Tuesday, 28 June 2022

Future is Now: New Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN

  • Hydrogen fuel: Three-minute refuelling for up to 400 km range (WLTP 1)
  • Opel Vivaro-e basis: Fuel cell system in engine bay, hydrogen tanks replace battery
  • Smart concept: Benefits in performance and durability
  • Pioneer: Stellantis first to put hydrogen LCVs onto the road
  • Made in Germany: Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN assembled in Rüsselsheim

Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is the ideal light commercial vehicle for fleet customers who want to cover long distances or who need to refuel within minutes. Electrically powered Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle with plug-in battery. Packaging of the technology is so compact that it makes no compromises on cargo space compared with conventional powertrains. The range is up to 400 kilometres (WLTP 1) and it takes only three minutes to refuel with hydrogen – about the same time needed to fill up a conventional diesel or petrol car. Vehicle offers a cargo volume of up to 6.1 cubic metres and a payload of 1,000 kilogrammes as well as a towing capacity of 1,000 kg. The Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is available in lengths M and L (4.95 and 5.30 m) and has already joined the fleet of Miele, the German premium domestic appliance manufacturer.

Clever concept: Long range, zero emissions, quick refuelling

Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is based on the battery electric Opel Vivaro-e, the “2021 International Van of the Year”. Principle of Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is simple: from hydrogen and air, the fuel cell generates electricity to drive the electric motor. Only product of this reaction is pure water vapour out of the exhaust.

Plug-in fuel cell concept of the Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN enables the integration of the whole fuel cell system with the existing traction motor under the bonnet. In addition, the battery of the Vivaro-e BEV (battery electric vehicle) is replaced by three 700 bar hydrogen tanks with a capacity of 4.4 kg

45 kW fuel cell can generate enough power for longer stretches of highway driving, while the 10.5 kWh lithium-ion battery located under the front seats provides dynamic peak power when required, for example, at start-up and under acceleration. Since the battery covers power needs in such situations, the fuel cell can run at optimum operating conditions. 

Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN also features regenerative braking, while the plug-in capability offers the opportunity to recharge the battery externally, if necessary, e.g. at a charging station, providing 50 km of pure battery electric range. A three-phase onboard charger (11 kW) and a mode 2 charging cable are standard.

Ready for everything: Two lengths and up to 6.1 m3 of cargo volume

Thanks to smart packaging, Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN makes no compromises on space compared to the combustion engine versions, offering up to 5.3 (size M) or 6.1 m3 (size L) of cargo volume. The payload of the fuel cell electric LCV is 1,000 kg. Loading/unloading is easy via the sliding doors on each side and the rear doors.

Like its battery-electric sibling and those with internal combustion engines, Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN offers an unusually wide range of driver assistance systems that enhance safety. The equipment includes a 180-degree panorama rear view camera, blind-spot alert and front/rear park pilot.

Multimedia Navi Pro infotainment system operates via voice recognition or colour touchscreen and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation system offers maps for Europe, dynamic route guidance and TMC. Users can also cool or heat the vehicle during recharging via “OpelConnect” and programme charging times with the “myOpel” app.

Production of the Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is currently beginning and ramping up at Opel Special Vehicles (OSV) in Rüsselsheim. Opel and Stellantis have more than 20 years of experience in the development of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.

With the new Vivaro-e HYDROGEN, Opel is continuing its electrification offensive. Customers have the choice of selecting the drive concept in the Opel LCV portfolio that suits their application. The Vivaro e HYDROGEN complements the Combo-e Cargo, Vivaro-e and Movano-e battery-electric light commercial vehicles. Opel will offer an electrified version of every passenger car and LCV model by 2024.

[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.

Monday, 20 June 2022

Opel celebrates Corsa Jubilee with Limited Edition “40 Years”

  • First pictures: Special model in red with black ornamentation
  • Timeless pattern: Modern interpretation of Opel Corsa A tartan seat trim
  • From 0001 to 1982: Each car has its own label in the interior
  • Six generations of success: 14 million units of Opel Corsa produced in 40 years

As the first Opel Corsa rolled off the assembly line in 1982, it opened the first chapter of an ongoing success story. Today, 40 years and six model generations later, more than 14 million units have left the plants; demand for the bestselling small car is as high as ever, especially for the all-electric Corsa-e. Opel will celebrate the jubilee with the “Corsa 40 Years” special model, which will go on sale in the coming weeks in selected markets in Europe. German carmaker released the first pictures today.


Limited edition – Opel will produce only 1,982 units – comes with a new colour for the bodywork called “Rekord Red” that is highly reminiscent of the red used on the original Opel Corsa A. Contrast is provided by the black roof and black coloured décor such as the Opel Blitz emblem, the tailgate opener and the centrally located Corsa nameplate. Seventeen-inch light alloy wheels in glossy black with inserts in matt grey underline the dynamic appearance.


Inside,  “Corsa 40 Years” is not only nostalgic but also highly modern. Interior is unconventionally stylish, just like the first generation, especially the modern interpretation of the original tartan seat trim. Buyers will also be able to display the timeless pattern themselves – at no extra charge – with limited edition tartan socks in today’s design as well as that of the original.



Limited edition badge is equally unique. Each “Corsa 40 Years” will possess its own label numbered from 0001 to 1982, located on the black décor of the passenger-side instrument panel. In addition, like every Opel Corsa, the special model offers numerous comfort and safety features as standard. List ranges from the Multimedia Radio (compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and Full LED headlamps to electronic driver assistance systems such as front collision alert with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection.


Opel Corsa is the bestselling small car on the German market. In addition, Opel Corsa-e also topped sales of all battery-electric cars in Germany in May.

Friday, 17 June 2022

Real Opel Classics at the ADAC Oldtimer Tour Hessen-Thüringen

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

Opel Kadett C GT/E

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

Opel Astra Hybrid and Opel Kadett GSi 

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

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

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


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

Opel Rekord C Cabriolet

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

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

Opel GT

Second version of the Opel Kadett GT/E was presented to the public for the first time at the IAA 1977 and was primarily intended to make entry into motorsport particularly easy. The competition vehicle, which was consistently trimmed for sporty use, still inspires enthusiasts today with its equipment from the two-liter engine with electronic fuel injection to the ZF five-speed gearbox and limited-slip differential to the sporty tuned and reinforced chassis. Eye-catching white and yellow paintwork was standard.

Opel Manta B GSi Exclusiv

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

Opel Diplomat V8

Strongest model in the Opel field of participants in this year's Hessen-Thüringen Rally is the Opel Diplomat B V8 . With its 5.4-liter eight-cylinder engine (169 kW/230 hp), the long-wheelbase version of the Opel flagship reached speeds of around 200 km/h, making it one of the fastest touring sedans of its time. Diplomat also lives up to his name, as the vehicle was used by American President Gerald Ford on his state visit in 1975. Last, but not least, another state-of-the-art example completes the field: the Kadett GSi , painted metallic black with 85 kW/115 hp was purchased in 1991 by none other than former Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, who used the car for five years for private trips together with his wife Loki. Opel Kadett GSi was able to reach the then prestigious mark of 200 km/h top speed not least because of its aerodynamic qualities with a trailblazing drag coefficient of 0.30.

Opel Kadett E GSi


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

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

All-New Opel Astra Hybrid