9. Paul Pietsch Classic: Opel classics inspire the spectators

• It couldn't be nicer: traveling in timeless Opel vintage cars on dream routes
• Arouse emotions: Participants and spectators celebrate legendary automobiles
• Promo on Tour: Jockel Winkelhock piloting Opel Kadett GT/E Warmbold/Pitz

Opel Kadett GT/E

A dream tour of a special kind came to an end in saturday on the market square in Offenburg. In the most beautiful early summer weather and pleasant temperatures, 128 classic cars started the 9th Paul Pietsch Classic over the past two days . In the anniversary year of "160 years of Opel" , field was led by all-new Opel Astra. 

All-New Opel Astra

Behind them in the field of participants were legendary Opel models such as Kadett GT/E, Commodore A Coupé and Kadett GSi – with prominent drivers on board. British touring car champion and Le Mans winner Joachim Jockel” Winkelhock the scenic route. On day 1, it led through the Kinzig and Elz valleys in the High Black Forest and on the second day over the Bühlerhöhe in the direction of Baden-Baden in the northern Black Forest.

Jockel Winkelhock with Opel Kadett GT/E

“I am a 'repeat offender' out of conviction at the Paul Pietsch Classic. Routes along the picturesque Black Forest towns and little rivers as well as over the lush green hills are a lot of fun. Whole thing is topped when you sit in a rally classic like the Opel GT/E,” enthuses Opel driver Jockel Winkelhock.

Opel Kadett GSi Rallye

Opel Head of Communications Harald Hamprecht, who started in a Rallye Opel Kadett GSi together with Auto Motor and Sport Editor-in-Chief Michael Pfeiffer, adds: “Paul Pietsch Classic is one of the most beautiful vintage car rallies in Germany – in one of our most beautiful regions country. We are honoring Paul Pietsch, the racing driver and one of the founding publishers of Motor Presse Stuttgart. And we are also celebrating 160 years of Opel in the year of the new Astra. Our tradition is very important to us. It is our duty and a matter close to our hearts to look after them.”

Blessed with fantastic routes and wonderful views, the regularity rally was entirely in the tradition of Paul Pietsch, who gave its name and was born in Freiburg. At the same time, the former Grand Prix driver was one of the founders of Motor Presse Stuttgart and regularly made the route from his native Black Forest to the publishing house into old age. Managing director of Motor Presse Stuttgart, Jörg Mannsperger, took the opportunity to drive in a famous Blitz model together with Opel Classic manager Leif Rohwedder. Duo completed the 15 special stages in an Opel Commodore A Coupé known for its particularly smooth-running 2.5-litre straight-six.

Opel Commodore A Coupé 

Perfect Fit: Stylish Decor Sets for Opel Vivaro and Opel Zafira Life

• Opel Vivaro Sportive: All-rounder with car-like qualities gets sporty look
• Expressive: Decal set turns flexible Opel Zafira Life into a racy lounge on wheels
• Style down to the last detail: Decors for bi-colour wheels in characteristic Opel yellow

Opel Vivaro-e Sportive

Opel Vivaro is a true all-rounder: practical, flexible and modern with driver assistance systems at passenger car level. From now on it also looks especially sporty with the new Opel Vivaro Sportive decor set. Especially the dynamic, all-electric Opel Vivaro-e, whose 260 Newton metres of torque is available from the first squeeze of the accelerator. Strong starts from a standstill are therefore ensured.

Performance has even attracted the attention of racing driver Joachim “Jockel” Winkelhock. Long-time Opel brand ambassador, former F1 driver and winner of Le Mans as well as the DTM took the dynamic Opel Vivaro-e for an emissions-free and almost silent spin around the Hockenheimring racetrack.

Joachim “Jockel” Winkelhock with Opel Vivaro-e Sportive

Equally eye-catching is the elegant, comfortable lounge on wheels, Opel Zafira-e Life, which is now even more stylish with the specially developed Expressive decal set. Triangular patterns and lines adorn the sides, bonnet and tailgate of the battery-electric travel vehicle.

Opel Zafira-e Life with Expressive decal set

Sporty outfits for vans are a tradition in Rüsselsheim

It is no coincidence that the Opel Zafira-e Life as well as the Opel Vivaro and Vivaro-e have acquired a sporty outfit. Opel Vivaro Sport of the previous Vivaro generation was highly popular with customers. So the designers in Rüsselsheim came up with two new decors for the current Vivaro and Zafira-e Life that create a unique, more dynamic look.

Opel Vivaro-e Sportive

Opel Vivaro Sportive decor set is available in silver or black for only €399 in Germany. Customers can order the Expressive decor, which has been specially developed for the Opel Zafira-e Life – also in silver or black – for €449 (all prices in Germany including VAT plus the price for application at the dealership).

 Joachim “Jockel” Winkelhock in Opel Zafira-e Life

Decor sets are not only available for new registrations, but also for used vans or vehicles already on the market. Appearance and durability of the decor sets are enhanced by the precise tailoring of the backing foils. Two-colour options of black-yellow or silver-yellow make them a perfect match for any Opel Vivaro and Opel Zafira Life paintwork.

Matching decors in characteristic Opel yellow for the 17-inch wheelsin silver or bi-colour black/polished are available for €49.

Oldtimer rally Hessen-Thüringen: Corso with the Opel Corsa

• Naughty little ones: Opel Corsa A and B mix in the classic field
• Famous drivers: TV star Roman Knizka and racing ace Jockel Winkelhock at the start
• Something new: This year celebrates the next generation Opel Corsa premiere
• Real street cruisers: 1938 Opel Admiral and Admiral A V8 also present

All-New Opel Corsa-e & Opel Corsa A

2019 is not only the anniversary year "120 years of automotive construction at Opel", but also the year of birth of the sixth Corsa generation. Therefore, the Rüsselsheim manufacturer presents a colorful Corsa Corso at the 23rd ADAC Oldtimer rally Hessen-Thüringen. It includes representatives of the first two generations of the small car classic, which has so far sold over 13.6 million copies. A bright red Opel Corsa GSi directs the film, TV and theater actor Roman Knizka. In addition, Opel brand ambassador and Le Mans winner Jockel Winkelhock moves an Opel Corsa A Cup in a manner appropriate to the species. In addition to the Corsa Corso, Opel Classic also brings two flagships to Weimar: the Admiral in the distinctive Art Deco design of 1938 and the 190 hp Admiral A V8 from 1965. Both road cruisers are optical and acoustic delicacies and absolute rarities. The eight-cylinder controls Opel communications chief Harald Hamprecht. His copilot is the President of the ADAC Hessen-Thüringen, Matthias Feltz.

Since 1982: Six generations Opel Corsa

Opel succeeds with a small car a big hit. Corsa A completes the offer below the cadet from 1982 and shows impressively how strong the Rüsselsheim can create a lot of space even on a small area, the driving pleasure is not too short and the economy is right. Opel Corsa impressively continues the democratization of individual mobility in all its generations (A to E).

Opel Corsa impressively continues the democratization of individual mobility in all its generations (A to E).

This year, the sixth generation starts. This is based on a completely new lightweight construction - starting point for a significant increase in efficiency. Whether with gasoline and diesel engines or for the first time in a purely electric version - every new Opel Corsa benefits from its low weight: Driving dynamics increase, fuel consumption drops.

All-New Opel Corsa-e

From A to B: Opel Corsa at the Rally Hessen-Thüringen

Opel Corsa A & Opel Corsa B

The launch success of the Opel Corsa A in Spain, Italy and France 1982 is a successful dress rehearsal for the performance in Germany in 1983. In this model, Opel has perfected the technique of making a car outside small and large inside. With a transversely mounted front-wheel drive unit, the Opel engineers succeed in creating the best conditions for the occupants. The good knee and legroom in all places is also due to the thoughtful design of the seats. Due to the full foam seats and the spring reinforcement of the chassis residual vibrations are swallowed. The adjustment of the backrest to anatomical conditions ensures fatigue-free and disc preserving sitting. Reinforced side cushions give better lateral support.

1983: Opel Corsa Cup

From 1988 a car followed dynamically like a motorcycle: ultra-compact, 820 kilos light, with cheeky wheel arches, sports seats, 100 hp and 188 km/h. First Opel Corsa GSi was born. Increased performance adapted the Opel technicians chassis and brakes. So the sporty Corsa is specially tuned with harder spring rate and reinforced shock absorbers and equipped with larger and ventilated front disc brakes. From this now much sought-after classic Opel brings two copies at the start.

1988: Opel Corsa A GSi 

1983 witnessed the model Opel Corsa Cup its premiere. In the ONS Opel Junior Cup, successor to the Kadett Cup introduced in 1979 for amateur pilots and junior racers, Kadett D and Corsa A competed against each other. Kadett 1.3 made 75 hp, Opel Corsa Cup version 83 hp. In 1985, races and rallies were raced for the first time. The winner of the Junior Cup received Opel Corsa 1.3 S. at the end of the year.

 Opel Corsa B Swing - five-door version

Opel Corsa B - three-door version

Five-door version of the Opel Corsa B (1993 to 2000) with its station wagon similar hatchback has been created compared to the coupe-oriented three-door more for the family-oriented clientele. The second-generation Corsa shines with features that make some mid-size sedans of its time miss. For example, it has a crash-test-proven safety passenger compartment with double steel tubes in the side doors, support ramps in the seat frames, height-adjustable seat belts front and rear, standard driver and passenger airbag and belt tensioner front. Equipped is the attractive small car with a powerful 1.0 liter three-cylinder engine with 12 valves and extremely low consumption.

Opel ECOTEC Compact 3-cylinder 1.0-liter 12V engine

Since 1899: automobile construction at Opel in Rüsselsheim

Opel has been building automobiles for 120 years. What began in a workshop in Rüsselsheim am Main with a total of 65 handcrafted Opel patent motor car "System Lutzmann" became a mass phenomenon with more than 70 million vehicles built to date. From the very first moment on, Opel had taken up the cause of producing cars as efficiently as possible, thereby making them affordable for large groups. Thus Opel started as the first German manufacturer already 1924 with the particularly economical production line production, whereby the Opel 4/12 HP "tree frog" as well as all later Opel 4 HP variants became sales hits. With the Opel P4 and the cadet (already with self-supporting body) produced the Rüsselsheimer already in the thirties genuine, technologically leading people's car. Made in Germany and German engineering spirit were affordable and experienced. In this tradition is also and especially the Opel Corsa.

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! AVD Oldtimer Grand Prix: Opel Celebrates 1996 International Touring Car Championship Victory with Calibra V6

• International Touring Car Championship 1996: Opel wins with Calibra V6
• Nürburgring 24 Hours 2003: Opel wins with Astra V8 Coupé
• Oldtimer GP 2016: Opel touring cars from Manta A to Astra TCR take to the track
• On display in the paddock: Opel rally cars driven by Walter Röhrl

International Touring Car Championship 1996: Opel wins with Calibra V6.

The AVD Oldtimer Grand Prix at the legendary Nürburgring (August 12 to 14) is the highlight of the season for classic fans. This year Opel celebrates its successful motorsports tradition with famous touring cars. On pole-position is the Opel Calibra V6 which won the 1996 International Touring Car Championship. The black “Cliff” Calibra driven by Manuel Reuter claimed the last ITC-title despite strong competition from Alfa Romeo and Mercedes. At the Nürburgring the all-wheel drive Calibra will be driven by former DTM driver and Opel brand ambassador, Jockel Winkelhock.

World Champion 1996: The black “Cliff” Calibra claimed the last ITC-title despite strong competition from Alfa Romeo and Mercedes.

Opel Calibra V6 will not be alone on the starting grid. The ITC-champion will be joined by the Irmscher Manta A (which rally-legends Walter Röhrl and Rauno Aaltonen drove to victory in the 1975 Spa 24 Hours), the group 4 Gerent Opel GT and a 300 hp Steinmetz Commodore from 1971. Additional crowd-favorites include the group 5 Opel Rekord C also known as the “Black Widow” and a group H Opel Manta which since its debut has never missed a 24-hour race at the Ring. Equally at home in the Eifel is the 500 hp Astra V8 Coupe which won the 24 hour race at the “Green Hell” in 2003, driven by Manuel Reuter, Timo Scheider, Marcel Tiemann and Volker Strycek.

Nürburgring 24 Hours 2003: Opel wins with Astra V8 Coupé.

The Astra-racer almost went into production as the OPC X-Treme, and the car displayed at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show will be on stage again at the Oldtimer Grand Prix. Specially for rally fans, the OPC X-Treme will be accompanied on the Opel Classic stand in the paddock by three rally cars driven by former World and European Rally Champion, Walter Röhrl – the Ascona A and Kadett C GT/E from the legendary Röhrl/Berger era and the Opel Ascona 400, with which Röhrl and co-driver Christian Geistdörfer drifted to the 1982 World Rally Championship crown.

Apart from the historic oldtimers, the current generation will be represented by a touring car from the TCR series. The brand new Opel Astra TCR will make its first appearance at an Oldtimer GP and join the Calibra V6 and co. on the track. The Opel Astra TCR combines a production car with state-of-the-art race technology, enabling customer teams to take part in sprint and long-distance races under strictly limited regulations. The five-door Astra is powered by a highly efficient 2.0 liter turbocharged engine which the rulebook restricts to a maximum 330 hp and 410 Nm of torque. With a dry weight of only 1200 kg, more than enough performance for highly spectacular – affordable – motorsport.

!NEW! Rallye Hessen-Thüringen: Opel Showcases its Rich Cabriolet Heritage

·         From 8/25 hp to Cascada: Lineup of convertibles spans 100 years of company history

·         Prominent contender: Opel VP Sales Peter Küspert in Super 6 Gläser cabriolet

·         Fast combination: Racing ace Joachim Winkelhock with Rekord C Deutsch cabriolet

Large convertible tradition: Opel shows on the Rallye Hessen-Thüringen open-air models from 100 years of company history.

The first Opel in 1899 – the Patent Motor Car “System Lutzmann” – was a convertible. While an open body was standard during the early days of automotive engineering, it later came to signify luxury and a chic lifestyle. At this year’s 22nd ADAC Opel Classic Hessen-Thüringen rallye, five classic Opel cabriolets and one current convertible model give an overview of the evolution of open-air driving. Opel Vice President Sales and Aftersales Peter Christian Küspert is participating in a strikingly beautiful Super 6 Gläser Cabriolet. The classic car rallye takes place from May 26 – 28 through the romantic Werratal region that straddles the former East-West German border. Classic and historic automobile and motorcycle owners have already been exploring the most beautiful areas in Hessen and Thuringia since 1995. The center of operations for the rallye that covers 350 kilometers is Hessen-Hotelpark Hohenroda.

History and modernity: Sportiness anno 1920 exudes the Opel 8/25 PS. Opel Cascada that accompanies the classic models during the historic car rallye through the Rhön Mountains and Thuringian Forest

Five open-air stars from Rüsselsheim are taking part in this year’s action. The Opel 8/25 PS from 1920 was a sporty tourer with four seats; the Super 6 Gläser Cabriolet from 1937 a premium-class, elegant, sporty two-seater. The 1950 Opel Olympia as a cabriolet sedan was a popular body variant, while the 1964 Rekord A and 1967 Rekord C were a case for the specialists: coachbuilder Deutsch transformed series production sedans into shapely convertibles. The Opel Cascada that accompanies the classic models during the historic car rallye through the Rhön Mountains and Thuringian Forest embodies the contemporary interpretation of the large, luxurious cabriolet with canvas roof and space for four people. 

The beginning was open

Opel’s tradition in open-body automobiles goes back to the brand’s beginnings: like all cars built at the dawn of the automobile age, the Opel Patent Motor Car, System Lutzmann from 1899, followed traditional carriage design principles and had a body without an integral roof. 

Modern motor car anno 1920: Opel 8/25 PS with four seats and characteristically pointed front radiator .

When the Opel 8/25 hp with the characteristic V-shaped radiator front came onto the market 20 years later as an open, four-seat tourer, it was the epitome of the modern motor car. It had a canvas roof but no side windows; motorists in the post-World War I era wore season-appropriate weatherproof clothing. The Opel 8/25 hp four-cylinder engine delivered 25 hp at 1,600 rpm from 2-liter displacement, enough for a maximum speed of 65 km/h. Its model name reflected its tax class and output: according to the federal law introduced in 1906 that first regulated the taxation of automobiles, an “hp tax” was due per one-half liter displacement. 

As painted: In 1937 Opel 75th anniversary of the company, the Beautiful Super 6 Gläser Cabriolet 

In 1937, the company’s 75th anniversary, it presented the new Opel Super 6 featuring an advanced short-stroke 2.5-liter, overhead-valve, straight-six engine with 55 hp that already had a top speed of 115 km/h. A two and four-door sedan as well as a convertible version were available ex-works. Special wishes were fulfilled by coachbuilders such as Hebmüller, Autenrieth, Buhne, Deutsch and Gläser from Dresden, who designed a 2+2 seat, roadster-like convertible based on the Super 6 – open-air driving was now a luxury, no longer the norm. Whoever wants to ride in the Gläser cabriolet driven by Opel VP Sales Peter Christian Küspert better have some acrobatic skills: passengers climb into the rear jump seat over a small step on the side of the car.

Ex-works and per order

The 1950 Opel Olympia was a more comfortable ride. Abundantly adorned with chrome ornaments, it was a symbol of post-war rebuilding and the economic miracle. But as a cabrio-sedan it still wore pre-war fashion. Unlike a full convertible, this open-air model had fixed window frames that were connected to the windshield frame in front and that constituted the C-pillar in the rear. In between, the large roof rolled open, letting in light and air. In 1956, the last car with this design in the Olympia Rekord model line rolled off the assembly line in Rüsselsheim.

Chrome flashing: 1950 Opel Olympia convertible sedan - with fixed window frames and large rolling roof

Then it wasn’t until 1976 that Opel once again offered a convertible ex-works. In the 20 year interim, it was coachbuilders such as Karl Deutsch in Cologne who made the dream of Opel cabriolets come true. Upon request, Deutsch converted the Rekord A of 1963 into a cabrio, as it did the Rekord C in 1966. The entry-level price for a two-door Rekord C base model was 7,590 German marks, and the conversion cost another 4,000 marks. Deutsch’s exclusive creations remain attractive, special and rare, as only around 30 open-air Rekord A and B models were built. 

Case for the specialists: 1964 Opel Rekord A  - Fancy convertible built by coachbuilder Karl Deutsch

About 50 Rekord C and Commodore A – the Rekord’s sporty sister model – cabriolets were produced before the model change in 1972. The red Rekord C Deutsch cabriolet in the Opel Classic Collection is driven by former racing car driver, Opel DTM driver and brand ambassador Joachim Winkelhock.

Shapely transformed: In 1967 followed the convertible version of the Opel Rekord C made by Karl Deutsch 

Today the four-seat Cascada continues Opel’s nearly 120-year heritage of open-air driving. With the new Cascada, Opel offers a spacious four-seater with a high-quality soft-top otherwise only seen in selected premium brand vehicles. It features superior acoustic and thermal insulation for first-class, all-season driving comfort. The Opel Cascada is a seductive whirlwind with its top down and a quiet Gran Turismo when the top is up. It is a year-round cabriolet thanks to its sophisticated soft-top that opens in just 17 seconds while driving at speeds of up to 50 km/h – all for prices starting at just €26,650.

!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 is back in the "Green Hell"

Brand with the flash emblem shows the flag at the festival of Motorsport

Seven Astra OPC Cup teams take part in 24-hour challenge

Opel Astra OPC Cup 

Opel is back "is the motto at the 41st series of the 24-hour race (May 17 - 20, 2013) at the Nürburgring. In one of the official return to the rally and circuit shows the brand with the flash also the festival of motorsport flag. Around 200,000 visitors expected may Opel to about a dozen privately employed - including the all-new Astra OPC Cup racer and the Foxtail Manta cult status - happy.

One of the Astra OPC racing touring car is used by long-time Opel partner Kissling Motorsport in the traditional racing colors of white and yellow. Thanks to on-board camera TV viewers come (Sport 1) to enjoy pictures from the cockpit. For exclusive information from the racing scene provide the live commentary of the Astra OPC pilot Alex Hofmann. The ex-motorcycle GP pilot has experience with this kind of live coverage: "I am looking forward to use in Astra OPC at the 24 Hours on the ring. The car can be driven to great and is still really fast. I will do my best to resist the many spectators back the racing atmosphere directly from the cockpit unfiltered. "

VLN Endurance Championship in Nürburgring is the most popular endurance racing series in Europe.

Also around the two-storey hospitality over the NGK chicane where Opel dealers, their partners, employees and guests receive the Hofmann Astra will be 110 main topic of conversation with the starting number. In addition to an entertainment "around the clock" with permanent information on racing events also ex-DTM driver and Le Mans winner Joachim Winkelhock will be available for interview rounds and autograph actions. Another highlight is the "place in the front row" action: Opel transporter control during the 24 hours the tent and camp sites of many Opel fans in the "Green Hell". Her cargo, 1,000 Opel folding chairs will be distributed free to the fans.

The customer cars will compete in all ten rounds of the VLN season and there's a brand trophy - Astra OPC Cup - extend each other. As a highlight of the season participation is provided at the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring.

"Such performances as here the engagement at the 24-hour race play a very important role in the restructuring of our company. We shape our brand profile, "says the strategy board of Adam Opel AG, Thomas Sedran. "Especially in width and sports clients, we build on a successful tradition. No other brand has so many enthusiastic fans at the track as we at the Nürburgring. These people are all in performance and quality orientation down to earth, honest and authentic - just like Opel ".

A total of seven teams go from the new Astra OPC Cup at the start. The use of the 300 hp Astra OPC are the loyal Opel fans on the "natural stands" around the Nordschleife as well with cheers and flag-waving reward as the pass-by of the legendary Foxtail Manta B, which already for the endurance classic 13 Takes time to attack.

The racetrack is a Opel's always been. The tour car sport the brand with the Lightning celebrated mainly on their "home track," the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, countless successes. Was in the professional field from 1993 driven by Manuel Reuter Calibra V6 an icon of fans, first in the DTM and eventually winning the title in 1996 in the successor series ITC. Other highlights: the brand championship in 1998 in the DTM / ITC series STW successor to the Vectra and the overall victory in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in 2003 with an Astra V8 Coupe.