Opel GSe Chassis: Outstanding Driving Control & Comfort

• Opel Grandland GSe, Astra GSe, Astra Sports Tourer GSe: Maximum feedback and stability
• GSe chassis: KONI FSD technology for balance of dynamics and comfort
• Sporty steering calibration: More precise on-centre feel, greater feedback
• Pure driving pleasure: Chassis and steering optimised for all Opel Grandland variants

With new electrified Opel GSe models, it has never been easier to combine sporty driving with responsibility for the future. For Opel Astra GSe, Astra Sports Tourer GSe and Grandland GSe, Dr. Christian Hartweg and his team of engineers have developed a unique tuning of chassis and steering. In a new video, Dr. Hartweg explains how current GSe family is inspired by its sporty ancestors and interprets this in modern, trend-setting vehicles and technologies that offer particularly dynamic driving pleasure.

But Rüsselsheim engineers have not only worked on GSe models, all other variants of Opel Grandland SUV now also benefit from additional optimisations to chassis and steering - for characteristic, direct and stable driving experience that is typical for Opel.

Precise, dynamic, and yet still comfortable: GSe chassis with FSD technology

“Our goal was totally clear,” states Dr. Hartweg: “GSe models must offer optimum balance between driving comfort and performance-oriented handling – together with responsibility for future.”  Engineering team has taken well-balanced chassis of Opel Astra and Opel Grandland models and raised them to a sportier and more dynamic level. Most important assets in this process are electrified plug-in hybrid powertrains and the chassis, which are fully adapted to the higher performance.

In case of Opel Grandland GSe that means a system power output of 300 hp (fuel consumption according to WLTP 1: 1.2 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 28-27 g/km; each combined, weighted) and class-leading zero-to-100 km/h acceleration in only 6.1 seconds, together with additional confidence provided by electric all-wheel drive. In the Astra GSe model variants, the electrified drivetrain produces 225 hp system power output (fuel consumption according to WLTP 1: 1.2-1.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 26-25 g/km) and massive torque of 360 Newton metres.

Sporty character of Opel GSe models is obvious from the bold and pure exterior design. “Opel Astra GSe is immediately recognizable by its specially designed front end and by its sportier stance, which we lowered by 10 millimetres,” says Dr. Hartweg. “And they are a lot of fun. In corners, GSe models stick to road and remain stable – and they can be driven very dynamically, but also very comfortably.”

This is made possible by special springs and dampers with KONI FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) technology, which are used in GSe chassis. Depending on the situation, road surface conditions and driving style, this technology enables different damping characteristics for comfortable gliding at high frequencies - i.e. with short impacts such as on cobblestones or a manhole cover - as well as for a sporty, ambitious driving style with more direct contact with road at low frequencies. Top models react even more immediately and directly to any command from the driver and, as is typical for Opel, remain stable when braking, cornering and at high speeds on the Autobahn. “Dampers have an additional valve and a second hydraulic circuit,” explains engineer. “Car is then more comfortable or sportier to drive, depending on whether the valve is open or closed. GSe stands for 'Grand Sport electric' - sporty driving behaviour with the latest plug-in hybrid technology. Driving engagement has never been so smart!”

Sportier, more direct, more harmonious: New set-up for all Opel Grandland variants

Further development of the chassis and steering was not just limited to the GSe models. Rather, all Opel Grandland variants benefit from the optimisations with their dampers and steering also having been retuned. Engineers also increased the damping force in the low piston speed range and reduced it in the medium to high-speed range in order to ensure maximum comfort even when facing bumps in the road. Thanks totweaks, Opel Grandland drives in a balanced, firm and comfortable manner.

Steering has been re-calibrated. In this way, new Grandland models will offer the characteristically sporty and comfortable Opel driving experience with direct, precise feedback to the driver.

[1] Values determined using the more realistic WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure) test method which replaces the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) test procedure. A vehicle's consumption, CO2 emissions and range not only depend on the efficient use of energy by the vehicle but are also influenced by driving style and other non-technical factors. The information on consumption and emissions does not refer to an individual vehicle and is intended solely for purposes of comparison between the various vehicle types. Vehicle not available yet.

Stellantis Invests €130 Million in Eisenach Assembly Plant in Germany for Electric Opel Grandland Successor

• New Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) production on the STLA Medium platform set to launch in second half of 2024

• Plant allocation supports Opel’s bold commitment to fully electric lineup by 2028
• Current Eisenach production includes Opel Grandland plug-in electric hybrid

• Electrification of Stellantis products supports goals of Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan

 Florian Huettl Opel & Vauxhall Chief Executive Officer

Stellantis announced today it will invest over €130 million in the Eisenach Assembly Plant in Germany, producer of the Opel Grandland compact SUV, to add production of BEV successor vehicle that will be built on all-new STLA Medium platform. Production of new BEV is scheduled to begin in second half of 2024.

Adding a BEV to Eisenach’s output supports Opel’s bold commitment to a fully electric product lineup by 2028 in Europe. Opel Grandland currently produced at Eisenach includes also plug-in hybrid variants.

“Eisenach, our most compact plant in Germany, has demonstrated a strong drive in quality improvements,” said Arnaud Deboeuf, Stellantis Chief Manufacturing Officer.  “With this allocation of Stellantis’ new fully BEV platform, STLA Medium, Eisenach plant’s highly skilled workforce will continue to improve the cost and the quality of the vehicles they produce to delight our customers.”

“We have been building top-quality vehicles here in Thuringia for 31 years and improved our competitiveness continuously. We will stay on this clear path with the electric successor to Opel Grandland,” said Florian Huettl, Opel CEO. “This decision is another important step for Opel on the way to the declared goal of being a purely electric brand in Europe by 2028.”

“At Stellantis, ‘We Win Together’ is a core value and this announcement for Eisenach demonstrates that value in action,” said Xavier Chereau, Chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board and Chief Human Resources & Transformation Officer at Stellantis. “A focus on improving quality and costs from Eisenach management and employees, combined with the input and social dialogue with the German union representatives, help define the future.”

“Thuringia is an automotive location with a great tradition that is currently making the transition to electromobility at top speed,” Thuringia Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow said. “Against this background, I am particularly pleased that Opel is playing a decisive role here and will be producing a future-proof model range in Eisenach.”

Opened in September 1992 with production of Opel Astra, Eisenach Assembly Plant is in the state of Thuringia, central Germany. 

In 2022 plant celebrated its 30th anniversary with an Open Day event that commemorated production of 3.7 million vehicles.

Eisenach investment is a key step in meeting the commitments of the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, which is led by deep emission cuts to slash CO2 in half by 2030, benchmarking 2021 metrics, and achieve carbon net zero by 2038 with single digit percentage compensation of the remaining emissions. Core targets for Dare Forward 2030 also include 100% of passenger car sales in Europe and 50% of passenger car and light-duty truck sales in the United States to be BEVs by the end of the decade; the ambition of doubling Net Revenues by 2030 (versus 2021) and sustaining double-digit Adjusted Operating Income margins throughout the decade; and the aim to become number one in customer satisfaction for products and services in every market by 2030.

Stellantis is investing more than €30 billion through 2025 in electrification and software to deliver BEVs that meet customer demands.

Current models from Eisenach: Opel Grandland and Opel Grandland GSe

Opel Grandland from Eisenach has made a name for itself in the compact SUV segment. Sporty and elegant, intuitive to operable and equipped with innovative technologies, it inspires customers. With the fully digital Pure Panel, it offers a new kind of cockpit experience. In addition, Opel Grandland is equipped with further top technologies and assistance systems that customers have previously only been familiar with from higher vehicle classes. First and foremost is the adaptive IntelliLux LED Pixel light with a total of 168 LED elements. There is also Night Vision: system that detects pedestrians and animals in the dark at a distance of up to 100 meters and actively warns the driver. 

Opel SUV proudly wears new face of brand - Opel Vizor. Customers have a choice of highly efficient combustion engine and plug-in hybrid variants. Top model is the sporty Opel Grandland GSe with electric all-wheel drive.

Opel Grandland GSe with electric all-wheel drive

ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team and Opel Corsa Rally4 Aim for Success in 2023 European Championship

• Continuation of successful joint Opel/ADAC promotion of young talents
• Timo Schulz will compete against European elite in the Opel Corsa Rally4
• Six challenging rounds for the reigning 2022 ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup champion
• All-electric ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup established as ideal platform for young talents

ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team will once again face off against the European elite in the 2023 season: As defending champions in the Junior European Rally Championship (JERC), the experienced Team of Stohl Racing will again field an Opel Corsa Rally4 in 2023 with the driver’s seat going to last year's ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup champion Timo Schulz. With four wins and five podium finishes, the 23-year-old German left his mark on the second season of the world's first electric rally one-make cup and secured his promotion to the ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team by winning the title before the final race of the season. In the Junior European Championship, he will now take on the finest rally talents on the continent.

Six challenging competitions await Timo Schulz and his fellow competitors in the JERC 2023. The first half of the season already promises to be extremely challenging with the rounds in Poland, Latvia and Sweden all held on gravel. These will be followed by three rallies on asphalt in Italy, Czech Republic and Hungary. Schulz will take part in a test rally in Hungary before the start of the JERC season in order to prepare himself for the gravel challenges he is not familiar with so far.

“I am really looking forward to this task but also have a lot of respect,” said Timo Schulz. "Anyone who has followed the JERC in recent years knows about the extremely high level of performance. It would certainly be presumptuous to believe that I am one of the contenders for victory right from the start – especially since the first three rallies take place on gravel. My goal is to catch up with the leaders as quickly as possible and to be able to challenge for podium finishes. Conditions could not be better: Opel Corsa Rally4 is one of the fastest cars in its category, in the ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team Manfred Stohl and his team will give me the best support, and my co-driver Michael Wenzel will give me confidence with his enormous experience. I can't wait for the first rally!”

Michael Wenzel is one of the most experienced and competent co-drivers in Germany. The 46-year-old from Mehlingen in Rhineland-Palatinate contested his first rally back in 1996 and since then, he guided numerous top German drivers. Together with Markus Fahrner, Wenzel won the first championship title in the ADAC Opel Rally Cup in 2013.

Opel Motorsport Director Jörg Schrott has high expectations for his protégé Timo Schulz, but also warns against exaggerated expectations: “Timo has proven in the 2022 ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup that he can deliver his performance under a wide range of conditions and high pressure. We are convinced that he is ready to take the next steps in his development. But we also know how high the stakes are in the Junior European Championship. Timo will have to get used to this incredibly high level. The whole team will support him.”

ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup as a stepping stone to the ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team

With the ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team, both partners Opel and ADAC have already written an impressive success story: Five European Championship titles by Emil Bergkvist (Sweden, 2015), Marijan Griebel (Germany, 2016), Chris Ingram (Great Britain, 2017), Mārtiņš Sesks (Latvia, 2018) and Laurent Pellier (France, 2022) prove the effectiveness of the joint talent development. The battery-electric and thus locally emission-free Opel Corsa-e Rally has established itself as the perfect car for the junior rally cup. A sustainable, future-oriented concept and exciting competitions offer young drivers and teams the ideal platform to recommend themselves for higher orders. Champion of the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup 2021, Laurent Pellier, proved this last year. Promoted to the ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team as the first winner of an electric one-make cup, the Frenchman dominated the 2022 European Junior Championship in the 156 kW/212 hp Corsa Rally4 with five wins in six rounds.

Junior European Rally Championship 2023 Calendar

19.-21.05.       Rally Poland, Mikołajki                                  PL

16.-18.06.       Rally Latvia, Liepāja                                       LV

06.-08.07.       Royal Rally of Scandinavia, Karlstad           S

28.-30.07.       Rally di Roma Capitale, Fiuggi                      I

18.-20.08.       Barum Czech Rally Zlín, Zlín                         CZ

06.-08.10.       Rally Hungary, Nyíregyháza                          H

Stellantis Zaragoza produces its 15 millionth vehicle

• Stellantis Zaragoza has produced its 15 millionth car, a 100% electric Opel Corsa-e that multi-brand plant produces exclusively worldwide together with thermal version of this model and Citroën C3 Aircross and Opel Crossland SUVs

• Stellantis Zaragoza is a pioneer in benchmark methods and practices in the Group, and is firmly committed to respecting environment, with intensive use of renewable energy

• Stellantis Zaragoza reaches a new milestone in its more than four decades of experience with the production of its 15 millionth vehicle, a 100% electric Opel Corsa-e that plant produces exclusively worldwide together with thermal version of this model and Citroën C3 Aircross and Opel Crossland SUVs

In these four decades, compact vehicles such as Opel Kadett or Opel Astra, sports-oriented coupes such as the Opel Tigra, minivans such as Opel Meriva, commercial vehicles such as Opel Combo or SUV like the Opel Mokka.

Opel Corsa is an icon for Stellantis Zaragoza, which opened its doors in 1982 to produce this model, with which it has maintained a more than lasting relationship since it has manufactured its six generations. Precisely, with sixth generation of Opel Corsa and Opel Corsa-e, electrification arrived at plant, continuing with a technological modernization that is the hallmark of the plant.

Citroën C3 Aircross SUV is produced in Stellantis Zaragoza and a few weeks ago it crossed the barrier of more than 500,000 units produced. For its part, Opel Crossland has been produced at this plant since 2017 and 560,000 units have already been manufactured.

In 2021, Battery Assembly Workshop was inaugurated in Stellantis Zaragoza, which assembles the traction chains of the Opel Corsa-e and Citroën ë-C4, manufactured in Stellantis Madrid.

During all this time, Stellantis Zaragoza has made diversification and innovation compatible with respect for the environment. Today, in line with the Group's Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, the plant stands out for its commitment to renewable energy and environmentally friendly production.

It has a self-consumption solar plant that covers a third of the electricity consumption of the factory. Soon, the installation of photovoltaic panels and wind stations will continue, with the aim of ensuring 80% of electricity needs of the factory in 2024.

“It is a very special circumstance that 15 millionth vehicle that leaves our assembly lines is precisely an Opel Corsa-e, because it is the 100% electric version of model with which factory was inaugurated in 1982. It combines past, present and future of this multi-brand plant. It is a tribute to commitment of our workers over years, to our ability to adapt and to our highest level of demand and quality”, affirms José Luis Alonso Mosquera, Director of  Stellantis Plant in Zaragoza.

Vauxhall scores a 1-2 finish with Corsa and Mokka as UK's two best-sellers in February

• Vauxhall Corsa is once again the UK’s best-selling car so far this year
• Vauxhall has two best-selling cars in February with Corsa and Mokka, making them best-sellers in their segment respectively
• February saw 2,818 Corsas and 1,805 Mokkas registered

Vauxhall Corsa continued success comes on back of being UK’s best-selling supermini in 2022 and best-selling car overall in 2021

Vauxhall has the two best-selling cars in the UK in February, with the award-winning Vauxhall Corsa reclaiming its place as the UK’s best-selling car, and the Vauxhall Mokka as the second-most registered car in the month, according to the latest vehicle registration figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

With 2,818 new Corsas registered in February, it has reclaimed its crown as not just UK’s best-selling supermini, but the best-selling new car in the country, with a total of 5,243 units registered so far in 2023.   

Car’s continued strong popularity with both private and fleet buyers comes on the back of three consecutive years of strong showings for the Corsa. With 35,910 units sold in 2022, it finished last year as the UK’s favourite supermini, while it was the country’s best-selling car overall in 2021.

With 1,805 sold in February, Vauxhall Mokka joins Corsa at the top of the sales charts, being the second-best selling car in the country for February and the best-selling compact crossover (B-SUV). Both the Mokka and Corsa are available to buyers as fully electric variants – Corsa Electric and Mokka Electric.

James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall, said: “I’m delighted to see Mokka join Corsa at the top of the sales charts in February – a true indication of how latest Vauxhall range is meeting the needs of today’s drivers. We’re looking forward to the arrival of All-New Astra Electric and Astra Sports Tourer Electric later this year, adding further electric options for our customers as part of our commitment to be an all-electric brand from 2028.”

Vauxhall’s electrification strategy includes a commitment to be a fully-electric brand by 2028. It is also one of the few manufacturers in the country able to offer fleets and private buyers an electric van across its entire model range.

Both the Vauxhall Corsa and Mokka are available with efficient petrol engines as well as with a fully electric powertrain. Using the multi-powertrain CMP platform, the electric variants of these cars are powered by a 50 kWh battery and a 136 PS (100 kW) electric motor. Capable of supporting up to 100 kW rapid charging, an 80% charge for both takes just 30 minutes to complete. Corsa Electric has a range of 222 miles (WLTP) while Mokka Electric can reach up to 209 miles (WTLP) on a full charge.

Entire Vauxhall passenger car range can be ordered entirely online via the Vauxhall Online  Store. The Vauxhall Online Store brings the brand’s showroom experience straight into the comfort of buyers’ homes. Customers can arrange a live video viewing of their vehicle via the Vauxhall Virtual  Showroom and proceed to the Online Store to configure their vehicle, personalise finance payments, and place an order, all from the comfort of their home.

STADT:up Project: Opel Advances Automated Driving in Urban Areas

• Pioneering project STADT:up develops concepts and pilot applications for automated driving in complex city traffic
• Stellantis representative Opel participates in joint project as AI development partner
• Demonstration of complex environment recognition in the city by Opel vehicle prototype by end of 2025

Project STADT:up (Solutions and Technologies for Automated Driving in Town: an urban-mobility project) aims to take a big step closer to the goal of enabling automated driving in urban areas by the end of 2025. As the German brand in Stellantis, Opel is involved in the project funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. The experts at the Rüsselsheim Engineering Center play an important role in the further development of vehicle environment recognition based on artificial intelligence (AI) and the translation into the situation-specific reaction in automated driving. Now the kick-off event of the consortium project with 22 project and development partners took place on the campus of Robert Bosch GmbH in Renningen, Germany. In addition, Opel aims to demonstrate an innovative prototype featuring complex environment recognition in urban areas by the end of 2025.

“By participating in the STADT:up project, Opel, as our German brand, is further advancing automated driving in urban traffic, on behalf of Stellantis. The engineers at the Rüsselsheim Engineering Center draw on many years of experience in this field. At the same time, we are strengthening our good cooperation with research institutions outside the company and continuing our commitment to supporting young scientists,” said Frank Jordan, Stellantis, Head of Innovation Germany.

Project goal: Demonstration of autonomous urban mobility with test vehicles

STADT:up is aimed at end-to-end, scalable solutions for future urban mobility. The vehicles must also be able to handle complex inner-city traffic scenarios safely and respond adequately to all situations within milliseconds. The various tasks for autonomous driving range from the comprehensive perception of the environment and the localisation of road users through the prediction, interaction and cooperation with other vehicles, to the behaviour and manoeuvre planning of the user’s own vehicle. The question of how mixed traffic consisting of pedestrians, cyclists, differently used vehicles and local public transport will develop is also of central importance. Correspondingly, suitable future concepts and the requirements derived from the needs of the users will also be developed in the project.

Key factors are the preparation and programming of the vehicle systems such as camera, LiDAR and radar to all possible scenarios until they are implemented in the computer system. This is where the AI experts at the Rüsselsheim site come into play. In addition to improving AI algorithms for perception and fusion, the team led by Dr. Nikolas Wagner and project manager Frank Bonarens places a special focus on the analysis and management of particularly challenging traffic situations. In addition to improving robustness, the aim of the research activities is to improve the traceability of the decisions of deep neural networks and to use them to check the plausibility of an automated driving system. This is intended to provide important building blocks for environment recognition in highly automated driving and to contribute to the efficient testing and validation of safety-relevant AI functions.

With the participation of the Rüsselsheim AI experts from the Stellantis research network, a long-standing Opel tradition of pre-competitive cooperation is continued. As with other research projects, the central pillars are the cooperation with renowned scientific partners from leading universities and research institutions as well as the doctoral program at the Rüsselsheim site.

In addition to automotive companies, leading suppliers as well as technology partners, universities and research institutions are represented in the consortium project led by Bosch. The highlight will be the final event planned for the end of 2025 with the joint presentation of the demonstrators developed in STADT:up. Opel's goal is to demonstrate the performance of the environment recognition system with its own test vehicle.

Opel Celebrates 20 Years of seats with AGR Seal of Approval

• Pioneer: Opel democratises back-friendly seating in variety of market segments
• AGR premiere: 2003 Signum was first Opel with ergonomically certified seats
• More than just seats: Total vehicle concept of Opel Meriva awarded AGR seal
• Wide choice: AGR-certified seats for today’s Opel Astra, Crossland and Grandland
• For that sporty feeling: Exclusive AGR performance seats for Opel GSe models

Opel Signum

Opel this year marks 20th anniversary of the introduction of healthy seats certified by AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. – an independent German association promoting research related to back-pain prevention).

Latest generation of AGR seats is available in new Opel Grandland GSe, the Astra GSe and the Astra Sports Tourer GSe. But the start was made exactly two decades ago by the Opel Signum, which was the first car to offer AGR seats in the mid-size segment.

Seats form the link between people and the vehicle. They are crucial for a comfortable, relaxed journey. That is why Opel places great importance on ensuring that they offer optimum comfort and support for the spine, especially on longer journeys. “Drivers and passengers come into contact with no other component in the car as intensively as with the seat. Our goal as a carmaker is that our customers do not have to think about the seat even on longer trips, because it offers comfort and also prevents the risk of back pain in the long term,” said Stefan Koob, who is responsible for the development of seat structures.

In-car ergonomics is more than just a feel-good factor. Ergonomics also includes safety. A relaxed, back-friendly seat prevents fatigue during the journey; and in the event of a accident, the seat occupant has a chance of a positive outcome above all if the seat manages to hold him or her in position. Only then can seat belts and airbags fully provide their protection.

Opel Signum 2003: First Opel with AGR ergonomic seats

“At Opel, we have always taken the democratisation of seating comfort to heart. That means everyone is entitled to a good seat in the car,” Koob explained. Back in 2003 the ergonomic seats of Opel Signum set a new standard in the automotive industry. Thereafter the healthy seats were rolled out across much of the Opel model range. Long-distance and company car drivers were especially grateful; thanks to numerous adjustment functions, the ergonomic seats with AGR certification could be optimally adjusted for every driver, so that he or she got out rested and without discomfort even after hours of driving.

Opel Signum: AGR ergonomic seat

A few years later, another premiere followed. In 2010, the flexible Opel Meriva van was the first vehicle to receive an AGR seal of approval. Meriva’s integral ergonomics system comprised the ergonomic seats, the FlexDoors doors that opened in opposite directions, variable FlexSpace rear seating concept and the FlexFix bicycle rack.

For all shapes and sizes: Wide choice of various AGR-certified seats

Opel today offers a variety of AGR seats with a choice of comfort or more sports-oriented contours in the Astra, Crossland and Grandland. To enable the driver and the front passenger to adopt a comfortable and back-friendly seating position for any journey, AGR seats offer 10 adjustments for the driver and six for the co-driver. Regardless of the seat contour, the multitude of adjustable parameters – many electrically operated on the driver’s seat – include sliding range, height, tilt, backrest tilt, thigh support, lumbar support and seat cushion tilt, as well as heating for the cold season.

Top of the line: Performance seats in Opel Grandland GSe and Opel Astra GSe

New GSe performance seats represent the youngest developments in healthy seating technology from Opel. Trimmed in black Alcantara, stylish front seats in Opel Grandland GSe, Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe feature especially high upper wings. Unique construction of the seats in Astra GSe models features fully integrated head restraints. Another eye-catching detail is the distinctive grey stripe electro-welded onto the backrest. Also unique to GSe is the stitched pattern at base of the backrest and on the seat cushion, while the unmistakable yellow-on-black GSe logo adorns the seatback.

Opel Grandland GSe: Performance seats

Opel Astra GSe: Performance seats

Comfort of AGR driver’s seats can be further enhanced – depending on the model variant – with ventilation. In addition, the memory function particularly comes in handy when sharing driving duties over long distances.