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When Opel produces a new car, its engineers develop its performance in its testing centre in Dudenhofen, Germany. The testing process is largely a private affair, that is, until now.
To commemorate 50 years of testing at Dudenhofen, Opel is inviting employees, fans and all friends of the brand from across Europe to attend a special event in its test and development centre on 10th September to have an exclusive, behind the scenes look at the site. And it looks like it is going to be a big bash, as up to 20,000 guests are expected to attend.
Guests will see action aplenty with rally vehicles, racing cars and classics taking to the recently completed skid pad. This 80,000 square metre area and straightaway was built to enable tests for automated driving.
Further fun will be provided, while the classic car rally, KlassikTour Kronberg, will stop in Dudenhofen for the first time, where it will complete two special stages on the testing grounds.
The first stage will involve a high-speed circular track where rally drivers will switch over to the new Opel Astra.
Demonstrations from Opel's motorsport division will also take place where drivers will show what the GTC OPC, Adam R2 and Astra TCR can deliver on the day.
For the youngsters, there will also be dexterity competitions and games from football golf and fowling to mini Opel Adam races, which will be run with Opel's partner football club, Borussia Dortmund. And for up-and-coming test drivers, the Dudenhofen team have even recreated some of its most exciting tests in miniature format.
Those who successfully master the mini torture track will get a real certificate as a recognised test driver.
Meanwhile, classic car fans will have plenty to admire at the Alt Opel IG, which will exhibit around 200 automotive treasures from through the decades. In addition, many classic and vintage vehicles from the Opel Classic treasure trove will be shown all over the plant premises.
There will be around 150 Opel vehicles available to test drive and an extensive exhibit of current Opel models, as well as a large selection of used cars for sale at special employee rates and conditions.
"This will be a totally new experience for the Opel Test Centre," says Vice President Vehicle Engineering at Opel, William F. Bertagni. "Over five decades, the site has grown into Opel's largest and most important test centre in Europe and we are looking forward to opening the Centre to our guests."