Opel Electrifies with Emotional Line-up at XS Cars'n'Coffee

• Goosebumps, speed and euphoria: Opel Mokka GSE Rally and Opel Mokka GSE at the DEKRA Lausitzring
• Rugged show car for all occasions: Opel Frontera GRAVEL made for adventure seekers
• Opel in the spotlight: After the XS Carnight Festival on Lake Wörthersee, XS fans gather in Brandenburg

On Sunday, motorsport and tuning fans flocked to the DEKRA Lausitzring in Brandenburg where the community celebrated particularly sporty and eye-catching automobiles at the XS Cars'n'Coffee event. And Opel was right in the middle of the action. The brand with the Blitz attracted a lot of interest with its new battery-electric models Opel Mokka GSE Rally and Opel Mokka GSE as well as the extraordinary show car for adventure seekers, the Opel Frontera GRAVEL. A look at the trio was enough to create the proverbial OMG! feeling. Furthermore, Opel once again demonstrated that it has always sent the pulses of motorsport fans racing. The German brand also displayed an Opel Vectra B racing car from the Opel Classic collection.

Pure OMG! GSE power: New Opel Mokka GSE Rally and Opel Mokka GSE

At the Lausitzring, the new Opel Mokka GSE Rally was in its element at the weekend. Because the new rally electric car with the characteristic GSE abbreviation stands for goosebumps, speed and euphoria – perfect for the XS fans who had travelled to the event. From the outside, Opel Mokka GSE Rally, which was recently shown at the IAA Mobility in Munich, attracts attention with motorsport foiling including OMG! GSE lettering, black bonnet, yellow brake calipers and many other rally accents. The key technical data are even more impressive: 207 kW (281 hp) of peak power, 345 Newton metres of torque and sophisticated motorsport technology make the Mokka GSE Rally a unique all-electric rally car.

Best of all, Opel is also bringing this motorsport feeling to the general public in the form of the new Opel Mokka GSE, which is already available to order. With 207 kW (281 hp), the series electric car is just as powerful as its motorsport counterpart. And with the immediate torque of 345 Newton meters brisk acceleration is also guaranteed. Opel Mokka GSE accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds – and with a top speed of 200 km/h, it is now the fastest all-electric production Opel. The sophisticated technology, which is also inspired by the rally car, contributes to the extraordinary performance. For example, Opel Mokka GSE has a Torsen multi-plate limited-slip differential as well as a chassis with specifically designed axles and new double hydraulic shock absorbers. All high-voltage components of the production Opel Mokka GSE come from Opel Mokka GSE Rally. The steering system, chassis and brakes have also been designed to be particularly sporty and optimised with Opel's experience from electric rallying.

Adventure calls: With the Opel Frontera GRAVEL show car

Eleswhere, a completely different Opel celebrated its second XS Carnight appearance at the Lausitzring: the Opel Frontera GRAVEL. The bold, all-electric show car had already caused a stir at its first public appearance at the XS Carnight on Lake Wörthersee in the spring. Now the adventurous version of the family-friendly SUV Frontera thrilled visitors to XS Cars'n'Coffee. The exterior design of the Frontera GRAVEL already awakens the desire to head off the beaten track thanks to its characteristic paintwork and foiling. The matt black roof and the matt black bonnet contrast with the ‘Desert Stone’ foil uniquely selected for Opel Frontera GRAVEL. Additional orange accents are provided by the exterior mirror housings, front and rear bumpers, spoiler and the Opel Blitz in the black Opel Vizor.

The rugged look is further enhanced by a front-mounted winch and hook, side storage boxes at the rear, and a robust lattice-style roof rack designed to maximise gear-carrying capacity for all adventures. And in keeping with the tougher challenges of rough gravel and stone surfaces, Opel Frontera GRAVEL stands on special, seven-inch-wide CWE-16-inch BORBET wheels.

Combined values for Opel Mokka GSE according to WLTP1: Energy consumption 17.9-18.5 kWh/100 km, CO2 emissions 0 g/km; CO2 label: A

[1] The values of a vehicle depend not only on the efficient use of fuel by the vehicle, but are also influenced by driving behavior and other non-technical factors.

Three-Way Battle for the Title in the Season Finale of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup ‘powered by GSE’

• Sixth round of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup at the ADAC Rallye Stemweder Berg
• Dutchman Fabian Kamermans celebrates first victory in the Opel Corsa Rally Electric
• Alex Español increases lead over Tom Heindrichs

Fabian Kamermans secured his first victory in the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup ‘powered by GSE’ at the ADAC Rallye Stemweder Berg with a dominant performance and thanks to a perfect tyre choice. After twelve special stages over around 108 kilometres, the Dutchman and his co-driver Stefan Müller were 11.1 seconds ahead of the German duo of Kilian Nierenz and Milena Raithel. The Bavarians, for their part, pipped Spaniards Alex "Sito" Español and Borja Odriozola by a mere 1.7 seconds. Español thus increased its lead in the overall standings over the Belgian Tom Heindrichs by eight points. The brother of World Rally Champion Thierry Neuville and his co-driver Jonas Schmitz finished fourth in the asphalt rally around Lübbecke.

At the season finale from October 16 to 19 as part of the Central European Rally, which is part of the World Rally Championship, three drivers still have a chance of winning the title: Español leads Heindrichs by twelve points, while Nierenz is 29 points behind and has to hope that his rivals are off the pace. At the World Championship round around Passau, a maximum of 35 points are still up for grabs.

The right choice of tyres sets the course for victory at the Rally Stemweder Berg

A preliminary decision for victory at the ADAC Rallye Stemweder Berg, which is part of the German Rally Championship, was already made in the third special stage on Friday evening. As the only ones in the field, Kamermans/Müller had the right nose and put their Opel Corsa Rally Electric on rain tyres. Promptly, it began to rain immediately before the start of the stage, whereupon the Dutch duo built a significant lead of 18.6 seconds.

But even after that, Kamermans did not merely manage his lead but consolidated his advantage with three more special stage best times. “The first win feels great. Of course, the perfect tyre choice on Friday evening played into our hands. It was clear that we had to keep our concentration and still continue to attack. In the second stage on Saturday morning, we had a real moment of shock, but then we approached the rest of the rally as if it had only just begun. That was the key to this victory. To win here after the last rally, in which pretty much everything went wrong, is just great," said Kamermans.

Even though his title chances are likely to be only mathematical in nature, Kilian Nierenz was highly satisfied with second place, the fourth podium finish this season: “We started the rally perfectly with two best times. The rain on Friday evening surprised us as much as everyone except Fabi. He was simply smarter there. On the second day I made a few mistakes, so we are all the more happy about this second place. It was close, it was exciting, and it was a lot of fun again. Our goal now is to secure third place overall at the finale."

Third-placed Alex Español set three stage best times, including those in the final Power Stage, and was pleased with the increased lead in the overall standings: “Like most others, we made the wrong tyre call on Friday evening. So the plan for the second day was clear: full attack, take as many points as possible. That worked out great, and the fact that we were able to win the Power Stage at the end and take the five bonus points gave us a little more breathing space in the standings. Nevertheless, we will go into the Central European Rally fully focused, as we have done in all previous rallies. Because that's the only way you can win the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup."

ADAC Sports President Dr. Ennser enthusiastic, Fabian Vettel excited

As part of the development program, Opel racing legend Volker Strycek once again piloted the new 207 kW (281) hp Opel Mokka GSE Rally as the lead vehicle over the special stages of the ADAC Rallye Stemweder Berg. The electric powerhouse is the first rally car being developed according to the FIA eRally5 regulations, which come into force in 2026.

For the second time after the 2024 Mont-Blanc Morzine Rally, Dr. Gerd Ennser took part in a Cup race. Alternating with his son Fabian, the ADAC sports president drove an Opel Corsa Rally Electric as a preceding vehicle and enjoyed the experience: "The ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup is unique. For the ADAC, it is important that electrification in motorsport progresses. I've been a big rally fan since I was young and always thrilled when I have the opportunity to be active in a rally car myself. I'm not as competitive as the boys anymore – but it's still a lot of fun!"

First and foremost, fun will also be the focus of a prominent guest driver in three weeks. As part of the season finale of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup, Fabian Vettel (26) will make his rally debut. The brother of four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel will share the Corsa Rally Electric with experienced co-driver Gino Kruhs at the Central European Rally.

Standings ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup ‘powered by GSE’ after 6 rounds:

1. Español        172 points

2. Heindrichs    160 points

3. Nierenz         143 points

4. Kamermans   121 points

5. Lemke           109 points

6. Neulinger        88 points

7. Wittenbeck      71 points

8. Rott                 63 points

9. Jungnickel       57 points

10. Eertmans       52 points

11. Steitz             42 points

Opel Mokka GSE Rally: A New Star in Electric Rallying

• World premiere: Opel Mokka GSE Rally prototype impresses spectators at the ELE Rally in the Netherlands
• Leader of the pack: Alex Español wins second round of the 2025 ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup ‘powered by GSE’
• Pursuers: Dutchman Fabian Kamermans and German Christian Lemke finish on the podium

With his second victory of the season, Spaniard Alex "Sito" Español extended his overall lead in the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup ‘powered by GSE’ at the ELE Rally in the Netherlands. After an exciting competition, the Iberian and his co-driver Borja Odriozola pipped the Dutch crew Fabian Kamermans/Stefan Müller by 13.6 seconds in adverse conditions with rain and slippery tracks. Germany's Christian Lemke and his co-driver Pascal Raabe, who replaced the injured Jan-Eric Bemmann, finished third. "It was hard work," said Español. "I was under enormous pressure the whole time. I'm really happy with my second win of the season and would like to see it continue like this. But I know the other fast guys will try to prevent that."

However, the secret star at the ELE Rally was something else: The new Opel Mokka GSE Rally celebrated its premiere in front of a large audience, including more than 50 guests from Opel Belgium and Opel Netherlands, during the asphalt race around Eindhoven. Opel motorsport legend Volker Strycek was behind the wheel of the 207 kW (280 hp) electric rally car from Rüsselsheim, which boasts a torque of 345 Newton meters. Rebecca Reinermann, Vice President Marketing at Opel and Vauxhall was also thrilled as she climbed into the passenger seat of the all-electric prototype at the ELE Rally

Despite Opel Mokka GSE Rally grabbing some of the attention the other drivers were fully focussed on ensuring an exciting competition in their Opel Corsa Rally Electric rally cars. With two special stage best times, Español took the lead in the standings on Friday and did not relinquish it until the finish late on Saturday evening, although Christian Lemke was always breathing down his neck. After the eleventh special stage, only two tenths of a second separated the leaders. Only one stage later, Lemke lost about half a minute but attacked again in the last two stages and thus pushed guest driver Timo van der Marel off the podium. "It was a lot of fun," said the German happily. "Despite the difficult conditions, it was a nice rally, although not an easy one. The car was great, we were able to keep up with the speed of the front runners over the two days and are very satisfied overall."

Van der Marel had fought a tough duel with Fabian Kamermans for the title of best local throughout the rally. Kamermans, who like Español, van der Marel, Lemke and Belgian Tom Heindrichs, who finished fifth, achieved at least one best time in a special stage, was delighted with the best Cup result of his career: "It's a great feeling to be on the podium at my home rally. Of course, I would have liked to win, but Sito was incredibly fast. The fight in the top 6 was crazy. With the best time and the five bonus points in the Power Stage, we almost got the maximum out of it, are now in 3rd place in the overall standings and are happy. It could hardly have gone better." Kilian Nierenz and Milena Raithel, who had finished on the podium at the opening round in Sulingen, finished sixth.

“This was a very special event for Opel,” said Jörg Schrott, Head of Opel Motorsport. “Our new Opel Mokka GSE Rallye generated a lot of attention at the ELE Rally. The car left a strong impression visually, acoustically and in terms of performance. The fight for the top in the Cup standings was again extremely exciting. Five drivers have set at least one stage best time, which speaks for the high level of balance in the field. Opel has made a strong statement for electric rallying here in the Netherlands.”

The third round of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup ‘powered by GSE’ will take place on June 14/15 at the Rallye Vosges Grand-Est. The pacey electric cars will set up their service park in St.-Dié-des-Vosges.

Points standings ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup ‘powered by GSE’ after 2 of 7 rounds:

1. Español                             64 points

2. Lemke                                53

3. Kamermans                       48

4. Nierenz                               46

5. Heindrichs                          41

6. Wittenbeck                         25

7. Jungnickel                          20

8. M. Neulinger and Steitz     both 18

10. Eertmans                           13

New Opel Mokka GSE Rally: Future of Electric Rallying Starts Now!

• Pioneer: Opel Mokka GSE Rally is first vehicle to be developed according to FIA’s new eRally5 regulations
• Eye-catching prototype: With ‘OMG! GSE’ foiling, strong colours and special wheels
• Top performance: 207 kW (280 hp) and 345 Nm of torque
• Motorsport technology: Bilstein rally suspension, racing gearbox, lightweight chassis
• Rally premiere: Opel Mokka GSE Rally celebrates debut at ELE Rally Eindhoven on May 23/24

ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup ‘powered by GSE’ has just made a successful start to its fifth season. To this day, the rally series is the world's only all-electric rally one-make cup, but Opel is already looking to the future. Because the manufacturer is giving a preview of what the electric rally car of tomorrow could look like with the new Opel Mokka GSE Rally – also in an exciting and electrifying video. With 207 kW (280 hp), the powerful prototype once again underlines the pioneering role that Opel plays in electric rallying.

“For more than four years, Opel and the ADAC have been demonstrating that electric rallying works and excites. With our new Opel Mokka GSE Rally, we are offering a glimpse of a fully electric next generation rally car. Thanks to the latest motorsport technology the prototype offers strong performance and power aplenty,” said Opel and Vauxhall CEO Florian Huettl.

Opel Mokka GSE Rally: Goosebumps, sportiness and electrifying euphoria

Serial production Opel Mokka is already an exciting head turner with its characteristic design, new colours, new cockpit and top technologies. New Opel Mokka GSE Rally retains much of this – and represents the next big step especially for all-electric rallying: it is stronger, faster, more uncompromising in every respect!

From the outside, Opel Mokka GSE Rally is an absolute eye-catcher: With its extraordinary motorsport foiling including large ‘OMG! GSE’ lettering. In addition, there are yellow brake calipers at the front and yellow rims at the rear, as well as other rally design accents. There is a clearly visible air intake on the roof and "Mokka GSE RALLY" is emblazoned in white and yellow lettering on the black bonnet.

Elsewhere, the inner values of the prototype with the Blitz are even more impressive: an electric peak power output of 207 kW (280 hp) and torque of 345 Newton metres, combined with sophisticated motorsport technology, promise performance on a par with a Rally4 car. A multi-plate limited-slip differential and a racing gearbox, together with reinforced drive shafts and wheel hubs, provide powerful propulsion. The chassis was manufactured in a lightweight design. The perfectly tuned rally suspension from Bilstein consists of reinforced McPherson struts and uniball mounts on the front axle as well as a rigid rear axle with modified springs and dampers. Electronic driving aids such as ABS, ESP, lane-keep assist and traction control are all absent on Opel Mokka GSE Rally. Based on the experience gained from the Opel Corsa Rally Electric, the software tuning for the engine and battery management has been designed for maximum efficiency, driveability under competitive conditions and performance. The battery corresponds to the series version with a storage capacity of 54 kWh.

“The Mokka GSE Rally will make Opel Motorsport fans’ hearts beat faster and give them real ‘OMG! GSE’ moments. The electric rally prototype proves that our GSE sub-brand will hit the next level in 2025: with electric thrills and high-level performance true to our rich motorsport heritage,”, said Rebecca Reinermann, Vice President Marketing at Opel and Vauxhall.

Elsewhere, the extremely high safety standards have been retained. Like the Opel Corsa Rally Electric, the Opel Mokka GSE Rally also has a roll cage (certified by the FIA), rally seats with six-point seatbelts, a special encapsulation of the battery and an additional underride guard. The 400-volt system is continuously monitored by the proven Master Alarm Indicator. In the unlikely event of an insulation issue, a visual and acoustic warning system immediately reports a malfunction. In the event of a sudden deceleration (such as in a collision), a sophisticated sensor system completely shuts down the high-voltage system in a few tenths of a second. In addition, Opel Mokka GSE Rally has a special extinguishing system with electrically non-conductive extinguishing agent.

And: Opel Mokka GSE Rally is the world's first rally car currently being developed according to the FIA's new eRally5 regulations. The fast prototype could thus be used worldwide in multiple customer sport competitions from the 2026 rally season.

From vision to reality: Electric rally brand sport works and inspires

Opel Mokka GSE Rally thus represents the next possible development stage for all-electric rally one-make racing. Since the 2021 season, Opel has been proving: Electric rally racing works and inspires! The Corsa Rally Electric, which is used in the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup ‘powered by GSE’, has proven to be a fast, reliable and safe electric rally car. The near-production technology, especially for the high-voltage components such as the electric motor, inverter and battery, effortlessly masters the extreme demands of rallying. The same applies to the innovative charging infrastructure, with which Opel always reliably supplies the nimble electric rally cars on site with sustainable energy.

Acceptance and interest in the world's first electric one-make rally cup has been growing from year to year since the beginning. Since the debut season in 2021, a total of 63 drivers from 13 nations have taken part in one of the 33 Cup races in six countries so far. The next round of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup ‘powered by GSE’ 2025 will take place on May 23/24 as part of the ELE Rally in Eindhoven. Visitors of the Opel Motorsport service park can take a closer look at the Opel Mokka GSE Rally prototype which will celebrate its rally premiere in the Netherlands.

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

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

In record time: From young talent to rally ace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Classics to participate in Germany’s biggest Oldtimer Rally

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

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

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

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

Walter Röhrl drives Opel Commodore GS/E and Ascona 400

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

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

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

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

Opel Astra plug-in hybrid bold and pure course car

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

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