Development of Opel Corsa-e Rally under way

The comprehensive development programme of the Opel Corsa-e Rally for the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup is proceeding at full speed. Two examples of the battery-electric rally car are currently undergoing durability testing at the Dudenhofen Test Centre.

“We have two objectives,” said Opel Motorsport director, Jörg Schrott. “Both cars are covering as many kilometres as possible, in order to gather the maximum amount of data at an early stage. There is no experience of an electric rally car that we could turn to, so initially we had to rely on calculations and simulations. These are being gradually replaced with real data. Other focuses are on loads and temperature management of the battery under rally conditions, as well as adapting the software. I am pleased to report that our programme is going smoothly.”

The engineers at Opel Motorsport will turn to the speed of the 100kW (136hp) electric rally car in the second phase of development.

“With a brand cup car, it is important that the performance remains constant and accessible under all conditions. The equipment should guarantee equal opportunity for all participants,” said Schrott. “We also decided that the Corsa-e Rally should match...