Vauxhall’s sibling brand builds sub-£46,000 hardcore Corsa-e Rally to take part in one-make German race series
Vauxhall’s sister brand, Opel, has released a rally variant of the new Corsa-e electric hatchback, making it the first mainstream manufacturer to offer customers an electric rally car.
Called the Corsa-e Rally, the model will be available to buy from Opel Motorsport, with the German manufacturer claiming a sub-£46,000 price tag.
The cost represents a near-£20,000 increase over the £26,490 starting price of the standard Corsa-e. The rally model retains the 50kWh battery and 134bhp, 192lb ft electric motor of the production variant.
Rally-spec suspension has been fitted and the body made slightly wider and higher, with a 2mm-longer wheelbase. Few technical details have been revealed, but it’s also expected to be significantly lighter.
In terms of design, the Corsa-e Rally bears a strong resemblance to its production counterpart, differentiated only by FIA-mandated towing straps, lightweight performance alloy wheels and a prominent decal package.
The Corsa-e Rally will compete in the 2020 ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup, a one-make electric race series that will host 15 young rally drivers.
The model will make its international debut at next month’s Frankfurt motor show.
Read more
New Vauxhall Corsa: UK pricing and spec details announced
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2019: Best of the Rally stage
World’s most unlikely rally cars
Source: Autocar
