This is the R5-specification Corsa that German company Holzer has developed with an eye on the WRC 2 support category in the FIA World Rally Championship. We take a closer look at the potential newcomer in a highly competitive market.

What is it?

It is a 1600cc, direct injection, turbocharged, four-wheel drive car which has been privately developed by the Holzer Group to R5 regulations. It has a five-speed gearbox and mechanical differentials at the front and rear.

Where could we see it?

WRC 2. It complies with category regulations and those of other R5 series worldwide.

Who are its potential R5 rivals?

Skoda Fabia, Ford Fiesta, Citroën DS 3, Hyundai i20 and Peugeot 208 T16

What is the Holzer Group?

The German company is based near Augsberg, in southern Bavaria, with a motorsport history dating back to 1979 when brothers Ronald and Guenther Holzer competed in the Opel Rally Cup. Ronald won the German Championship 10 years later in a Lancia Delta HF Integrale.

After hanging up their helmets, they formed Holzer, which supplies Formula 1 teams as well as representing Opel in touring car racing. Its roots remain in rallying and the company runs the Opel Junior Team in the FIA European Championship and the ADAC Opel Rally Cup in Germany.

What do they think?

“We believe in R5 as a very competitive and interesting rally category. The technology is affordable so we decided to start a project to build the Holzer R5 Corsa. Now we are looking forward to the feedback of the rally community,” said CEO Guenther Holzer.

What’s next for the car?

The R5 Corsa must be homologated by Opel to be eligible for top level competition.

What are the car’s technical details?

CAR Base vehicle Opel Corsa E Length 4021mm Width 1336mm Weight 1230kg ENGINE Capacity 1598cc, turbocharged, direct injection Power 280hp Torque 421Nm TRANSMISSION Drive All-wheel Gearbox 5-speed sequential Differentials Mechnical (front and rear) CHASSIS Suspension MacPherson front and rear BRAKES Gravel 355mm Asphalt 300mm WHEELS Gravel 7x15in Asphalt 8x18in Tyres Michelin

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