Vauxhall is making its comeback to rallying with the all-electric Mokka GSE – marking the British brand’s return to motorsport after years away from competition.
The company will field a factory works team in the newly renamed 2026 ADAC GSE Rally Cup alongside its European sibling Opel. Ioan Lloyd, a 23-year-old Welsh driver, will pilot the rally-prepared Mokka GSE.
Since 2021, Opel has partnered with ADAC (Germany’s largest automobile club) to organize the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup. The single-series competition used Opel Corsa Rally Electric vehicles.
The championship gets a new name for 2026 to reflect Vauxhall’s entry as a full factory team.
More importantly, organizers are replacing the Corsa with the significantly more powerful Mokka GSE. The new rally car produces twice the power of its predecessor.
Technical Specifications
The rally version shares its foundation with the road-going Mokka GSE. Both vehicles use the same design philosophy and core electric powertrain components.
The front-mounted motor delivers 276 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque. The road car accelerates from 0-62 mph in 5.9 seconds, making it Vauxhall’s quickest production model.
Rally engineers developed special software tuning for the powertrain and battery management system. These modifications aim to maximize efficiency, competitive driveability, and outright performance.
Several competition-specific upgrades distinguish the rally car from its street counterpart.
The road car’s Torsen limited-slip differential makes way for a competition-grade multi-plate unit. Engineers also fitted a racing gearbox, reinforced drive shafts, and strengthened wheel hubs.
Bilstein supplies the tuned rally suspension system.
The Mokka GSE holds the distinction of being the first vehicle developed to meet the FIA’s new eRally5 regulations. These rules establish the framework for future electric vehicle rallying.
Driver Selection
Lloyd brings impressive credentials to Vauxhall’s motorsport return. He claimed the Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup Championship title last year alongside co-driver Sion Williams.
This year, he finished runner-up in the 2025 Junior European Rally Championship.
“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.”
Lloyd referenced Vauxhall’s motorsport heritage in his announcement.
“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, Vauxhall’s managing director, emphasized the significance of the announcement.
“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.”
The 2026 season will mark Vauxhall’s first major rallying commitment in recent years. The brand’s previous motorsport efforts helped launch the careers of drivers like the late Colin McRae, who became Britain’s first World Rally Champion in 1995.
Electric rallying represents a growing segment within motorsport as manufacturers seek to demonstrate EV performance capabilities in competitive environments.
