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

ADAC Rallye Stemweder Berg: Overall Leader Luca Pröglhöf Wins After Tough Fight

• Around Lübbecke: Fifth round of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe”
• Season victory number four: Austrian Pröglhöf extends his lead in the overall standings
• Electrifying experience: Actresses Gesine Cukrowski and Lina Helfrich thrilled by the ride in the Opel Corsa Rally Electric

Luca Pröglhöf is unstoppable in the 2024 ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe”. Perfectly guided as always by co-driver Christina Ettel, the 25-year-old Austrian celebrated his fourth win of the season at the ADAC Rallye Stemweder Berg and extended his lead in the overall standings to 42 points. “That was hard work,” sighed Pröglhöf, who had started the fifth of eight rallies of the season feeling unwell. “We had to give everything from start to finish and couldn't afford to make any mistakes. But that's how I like it best – fighting hard and celebrating hard at the end.”

In fact, the Austrian had to work much harder for his triumph than he did in his home victory in Weiz. In addition to the leader of the rankings, who was the fastest in four of the 10 special stages over a total of 101 kilometres, Christian Lemke put in an impressive performance with four best times. In the end, the 24-year-old and his co-driver Jan-Eric Bemmann crossed the finish line in second place, 12.9 seconds behind Pröglhöf, and thus jumped up to fourth place in the overall table. “After the setbacks of the last rallies, this second place is really good,” said the winner of the season opener in Sulingen. “We showed that we have the speed to fight at the front if everything goes right.”

Second in the rankings remains Frenchman Anthony Rott, who climbed onto the winners' podium again with his brother Adrien in third place. “I'm satisfied, but not extremely satisfied. There's still a little bit missing, but we're getting closer,” commented the Alsatian. Fourth place went to Spaniards Alex Español Jove/Daniel Rivera De La Red, who, like the Rotts, also set a best time. Johannes Wittenbeck also drove a strong rally. The German and his co-driver Maximilian Kugler got off to a perfect start in the rally with the second fastest time in SS1 and maintained a fast pace, which ultimately gave them the best result of their cup career with fifth place. “Simply fantastic,” beamed Wittenbeck. “We were well prepared and had agreed for the first time that I would not find out any times, but would just drive at my own pace. I could feel in the cockpit that things were going really well. We are very happy!”

Kilian Nierenz and Milena Raithel came sixth, although they did not receive any points as guest starters on their debut in the world's first electric one-make rally cup. “It was great fun! The car is super, we got better and better and felt right at home in the cup right from the start. We definitely want to be there next year,” said Nierenz.

Claire Schönborn also made an impeccable debut in the cup. The 25-year-old German, who has made a name for herself as a fast hill climb driver, made an excellent start to her first rally alongside her experienced co-driver Lisa Kiefer, finishing sixth in the first special stage. On the second day, the rally novice also completed the demanding asphalt stages without making any major mistakes and ended up in eighth place. This made Schönborn the second-best woman in the field behind the Belgian Lyssia Baudet and her co-driver Lea Sam Caw Freve.

Enthusiasm from actresses Gesine Cukrowski and Lina Helfrich

Actresses Gesine Cukrowski and Lina Helfrich were enthusiastic about their visit to the ADAC Rallye Stemweder Berg, which was marked by many strong impressions in the Opel service park as well as at the spectator points along the rally special stages. The highlight for mother and daughter was the ride alongside Opel racing legend Volker Strycek in the right seat of the VIP Corsa Rally Electric, which as course car drove ahead of the cup participants on the special stages.

The sixth round of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” will take place on September 6 and 7. The teams will then meet at the Rallye Mont-Blanc Morzine at the foot of the highest mountain in the Alps.

Standings ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup “powered by GSe” after 5 of 8 rounds:

1. Pröglhöf                                165 points.

2. Rott                                        123.

3. Español                                 96.

4. Lemke                                   71.

5. Chalvin                                  68.

6. Hangodi                                64.

7. Baudet                                  63.

8. Wittenbeck                           53.

9. Pottier                                   38.

10. Melse                                  37.

11. Kamermans                       16.

25 Years Ago: Launch of Opel Astra G

• Spring 1998: Completely newly developed second generation Astra reaches customers
• Safety first: With DSA chassis, ESP, H7 headlights and fully galvanized body
• Powerful into 2000s: Opel Astra OPC, Astra V8 Coupé and Astra OPC X-treme
• Opel Astra today: Latest generation debuts plug-in hybrid and battery-electric variants

In 1991, Opel presented Astra F as successor to Opel Kadett and marked start of a new chapter in company’s success story in the compact class. Opel Astra F became an absolute bestseller and the most-produced Opel model of all time. Successor, launched in 1998 had all the best prerequisites to continue the success of its predecessor. Opel Astra G was rolled out with many innovations: It was the first Opel with a fully galvanized body. In addition to 30 percent higher light output of  transparent H7 headlights, active driving safety was provided by newly developed DSA (Dynamic Safety Action) chassis. In addition, customers could choose from a wide range of body variants. And Opel Astra G also displayed its performance car potential in the following years as a powerful Opel Astra OPC and as an Astra V8 Coupé, which competed in both German Touring Car Masters and 24-hour race on Nürburgring.

Opel Astra G thus has many parallels to latest generation Astra. With it, Opel has opened another, completely new chapter of its compact class success story. Current Astra not only impresses with its bold and clear design including the characteristic Opel Vizor brand face and fully digital, intuitively operated Pure Panel Cockpit. Winner of  “Golden Steering Wheel 2022” 1 is also electrified for first time: with powerful plug-in hybrid variants and the battery electric Opel Astra Electric coming soon. Locally emission-free range-topping Opel Astra GSe (fuel consumption according to WLTP 2: 1.2-1.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 26-25 g/km; each combined) shows how particularly dynamic driving fun can be combined with a sense of responsibility.

Rüsselsheim goes Hollywood: From development to market launch of Opel Astra G

Given big shoes Opel Astra G had to fill at end of 1990s, it is no surprise that development process of car was ground-breaking. Repeating success of predecessor was paramount for Opel. That's why  development team decided to look for some completely new inspiration when planning second Opel Astra generation. Film “Jurassic Park”, which had already become a huge box office hit, proved to be a great help for designers. Opel Astra G had little to do with dinosaurs themselves – rather team used a computer-aided design program called ALIAS, which was originally developed for computer-animated films such as the Hollywood blockbuster. With help of software, designers could create new model in a virtual, three-dimensional computer world.

In the spring of 1998, Opel Astra G was launched as a three and five-door hatchback and an estate – all with a coupé-like design. Four-door notchback saloon, coupé, Astravan commercial vehicle and the convertible followed shortly afterwards ensuring that all important body styles were covered. All-new second generation Opel Astra shone with its own design including then-characteristic trapezoidal grille, a dynamic wedge front with windscreen pulled forward and an extended roof line as well as a high belt line and a coupé-like appearance on three-door model. This was also reflected in best-in-class aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.29.

Outstanding overall package: DSA chassis, fully galvanized body and ample space

Comfort and safety had the highest priority during development and Opel Astra G was characterised by dynamic chassis and drive technology as well as almost doubled torsional and flexural rigidity thanks to use of high-strength steels. All this combined with intelligent lightweight construction measures, so that the vehicles - combined with powerful, efficient engines - offered a lot of driving pleasure.

DSA chassis, which was newly developed, played a part in the active driving characteristics. It also ensured maximum driving stability in critical situations such as braking on different road surfaces. “With Opel DSA chassis, the front wheel with the better grip offers controlled manner toe-in, causing a counter-steering effect and thus counteracting the tendency to yaw,” stated Rüsselsheim-based carmaker at time. Safety chassis also combined comfort with agile and safe handling – even with a full load. From 1999, introduction of ESP further increased safety. And patented Pedal Release System (PRS), which protects against serious foot or leg injuries in the event of an impact, was also standard in every Opel Astra G.

1998 Opel Astra also set standards in its segment when it comes to interior spaciousness. The wheelbase, which is around ten centimetres longer than on its predecessor, allowed for more space, especially more head and knee room in rear. In hatchback variant, luggage compartment volume increased to 370 litres while Opel Astra estate boasted up to 1,500 litres. At same time, Astra G made a "quantum leap in terms of quality", as Frankfurter Rundschau at time confirmed. Main contributors to this improvement include high-quality interior materials along with low noise and vibration levels. Above all, however, body, which was fully galvanized for the first time, ensured an increased quality impression and high value.

Competition ambitions: Opel Astra G as OPC and V8 Coupé

At same time,second Astra generation showed that it could do much more than just master everyday tasks perfectly. It became a popular piece of sports equipment – and thus aroused the emotions of particularly ambitious drivers. Almost at the same time as Astra G was introduced, Opel Performance Center, or OPC for short, was launched under direction of Volker Strycek. First model from performance professionals was 1998 Opel Astra OPC with 118 kW/160 hp. Four years later, team showed that much more is possible with the further refined Astra OPC, which could reach speeds of up to 240 km/h. Further developed version had 147 kW/192 hp under bonnet – and was available both as a three-door model and as an estate.

But that's not all: Starting in 2000, Opel also got involved in German Touring Car Masters with the specially developed Opel Astra V8 Coupé – and immediately took second place in championship with high-tech racing car. More competitions followed, such as legendary 24-hour race at Nürburgring. And at 2001 Geneva Motor Show, Opel presented sports car as a 326 kW/444 hp Astra OPC X-treme concept, which promised top acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and could be driven on normal roads.

Opel Astra and Astra GSe today: Outstanding driving pleasure – with responsibility

Opel is once again tapping into this sporty heritage with current Astra – in a contemporary, future-oriented and above all responsible way. New top-of-the-range Opel Astra GSe 2 and Astra Sports Tourer GSe 2 are powerful, dynamic - and electrified. Because today GSe stands for “Grand Sport electric”. Models of the new Opel sub-brand offer everything that sporty but also responsible drivers desire: top performance, a sporty chassis and an electrified drive for locally emission-free driving. All this combined with a stunning design.

In addition, just like their Astra siblings, they come with numerous state-of-the-art technologies that make driving more relaxed and that customers previously only knew from higher segments – such as the latest version of the adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux LED Pixel Light with a total of 168 LED elements. Interior of the latest Astra generation is just as ground-breaking. With the fully digital Pure Panel, all analogue displays disappear. Instead, state-of-the-art human-machine interface (HMI) offers an intuitive operating experience with an extra-wide touchscreen. Opel developers attached great importance to the fact that the driver receives all necessary information and has direct access all useful operating options, but is not burdened with superfluous data or functions. Important settings such as air conditioning can still be set directly with just a few adjustments of controls.

Outstanding seating comfort is also typical of Opel. Front seats, developed in-house, are certified by AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.) and, with their exemplary ergonomics, make long journeys relaxing. Driver is supported by state-of-the-art assistance systems from the head-up display to the Intelli-Drive 1.0 system, which combines many driver assistance systems, to the 360-degree all-round view called Intelli-Vision. In addition, latest Astra makes a clear design statement: more dynamic than ever before, with clear, exciting lines without superfluous flourishes and with the new, characteristic brand face, Opel Vizor.

[1] AUTO BILD edition 45/2022 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 46/2022, category for “Best car up to €50,000”.

[2] Values determined using more realistic WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure) test method which replaces the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) test procedure. A vehicle's consumption, CO2 emissions and range not only depend on efficient use of energy by vehicle but are also influenced by driving style and other non-technical factors. Information on consumption and emissions does not refer to an individual vehicle and is intended solely for purposes of comparison between various vehicle types.

First Opel Corsa-e Rally Cars Delivered to Customers

• Delivery of first 10 Opel Corsa-e Rally cars in Dudenhofen
• Teams received car, equipment and information
• Teams from six nations to take part in ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup

Delivery of first 10 Opel Corsa-e Rally cars in Dudenhofen

ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup is ready for its debut season. The first ten Opel Corsa-e Rally cars have already been delivered to customers. At the Test Centre in Dudenhofen, rally teams received not only the vehicle but also their equipment, including stylish team tents and racing overalls for drivers and co-drivers.

Opel Corsa-e Rally

During the vehicle delivery, the teams received a comprehensive briefing on the new e-technology. This was followed by extensive functional tests with the 100 kW (136 hp) electric cars. In addition, the customers were able to convince themselves of the high potential of the Opel Corsa-e Rally in the “hot seat” next to Opel racing legend, Volker Strycek, on the spectacular endurance track of the test centre.

Opel racing legend Volker Strycek in the Opel Corsa-e Rally

“Vehicle delivery was an important step for us, the teams and the project,” says Opel Motorsport Director, Jörg Schrott. “It is a clear signal that things are finally about to get underway. Anticipation and excitement for the start of the season could be felt by everyone. Remaining cars will now be delivered successively.”

After the cancellation of the ADAC ACTRONICS Rally Sulingen due to Corona, the season opener of the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup will now take place on June 11/12 at the ADAC Rally Stemweder Berg. In preparation, the teams of the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup will contest a test event beforehand to familiarise themselves with the vehicle and charging infrastructure. In addition, the teams will receive high-voltage training, which will be conducted and certified by TÜV Thüringen.

Teams from Germany, France, Austria, Belgium, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands have registered for the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup 2021. Further details on the field of participants will be announced at a later date.

New Opel Corsa-e Rally is Ready to Go!

• Three-day test totalling 1,500 km successfully completed
• Four all-electric Corsa-e Rally cars simulate two rounds of German Rally Championship (DRM)
• ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup begins in 2021 with one test event and eight qualifying rounds

New Opel Corsa-e Rally at the Pferdsfeld Test Center

Opel is electric – on the road and on the special stages. Opel Corsa-e Rally is the first all-electric rally car from a carmaker. Blitz-badged electric vehicles will next year take part in their own one-make series – the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup. Four Corsa-e Rally cars from Opel Motorsport, in the hands of drivers Marijan Griebel, Horst Rotter and Opel racing legend, Volker Strycek, last week completed three days of testing at the Pferdsfeld Test Center. 100 kW (136 hp) cars covered a total of 1,500 kilometres without problems. Opel Corsa-e Rally is based on the successful Opel Corsa-e, the winner of the 2020 Golden Steering Wheel.

Two complete rounds of the German Rally Championship (DRM) were rehearsed during the three-day test programme – including special stages, road sections and servicing. The unique features of electro-mobility, such as times spent driving and charging, temperature management of the battery and fine-tuning the software, were tested for the first time in a rally environment. All-electric cars also completed long runs to test the durability of the new components.

“It was an efficient and successful test”, said Opel Motorsport Director, Jörg Schrott. “We gathered important data and information for the ongoing preparations for the 2021 Opel e-Rally Cup. Unfortunately, several test rallies with our development cars could not take place due to the Covid-19 pandemic. That made our rally simulation in Pferdsfeld even more important – as a result, the new Opel Corsa-e Rally is now ready to go.”

ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup will comprise eight qualifying rounds between spring and autumn 2021. An additional preparation rally for all registered teams is planned before the actual start of the season.

Opel GT and Opel Corsa A GSi are “Vintage Cars of the Year”

• Premiere: First time one brand wins two awards in Auto Bild Klassik readers’ choice
• Celebrities: Opel designer Erhard Schnell and touring car legend Volker Strycek accept awards

Vintage Car of the Year in the sports car and coupé segment: Opel GT designer Erhard Schnell next to his award-winning brainchild.

The 1968 Opel GT and the 1988 Opel Corsa GSi have won “Vintage Car of the Year” awards. It is the first time ever that two cars made by a single brand have celebrated victories at the “Golden Vintage Car” readers’ choice award organised by magazine Auto Bild Klassik. The pan-European award was established in 2010 and readers can choose their favourites in six categories. The iconic Opel GT won the “Sports cars and coupés” segment while the speedy Opel Corsa A GSi impressed in the “Small and compact car segment”. Two very special Opel ambassadors travelled to the award ceremony in Stuttgart. 91-year-old former Opel designer Erhard Schnell accepted the award for his brainchild – the Opel GSi. Elsewhere “Mister GSi”, Opel Director Performance Cars Volker Strycek, collected the trophy for the Corsa GSi.

“The courage we displayed when designing the Opel GT has paid off time and time again. I am delighted that its design still fascinates people today and has resulted in it winning ‘Vintage Car of the Year’,” said Erhard Schnell. “Opel has always built cars that spark emotion. This is demonstrated by icons such as the Opel GT but also by little sports cars such as the Corsa GSi – of which the latest variant is currently available,” added Volker Strycek.

Vintage Car of the Year in the small and compact car segment: “Mister GSi” Volker Strycek with the 1988 Opel Corsa A GSi.

Opel Corsa GSi was launched exactly 30 years ago. It was as dynamic as a motorbike: extremely compact, 820 kg light, with cheeky wheel arches, sport seats, 100 hp and a top speed of 188 km/h. It laid the foundations for further Corsa GSi models and its DNA can still be seen in its latest descendent. The latest generation Corsa GSi celebrated its world premiere a few weeks ago. Powered by a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine (fuel consumption^[1]: urban 8.0-7.7 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.5-5.1 l/100 km, combined 6.4-6.1 l/100 km, 147-139 g/km CO₂) it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 second and has a top speed of 207 km/h. The new Corsa GSi and its big brother the Insignia GSi are thus continuing Opel’s successful GSi tradition.

A groundbreaking design was already a feature of the very first sketch for Opel’s other winner at this year’s awards, the Opel GT. Presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1965, the Opel GT was already rolling off the production line three years later thanks to the excitement it stirred. The advertising slogan “Only flying is better” is just as iconic as the “Coke bottle” shape and the “sleeping eyes” pop-up headlights. Even back then, those responsible combined sportiness with comfort and trendsetting efficiency – just as the Opel designers are doing today with the Opel GT X Experimental. The forward-looking brand concept is a bold, 4.06-metre, 5-door, all-electric compact SUV with coupé appeal and brimming with innovative ideas, which gives a preview of what the future holds for Opel models.

 

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^[1] Values measured according to WLTP and converted to NEDC for comparison.

Small and Sporty: Sales Start for New Opel Corsa GSi

• Powerful engine: Turbocharging for outstanding throttle response and pulling power
• Agile chassis: OPC chassis set up on Nürburgring “Nordschleife”
• Long tradition: First Opel Corsa GSi debuted in 1988 with 100 hp

New Opel Corsa GSi 

The eagerly-awaited new Opel Corsa GSi has arrived on the market. With turbo boost and OPC chassis the newcomer represents a machine for true connoisseurs. After the Insignia, the Corsa is the second GSi model now on offer. It impresses with its ultra-precise OPC chassis – for exemplary handling and short braking distances. The Corsa GSi is powered by Opel’s lively 1.4-litre turbo with 110 kW/150 hp and 220 Nm of torque (fuel consumption¹ l/100 km: 8.0-7.7 urban, 5.5-5.1 extra-urban, 6.4-6.1 combined, CO₂ g/km 147-139 combined). Mated to a short-ratio, six-speed gearbox, the four-cylinder power unit delivers outstanding punch in second and third gears, as well as a maximum torque plateau from 3,000 to 4,500 rpm.

The “hot hatch” from Rüsselsheim is therefore very quick off the mark (zero to 100 km/h is covered in only 8.9 seconds) and impresses with great elasticity: it takes just 9.9 seconds to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear. Top speed is 207 km/h. The sporty Opel Corsa GSi can be now be ordered for €19,960 (RRP including VAT in Germany).

The OPC chassis and the disc brakes with red calipers have been set up on the legendary Nürburgring “Nordschleife” racetrack by Opel’s Director Performance Cars and Motorsport, Volker Strycek. Agile handling and short braking distances are guaranteed, especially when combined with the optional 18-inch light alloy wheels with 215/40 ZR18 sports tyres.

The high performance of the new Opel Corsa GSi is complemented by the athletic exterior looks featuring large air intakes, sculptured bonnet, prominent rear spoiler and precisely modelled side sills. From the front, the bold Opel GSi fascia with large honeycomb grille and the central Opel Blitz supported by two wings, along with the exterior rear view mirror housings in carbon racing-look become visible. The large chrome-ringed design elements that are visually connected in a horizontal line via black crosspieces running across the front, along with the black traverse cleat on the bonnet support the impression of sportiness. The vibrant styling is also present when viewed from the rear. The prominent spoiler on the edge of the roof creates additional downforce, the sporty chrome tailpipe is framed by the vibrant design of the rear apron in body colour.

The feeling of pure sportiness is also conveyed by the interior of the Opel Corsa GSi, especially when the sports steering wheel, leather gearshift knob and aluminium pedals are complemented by the optional Recaro performance seat.

Sporty GSi cars have a long tradition at Opel. The first to raise the adrenalin level were the Manta GSi and the Kadett GSi (115 hp from 1.8 litres) in 1984. Only four years later the 2.0-litre DOHC 16-valve engine in the Kadett 2.0 GSi 16V delivered 150 hp. The first Opel Astra also featured this engine.

Opel Corsa GSi family was founded in 1988 by the 100 hp Corsa A (now a much sought-after classic) and reached a brief hiatus in 2012 with the Corsa D. Until now: Opel Corsa GSi is back.

  ^[1] Values measured according to WLTP and converted to NEDC for comparison.