Having already launched its line of GSE performance electric vehicles, Opel has announced it will enter the Formula E race series. The single-seater championship has drawn in numerous manufacturers, including Cupra, DS Automobiles, Jaguar, Nissan and Porsche.
Opel is no stranger to electric motorsport; five years ago, it competed in the first electric rally cup with the Corsa e. More recently, it rolled out the Mokka GSE Rally with 281hp and 345Nm, which went on to influence the road-going Mokka GSE. But those of a more mature vintage will also recall its past efforts in the World Rally Championship, Formula Opel, Formula 3 and the German DTM series.
Commenting on the announcement, Opel CEO Florian Huettl, said: "Joining Formula E marks a new milestone for Opel on our journey towards an electric future. With Formula E moving to GEN4 cars as of the coming season, we see this as the ideal time to join this exciting, all-electric racing competition. Our Opel GSE Formula E Team will show what our brand stands for: German engineering, bold design and electrified performance, attributes that also apply to Opel's fully-electric GSE models such as the Mokka GSE and soon the new Corsa GSE.”
What's new about the GEN4 Formula E cars?
The arrival of the GEN4 cars in Formula E represents the biggest leap in performance for the race series. Peak power climbs to 816hp (600kW) in qualifying and attack mode, a 340hp (250kW) increase over the previous race cars. The other significant upgrade for the fourth-generation cars is the inclusion of permanent all-wheel drive, while the energy recovery capacity is also increased to 700kW.
"We are delighted to welcome Opel as a new factory team in Formula E,” said Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E. "As a strong German brand with distinctive engineering expertise and a fresh, bold image, Opel brings a long and storied history in motorsport and a new dynamic to the starting grid. Opel's commitment also shows the importance of Formula E for global car manufacturers in the transition to electric mobility.”