Opel GSe Models: Perfect Companions for Winter Getaways

• Opel Grandland GSe, Astra GSe, Astra Sports Tourer GSe: Maximum control and stability
• Opel GSe chassis: KONI FSD technology enables balance of dynamics and comfort
• E-4x4: Opel Grandland GSe with all-wheel drive and 221 kW/300 hp system output

While drivers in the lowlands currently have to expect night-time ground frost, the first snow is already falling in the mountains. What could be better than planning a winter holiday in the mountains? The three top models from the Opel sub-brand GSe are the perfect companions on winter trips. GSe stands for “Grand Sport electric” and Opel Astra GSe, Astra Sports Tourer GSe and Grandland GSe meet every expectation; they are electrified, equipped with a special chassis featuring KONI FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) technology and as top-of-the-range plug-in hybrids with up to 221 kW/300 hp system output deliver extremely strong performance. With this unique combination, the driver and passengers of Opel's GSe models can travel in a sporty, dynamic and responsible way. But above all, the trio offers top driving fun with the highest level of safety – especially on ice and snow!

GSe chassis with FSD technology: Dynamic, comfortable and stable

In order to bring the strong performance onto the road in all weather conditions, the Rüsselsheim engineers led by Dr. Christian Hartweg focussed intensely on the chassis and steering of the GSe models. “GSe cars offer the optimal balance of handling and driving comfort. We equipped them with special KONI FSD dampers and lowered Astra GSe by 10 millimetres,” says Hartweg, summarising the most important points.

Depending on the situation, road surface and driving style, the special springs and dampers with KONI FSD technology enable different damping characteristics for comfortable gliding at high frequencies – with short impacts such as on cobblestones – as well as for a sporty, ambitious driving style and more direct contact with the road at low frequencies. The top models react even more responsively 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. “The dampers have an additional valve and a second hydraulic circuit,” explains Hartweg. “The car is then more comfortable or sportier to drive, depending on whether the valve is open or closed.”

In the electrified Opel Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe, 165 kW/225 hp system output (fuel consumption according to WLTP 1: 1.3 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 30-29 g/km) and 360 Newton meters of torque accompany the dynamic handling. With the lowered chassis and the resulting lower centre of gravity, GSe variants of the two compact class bestsellers have a particularly firm grip on the road. This means they remain stable and on course even in wintry road conditions.

Top-of-the-line Opel Grandland GSe: 221 kW/300 hp and state-of-the-art all-wheel drive

Opel Grandland GSe offers a system output of 221 kW/300 hp (fuel consumption according to WLTP 1: 1.2 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 28-27 g/km; each combined, weighted) and an extremely powerful maximum torque of 520 Newton metres. Top SUV sprints from zero to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds; a top speed of 235 km/h is possible (135 when electrically driven). The Grandland GSe draws its power from the combination of the 147 kW/200 hp four-cylinder turbo petrol engine and two electric motors. Power of the front electric drive corresponds to 81 kW/110 hp, that of the rear drive 83 kW/113 hp. Opel Grandland GSe is therefore a permanent electric all-wheel drive vehicle with optimum traction. For the driver this means a choice of four driving modes. Depending on the preference, Opel Grandland GSe is rapid on the motorway, secure on the slopes and locally emissions-free in urban areas:

• Electric: In electric mode, Opel Grandland GSe is driven purely electrically – perfect for locally emissions-free driving in the city. When the driver presses the accelerator fully (kick-down), the combustion engine and the front electric motor switch on. The top speed with purely electric drive is 135 km/h.

• All-wheel drive: In all-wheel drive mode, Opel Grandland GSe is driven by the front and rear wheels. This guarantees the best traction in all driving situations and on any surface – for plenty of driving fun and an all-round feeling of safety. The vehicle offers permanent electric all-wheel drive and runs purely electrically in all-wheel mode up to 80 km/h. If a wheel spins, more power is required or the state of charge of the battery drops, then the combustion engine switches on, also at higher speeds.

• Sport: For a particularly dynamic driving style, Sport mode combines the power of the combustion engine and the electric motors. Opel Grandland GSe offers a system output of 221 kW/300 hp.

• Hybrid mode: Here the car always runs in the most efficient way. Depending on the driving conditions and driving style, the combustion and electric motors work together or separately; this happens automatically in the hybrid SUV.

Various drive options – together with the KONI FSD technology – not only bring a lot of driving enjoyment in all conditions, but also make Opel Grandland GSe highly efficient. Going downhill, the two electric motors become generators and convert the energy of deceleration into electrical power. The 14.2 kWh battery is recharged free of charge and offers reserves for the next ascents.

[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.