The Opel e-Rally Cup, a racing class in which the electric Opel Corsa e-Rally is driven, is entering its second season and is coming to the Netherlands. On May 20 and 21, the electric rally cars will compete against each other during the ELE Rally in Eindhoven. For the new season, Opel is also adjusting the Corsa-e Rally on a few points.
The changes to the Corsa-e Rally, which AutoWeek were already allowed to use, are not very drastic. Opel says that the limited-slip differential has been overhauled, which should allow the Corsa-e Rally to release its power of 136 hp and 260 Nm of torque more effectively on the ground. The artificial sound system has also been optimized, according to Opel, so that the electric rally car should sound more ‘aggressive’ and be easier to hear. That improvement is welcome, because Sandor van Es spoke of “a loud, artificial sound, which is somewhere between a spaceship and a rim that rubs”. So not too pleasant.
Last season, the Opel e-Rally Cup only covered Germany and the Czech Republic, with six events being held in Germany and only one in the Czech Republic. There will be more variation for the coming season. There are still seven rallies on the calendar, but in Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and France. However, four of the seven rallies are still held in Germany. The first event is scheduled for May 6 and 7 in Sulingen, Germany. Then it is the turn of the Netherlands immediately, on 20 and 21 May.
Private teams participate in the Opel e-Rally Cup, who can purchase the Corsa e-Rally for €49,900. Young rally drivers in the racing class have a chance to win the prize money of €100,000 and a place in the ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team. They will then be able to take the wheel of the Opel Corsa Rally4 and participate in other international rally championships.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl