Opel Corsa e-Rally is undergoing final tests, the Cup will start in summer 2020
Opel Motorsport develops the first-ever battery-electric rally car, the Corsa-e Rally, and the entries for the inaugural ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup would be opened on December 15.
Most recently, two development vehicles underwent durability tests at Dudenhofen Test Centre in Germany. In January, the test cars will have simulation rides at some real rally stages and then around 20 race cars are expected to be built for the 2020/2021 season, with first customer tests scheduled for July 2020.
Opel Corsa-e Rally
“We have two objectives. Both cars are covering as many miles 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, as well as adapting the software. I am pleased to report that our programme is going smoothly”, said Opel Motorsport Director, Jörg Schrott.
Opel Corsa-e Rally during test
The Corsa-e Rally has the same battery as the production car. The 50kWh energy storage capacity enables a range of 345 km according to WLTP. The electric motor delivers 100kW (136hp) and 260Nm of torque.
In order to optimise the range for rallying, the battery offers three modes: in “competition mode”, full power and maximum torque are available for at least 60km. The “rain mode” gives a torque curve adapted to slippery surfaces. The energy-saving “eco mode”will be used between stages and for driving to service.
The centre of gravity is low, thanks to the underfloor-mounted battery, and the weight distribution is also very good, which is extremely important for an agile competition car.
Opel Corsa-e Rally
As soon as the development of the Corsa-e Rally has been completed, a reference car will be built that will also serve as the template for customer vehicles.
Orders for the Corsa-e Rally can be placed now, entries for the 2020/21 ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup open on December 15. Additional information is available at www.opel-motorsport.com or www.adac.de/e-rally.
The entries for ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup are opening on December 15
Photos: Opel Motorsport,
