodore GS/E and Ascona 400

Walter Röhrl describes the 1972 Olympia Rally as “the rally of the century. After this, nothing was the same as before.” His first works contract with Opel followed. “Under the guidance of Opel tuner Günter Irmscher, I prepared for my first Monte Carlo Rally and an exciting ‘73 season with my new co-driver Jochen Berger.” Bavarian went on to win the European Rally Championship in 1974 in a works Opel Ascona A and the drivers’ world championship title (for the second time) in 1982 with the Ascona 400.

On Thursday, August 11, Röhrl will start the rally in the Commodore GS/E from Opel Classic. It was precisely with a car like this that Röhrl and Berger made their Irmscher/Opel-debut at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1973. Röhrl will then cover the second leg from Pferdsfeld in an Opel Ascona 400 – a car with which he celebrated numerous successes, above all victory on the Monte Carlo Rally in 1982. The day's destination is the Speyer “Technik Museum”, home of Europe's largest space exhibition.

In addition to the Opel classics driven by Walter Röhrl, a special Opel Kadett B will be piloted on the Olympia Rally ’72 Revival by ADAC sport president Hermann Tomczyk and motorsport veteran Günther Holzer. They will share the Rallye Kadett driven by Swedes Anders Kulläng and Bruno Berglund in the 1970s.

Finally, an “Olympia Rally” would be incomplete without an Opel of the same name and the one taking part in this year's revival is an Olympia 1100 SR from 1967. This particular example features the 1100 SR engine with 44 kW/60 hp. More powerful Olympia 1900 could reach a top speed of up to 170 km/h – sports car territory at the time.

Opel Astra plug-in hybrid bold and pure course car

To ensure that the organisers of the Olympia Rally revival can travel in the same bold and pure style as the classic models from Rüsselsheim, Opel has put a new Astra plug-in hybrid at their disposal. Electrified Astra matches the rally’s climate-neutral concept and produces 133 kW/180 hp in system power and 360 Newton metres of maximum torque (WLTP combined fuel consumption1: 1.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 26-24 g/km). In pure electric mode, the five-door compact can cover up to 60 km locally emissions-free (WLTP1).

[1] Provisional range determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). 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 wishes Walter Röhrl Happy 75th Birthday

• Röhrl Monte winner: 1982 victory with Opel Ascona 400 was one of his best
• Röhrl Opel GT lover: Perfect mix of driving fun and social acceptance
• Röhrl Opel Corsa-e Rally fan: Respect for the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup
• Röhrl birthday-boy: Up and down the mountains in snow-shoes

Walter Röhrl in Opel Ascona 400

Rally driver of the century. Best rally driver of all time. Driver of the millennium. Even the late, great Niki Lauda called him a “genius on wheels”! Who else could it be but Walter Röhrl, former Opel works rally driver, double world champion rally driver and multiple winner of the famous Monte Carlo Rally, who today celebrates his 75th birthday.

However, titles like these leave the Bavarian motorsports icon stone cold. All he ever wanted to do was prove that he was simply the best rally driver in the world. “My aim was to show that I can win in any car,” said Röhrl in the book Opel Motorsport mit Tradition. And his life’s ambition was to win the Monte Carlo Rally, which he achieved in four different cars.

Opel the reliable: Röhrl and Opel Ascona 400 defeat powerful rivals to win 1982 Monte

According to Röhrl himself (who won the 1974 European Rally Championship in a works Opel Ascona A with co-driver Jochen Berger), one of his best Monte Carlo victories of all came in 1982 with the Opel Ascona 400. “We were up against Hannu Mikkola in the Audi Quattro with four-wheel drive and at least 400 hp,” he remembers. “Our Opel Ascona 400 however, had only rear-wheel drive and 260 hp! But Opel ‘der Zuverlässige’ (Opel the reliable) did the name proud and by the second stage we were already firmly in the lead.”

Rest is history, as they say, and following the Monte win Röhrl went on to claim his second World Rally Drivers Championship title (and Opel’s first) on the gruelling Ivory Coast Rally.

Röhrl remains closely connected to Opel to this very day. For instance, he owns an Opel GT that he acquired from his former chief mechanic, Herbert Fabian. “I like to take the GT when I do the shopping,” he smiles, “it is the perfect mixture of driving fun and social acceptance – when you turn up in an Opel GT there is no jealousy, only admiration.”

ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup: “Remarkable achievement”

Röhrl, the perfectionist behind the wheel who is famous for his straight-talking, is also a keen follower of the all-electric ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup with the Opel Corsa-e Rally. “It’s remarkable what they have achieved there,” he acknowledges. “Charging is a particular difficulty. Of course, the stages have to be shorter now. Long stages that we used to drive are impossible electrically. But if that is the price for bringing rallying into the 21st century then it is the right way to go.”

Opel Corsa-e Rally

Today, as usual, the sports fanatic Röhrl will celebrate his birthday on snow-shoes: “Two hours, first trampling uphill then downhill – glorious! If I don’t do sport every day I get crabby, even though I’m not as fit as I used to be. But recently I was on my bike with friends – some of them only about 50 – and I still blew them off, not only downhill, but uphill too!”

That is pure Walter Röhrl, the legendary race and rally driver idolized by motorsport fans all over the world. What else is there to say but “Congratulations and many happy returns on your 75th from everyone at Opel!”

!NEW! Successful race weekend: Opel at 16. Südsteiermark Classic

Last weekend ushered in the southern Styria Classic for already the sixteenth time a domestic classic car season. Around 160 teams from eight nations with their classic cars at the start, among them Opel Austria with five teams, which provided a perfect appearance.

Opel team in Südsteiermark Classic 2016: Opel GT, Opel Ascona A 400, Opel Commodore B GSE, Opel GT, Opel Kadett B

Not only Mag. Alexander Struckl, CEO Opel Austria was pleased with his 90 hp Opel GT from 1969 to contest the classic race, and Peter Christian Küspert, sales director of Opel Group, took the sport the cult model Opel Commodore B GSE challenge. A Opel Ascona Rallye and an Opel Kadett B Coupé Rallye, driven by Peter List, Chairman of Opel Partner teams (with co-pilot Markus Oppel, Sales Manager Opel Austria) thrilled the audience.

Peter List and Markus Oppel with the Opel Kadett B

Achievements for the Opel team

The Opel team can look back on a successful and successful race weekend. Ronny Rockenbauer could reach the first place in the team standings. Alexander Struckl took the 2nd place in class "Postwar" on the 2nd special stage and the 1st place in the SP 9 "Lödersdorf". Peter Christian Küspert emerged victorious in the team competition on the SP 15 "Einöd" forth.

"It is always a special experience to be in the southern Styria Classic with this. The special flair, the mixture of nostalgia and sporting ambition, and not least the wonderful scenery make this race every year so special. This year Südsteiermark Classic was perfectly complemented by the successes of the Opel team, "says Alexander Struckl, CEO Opel Austria.

One of the stops, lead the team well for Autohaus Opel Krammer in Gleisdorf. Longtime Opel dealer presented its business in a new light. Many guests enjoyed the afternoon sun and were visibly impressed by the new look of the traditional company Krammer.

Special Guest Walter Röhrl

A special guest, who is considered one of the most outstanding rally drivers in motor racing history, could be welcomed as a special guest. Synonyms like "Genius on Wheels" and "Rally driver of the century" show how inextricably Walter Röhrl is connected to the motor sport. Opel also has its history with Walter Röhrl. 1973 Röhrl first came to Opel, several victories in the same year could be celebrated. After switching to other brands Röhrl returned 1982 again back to Opel. The Opel Ascona 400 he won then his second Monte win.

Showpieces from the years 1909 to 1973

The range of exceptional classic cars in southern Styria Classic is remarkable. In the individual periods, the first ranges from about 1908-1935, the last of 1967-1972, vintage fans get their money. The oldest model, with a driver of Liechtenstein was launched was a "Lion Peugeot Racing voiturette" from 1909.

The southern Styria Classic - Every year a special race

The southern Styria Classic enthusiastic again this year participants and spectators alike. It is and remains a synonym for sports, scenic uniqueness, sociability and culinary enjoyment. Enthusiastic driver and front passenger, exceptional vintage, the blend of nostalgia and sporting ambition make Südsteiermark Classic one of the three most important classic car events in Austria. Starting and finishing in Gamlitz the classic car season has been also opened in 2016 in Austria.

!NEW! Opel four-valve engines look back on 100 year tradition

First four-valve engine: In 1913, Opel developed a new generation of racing cars for the Grand Prix de France, a forerunner of today’s formula one races.

1913 Grand Prix car: First Opel with four-valve engine

Opel Kadett GSi 16V: First Opel volume model with four-valves per cylinder

Opel Calibra Turbo 4x4: First Opel with gasoline turbo engine

Opel ECOTEC DTI 16V: First direct injection turbo diesel with four-valve technology

Opel 1.0 ECOTEC Turbo

Opel 1.6 ECOTEC Turbo

Opel 1.6 CDTI ECOTEC

The all-new turbocharged 1.6 liter gasoline and diesel engines which began the current renewal of Opel’s powertrain portfolio, and the compact 1.0 three-cylinder turbo that made its world premiere at the 2013 Frankfurt International Motor Show, are the latest in a long line of Opel engines with four valves per cylinder that stretches back 100 years.

In 1913, Opel developed a new generation of racing cars for the Grand Prix de France, a forerunner of today’s formula one races.

1913 Grand Prix car - First Opel with four-valve engine

Opel produced three of these cars, each one built down to a rigorous weight limit of only 1000 kg. The real highlight, however, was under the hood, where an innovative new four-cylinder power unit provided the motive force.

First four-valve engine: In 1913, Opel developed a new generation of racing cars for the Grand Prix de France, a forerunner of today’s formula one races.

In addition to an aluminum crankcase and a single camshaft in the cylinder head, the 4.5 liter, 110 hp engine also featured two intake valves and two exhaust valves per cylinder – Opel’s first internal combustion engine with four valves per cylinder.

From “Green Monster” to Ascona 400

Opel Green Monster 

Opel further developed the concept the following year, resulting in the most gigantic automobile the company has ever made – the 12.3 liter “Opel Rennwagen”, also known as “Das grüne Monster”, the “Green Monster”.

Opel Green Monster - 12.3 liter 4-valve engine developed a huge 260 hp

The revised 12.3 liter 4-valve engine developed a huge 260 hp, capable of propelling the 2000 kg “Monster” to a maximum speed of 228 km/h!

Opel works racing driver, Carl Joerns, scored most of his victories in this magnificent car, especially in beach races on the Danish island of Fanø.

Four valves per cylinder went out of fashion throughout the automotive industry in the 1920s. They did not reappear until the late 1950s, in motor racing, and it was via rallying that Opel introduced the technology to its road cars in 1979.

In order to compete in group 4, the top class of rallying at the time, with the Ascona 400, Opel had to produce a “road-going” model. While the rally-thoroughbred featured a newly developed, 177 kW (240 hp), 4-valve power unit, the homologation-special was equipped with a 140-hp version of the 2.4-liter engine.

1979 Opel Ascona 400 -  Rally version

Despite this detuning, the “street-legal” Ascona 400 was still good enough for a maximum speed of 200 km/h and zero to 100 km/h-acceleration in 7.6 seconds.

1979 Opel Ascona 400 -  Road version

In the 1980s, four-valve engines became increasingly attractive, not only because of their inherent horsepower-advantage, but also because of their lower fuel consumption and reduced exhaust emissions.

1988 Opel Kadett GSi - 2.0 16V engine produced 110 kW (150 hp)

When Opel introduced the legendary Kadett GSi 16V in 1988, the brand’s first volume-model with four valves per cylinder, it immediately became an industry-icon.

1988 Opel Kadett GSi 2.0 16V 

Opel 2.0 16V DOHC – The engine to beat

The technological highlight of the new high performance engine designed by Dr. Fritz Indra was its aluminum cylinder head developed in cooperation with Cosworth, the famous English racing engine builder.

Opel 2.0 16V DOHC Engine

The sporty engine 2.0 16V produced 110 kW (150 hp) and maximum torque of 196 Nm at 4800 rpm. Ninety-percent of this torque was already available in a wide rev-band between 3100 and 6000 rpm.

With its specific fuel consumption of 232 g/kWh, equivalent to an efficiency rating of 37 percent, the engine was a long-standing benchmark for specific fuel consumption in four-cylinder power units.

The Opel 2.0 16V became the engine to beat in many other disciplines, too – in Formula 3 motor racing, for example, which produced so many future F1-stars like Michael Schumacher, Jarno Trulli, Nick Heidfeld and Alexander Wurz. During the classic era from the late 1990s through the mid-2000s, Opel F3 engines established themselves as the most successful in the world.

Opel Formula 3 

Despite factory-supported competition from Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and VW, Opel scored 164 F3 victories in Germany alone, plus another 30 national championship titles around the world.

Opel Formula 3 

Opel rapidly spread four-valves per cylinder to the rest of its powertrain portfolio.

The company applied four-valve technology to the smooth-running, inline six-cylinder engine in its top-of-the-line models, Omega and Senator, in 1989.

Four valves per cylinder + “Dual Ram” = Omega 3000 24V

Think big: Opel applied four-valve technology to the smooth-running, inline six-cylinder engine in its top-of-the-line models, Omega and Senator, in 1989.

1989 Opel Omega 3.0 24V  

Thanks to the so-called “Dual Ram” induction system the engine was famous for its impressive power delivery at low revs. With 90 percent of the 270 Nm maximum torque available between 3000 and 5800 rpm, the Omega 3000 24V, for example, could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds.

1989 Opel Omega 3000 24V  

By the way, the 3000 24V also provided the basis for the strongest Omega ever, the Lotus Omega, which was powered by a 3.6 liter, twin-turbocharged version of the engine developing 277 kW (377 hp). At the time, the Lotus Omega ranked just behind an extremely powerful Alpina limo as the fastest production-sedan in the world.

Lotus Omega 3.6 24V BiTurbo: The six-cylinder provided the basis for the strongest Omega ever, the Lotus Omega, which was powered by a 3.6 liter, twin-turbocharged version of the engine developing 277 kW (377 hp).

The 2.0 16V from the Kadett GSi provided the basis for the first Opel turbocharged gasoline engine, which made its world premiere at the 1991 Frankfurt motor show in the Calibra Turbo 4x4.

1991 Opel Calibra Turbo 4x4

The 150 kW (204 hp) 2.0 16V turbo was notable not only for its high torque of 280 Nm at only 2400 rpm, but also the turbocharger and the exhaust manifold, which were integrated in a single component. The extremely low thermal losses of this integrated system significantly increased the efficiency of the turbocharger.

With all wheel drive: The 2.0 16V from the Kadett GSi provided the basis for the first Opel turbocharged gasoline engine, which made its world premiere at the 1991 Frankfurt motor show in the Calibra Turbo 4x4.

Despite the 42-percent higher torque and 36-percent higher power-output of the 2.0 16V Turbo compared with the naturally aspirated version, the average fuel consumption of both engines in the Calibra was almost the same – 8.9 versus 8.7 l/100 km.

This tradition of high performance and high efficiency begun by the 2.0 16V in 1988 continues today with the new 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo gasoline engines.

Opel 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo: New powerful and highly efficient gasoline engine with 170 and 200 hp

Opel’s reputation for innovative four-valve engines reached another peak in 1996 when the company became the first automobile manufacturer to combine the advantages of four-valve technology with diesel direct-injection and turbocharging.

Direct - Injection Turbo diesels with patented valve train

Opel ECOTEC DTI 16V: Opel’s reputation for innovative four-valve engines reached another peak in 1996 when the company became the first automobile manufacturer to combine the advantages of four-valve technology with diesel direct-injection and turbocharging.

The ECOTEC DTI 16V diesels delivered high low-end torque, as well as low fuel consumption and emissions. The performance spectrum of the 2.0 and 2.2 liter engines stretched from 60 kW (82 hp) and 74 kW (100 hp) up to 92 kW (125 hp). They featured a patented valve-train operated by a single overhead camshaft.

The introduction of the all-new, four-cylinder, 1.6 liter CDTI turbo family earlier this year demonstrates how Opel continues to play a leading role in diesel engine development.

New Opel 1.6 CDTI ECOTEC - Euro 6 diesel engine

Featuring closed-loop combustion control and an aluminum block, the new 1.6 CDTI is the first diesel from Opel to comply with future Euro 6 emissions requirements, delivering climate friendliness, low fuel consumption, class-leading refinement, and high power/torque density.

Drivers can look forward to more such benefits in the immediate future, as Opel continues its current product-offensive and long-standing tradition of technological innovation. By 2016, the Rüsselsheim manufacturer will have renewed 80 percent of its powertrain portfolio.