"50 years of Opel Kadett C": Opel celebrates anniversary at 10th Bodensee Klassik

• Well-rounded: Opel takes compact class bestseller from 1973 to anniversary tour
• Sporty car, world champion at wheel: Niklas Kaul drives Opel Kadett GT/E
• Dynamic, modern, electrified: Top model Opel Astra GSe as escort vehicle

Double anniversary at this year's Bodensee Klassik : Varied classic rally will take place from May 4th to 6th for 10th time against a beautiful backdrop of foothills of the Alps. In addition, Opel is bringing out "Golden Jubilee" Kadett C , which celebrated its premiere exactly 50 years ago. Opel Kadett GT/E is a particularly sporty model from back then. GT/E will be driven by none other than decathlon world and European champion and Opel partner Niklas Kaul. But he's not the only one who can enjoy sporty performance of Opel vehicles. Organizers of Bodensee Klassik are also extremely dynamic and at the same time locally emission-free: in top model of "Golden Steering Wheel 2022" title winner 1, the new Opel Astra GSe (fuel consumption according to WLTP 2 : 1.2-1.1 l/100 km, CO 2 emissions 26-25 g/km; each combined).

Idyllic landscapes, picturesque stations, sporty rides

Since the start in 2012, Bodensee Klassik has been inspiring with its varied and scenic routes. This is exactly what characterizes 10th edition of classic rally. It starts on Thursday afternoon, May 4th, for  “Prologue” from Friedrichshafen through wide apple orchards. On Friday, May 5th, field of participants then embarks on “Bodensee-Umrundung” – a real three-country tour that leads from Germany through Switzerland, Austria and back to Friedrichshafen. By the end of the "Allgäu stage" on Saturday, May 6th, rally drivers and their co-drivers will have covered several hundred kilometers and will have gained unforgettable experiences.

Opel Kadett C: Compact class hero of  70s on tour

Opel is launching multi-faceted compact class Kadett C at anniversary rally. Whether as a neat family car, a chic second car with a practical tailgate or a powerful amateur athlete in war paint - family of Opel Kadett C produced from 1973 to 1979 has many faces. Characteristic design features are flat radiator grille, bonnet with brand-typical crease and front apron designed as a spoiler.

A special example at this year's Bodensee Klassik is Opel Kadett GT/E. Its 1.9‑liter engine with L-Jetronic injection from Bosch initially delivered 77 kW/105 hp and enabled a top speed of up to 184 km/h with an unladen weight of only around 900 kilograms. Second version of Opel Kadett GT/E with 85 kW/110 hp that followed in 1977 was intended to make entry into motorsport particularly easy. Competition vehicle, which was consistently trimmed for sporty use, still inspires enthusiasts today with its equipment from the two-liter engine with electronic fuel injection to ZF five-speed gearbox and limited-slip differential to the sporty tuned and reinforced chassis. Eye-catching white and yellow paintwork was standard.

One of these Opel fans is Niklas Kaul. Yyoungest decathlon world champion of all time and European champion 2022 appreciates top sporting performance with endurance. That's why he wants to experience power of Opel Kadett C for himself and gets behind the wheel at Bodensee Klassik. In addition, AUTO BILD KLASSIK editorial manager Malte Büttner and Opel Classic manager Leif Rohwedder will complete field in a 1972 Opel Commodore GS/E.

Dynamic on move: Opel Astra and Astra GSe support rally organizers

Top models of new Opel sub-brand GSe show how top dynamics can be combined with responsible driving fun in a modern and emotional way. Today, GSe stands for “Grand Sport electric”. Youngest offspring of Opel Kadett and Astra family, for example, also drives up as a rally support vehicle on Lake Constance as a sharp Opel Astra GSe . With a superior system output of 165 kW/225 hp and a maximum torque of a powerful 360 Newton meters, it sets standards in its class. And thanks to the 12.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, it can cover up to 64 kilometers locally emission-free according to WLTP 3 (EAER City according to WLTP 3: 69-73 km).

In addition, top-of-the-line GSe variant, like its siblings of the current Astra generation, implements the strong heritage of brand in an innovative and inspiring way: with clear, exciting lines without superfluous flourishes and characteristic Opel Vizor brand face inspired by Opel Manta A. Highest level of safety and comfort is also ensured: Opel Astra offers numerous state-of-the-art technologies from adaptive, non-glare IntelliLux LED Pixel light with a total of 168 LED elements to the Intelli-Drive system, which combines many driver assistance systems to the fully digital, intuitively operated Pure Panel Cockpit.

[1] AUTO BILD issue 45/2022 and BILD am SONNTAG issue 46/2022. Category "Best car up to 50,000 euros".

[2] Values ​​were determined using the more realistic test procedure WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure), which replaces test procedure with reference to NEDC (New European Driving Cycle). WLTP values ​​are also the basis for calculating vehicle-related taxes. A vehicle's consumption, CO 2 emissions and range not only depend on the efficient use of energy by the vehicle, but are also influenced by driving behavior and other non-technical factors. Further information on the official fuel consumption and the official specific CO 2 emissions of new passenger cars can be found in the “Guide to fuel consumption, the CO 2-Emissions and power consumption of new passenger cars” which is available free of charge at www.dat.de. Information on consumption and emissions does not refer to an individual vehicle and is not part of offer, but is intended solely for purposes of comparison between the various vehicle types.

[3] Specified range was determined using WLTP test procedure (Regulation (EG) No. 715/2007 and VO (EU) No. 2017/1151). Actual range may vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular personal driving style, road conditions, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and thermal preconditioning.

Opel shows compact class at the 9th Bodensee Klassik

• After 60 years on an anniversary tour: Opel Kadett A in the rally field
• Sonorous names: "Kulläng" Rallye-Kadett, Kadett GT/E and Kadett GSi from ex-Chancellor Schmidt also at the start
• Prominent crew: actress Gesine Cukrowski and Olympic champion André Lange in Opel vintage cars
• State-of-the-art support: Rally organizers drive all-new Opel Astra

Opel shows at this year's Bodensee Klassik compact class! For the 9th edition of the varied classic rally, legendary Opel Kadett models of different generations will be at the start from May 5th to 7th . At the same time, with the new Astra , which is celebrating its dealer premiere on Opel Day on May 7th, Opel is demonstrating how the manufacturer continues to bring innovations to the compact segment, making them affordable for everyone. Actress Gesine Cukrowski and four-time Olympic bobsleigh champion André Lange are also convinced of this. Closely associated with the brand for many years, they take part as prominent Opel drivers in the Rallye Kadett of former rally ace Anders Kulläng at the vintage car outing in the Lake Constance region.

Tour: New routes with proven scenic beauty

Thrilling, varied and beautiful – these are the characteristics that have characterized the Bodensee Klassik and its routes since the start in 2012. And that also applies to the most recent edition. It starts on Thursday afternoon, May 5th, with the “Prologue Bodenseeblick”. Start and finish this time is the city center of Friedrichshafen. On Friday, May 6th, the field of participants will embark on the "Swabian Alb Tour". Historical and scenic highlights will be Salem Castle and the beautiful hinterland of Lake Constance in the direction of Sigmaringen. After the third stage, which takes place on Saturday, May 7th, via the Oberjoch in the "Ostallgäu" to Kempten and Wangen, the rally drivers and their co-drivers will have covered a total of around 550 kilometers when they return to Friedrichshafen and will be enriched by unforgettable experiences .

Opel rally classics: Kadett legends from generation A to E

Opel Kadett A

This is ensured in particular by the classics, in which the participants master the individual stages. Opel shows here what real compact class means! The oldest Opel at the start is the Kadett A , which rolled off the assembly line for the first time 60 years ago. Post-war Kadett was a prime example of lightweight construction at the time, weighing 670 kilograms. One-litre, short-stroke engine impressed the contemporary testers with its spontaneous power delivery, good torque and elasticity. After a short time it became clear that the success of the Kadett A exceeded all expectations and the compact Opel was rightly advertised with the slogan "A car without problems". By the time production ended in August 1965, the Kadett A had sold a total of 649,512 buyers.

Opel Kadett B Rallye

Actress Gesine Cukrowski and the four-time bobsleigh Olympic champion André Lange are completing the Bodensee Klassik in a very special example of the Kadett B generation. You will pilot the Rallye Kadett , driven by Swedish rally ace Anders Kulläng and his co-driver Bruno Berglund in the 1970s. Equipped with the engine of the "big brother" Rekord Sprint, a special rear axle, roll cage and additional instruments, it is a perfect basis, not only for motorsport use.

Opel Kadett C GT/E

Opel Kadett GT /E from 1977 and a Kadett GSi from 1991 ensure further Opel brilliance on the classic tour Make motorsport particularly easy. The competition vehicle, which was consistently trimmed for sporty use, still inspires enthusiasts today with its equipment from the two-liter engine with electronic fuel injection to the ZF five-speed gearbox and limited-slip differential to the sporty tuned and reinforced chassis. Eye-catching white and yellow paintwork was standard.

"Last, but not least", a "state-supporting" example of the last Opel Kadett generation completes the starting field: Metallic-black painted Opel Kadett GSi with 85 kW/115 hp was purchased in 1991 by none other than former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, who had owned the car for five years long used together with his wife Loki for private trips. Opel Kadett GSi was able to reach the then prestigious mark of 200 km/h top speed not least because of its aerodynamic qualities with a trailblazing drag coefficient of 0.30.

Opel Kadett E GSi

On-site vehicles: Rally organizers on the move in the all-new Opel Astra

Just as brilliant as the Kadett models of the different decades, latest generation of the Opel Astra also drives up as a support vehicle at the Bodensee Klassik. Organizers can experience the newcomer as a limousine on site.Sixth, completely newly developed generation of the compact class bestseller is not only a real design gem with the Opel Vizor, fully digital Pure Panel and top technologies such as the latest version of the adaptive, non-glare IntelliLux LED Pixel light, it is also electrified for the first time available - and in the future in three variants. All-new Opel Astra can already be ordered as a plug-in hybrid, which will be supplemented by a second performance level in the course of the year. From 2023, the purely battery-electric Opel Astra-e will complete the range.

All-New Opel Astra Hybrid

At the same time, the new Astra once again stands for making technologies and innovations affordable for everyone. Every version comes with numerous state-of-the-art assistance systems as standard. These include systems such as the front collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and drowsiness detection, as well as the park pilot for the front and rear or a 180-degree reversing camera.

Large Opel Models Delight at the Bodensee Klassik 2017

• Spectators applaud the historic Opel Kapitän, Admiral and Diplomat fleet
• Opel VP Sales & Aftersales Peter Küspert in the Opel Diplomat B V8 presidential limousine
• Actors Roman Knižka and Tim Wilde shine as approachable Opel celebrities
• Brand ambassador Joachim Winkelhock celebrated in rare Opel Kapitän A V8

Line-up: All-New Opel Insignia Grand Sport with its legendary ancestors, a 1976 Opel Diplomat, a 1956 Opel Kapitän and a 1990 Lotus Omega.

The 6^th edition of the Bodensee Klassik took place on picturesque circular routes starting in Bregenz and the competitors crossed over the borders between Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The spectators once again got their money’s worth and could enjoy the large Opel flagships ranging from the Kapitän to the Admiral and Diplomat right up the new Insignia Grand Sport.

The Opel fleet was led by a Diplomat B V8 with an extended wheelbase. It was used as one of the presidential limousines when US President Gerald Ford visited Germany. Opel Vice President Sales & Aftersales Peter Küspert was behind the wheel of the Diplomat during the Bodensee Klassik. “This is a piece of living automotive history. Our Diplomat is a really impressive car and the V8 engine ticks over beautifully. The spectators were gripped and listened attentively – and so did I,” said Küspert, who was joined in the car by Roman Knižka. Elsewhere, fellow actor Tim Wilde shared the cockpit of the rare Opel Kapitän V8 – this engine was normally reserved for the Opel Admiral and Diplomat and only 130 Kapitän V8s were produced – with Opel brand ambassador and racing legend Joachim Winkelhock.

The route of the 6^th Bodensee Klassik spanned around 600 stunning and challenging kilometers on scenic side roads through Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Each stage started and finished in Bregenz, state capital of the Austrian federal province of Vorarlberg. Day one saw the participants drive to Bad Waldsee in Upper Swabia. On day two, the rally headed to Kempten and back. And on the third and final day the 180 classic cars drove through beautiful Vorarlberg and the charming Appenzell.

The Opel models at the Bodensee Klassik

• Number 11, 1976 Opel Diplomat B V8 extended wheelbase
• Number 12, 1966 Opel Kapitän A V8
• Number 13, 1956 Opel Kapitän / Opel Senator A
• Number 14, 1991 Lotus Omega
• Number 15, 1966 Opel Admiral A V8
• Number 16, 1972 Opel Commodore B GS/E

!NEW! Strong Opel Display at the Bodensee-Klassik

Only flying is better: Opel GT trio with well-known drivers thrill spectators

Opel GT trio sparkles in the sun.

Actor Benjamin Sadler in an Opel GT, Vice President Sales & Aftersales Peter Christian Küspert also in a GT and touring car legend Joachim Winkelhock at the steering wheel of Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann’s perfectly restored personal GT – what an impressive formation flight of the Opel classic cars at the drive around Lake Constance.

 Touring car legend Joachim Winkelhock at the steering wheel of Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann’s perfectly restored personal GT

In addition, the Opel Classic rescue team was also in action with fashion star Peyman Amin in an Opel Kadett Caravan of the German road service ADAC, a fire service Opel Rekord E and an Opel Commodore ambulance.

Opel Kadett Caravan of the ADAC with fashion star Peyman Amin behind the wheel, fire service Rekord E and a Commodore C ambulance.

The exciting mixture of well-known drivers and cars with a lot history delighted the fans lining the roads along the picturesque course through Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

Colorful mix of well-known driver and classic cars from the vaults of Opel Classic.

Day one saw the classic car armada complete a trip from Bregenz to Wangen via Friedrichshafen and back. On Friday, the Bodensee-Klassik became an alpine express with special tests in the Allgäu and Tyrol. Final day will see the 184 classic cars cruise back to the finish in Bregenz. 

Legendary racing driver Joachim Winkelhock drives the GT belonging to Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. 

“The slogan ‘Only flying is better’ is just as current now as it was back in the day. Taking part in the Bodensee-Klassik with an Opel GT was a very special experience,” said Benjamin Sadler. “You could literally feel Opel’s heartbeat. The classical GT or the new GT Concept – two cars, two icons and both ahead of their time.”

Actor Benjamin Sadler is delighted with the legendary Opel GT.

“I am delighted that we could once again demonstrate that Opel is a strong, emotional and approachable brand. We have this tradition in mind even when creating new models. Opel Astra Sports Tourer, the Car of the Year, is the prime example,” said Vice President Sales & Aftersales Peter Christian Küspert.

!NEW! Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann and KAD Models on Bodensee Klassik Rallye

Bodensee Klassik: Opel Kapitäns, Admirals and Diplomats excite spectators

Ready to go: Opel Kapitäns, Admirals and Diplomats at the Bodensee Klassik 2015.

Opel’s presence at the “Rallye of the south for oldtimers and youngtimers”, as the organizers of the Bodensee Klassik describe the event, was impressive this year. Numerous well-known faces took the opportunity to get behind the steering wheels of the cars with the race numbers 66 to 72 with the Opel KAD models mainly powered by mighty V-8 engines.

Eye-catcher: Two Opel Diplomat A V8 Coupés leading the Opel team at the Bodensee Klassik 2015.

The Opel team was led by Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann who reached the finishing line in his very own Diplomat A Coupé. German TV star Tim Wilde took the wheel at the start of the race before handing over to Neumann during the course of the rallye.

“I have always been fascinated by the combination of the timelessly elegant coupé body of the Diplomat and the legendary Chevrolet Small Block V8,” said Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “I have been the proud owner of this car for roughly six months now and I am delighted when I get the opportunity to take this icon for a spin.”

The V-8 cruiser with a 5.4-liter, 230 hp engine was built in 1967 and is the last of the exclusive vehicles ever produced by body makers Karmann. A second car of the mini-series of only 347 vehicles also competed with racing legend Joachim Winkelhock at the wheel. Two V-8 Opel Admiral As with 4.6 liter, 190 hp engines, race numbers 68 and 69 and German actor Gesine Cukrowski on board also took to the course through Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Advanced Design Director and passionate Opel GT fan Friedhelm Engler was behind the wheel of a 1969 Opel Kapitän B, mastering the winding roads around Lake Constance with ease.

Stars and cars: Actress Gesine Cukrowski and TV star Tim Wilde driving for Opel.

Last but by no means least a mighty 1976 Diplomat B with a 5.4-liter engine and an unmistakable sound only created by a V-8 rounded off the presence of the KAD models. However, Opel had a further surprise up its sleeve. A small, light Opel Corsa A with race number 72 darted through the field. The Corsa owned by Opel Classic was essentially the speedboat in Opel’s fleet of cruisers and a fitting addition to the old and youngtimer rallye that excited spectators in the Lake Constance region.

Grand final: Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann (on right) and deputy editor-in-chief of Auto Bild Klassik, Frank B. Meyer, on stage.