Opel's Rally Comeback

**Sulland** · 2nd March 2014, 09:47

Opel used to be a big brand in rally, and that made sure the "Old man with hat" syndrome stayed at arms length in many countries.

The intro of 4wd meant that Opel as well as many other brands stopped development of their 2wd cars, went into racing or stopped with motorsport. There are still many Ascona and Mantas being driven in rallies, but very few newer models, apart from some Kadett/Astra models.

The decision of Opel to do a comeback into the Rally arena, could be a commercial turning point for the brands Old Man With Hat syndrome.

If Opel is re opening its Rally Division of Opel Motorsport, many people still remember the brand out in the forrests, and would like to see it back!

**Rallyper** · 2nd March 2014, 09:53

Today a modern quality car, and not so much "old man with hat" car. But still - we very much would like them to do the same thing as in the sixtiees...

**AndyRAC** · 2nd March 2014, 13:37

The same with any prospective Manufacturer - the more the merrier. As long as it's done properly.
You would think it would be with a Corsa based car. However, I know they're running the Adam in a few series, but I always expect them to come back to top level Motorsport in circuit racing rather than Rallying.

The Ascona/Manta 400 were nice cars; with the former driven by Rohrl winning the WRC in 1982. Though I love driving the DTM Calibra 2.5 V6 on Gran Turismo....

**Sulland** · 7th May 2014, 01:28

Have Opel started to build a R5 engine or chassis yet?

**Franky** · 7th May 2014, 10:59

I remember reading somewhere on this forum, that they aren't developing any new rally cars at the moment.

**vino_93** · 7th May 2014, 19:39

yep that's true

Nothing in development for the moment. No money to start something. There will be a meeting to see what they will do in the months coming

**Rallyper** · 7th May 2014, 19:58

They really should try. They could build a car for the average rally drivers to have fun with. Meaning a cost effective strong R5 car able to win local events.

**Sulland** · 12th August 2015, 17:19

Congratulation to Opel Motorsport on their first championshionship, the ERC Junior title with Emil Bergkvist.

hopefully this can give boost to start on the next level!

**Eli** · 12th August 2015, 18:33

yeah for now the Opel R5 project is on hold...unfortunately..

**focus206** · 12th August 2015, 18:42

I didn't know he was already mathematically champion, big congrats to him! I didn't expect him to be this fast, he deserves the titlle. And I'm glad for Opel, looks like Adam R2 is a very good car, also Griebel and Zawada showed good speed.