Vauxhall returns to rallying with Mokka GSE

Vauxhall is returning to the world of rallying with its latest all-electric model – the Mokka GSE.

The British marque will join its European counterpart Opel in the 2026 ADAC GSE Rally Cup with up and coming Welsh driver Ioan Lloyd at the wheel of the rally-prepped Mokka GSE.

Since 2021 Opel has collaborated with ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club) to run the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup using Opel Corsa Rally Electrics for the single-series competition.

For 2026, the championship has been renamed to recognise Vauxhall’s participation as a full factory works team, and the Corsa replaced with the brand-new, twice-as-powerful Mokka GSE.

Based on the new roadgoing Mokka GSE, the rally cars feature the same design and the same 276bhp/254lb ft front-mounted motor, battery, inverter and wiring harness. The road car is Vauxhall’s fastest model, sprinting from 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds. The rally version features special software tuning for the powertrain and battery management to deliver “maximum efficiency, driveability under competitive conditions and performance”.

The road car’s Torsen limited-slip differential has also been replaced with a competition-grade multi-plate unit and the rally car gets a racing gearbox, reinforced drive shafts and wheel hubs as well as tuned rally suspension from Bilstein.

The Mokka GSE is the first car developed to meet the FIA’s eRally5 regulations, which set out guidelines for future EV rallying.

Taking the wheel for Vauxhall’s return to rallying will be 23-year-old who last year secured the Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup Championship title with co‐driver Sion Williams, and this year finished runner-up in the 2025 Junior European Rally Championship.

Ioan, pictured above, commented: “Joining the ADAC GSE Rally Cup is an exciting new challenge for me, and I’m really looking forward to it. The all-new car brings a fresh edge to the competition as it’s faster, more powerful, and will be incredible to drive, both for the drivers behind the wheel and for the fans watching.

“ Vauxhall’s history in motorsport has helped create legends like Colin McRae, and I’m excited to carry that legacy forward. I can’t wait for the new season to begin and to see what the Mokka GSE Rally can do.”

Steve Catlin, managing director of Vauxhall, said: “It’s a privilege to be able to announce Vauxhall’s return to its motorsport roots, not to mention representing a British entry with one of the most exciting young drivers in Ioan Lloyd.”