In a surprise move, GM’s troubled European unit Opel announced today its return to grassroots motor racing for the 2013 season with two new models, the Adam Cup for international rallies and the Astra GTC Cup for a circuit program focused on Germany.

“These new motorsports activities play an important role in the strategic re-alignment of the company; they are a fundamental element of our brand profile,” stated Thomas Sedran, Opel’s Deputy CEO.

Beginning with the Adam, the rally cup version of Opel’s new premium city car has been developed to conform to FIA R2 standards and will compete in the international rally scene with the likes of the Peugeot 208 R2 and Skoda Fabia R2.

The Astra OPC GTC Cup, on the other hand, was engineered to match the “VLN Endurance Championship” standards, which are the most popular grass roots racing series in Europe.

Opel said that the cars will also compete in their own class (“Astra OPC Cup”), adding that the highlight of the season will be their participation at next year’s 24-hour race on the Nürburgring track.

The German carmaker is expected to release technical details and prices for individuals as well as private teams early next year.

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