Opel returns to international rallying with Adam R2
Opel Adam R2 rally car
By Bob Hume, 05th February 2013
With a rallying heritage as strong as Opel's, their return to motorsport with the Adam Cup last November was bound to have sparked hope that the German company would at least dip a toe in the water again.
This might just be a start: a new concept study of Vauxhall/Opel's super-cute Adam, built based on FIA R2 regulations and it's reported that final development and homologation are planned during 2013.
Opel has optimistically commented that it was taking "another step in a new motorsport strategy by offering a top-class vehicle for international customer rallying which will be eligible for every national championship in Europe".
Opel Adam to to be built as FIA R2 rally car
The Adam R2 is powered by a 1.6-litre ECOTEC 16V engine with variable camshaft phasing that develops around 185bhp and maximum torque of about 190 Nm. Transmission is via a Sadev sequential five-speed gearbox and a limited-slip diff with a multi-disc lock.
The chassis set-up includes asphalt and gravel settings. Braking is courtesy of a hydraulic ‘fly-off’ handbrake, Brembo 4-piston front brake calipers and braking pressure regulation for the rear axle.
Opel returns to international rallying with Adam R2
The R2‘s cabin features an integrated safety cage; SPARCO Competition racing seats compatible with the HANS driver safety system; a cockpit with an LCD gear indicator, control light and MONIT trip computer; a central control panel; a map reading light and an electric fire extinguisher.
The R2 is based on the Cup variant and Opel hopes that it will enable talented young drivers to "gradually progress to the pinnacle of European competition".
It's no Group B Manta 400 but it's a start and I love the nostalgic nod towards the Opel works colours. There is some speculation that we may yet see a Corsa WRC.
