Opel Astra Cabrio turns 30: Fun in the Air

• Made in Italy by Carrozzeria Bertone
• Presented 30 years ago at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show
• Convertible version of the first generation of the Opel Astra

The arrival on the market of the first generation of Opel Astra could not fail to build on the great success of the Opel Kadett Cabrio by Bertone, produced in about 55,000 units from 1987 to 1992 at the Grugliasco plant, near Turin, by the famous coachbuilder Italian. Even the new Opel Astra F was to be available in a cabriolet version obviously designed by Bertone himself. And so it happened.

One could almost touch the sky with the Opel Astra F Cabrio presented thirty years ago as a world premiere at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show and on sale from the end of September of the same year in Italy. All you had to do was press the button located between the front seats on the central tunnel to raise the top and... discover the third dimension. If it then cooled off or threatened rain, the electric mechanism similarly repositioned the soft top exactly in its place in the short span of just 15-20 seconds. Maneuvering was just as quick and simple in the Opel Astra Cabrio without electric control: one hand was enough to operate the soft top.

The times when raising and lowering the soft top was an operation that required a certain effort were thus truly long gone. In the Opel Astra F Cabrio you could really touch the sky with a finger. Only one caution was required: pull the handbrake before pressing the electric control button. In order to force users, for their greater personal safety, to carry out the maneuver only with the car completely stopped.

On the other hand, when traveling with the top down, the three layers of which it was made ensured a high degree of rigidity and compactness of the whole and, consequently, that insulation from noise and heat which made it possible to use the Opel Astra F Cabrio in every month of the year. In this regard, unlike other convertibles at the time, the Opel Astra F Convertible was equipped with a glass rear window instead of plastic: a scratch-proof material that allowed the installation of a heated rear window.

Visionary contribution of Carrozzeria Bertone

These were just some of the consequences of technical progress and the long collaboration established in the open car sector between the German manufacturer and Carrozzeria Bertone of Grugliasco (Turin). “The designer knows how to imagine in his work the product that doesn't exist yet.” Nuccio Bertone explained thirty years ago “He responds in advance to trends in market taste which perhaps have not yet officially emerged, but which must be guessed. It glimpses before others what no research institute can ever guarantee.” Thus was born a convertible with a classic look, comfortable for four people which, although it lacked the roll-bar typical of the previous Opel Kadett Cabrio, ensured maximum safety for its occupants.

Safety first

The standard equipment of the Cabrio version included the same integrated safety system that was the heritage of all Opel Astra F and which included double steel bars inserted in the doors to protect against side impacts, front seat belt pretensioners and anti-slip seats. ABS and full-size driver's airbag were available as options.

The road holding and handling of the Opel Astra F Cabrio contributed to active safety, whose front McPherson strut suspension and compound torsion bar at the rear, although deriving from those of the corresponding 4-door sedan version, had special springs and calibrations. The arms, anti-roll bar and rear engine mount were attached to a separate subframe to better absorb noise, improve handling and ride comfort. The rear suspension had third generation wheel bearing assemblies with a double row of ball bearings. Bearings, hub, spindle and radial oil seal were combined in a single maintenance-free assembly.

The version initially on sale in Italy was equipped with a lively 82 bhp (60 kW) 1.4-litre single-cam 4-cylinder with multi-point electronic injection. The retail price of Lire 29,370,000 included power steering, front and rear electric windows, internally adjustable exterior mirrors, sport front seats, height-adjustable driver's seat, split-fold rear seat, rear-view mirrors painted in the same color as the bodywork, two-tone horn and 185/60 R14 tyres.

All-New Opel Astra Sports Tourer: Successful Estate with Long Tradition

• In 11th generation: Opel Kadett Caravan and Astra Sports Tourer define compact class
• Beginning of success story: First Opel compact estate Kadett A Caravan was bestseller
• Versatile allrounder: Lots of space, comfort and technologies for business and leisure
• Speaks for itself: Astra estates named Sports Tourer since 2010
• New era: Newest generation with Opel Vizor, Pure Panel and electrified for first time

Around 25 million Opel Kadett and Opel Astra cars sold – 5.8 million of them estates – is an impressive number and a strong performance. Lined up end to end, all Opel compact models built to date would break the magic 100,000-kilometre mark and form a line of vehicles that could reach two and a half times around the equator. Opel's compacts have made personal mobility possible for many, especially in economically difficult times. With each model generation, Opel also has made technologies from higher vehicle segments affordable for many car buyers – as every Opel product has done for 160 years, from sewing machines and bicycles to motorbikes and automobiles. At the same time, manufacturer continues to combine innovations from higher classes with dynamic design.

Introduction of the all-new Astra Sports Tourer in Opel’s jubilee year marks the beginning of a new era in the history of the brand’s compact class estates. All-new Astra Sports Tourer is the first Opel estate to feature the new Opel Vizor brand face and the digital Pure Panel cockpit, as well as a stylish two-tone paint finish as an option. In addition, it continues the Opel electric offensive. All-new Astra Sports Tourer is the first Opel estate to be electrified – already now as a plug-in hybrid and next year also as a battery-electric version.

But it all started with the Kadett A Caravan in 1963. Opel presented its first compact-class estate and quickly became the leader in the market segment. From then on, a car “like a van” was part of every new Kadett and Astra generation. Astra H (2004-2010) was the last Opel compact to bear the name Caravan until the end of production. In the meantime, estates had changed more and more from typical craftsmen's tools to lifestyle companions. Accordingly, every Astra estate has been called Sports Tourer since 2010.

Kadett A to Astra L – A success story over 11 generations

1963-1965: Opel Kadett A

As spacious as a bus: First CarAvan

Opel Kadett Caravan revolutionized the compact class in 1963. A large boot and plenty of room for six people thanks to a third row of seats plus a new, lively engine and low maintenance costs made up the recipe for success for the Kadett A. Opel built nearly 650,000 up until 1965. The contours were business-like and modern. Beltline was low down, the panoramic windows made for good visibility and a decorative strip running along the side accentuated the stretched form. Front fenders tapered off into the headlamps. Iinterior space deeply impressed owners of conventional small cars. The boot was a real baggage compartment, and the fuel tank cap was outside! “Opel Kadett, in brief: O.K.,” wrote Opel’s advertising team, unable to also resist a dig at their competitors in Wolfsburg. “You never have the smell of gasoline in the boot,” they said with a wink. With its modern, water-cooled front engine, the Kadett had another major design advantage over the Beetle. 993-cc four-cylinder unit developed a lively 40 hp.

1965-1973: Opel Kadett B Caravan

Strength in numbers: Kadett is an export success-story

B follows A, and a new series already replaced the first model in 1965. The new version was more than four meters long and thus a good deal bigger than its predecessor. The caravan with its 1.57-metre long loading area is available from start of sales with a choice of two or four doors. As for its fashionable figure – their colleagues overseas inspired the designers. Not only was the length increased – so, too, was the horsepower. Opel engineers enlarged the bore of the four-cylinder unit by 3 mm. The basic 1,078-cc unit developed 45 hp. Also available was a higher-compression 1.1 S engine with 55 hp. The Kadett quickly became a success, with over 2.6 million units produced from September 1965 to July 1973. And its success was certainly not limited to its country of birth. In 1966, the export quota reached 50 per cent as customers from 120 countries around the globe snatched up the Kadett.

1973-1979: Opel Kadett C Caravan

Solid as a rock: Quality in every shape

Kadett C family had many faces: a smart family car, a chic estate with a practical rear tailgate, or a competitive sports coupé (GT/E) in war paint. Caravan came first as a two-door, and then a four-door in 1976. A total of 1.7 million of them were built between 1973 and 1979. Rear-wheel drive Kadett C made its debut in August 1973 with a cleanly designed body and a new double-wishbone front axle. Most popular engine was the 1.2 with 60 hp and a modest 88 Nm of torque. Characteristic design features included a flat radiator grille, an engine hood with the brand’s signature crease, and a front apron in spoiler form. “Kadett not only drives exceptionally well, is also conscientiously designed and cleanly made. It requires little maintenance, is repair-friendly and economical to run,” praised the car-testing experts at “auto motor und sport” in the 20/73 edition.

1979-1984: Opel Kadett D Caravan

Remake/remodel: Space galore

Fourth generation of the post-war Kadett introduced a new compact class era at Opel. At the 1979 IAA, Opel’s first front-wheel drive model with transverse four-cylinder engine debuted as the modern-looking Kadett D. Packaging was truly convincing. 4.20-metre-long newcomer was only slightly longer its predecessor was, but offered significantly more space than many of its rivals. But it was not only the powertrain layout and the chassis with a torsion-beam axle at the rear that broke with tradition: the Kadett was given a new 1.3-liter OHC engine that generated 60 or 75 hp. In addition to the spacious estate with a load volume of up to 1,425 litres, Opel offered only fastback versions. For families there was a very plush Caravan “Voyage Berlina”. Other technical modifications included a tighter and lower chassis, new steering dampers and internally ventilated disk brakes at the front. A total of 2.1 million Kadett D units were produced from 1979 to 1984.

1984-1991: Opel Kadett E Caravan

Out of the wind-tunnel: Car of The Year

Second front-wheel drive Kadett, built from 1984 to 1991, was named “Car of the Year 1984” and was an absolute winner. Selling a grand total of 3,779,289 cars in its lifetime, it was the bestselling Opel so far and a real aerodynamics world champion. Based on the engineering of its predecessor, the Kadett E was set for a stellar career. With a drag coefficient of 0.39, the Kadett D was already best in its class, but this figure paled in comparison to its successor. After spending 1,200 hours of fine-tuning in the wind tunnel, the five-door variant achieved a sensational 0.32 (Caravan 0,35). Buyers took to the new form after only a few months, paving the way for a new success story that provided the Kadett E with 625,000 new registrations across Europe in 1987. By this time, the two and four-door estate versions had already climbed to the top of the class. In 1987, two 54 hp Caravan diesels set out on a 30,000-kilometre trip from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego – both of them safely reach the final destination. From April 1989 onwards, all gasoline-engined Kadetts are sold with catalytic converter in Germany.

1991-1997: Opel Astra F Caravan

Reborn: Kadett becomes Astra

Some 4.13 million Astra Fs were built between 1991 and 1997, making it the bestselling Opel model ever. Development work focused on combining modern design with more interior space, enhanced comfort and greater emphasis on environmental protection.

Successor to the Kadett assumed the name of its British sister model (the fourth generation of the Kadett had been sold in the UK as the Vauxhall Astra since 1980). The Caravan is a popular variant from the start. Opel also launched a safety offensive with its new star. All Astras offered an active belt system with tensioners on the front seats belts, height-adjustable belts and seat ramps as well as side protection including double steel tube reinforcements in all the doors. For the first time, all engines came with catalytic converters.

1998-2004: Opel Astra G Caravan

Fully galvanized: Into the new millennium

In spring 1998, the Astra was offered from the start as a three and five-door hatchback and as a estate. Progressive independent design, dynamic chassis and powertrain technology as well as nearly twice the torsional and flexural rigidity of its predecessor were just some of the characteristics of the completely new, second-generation Opel Astra. New model’s fully galvanized body played a key role in its high value retention. Boot volume rises to 1630 litres; private buyers prefer the highly equipped Caravan Club with up to 115 hp. Active safety was enhanced with a 30 per cent increase in the light output of the transparent H7 halogen headlamps and the completely redesigned Dynamic Safety (DSA) chassis. It combined comfort with agile and safe handling, even under full load. Wheelbase was around eleven centimetres longer, enabling more interior space, in particular more rear knee room in the rear and a larger boot volume of up to 1,500 litres. Fastest compact station ever – Astra OPC Caravan – hit the road in 2002; the modest family wagon caused many surprises as it hurtled along the Autobahn at speeds up to 240 km/h.

2004-2010: Opel Astra H Caravan

Adaptive headlights and suspension: A winning concept

With twelve engines ranging from 90 to 240 hp and seven body variants, the choice of models for the Astra H that sold over 2.7 million units was exceptional. When it was launched in March 2004, the third-generation Opel Astra boasted a progressive design, high driving dynamics and plenty of technical innovations, immediately winning numerous comparison tests in specialist automotive publications. The Astra’s technological highlights included the adaptive IDSPlus chassis system with electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC), otherwise only found in luxury class and exclusive sports cars, as well as the Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) headlamp system with dynamic curve light. Astra also boasted high levels of safety. Caravan offered passengers plenty of space.

2010 – 2015: Opel Astra J Sports Tourer

Beauties can be useful too: First Sports Tourer

Sculptural artistry combined with German precision – the dynamic estate is launched one year after its five-door sibling and for the first time carries the Sports Tourer nameplate. The Opel Astra J not only embodies the brand’s new design philosophy, it also retains the clever Flex-Fold system, up to 1500 litres of useful space, and assists drivers with a range of technologies that already made an important contribution to the success of the best-selling mid-size Insignia. The front camera recognizes traffic signs and informs the driver of speed limits or overtaking bans. It also warns drivers if they are in danger of veering out of lane. With the AFL+ headlamp system, the Astra can look around the corner and, if necessary, even automatically dim the lights or switch to high beam. With a chassis that can be enhanced by the FlexRide adaptive technology, the Astra Sports Tourer can play out its dynamic talents to the full. Astra drivers also benefit from a new generation of front seats developed according to the latest findings in safety ergonomics which have been awarded the seal of quality from the independent medical and back experts of the AGR (Campaign for Healthier Backs) organization.

From 2016: Opel Astra K Sports Tourer

Pure efficiency: Lean but not mean

Up to 190 kg lighter, significantly more spacious inside despite almost identical dimensions, and more efficient thanks to exclusive use of new-generation engines – Opel Astra Sports Tourer was a quantum leap in development and immediately voted “European Car Of The Year 2016”.

Astra K continued the tradition of its predecessors. New Sports Tourer also stood out with its lighting technology. It was the first car to introduce the adaptive, full LED matrix technology IntelliLux LED – so far reserved for luxury and premium models from higher classes – into the compact segment. New-generation driver assistance systems also included Traffic Sign Assist, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning along with Following Distance Indication and Forward Collision Alert with Collision Imminent Braking. In addition, the new Astra K once again delivered on wellness with newly engineered ergonomic front seats, also certified by the AGR organization. These new front seats could even be enhanced with a ventilation and massage function.

As of 2022: Opel Astra L Sports Tourer

Electrifying: Stylish estate with Opel Vizor and Pure Panel

With the world premiere of the all-new Astra in autumn 2021 the German carmaker opened the next chapter – the compact model is available for the first time electrified, as five-door and Sports Tourer. Opel will offer the Astra Sports Tourer as plug-in hybrid and as of 2023 also as battery-electric estate. Variants with highly efficient petrol and diesel engines combined with six-speed and eight-speed automatic transmissions complete the line-up.

All-new Opel Astra Sports Tourer is also a design statement for the brand. Dynamic as never before, with sheer, taut surfaces, detoxed of superfluous elements and with the new brand face – the Opel Vizor. In addition, the practical new Astra Sports Tourer also displays the brand’s typical talent for efficient packaging. While the overall length is 6.0 cm shorter than that of the previous model, the wheelbase is 7.0 cm longer – bonus points for comfort and luggage volume. Inside, the fully digital Pure Panel human-machine-interface (HMI) offers customers a pure, intuitive experience.

Real Opel Classics at the ADAC Oldtimer Tour Hessen-Thüringen

• Open-air experience: through the Rheingau and Taunus in the red Opel Rekord C Cabrio
• Sports stars: Sleek Opel GT, Kadett GT/E and Manta GSi at the start in Oberursel
• State-bearing: Opel Diplomat V8 plus Kadett GSi from former Chancellor Schmidt
• State-of-the-art: ADAC organization team on the move in the new Opel Astra plug-in hybrid

Opel Kadett C GT/E

Summer, sun, classic rally: After two years of "Corona pit stops", ADAC Oldtimer Tour Hessen-Thüringen starts again from June 16th to 19th . And for the anniversary of “160 years of Opel”the brand with the lightning bolt comes up with a strong group of automotive classics. Real sports stars from the Opel GT and the Kadett GT/E to the Manta GSi are at the start, as are state-of-the-art models such as the Opel Diplomat V8 and the Kadett GSi, which former Chancellor Schmidt drove in his free time. Shortly before the start of summer, of course, a timelessly beautiful open-air classic should not be missing: the Opel Rekord C Cabrio will attract many admiring glances at the side of the track - just like the latest addition to the Opel family. ADAC organization team is on the road at the vintage car rally in a completely new Astra plug-in hybrid , showing how driving fun can be combined with a sense of responsibility in a state-of-the-art and elegant way.

Opel Astra Hybrid and Opel Kadett GSi 

Rüsselsheim rally stars of the ADAC Hessen-Thüringen 2022 at a glance:

• Opel Rekord C Cabrio, built in 1967, 55 kW/75 hp
• Opel GT, 1968, 66 kW / 90 hp
• Opel Diplomat V8, 1975, 169 kW / 230 hp
• Opel Kadett GT / E, 1977, 85 kW / 115 hp
• Opel Manta GSi Exclusiv, 1988, 81 kW / 110 hp
• Opel Kadett GSi, 1991, 85 kW / 115 hp
• Opel Astra Hybrid, 2022, 133 kW/180 hp system performance (as organization vehicle)

Timelessly beautiful: Opel classics from four decades in the Rheingau and Taunus

Field of participants in the 2022 edition of the ADAC Hessen-Thüringen starts on both days of the rally in Oberursel. On the first stage on Friday, June 17th, the riders will go through the beautiful Rheingau; on Saturday, vintage car drivers will circle their automobile treasures via Wetzlar and Butzbach through the Taunus and Wetterau back to Bad Homburg. Skill is required instead of "lead foot", because the routes are peppered with special tests.

Opel Rekord C Cabriolet

Opel Rekord C Cabriolet is perfect for cruising along the scenic roads - and at the same time represents a real rarity. Because the bright red convertible didn't just roll off the assembly line in 1967, it was specially modified by the traditional Cologne-based coachbuilder Karl Deutsch for open-air fans. Cheapest basis in the form of a two-door Rekord C cost 7,590 marks at the time, the conversion costs another 4,000 marks. Exclusive creations of the Deutsch company remain beautiful, special and rare – only around 50 of these elegant convertibles are built.

Opel GT, Kadett GT/E and Manta GSi provide a sporty, fast flair at the classic car outing. "Only flying is nicer": This slogan has now become a classic - just like the advertised car. Opel GT thrilled the public right from the start and is still one of the most coveted coupés in the world with its exciting "Coke Bottle Design". A total of 103,463 examples were built from 1968 to 1973. The 66 kW/90 hp red GT, which is starting in Oberursel, is the world's oldest existing GT.

Opel GT

Second version of the Opel Kadett GT/E was presented to the public for the first time at the IAA 1977 and was primarily intended to make entry into 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.

Opel Manta B GSi Exclusiv

Its enduring popularity ensures Opel Manta B a special place in the company's automotive history. No other model stayed on the market longer than the second generation Manta. Presented in autumn 1975, the sleek coupé rolls off the production line 557,940 times in 14 years. For many years, the Manta B was Germany's best-selling sports car. Special model Manta GSi Exclusiv refined by Irmscher puts the “shiny” crown on the Manta success story: with light alloy wheels in an exclusive design, three-part painted rear wing and round double headlights.

Opel Diplomat V8

Strongest model in the Opel field of participants in this year's Hessen-Thüringen Rally is the Opel Diplomat B V8 . With its 5.4-liter eight-cylinder engine (169 kW/230 hp), the long-wheelbase version of the Opel flagship reached speeds of around 200 km/h, making it one of the fastest touring sedans of its time. Diplomat also lives up to his name, as the vehicle was used by American President Gerald Ford on his state visit in 1975. Last, but not least, another state-of-the-art example completes the field: the Kadett GSi , painted metallic black with 85 kW/115 hp was purchased in 1991 by none other than former Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, who used the car for five years for private trips together with his wife Loki. 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

Compact class fit for the future: All-new Opel Astra as a plug-in hybrid

Last Kadett generation already showed what the compact class from Opel has always been able to do. Innovations and state-of-the-art technologies in models that customers otherwise only know from higher vehicle classes - Opel has remained true to this credo to this day. This also applies to the latest compact class generation with the lightning bolt, which combines tradition with modernity: while the completely new Astra is reminiscent of earlier Opel icons with small visual reminiscences, it is also a highly modern design gem with an Opel Vizor and a fully digital Pure Panel. In addition, the newcomer, which has also been available from dealers for a month, is being driven electrified as the Astra Hybrid for the first timebefore. Plug-in hybrid provides a system output of 133 kW/180 hp and a strong maximum torque of 360 Newton meters (energy consumption according to WLTP: 1.1 l/100 km, CO 2 emissions 26-24 g/km; each combined ). Organizers of the Hessen-Thüringen Rally can cover up to 60 kilometers (according to WLTP ) emission-free with the Opel Astra Hybrid purely electrically.

All-New Opel Astra Hybrid

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.

Opel Corsa-e ancestor: Happy 30th Birthday Opel Kadett Impuls I

• Based on production model: Opel Kadett Impuls I electric research vehicle for city driving
• No compromises: boot space and payload of standard model largely retained
• Street life: 0-50 km/h in ten seconds, 100 km/h maximum speed
• State-of-the-art in 1990: 14.3 kWh nickel-cadmium batteries

Opel Kadett Impuls I and Opel Corsa-e

A range of up to 337 kilometres in the WLTP 1 cycle. Zero to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds. A 50 kWh battery that fast charges to 80 per cent of capacity in 30 minutes. Opel Corsa-e is suitable for unconstrained everyday use – an electric car for everyone.

1990: Opel Kadett Impuls I

An e-Opel for a more specific purpose was the Opel Corsa-e’s ancestor, Opel Kadett Impuls I. German brand created the research vehicle 30 years ago especially for city driving. Idea was to find out how well a production-based electric car with currently available electric components would suit inner-city traffic of the time. On one condition: keep as far as possible the interior and boot space, as well as the payload of the standard production model.

Opel developed the Kadett Impuls I in cooperation with the RWE energy concern and the battery manufacturer SAFT – today the company’s partner in the planned joint production of battery cells at the Kaiserslautern plant. A 100 V DC electric motor powered the front wheels. Nickel-cadmium batteries supplied the energy. In order to optimize weight distribution, the batteries were in the engine compartment and under the boot. They weighed a total of 310 kg, contained 14.3 kWh of energy and had a volume of 170 litres.

Maximum power output of 16 kW (22 hp) was chosen especially for city driving. Zero to 50 km/h acceleration took 10.0 seconds. Maximum speed of the 1,000 kg car was 100 km/h. Inclines of up to 25 per cent were no problem for the e-Kadett. The braking system partially recovered the kinetic energy generated under deceleration and stored it as electricity in the battery.

Batteries required recharging for around five hours after a distance of 80km. There were no compromises on comfort. Payload was 350 kg (490 kg on the production Kadett) and the boot capacity was 330 litres (390 litres on the production car).

Long tradition of e-pioneers: Opel Kadett B Stir-Lec 1 and Opel Elektro GT

For Opel, Kadett Impuls I was another contribution to the traffic politics discussions going on at the time. Earlier examples included Kadett B Stir-Lec I and the Opel Elektro GT.

1968: Opel Kadett B Stir-Lec 1

Fourteen lead-acid batteries energized the 1968 Stir-Lec study. A rear-mounted Stirling combustion engine generated the electricity that kept the batteries constantly charged – a forerunner of the “range extender” principle that would later go into production with the Opel Ampera.

Only three years later, Opel Elektro GT broke six world records for electric vehicles at speeds up to 188 km/h – driven by Georg von Opel, the grandson of the company founder. Powered by two coupled electric motors producing 88 kW (120 hp), with a nickel-cadmium battery pack, e-GT had a modest range of 44 km at a constant speed of 100 km/h – at the time, electric mobility’s biggest handicap.

Opel Elektro GT 

[1] Range 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.

35 Years Ago: Opel Ascona 1.8i First German Car with Catalytic Converter Engineered for Europe

• Forerunner: after the Ascona the whole Opel model range got catalytic converters
• Complicated operation: Opel Ascona significantly modified for three-way catalytic converter
• Eye for detail: even fuel tank filler neck redesigned for unleaded petrol
• Major commitment: Opel invested DM 1.0 billion in catalytic converter development

Opel Ascona 1.8i GT

Thirty-five years ago, the era of the catalytic converter began at Opel. In 1985, the Opel Ascona 1.8i was the first German car with a catalytic converter developed especially for the European market, instead of merely modified for export from the USA.

Opel Ascona 1.8i  for Rhineland-Palatinate Police

Rhineland-Palatinate Police force took delivery of the first Opel Ascona 1.8i with three-way catalytic converter actually produced, on December 7, 1984. During the course of the following year, Opel introduced catalytic converters across the model range – from Corsa, Kadett and Ascona, to Rekord, Monza and Senator. German manufacturer was the first European brand to offer three-way catalytic converters standard.

Catalytic converters are not all the same

Opel’s engineers were well aware that European traffic conditions necessitated the appropriate technology and quality. They therefore developed a catalytic converter especially for European driving conditions – just as they would when it came to bodywork, suspension, engines and brakes. For Opel, it was about more than just installing a catalytic converter in the exhaust system; reducing emissions via catalytic converter represented a complicated operation on the “internal organs” of the automobile.

Compared with a conventional car, the design of a vehicle with catalytic converter required numerous alterations. For example, the converter radiates a lot of heat when it has reached its operating temperature (600 degrees Celsius). Heat-sensitive components and the passenger compartment therefore needed protection from reflective shields.

In order for the catalytic converter to operate at optimum efficiency, it required an electronic mixture preparation system and a multitude of controls, which in turn made further modifications necessary. Even the filler neck of the fuel tank needed a redesign to prevent drivers from mistakenly filling the tank with leaded instead of unleaded petrol.

One billion Deutsche Mark for the environmentally friendly automobile

Opel committed more than one billion Deutsche Mark (DM) as well as hundreds of engineers to the development of catalytic converters and the environmentally friendly automobile. Company invested DM 100 million alone in new test rigs and test equipment for durability and high-speed testing.

New facilities also included a 13-storey-high “soak tower”. In this insulated building, more than 130 cars could be prepared simultaneously for emissions testing. The standards required that, before the emissions test, each car had to be stored for at least 12 hours at a temperature of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.

As well as offering cars with a three-way catalytic converter installed at the factory, Opel offered customers a kit for retrofit. However, the carmaker was not content to innovate only in technology. Opel also took new paths in Public Relations. Company offered people the opportunity to inform themselves actively about catalytic converters and retrofitting. For a few hours every day, motorists and interested parties could call a telephone “hotline” and get answers to their questions first-hand from the company’s experts.

Opel Ascona 1.8i GT

Today, 35 years after introducing the three-way catalytic converter on the Ascona 1.8i, Opel continues to take its responsibility for the environment seriously. Following the Opel Grandland X as plug-in hybrid and the battery powered Opel Corsa-e, the brand recently unveiled all-new Mokka-e, the Vivaro-e and the Zafira-e Life, all with pure electric drive and therefore locally emission-free.

!NEW! Around the World in 80 Years: Opel Kadett Celebrates its Birthday

• Opel Kadett launched as innovative small car with an integral body and frame
• Over 24 million Opel Kadett and Astra have been sold to date
• Current generation Opel Astra continuing the success story of its ancestors

Opel led the way in the 1930s, especially with the innovative and revolutionary all-steel unitary body construction.

The first Opel Kadett was a minor sensation, both technically and in terms of price. More than 100,000 of these four-seat models were built from 1936 to 1940 in Rüsselsheim, which even then was one of the most advanced car-making plants in Europe. The first Kadett with its revolutionary unitary body construction available as a sedan or convertible cost only 2,100 marks.

With its good value for money and progressive features, the first Kadett laid the corner stone for Opel’s success in the compact class. To date, eleven generations of Kadett and Astra have been successful in their segment: Over 24 million Opel Kadett and Opel Astra cars sold is an impressive number and a notable achievement. Lined up one behind the other, all Opel compact models built so far would surpass the magical 100,000-kilometer mark and create a column of cars that could circle the equator two and a half times. Opel compact cars have successively made personal mobility accessible to a broad customer base, especially in economically difficult times and not only that. The latest generations have made technologies and innovations from higher segments affordable for numerous customers. The new Opel Astra K, launched in 2015, has already been ordered 275,000 times across Europe.

1936-1940: Opel Kadett 1 – The “Volkswagen”

The speedy four-seater could do nearly 100 km/h and it did not take long to find its way into the hearts of the general public. It also found favor with the press: “As the first test drives have confirmed, the Kadett is certainly not an ordinary vehicle in this price range,” wrote a German newspaper, “Braunschweiger Tageszeitung,” on December 5, 1936. The chassis with Dubonnet independent front suspension and leaf-spring rear axle stemmed from the Opel Olympia, and the L-head four-cylinder gray cast-iron engine was taken from the Opel P 4. It generated 23 hp from a displacement of 1,073 cm³. The advantages of taking the engineering from a modular system also played a key part in the low price of the car. Just like its big brother the Olympia, which it resembles in appearance, the Kadett is a modern car. Harmonious proportions with a hatchback and integrated headlights are characteristic.

Flowing lines: The 1936 Opel Kadett shows harmonious proportions with a hatchback and integrated headlights.

Like its big brother the Olympia, which it also resembles, the Kadett was a snazzy car. It was characterized by harmonious proportions with fastback and integrated headlamps. In 1938 a major mid-cycle enhancement added a new radiator mask in late art deco style– experts today count this model as an intermediate generation.

From Kadett to Admiral

“Just as agile, versatile and obedient to all the driver’s commands as you would expect of a career-making cadet,” wrote the Cologne newspaper, “Kölnische Zeitung,” in 1936 about Opel’s new car. Its name, “Kadett” was as new as the segment. Up until the debut of the first Astra in 1991 (see page 54), Opel’s compact class line would use this name for more than  five decades. The company launched two more ranges with names stemming from the German navy, Admiral and Kapitän, in 1937 and 1938.

Unitary body and ultra-modern production

After the Olympia, which was the first German series-production vehicle to feature a unitary all-steel body, the first Kadett also had a monocoque body. There are many advantages of this construction compared with the classic wooden body-on frame. For instance, the driving performance and fuel consumption benefit from the car’s low weight, while the safety level is higher thanks to the rigid passenger cell and the lower center of gravity. The self-supporting structure opened the door to a new production method that is still commonly used today: The body and the powertrain (engine, transmission, axles) are “married” on the production line with the help of hydraulic elevators. The Kadett was manufactured by Opel, in Rüsselsheim. In 1936, the company operated the most modern drop forge in the world and the largest body press shop in Europe.

Fresh design and innovative technology

Headlamps integrated into the body instead of the ancient separate lamp units gave the Kadett a fresh appearance. Not surprising, because it was Opel that first made modern car design popular in Europe. Back in the 1930s, shortly after the company’s integration into the General Motors Group, a design department was established in Rüsselsheim on the initiative of GM chief designer, Harley Earl.

Impressive from all angles: Opel Kadett was popular right from the start and is now a sought-after classic car.

Plenty of car for your money: As long ago as 1936, the first Kadett offered the same good value for money and thus democratized luxury. This has become typical of the Opel brand. Details such as hydraulic four-wheel brakes, direction indicator, draft-free ventilation through a triangular hinged window and “dustproof” trunk accessible from the inside were at that time very unusual for this category of car – in the Kadett, they were all standard.

The secret of the Kadett’s success: Modern design, outstanding spaciousness and innovative technology such as the unitary body construction.

The Kadett was the first Opel model to feature an in-house developed downdraft carburetor with a so-called venturi tube. In this tube, named after the Italian physicist, Giovanni Battista Venturi (1746–1822), the fuel is mixed into the incoming air ahead of the throttle valve. The venturi tube is a smooth-walled piece of tubing with a constriction in it. When air flows through the tube and passes the constricted section, it has to flow faster at this point than in the other sections. As a result, a vacuum is produced (as on the upper side of an aircraft wing). At the constricted point is a tube filled with gasoline. The fuel is sucked in by the vacuum in the venturi tube and dragged along.

At a glance

Series	First generation Opel Kadett
Production period	1936–1940
Number	107,608 (Moskwitch: 247,439)
Body variants	Two-door sedan
	Four-door sedan
	Two-door convertible
Engine	Gasoline: 1.1 l/23 hp
Body/Chassis
Body/chassis design	Monocoque all steel body
Front wheel suspension	Rigid axle, forged
Front wheel suspension/damping	Dubonnet springs/shock absorbers
Rear wheel suspension	Rigid axle, banjo type
Rear wheel suspension/damping	Semi-elliptical leaf springs, hydraulic shock absorbers; “Normal-Limousine” (sedan) from 1937: semi-elliptical leaf springs, shock absorbers
Steering, type	Worm segment steering
Wheels, type	Steel disk wheels
Tires, size (Base)	4.50 x 16
Dimensions/Weight
Length/width/height (mm) (Sedan)	3810 x 1375 x 1455
Special-Limousine (from 1937)	3840 x 1375 x 1535
Normal-Limousine (from 1937)	3710 x 1375 x 1455
Wheel base (mm) (Sedan)	2337
Track width front/rear (mm)	1075/1168
Curb weight (kg)	757

The post-war generations: From Kadett A to the current Astra K

1962-1965: Opel Kadett A – For the economic miracle

A large trunk and plenty of room for four people plus a new, lively engine and low maintenance costs made up the recipe for success for the Kadett A. Opel built nearly 650,000 of them from 1962 to 1965. The contours of the two-door notchback model were businesslike and modern. The beltline was low down, the panoramic windows made for good visibility and a decorative strip running along the side accentuated the stretched form. Front fenders tapered off into the headlamps and the rear ends were shaped like fins. The interior space deeply impressed owners of conventional small cars. The trunk was a real baggage compartment and the fuel tank cap was outside! “Opel Kadett, in brief: O.K.,” wrote Opel’s advertising team, unable to also resist a dig at their competitors in Wolfsburg. “You never have the smell of gasoline in the trunk,” they said with a wink. With its modern, water-cooled front engine, the Kadett had another major design advantage over the Beetle. The 993 cm³ four-cylinder unit developed 40 hp and, from March 1963, also powered the new Kadett Caravan.

1965-1973: Opel Kadett B – “Das Auto”

B follows A, and in 1965 a new series replaced the first model. The new version was more than four meters long and thus a good deal bigger than its predecessor. As for its fashionable figure – the designers were inspired by their colleagues overseas. The flat sloping rear was reminiscent of the fastback models popular in the USA. In 1966, “Automobil Illustrierte” noted: “You can almost see the power and speed before you hear the engine.” Not only was the length stepped up – so, too, was the horsepower. Opel engineers enlarged the bore of the four-cylinder unit by 3 mm. The basic 1,078 cm³ unit developed 45 hp. Also available was a higher-compression 1.1 S engine with 55 hp.

The Kadett was a fast success, with over 2.6 million units produced from September 1965 to July 1973. And its success was certainly not limited to its country of birth. In 1966, the export quota reached 50 percent as customers from 120 countries around the globe snatched up the Kadett.

1973-1979: Opel Kadett C – The athlete

The Kadett C family had many faces: a smart family car, a chic second car with a practical rear tailgate, or a competitive sports coupé in war paint. A total of 1.7 million of them were built between 1973 and 1979. The rear-wheel drive Kadett C made its debut in August 1973 with a cleanly designed body and a new double-wishbone front axle. Characteristic design features included a flat radiator grille, an engine hood with the brand’s signature crease, and a front apron in spoiler form. “The Kadett not only drives exceptionally well, but is also conscientiously designed and cleanly made. It requires little maintenance, is repair-friendly and economical to run,” praised the car-testing experts at “auto motor und sport” in the 20/73 edition. The powerful GT/E debuted at the 1975 IAA. Its 1.9-liter engine with Bosch L-Jetronic injection produced 105 hp and propelled the mere 900 kilograms of Kadett to a top speed of 184 km/h.

1979-1984: Opel Kadett D – The front-wheel drive car

New epoch: Front-wheel drive and transverse-mounted engine celebrated their debuts in Opel compact class cars in the 1979 Kadett D.

The fourth generation of the post-war Kadett introduced a new compact class era at Opel. At the 1979 IAA, Opel’s first front-wheel drive model debuted as the modern-looking Kadett D. The packaging was truly convincing. Although the newcomer was 126 mm shorter than its predecessor at 3,998 mm, it sported a longer interior and offered significantly more space than many of its rivals. But it was not only the powertrain layout and the chassis with a torsion-beam axle at the rear that broke with tradition: the Kadett was given a new 1.3-liter OHC engine that generated 60 or 75 hp. The revolution continued with the body variants. In addition to the spacious station wagon with a load volume of up to 1,425 liters, Opel offered only fastback versions. In January 1983 the sporty Kadett GTE followed, with a top speed of 187 km/h and equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that developed 115 hp. Other technical modifications included a tighter and lower chassis, new steering dampers and internally ventilated disk brakes at the front. A total of 2.1 million Kadett D units were produced from 1979 to 1984.

Great white: Opel Kadett D GTE with its sports chassis, Recaro seats and feisty 115 hp began hunting down GTIs in 1983.

1984-1991: Opel Kadett E – The aerodynamics world champion

Opel Kadett E: “Car of the Year 1985”

The second front-wheel drive Kadett, built from 1984 to 1991, was named “Car of the Year 1984” and was an absolute winner. Selling a grand total of 3,779,289 cars in its lifetime, it was the bestselling Opel so far and a real aerodynamics world champion. Opel engineers certainly hit the jackpot in 1984. Based on the engineering of its predecessor but with a completely new hatchback design, the Kadett E was set for a stellar career. With a drag coefficient of 0.39, the Kadett D was already best in its class, but this figure paled in comparison to its successor. After spending 1,200 hours of fine-tuning in the wind tunnel, the E model achieved a sensational 0.32. The sporty GSi, with a Cd of 0.30 and aerodynamic drag of 0.57 m2, was the most aerodynamic hatchback in the world. Buyers took to the new form after only a few months, paving the way for a new success story that provided the Kadett E with 625,000 new registrations across Europe in 1987. By this time, the station wagon version had already climbed to the top of its class. From the fall of 1985, a notchback variant was again in the line-up, the first since the Kadett C. Moreover, the sporty GSi variant was an icon in the making. When the legendary 16-valve engine arrived on the scene in 1987, it left its competitors eating dust.

1991-1997: Opel Astra F – The bestseller

Body variants of the ’91 Opel Astra F, 1991–1998.

Some 4.13 million Astra Fs were built between 1991 and 1997, making it the bestselling Opel model ever. Development work focused on combining modern design with more interior space, enhanced comfort and greater emphasis on environmental protection.

Opel Astra F with active belt system with pre-tensioners

The successor to the Opel Kadett assumed the name of its British sister model (the fourth generation of the Kadett had been sold in the UK as the Vauxhall Astra since 1980).

High safety as standard: Side protection with double steel tube reinforcements in all the doors.

Opel also launched a safety offensive with its new star. All Astras offered an active belt system with tensioners on the front seats belts, height-adjustable belts and seat ramps as well as side protection including double steel tube reinforcements in all the doors. For the first time, all engines came with catalytic converters.

1998-2004: Opel Astra G – The versatile car

In spring 1998, the Astra with coupé-like design was offered from the start as a three- and five-door hatchback and as a station wagon. A notchback sedan, coupé and convertible were added later. Progressive independent design, dynamic chassis and powertrain technology as well as nearly twice the torsional and flexural rigidity of its predecessor were just some of the characteristics of the completely new, second-generation Opel Astra. The new model’s fully galvanized body played a key role in its high value retention. Active safety was enhanced with a 30 percent increase in the light output of the transparent H7 halogen headlamps and the completely redesigned Dynamic Safety (DSA) chassis. It combined comfort with agile and safe handling, even under full load. The wheelbase was around ten centimeters longer, enabling more interior space, in particular more rear knee room in the rear and a larger trunk volume of 370 liters.

2004-2009: Opel Astra H – The mighty car

With twelve engines ranging from 90 to 240 hp and seven body variants, the choice of models for the Astra H that sold over 2.7 million units was exceptional. When it was launched in March 2004, the third-generation Opel Astra boasted a progressive design, high driving dynamics and plenty of technical innovations, immediately winning numerous comparison tests in specialist automotive publications. The Astra’s technological highlights included the adaptive IDSPlus chassis system with electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC), otherwise only found in luxury class and exclusive sports cars, as well as Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) Bi-Xenon headlamp system with dynamic curve light.

The Astra also boasted high levels of safety. The consumer protection organization Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) awarded the Astra the highest rating of five stars for adult passenger protection. With a total of 34 points, the bestseller was considered one of the safest sedans in the compact class.

2009 – 2015: Opel Astra J – The designer piece

Sculptural artistry combined with German precision – the Opel Astra J not only embodies the brand’s new design philosophy, it also assists drivers with a range of technologies that already made an important contribution to the success of the best-selling mid-class Insignia. The Opel Eye recognizes traffic signs and informs the driver of speed limits or overtaking bans. It also warns drivers if they are in danger of veering out of lane. With the AFL+ headlamp system, the Astra can look around the corner and, if necessary, even automatically dim the lights or switch to high beam. With a chassis that can be enhanced by the FlexRide adaptive technology, the current Astra can play out its dynamic talents to the full. A new rear axle construction guarantees driving fun, improved handling and maximum comfort, with a Watt’s link incorporated to improve wheel control. Astra drivers also benefit from a new generation of front seats developed according to the latest findings in safety ergonomics and are awarded with the seal of quality from the independent medical and back experts of the AGR (action for healthy backs) organization.

From 2015: Opel Astra K – Car of the Year 2016
 

Up to 200 kg lighter, roomier inside despite a reduced overall length, and more efficient thanks to exclusive use of new-generation engines – the new Opel Astra is a quantum leap in development and is crowned European Car of the Year 2016. The compact car is once again available as a hatchback and as a spacious Sports Tourer. Opel receive numerous orders even before the official world premiere at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show – to date, Opel has received 275,000 orders of the latest generation Astra.

Continuing a tradition that started with the Astra G, the new Astra K also stands out with its lighting technology. It is the first car to introduce the adaptive, Full LED Matrix technology IntelliLux LED – so far reserved for luxury and premium models from higher classes – into the compact segment. New generation driver assistant systems also comprise Traffic Sign Assistant (TSA), Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW) along with Following Distance Indication (FDI) and Forward Collision Alert (FCA) with Collision Imminent Braking (CIB). In addition, the new Opel Astra K once again delivers on wellness with newly engineered ergonomic front seats, certified by the AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken) organization once more, being introduced. These new front seats can even be enhanced with a ventilation and massage function.