Opel Corsa GSE debuts as electric successor to OPC
Opel has revealed its most powerful production Corsa ever, with the new electric GSE producing 206kW and sprinting to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds.
Last teased in March, Opel has officially removed the wraps from its first performance Corsa since the lukewarm last-generation GSI.
Set to debut publicly for the first time at the Paris Motor Show in October, The Citizen reports the GSE also becomes the most powerful production Corsa ever made, an accolade held until now by the long-departed OPC.
Electric performance
The third GSE model after the Astra and Mokka, the Corsa shares its powertrain with the latter, which, as per its nomenclature, stands for Grand Sport Electric.
Similar to sister Stellantis brand Peugeot’s E-208 GTi, the GSE’s 54kWh battery pack drives a single electric motor that develops 206kW/345Nm.
A setup that also powers the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, the GSE has a limited top speed of 180km/h, but will get from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.5 seconds.
By comparison, the most powerful OPC’s 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine made 152kW/280Nm, resulting in a top speed of 230km/h and a 0-100km/h time of 6.8 seconds.
Officially more powerful than the incoming 166kW Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI, the GSE’s outputs, however, vary depending on the selected driving mode.
In both Normal and Eco modes, only 170kW is produced, with the full 206kW unlocked in Sport mode. At the same time, selecting Eco limits the top speed to 150km/h.
Sharper styling and handling
Compared to the regular Corsa GS Line it is based on, the GSE’s prominent aesthetic changes comprise model-specific door sills and bumpers, a new front apron, gloss black wheel arch cladding, and a black roof, mirror caps and bootlid spoiler.
Shared with the Mokka GSE is the same design for the 18-inch alloy wheels, which have been wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.
Dynamically, Opel has tweaked the GSE’s chassis by fitting a Torsen limited-slip front differential, lowering the ride height, and fitting specifically designed shock absorbers, stabilisers and axles.
Unique to the GSE is a retuned electric power steering rack and uprated brakes identified by yellow GSE-branded four-piston Alcon calipers at the front.
Interior upgrades
Inside, the interior gains Alcantara-trimmed sport seats with the Opel Motorsport black, grey and yellow chequered-pattern finish, yellow seatbelts and alloy pedals.
The interior’s transformation is rounded off with an Alcantara-clad steering wheel, a grey-background GSE logo on the dashboard, yellow stitching on the armrests and instrument panel, and Alcantara inserts on the doors.
Going on sale only after its premiere in Paris, the Corsa GSE, like its Peugeot sibling and the ID. Polo GTI, is unlikely to be offered in South Africa anytime soon.
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