50th Anniversary of Opel Kadett C: Car with Many Talents

• Summer of 1973: Third generation of bestselling Opel Kadett is launched
• Spoilt for choice; Opel Kadett C available as a saloon, coupé and estate with many additional variants including Aero
• Safety first: Three-point seatbelts as standard, base vehicle for the OSV 40
• Successful competitor: Sporty Opel Kadett GT/E celebrates rally accomplishments
• Compact driving pleasure today: New all-electric Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric combines dynamic driving fun with responsibility

New Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric celebrated its world premiere at IAA Mobility in Munich a few days ago. With its bold and pure design, modern technologies and a high level of practicality, it offers a lot of driving fun coupled with responsibility – and thus seamlessly takes the successful recipe of almost nine decades of the Opel compact class into the future. Before Opel Astra, Opel Kadett gave its name to the model series that was popular with customers for generations. One is now celebrating an anniversary: exactly 50 years ago, the third post-war generation of the compact bestseller from the brand with Blitz, Opel Kadett C, was launched for first time – and it was more diverse than almost any other model before.

1970s: Diversity is key, Opel Kadett goes around the world

A smart family car, a chic second car with a practical tailgate, or a sporty coupé – Opel  Kadett C range had many faces between 1973 and 1979. With clearly designed bodywork and a new double-wishbone front axle, rear-wheel drive Opel Kadett C made its debut in late summer 1973. Characteristic design features included a flat radiator grille, an engine hood with the brand’s signature crease, and a spoiler-shaped front apron. “Opel Kadett not only drives exceptionally well, it is also solidly built and finished. It requires little maintenance, is easy to repair and economical to run,” wrote car-test experts at “auto motor und sport”.

Customers were spoilt for choice and could find the right Kadett variant for every taste. Third Opel Kadett generation was initially available as a two- and four-door saloon in normal and luxury versions, as a three and five-door estate and as a coupé. Many more variants would follow, because Kadett C was designed as a “world car”. Not only did it roll off the assembly lines in Germany, it was also produced as a Chevette at Vauxhall in UK. In addition, it was also built in Asia, Australia and North and South America with slightly modified bodywork and technology adapted to local conditions. In Germany, efficient 1.2- litre engines with 38 kW/52 hp and 44 kW/60 hp initially provided propulsion. At the beginning of 1975, a particularly economical 1.0-litre gasoline power unit with 30 kW/40 hp joined engine range. And with 77 kW/105 hp GT/E fuel-injection model presented at IAA in 1975, Opel continued tradition of Rallye Kadett.

Safety first: First Opel Kadett with three-point belts, base vehicle for “OSV 40”

When generation C began rolling off the production line in 1973, it was first Opel Kadett to have three-point seatbelts in front seats, fixed to B pillar at top and bottom as well as at belt lock. A life-saving safety feature that, thanks to its simple one-handed operation, increased acceptance among many people who did not like seat belts. Also not to be taken for granted at the time: all buttons and switches were easy to reach, even with seatbelt fastened, and the instruments were easy to read at all times.

Biggest technical innovation of Opel Kadett C was double-wishbone front suspension with coil springs. An anti-roll bar was standard for all versions. Track width was 20 mm wider than the predecessor’s to further improve handling. Further developed rear axle harmonised perfectly, contributing to neutral handling and a high level of active safety. In event of a collision, features such as the impact-absorbing safety steering, crumple zones at front and rear and passenger compartment as safety cell minimised the risk of injury.

It was therefore no surprise that Opel Kadett C was used as base vehicle for the 1974 “OSV 40” safety vehicle. Stable longitudinal and transverse beams plus reinforced doors and sills protected the passengers in event of a collision or rollover. Vehicle was designed to withstand a frontal impact with a rigid obstacle at a speed of 65 km/h, equivalent to an impact at 40 miles an hour – hence the figure “40” in name. With this production-near prototype, Opel showed that optimum passive safety could be achieved not only with large and heavy vehicles, but also with compact, lighter cars. OSV 40 only weighed 960 kg. Experience gained from the development work and the testing of OSV 40 went into various subsequent production models.

Rallye-Kadett reloaded: Opel Kadett GT/E celebrates sporting success

Opel demonstrated that third generation Kadett was not only safe but also extremely sporty when Kadett GT/E celebrated its premiere at the 1975 IAA. Its 1.9-litre engine with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel-injection delivered 77 kW/105 hp. With a weight of around only 900 kilogrammes it could reach a top speed of 184 km/h. Its design polarised – and particularly delighted motorsport fans: Above belt line, GT/E was bright yellow, below it was black. It was not just young drivers who dreamed of GT/E back then; from 1976 onwards, well-known Opel works drivers who would soon make motorsport history took their seats in cockpit. Walter Röhrl and Rauno Aaltonen were successful with 165 kW/225 hp GT/E at Monte Carlo Rally and the Portugal Rally. Röhrl and Jochen Berger – the first professional co-driver in Germany – scored a sensational fourth place on Monte and Opel even achieved second place in overall brand classification.

Opel offered Kadett with a different kind of driving fun in 1976. With Opel Kadett Aero, the driver and passengers could let the wind blow through their hair and “cruise” around. Manufactured by Stuttgart body specialist Baur, Opel Kadett Aero was an extraordinary convertible that featured a roll bar, Targa top and a rear folding cover. Aero thus combined several cars in one: convertible, holiday car, and family vehicle as well as an all-rounder for city and commuter traffic. Nowadays it is considered a legendary classic that attracts enthusiastic attention at numerous vintage car rallies.

Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric: Modern driving fun coupled with responsibility

Newest Astra generation also offers plenty of driving pleasure – and in a particularly responsible way. For the first time in the long success story of Opel compact class cars, Opel Astra is fully electric. With new Astra Sports Tourer Electric, which was recently presented at the IAA and can already be ordered, Opel even has one of the first battery-electric estates on the market.

Electric motor produces 115 kW/156 hp and delivers a powerful 270 Newton meters of maximum torque at the first touch of the accelerator, ensuring brisk starts and impressive acceleration. And while many other electric cars are limited to 150 km/h or 160 km/h, new Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric has a top speed of 170 km/h. Energy for a locally emissions-free range of up to 413 kilometres according to WLTP 1 is provided by 54-kWh lithium-ion battery, – which can be recharged quickly when necessary. At same time, the electric car combines all advantages of a spacious estate with bold and pure design of current Opel Astra generation. With this pioneering combination, new Astra Sports Tourer Electric has all it takes to successfully continue Opel's long compact class history.

[1] Range determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). Actual range can vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular on personal driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and thermal preconditioning.

Opel wishes Walter Röhrl Happy 75th Birthday

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

Walter Röhrl in Opel Ascona 400

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

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

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

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

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

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

ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup: “Remarkable achievement”

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

Opel Corsa-e Rally

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

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

Happy Tenth Birthday Opel Ampera – Opel’s Pioneering Electric Car

• Revolutionary: Opel Ampera established new vehicle segment in Europe in 2011
• Convincing concept: Opel Ampera voted “European Car of The Year” in 2012
• Powerful: 110 kW (150 hp) electric drive unit develops 370 Nm maximum torque
• Stylish and practical: Sleek, futuristic looks, four-seat cabin, five-door versatility

Opel Ampera 

If we want to reach the future climate goals, the share of electric vehicles must increase considerably”, says Opel CEO, Michael Lohscheller. Accordingly, Opel will have nine electrified vehicles (EV) on the market by the end of this year – from Corsa-e, Mokka-e, Zafira-e Life, Grandland X plug-in hybrid and the next generation Astra, to the Combo-e, Vivaro-e and Movano-e light commercial vehicles. By 2024, the brand will offer an electrified variant of every model in its portfolio.

However, Opel already made its first contribution to raising EV sales ten years ago, in 2011. With the launch of the Ampera – the first electric car with extended range from a European brand – Opel established itself as a pioneer on the road to electric mobility. The revolutionary, sleek and practical Ampera was Europe’s first electric vehicle to enable “go anywhere at any time” mobility. When it went on sale at the end of 2011, the Ampera founded a completely new vehicle segment in the European automobile market.

Success: Opel Ampera convinces media, excites customers and wins Monte Carlo rally

Opel Ampera received enthusiastic receptions across the board. More than 5,000 “e-pioneers” declared themselves as potential customers even before the car went on sale.

Media were equally impressed, the jury of leading international journalists electing the Opel Ampera and its Chevrolet Volt sister model as winners of the “2012 European Car of The Year” award. In a long term test started that same year by the ADAC German automobile club, the Ampera demonstrated its durability by covering more than 200,000 km in eight years.

Not content with popularity and awards alone, the Ampera proved its mettle in competition too. In 2012, Opel’s extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) won the 13th International Monte Carlo Rally for electric cars and alternative propulsion systems. Winning Opel Ampera was driven by French rally legend, Bernard Darniche and Joseph Lambert, three more finished among the top ten.

Ampera confirmed Opel as an innovation-leader and immediately became Europe's best selling electric car in 2012, with 6,631 units and circa 21.0 per cent share of the European electric passenger car segment. The leading market for the EREV was the Netherlands, followed by Germany and the United Kingdom. Following the end of production in 2015, registrations of the Ampera totalled more than 10,000 units.

Voltec electric propulsion with range extender

The front wheels of the Ampera are electrically driven at all times. A 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack feeds an advanced, 111 kW/150 hp electric drive unit to deliver between 40 and 80  km of pure electric operation with zero emissions – depending on terrain, driving technique and temperature – when fully charged. According to the regulations for measuring fuel consumption and CO2 emissions at the time, the Ampera consumed 1.2 l/100 km and emitted 27 g/km CO2 combined in the NEDC cycle.

On the road, the Ampera’s Voltec electric propulsion system ensures lively performance. Instant torque of 370 Nm enables zero to 100 km/h acceleration in around nine seconds and a top speed of 161 km/h. The Ampera delivers nearly silent electric drive under battery power and a refined performance even in extend-range drive mode.

Thanks to the Ampera’s intelligent and practical extended-range capability, drivers enjoy peace of mind because they will never be left stranded with a depleted battery.

In addition to a pure battery, zero-emissions driving range sufficient to meet the daily needs of most European drivers, the Ampera also provided a total driving range of more than 500 kilometres thanks to its range-extending petrol engine. This is seamlessly engaged to generate electricity when the battery has reached its minimum state of charge.

Electric drive unit, located under the hood alongside the gasoline engine, consists of an electric traction motor, an electric generator/motor, and a planetary gear set that improves overall efficiency by reducing the combined rotational speed of the electric motors. Unlike a conventional powertrain, there are no step gears.

In extended-range mode, which activates whenever the battery has reached its minimum state of charge, motive power from a generator is seamlessly delivered to the electric drive unit. The generator is driven by a highly efficient 1.4-liter, 63 kW/86 hp gasoline engine.

Most of the time, drivers selected one of the two main driving modes: Normal and Sport. ‘Sport’ mode increases the sensitivity of the accelerator pedal. There are two additional modes for special driving situations: ‘Mountain’ mode ensures sufficient battery energy is available for sustained driving on alpine roads. ‘Hold-charge’ mode preserves the remaining energy capacity of the battery pack by activating the gasoline engine.

T-shaped, 198 kg, 16 kWh (installed capacity) battery pack is positioned in the centre tunnel of the vehicle. It comprises 288 lithium-ion battery cells, configured for optimum performance and durability. It uses a liquid thermal management system and at the time was the only mass-produced battery pack that could be warmed or cooled – an industry first.

Opel Ampera was delivered with a six-meter long charging cable conveniently stowed in the trunk. Using a 230V/6 or 10A power outlet, owners could fully recharge the battery in around nine or five hours respectively and programme the charging time.

Exterior and interior design: Electrifying good looks

Equally as revolutionary as its unique Voltec electric propulsion system was the Ampera’s eye-catching design. Sleek, aerodynamically efficient styling encapsulates a cabin that replaces conventional dials and gauges with high-definition colour displays and touch-screen functionality.

Cabin reflects the ground-breaking nature of the Ampera’s propulsion system. Two interactive, high-definition colour screens denoted the car’s unique character. Replacing conventional instruments in front of the driver is the driver information centre, a reconfigurable graphic display.

Cabin offers all the space, comfort, and convenience features you would expect from a modern compact car: five-door flexibility, comfortable accommodation for four adults, and a seat up/seat down load carrying capacity of 310/1,005 litres.

Fun-to-drive chassis developed for European demands

Ampera handles like a typical Opel. Developed by Opel engineers in Rüsselsheim, its chassis characteristics were honed to satisfy the expectations of discerning customers.

Front suspension is by McPherson struts with aluminium lower control arms and hydraulic ride bushings. Semi-independent rear suspension features a compound crank (torsion beam) which combines the packaging advantages of a conventional torsion beam axle with low weight and consistent wheel camber control.

Advanced friction brake blending system maximizes the energy generated during braking. It allows for maximum regenerative braking through the electric motor, recharges the battery when braking, and seamlessly engages the friction brakes when the pedal is stepped on harder for a fast stop.

!NEW! Opel Ampera at Rallye Monte-Carlo: Mission Title Defense

Electric Vehicle again competing in alternative propulsion category

Opel is taking part in the international Rallye Monte-Carlo for the second time with the Ampera EV. Following last year’s victory and three more top 10 finishes, this year eight Ampera teams are participating to defend the title for vehicles with alternative propulsion.

Organized by the Automobilclub Monaco, the “Rallye Monte-Carlo des Énergies Nouvelles” is taking place for the 14th time. It begins on March 21 in Annecy-le-Vieux, Clermont-Ferrand and Lugano, and ends three days later in Monaco. Due to a higher number of uniformity tests, this year focus on the vehicles’ driving efficiency is even stronger. The goal of the rallye is to cover a specified distance at a constant speed and with the lowest possible fuel consumption.

“The successes last year show the Ampera’s superiority over the competition under extreme conditions as well as in everyday use,” says Dr. Thomas Sedran, Management Board Member for Operations, Business Development & Corporate Strategies at Adam Opel AG. “We want to drive this forward and once again reinforce our leading role in alternative propulsion.”

In order to participate, vehicles may emit a maximum of 115 g/km CO2. The overall standings are determined by a ratio of vehicle weight, CO2 emissions, fuel energy density and consumption. The “Rallye Monte-Carlo des Énergies Nouvelles” is the oldest and most renowned motorsport event for vehicles with alternative propulsion systems. The Automobilclub Monaco has organized the event since 1995.

Opel is a pioneer and trendsetter in sustainable mobility with the Ampera’s multi-award-winning concept. The Ampera is the first electric car suitable for everyday use from a European automaker and the best-selling electric sedan in Europe. A 16 kWh lithium-ion battery pack feeds the 111 kW/150 hp electric drive unit to deliver between 40 and 80 km of pure electric operation with zero emissions – depending on terrain, driving technique and temperature – when fully charged. For longer distances, a gasoline engine serves as a generator to keep the vehicle electrically powered. The Ampera’s electric propulsion system provides instant torque of 370 Nm and enables zero to 100 km/h acceleration in around nine seconds. The electronically limited maximum speed is 161 km/h.

Opel Ampera Wins Rally Monte Carlo

• Four Ampera electric vehicles among the top 10 in rally for alternative propulsion
• French team Darniche/Lambert successful against some 130 competitors
• Debuting Ampera succeed in durability and fuel consumption tests

Opel Ampera won Rally Monte Carlo for alternative propulsion

After winning the “Car of the Year 2012” award, the Opel Ampera has now also won the 13. International Monte Carlo Rally for electric cars and alternative propulsion in which it competed for the first time. Four Ampera ranked among the top 10 vehicles. The French duo Bernard Darniche and Joseph Lambert managed to beat the entire competitive field. On Sunday, the final day of the contest, the revolutionary electric vehicle reached the finish line in the capital of the Côte d’Azur principality. Some 130 competitors from about 30 manufacturers took part, among them seven Ampera, including one private Ampera team. The other contenders included a Renault Fluence Z.E., a Tesla Roadster sports car, a Mitsubishi I-MiEV and a Peugeot Ion. Apart from the overall victory, the Ampera teams with Charlotte Berton and Olivier Sussot ranked third, Jean-Claude Andruet and Patrick Lienne came in 7^th and Hanns Werner Wirth and Daniel Riesen finished 8^th, completing the fantastic result.

Opel Ampera on Rally Monte Carlo - German Team

“The Ampera’s success in this versatility contest under very challenging conditions proves its impressive balance between durability and fuel efficiency. This underscores our leadership role in the field of alternative propulsion,” says Opel’s Director E-mobility, Enno Fuchs. The “Rallye Monte-Carlo Des Énergies Nouvelles” took place for the 13^th time and has established itself as the oldest motorsport event for vehicles with alternative propulsion. The Monte Carlo Automobile Club has organized the competition since 1995.

Endurance test for alternative propulsion

The rally started in the three towns of Annecy-le-Vieux, Clermont Ferrand and Lugano for 550 kilometers via Digne-les-Bains, the capital of the French district (département) Alpes-de-Haute-Provence to Monaco. On the second day, the teams had to complete a distance of 272 kilometers, leading them through Monaco and the original route of the Monte Carlo Rally through the French Maritime Alps. In these two days the teams were subjected to regularity tests and had to prove their driving skills by pushing their vehicles to the limit.

Apart from the regularity tests, the focus lay with fuel consumption. With the help of a ratio derived from vehicle weight, CO₂ emissions, the energy density of the fuel and its consumption, the organizers were able to calculate a comparison value and draw up an overall ranking. “The sophisticated technology of the Ampera was always reliable and enabled our tremendous success,” says the French rally co-pilot, Joseph Lambert who celebrated the victory with driver Bernhard Darniche. Darniche already won the legendary Monte Carlo Rally in 1979 and has more than 10 times been successful in winning the special stage over the famous Col de Turini.

Opel Ampera on Rally Monte Carlo - French Team

 

The Opel Ampera is the first electric vehicle that can go anywhere anytime. A 16 kWh lithium ion battery powers the 111kW/150 hp electric motor. Depending on the style of driving and road conditions, distance of between 40 and 80 kilometers can be covered in the purely battery-operated mode, completely free of emissions. The wheels of the Ampera are always powered electrically. In extended-range mode, which activates whenever the battery has reached its minimum state of charge, the gasoline engine drives a generator that supplies the electric drive unit. The range extender enables an operating radius of 500 kilometers. On the road, the Ampera’s electric propulsion system provides instant torque of 370 Nm enabling zero to 100 km/h acceleration in around nine seconds and a top speed of 161 km/h.

Opel Ampera on Rally Monte Carlo - German Team

Opel Ampera Debuts At Rally Monte Carlo

For the first time in its history, Opel is providing its award-winning electric cars for the prestigious international Rally Monte Carlo. Six electric Opel Ampera will make their debut in the “Alternative Energy” version of the rally which commences in Annecy-le-Vieux, Clermont-Ferrand and Lugano on March 22 and finishes three days later in the capital of Monaco, Monte Carlo. In order to take part, competing vehicles must have a maximum of 115g/km CO2 emissions. The main aim of the rally is to cover a certain distance, maintain a constant speed and use as little energy as possible. Some 150 vehicles are expected to take part this year.

By entering its electric vehicles with range extending capabilities in the international rally, Opel is once again showing that it is a global leader in the field of e-mobility. “Spectators will have the chance to see our electric cars in action under the challenging conditions the rally has to offer.” says Enno Fuchs, Opel’s Director E-Mobility.

The Opel Ampera is the first electric vehicle that can go anywhere anytime. A 16 kWh lithium ion battery powers the 111kW/150 hp electric motor. Depending on the style of driving and road conditions, distance of between 40 and 80 kilometers can be covered in the purely battery-operated mode, completely free of emissions. The wheels of the Ampera are always powered electrically. In extended-range mode, which activates whenever the battery has reached its minimum state of charge, the gasoline engine drives a generator that supplies the electric drive unit. The range extender enables an operating radius of 500 kilometers. On the road, the Ampera’s Voltec electric propulsion system provides instant torque of 370 Nm enabling zero to 100 km/h acceleration in around nine seconds and a top speed of 161 km/h.