All-electric, full of emotions: Opel sub-brand GSE opens a new chapter
‘OMG’: Feeling when driving a new electric GSE model for first time
Short film as manifesto: New trailer fills modernised GSE logo with life
In 2025, Opel will take the electrification of the brand to a new level. The extra-dynamic and emotional GSE sub-brand will become fully electric and at the same time receive a new, expressive logo – ready for the next generation of GSE models. How the future Opel GSE electric cars will send pulses racing is shown in the new GSE film ‘Three Letters’, which is now available online on all relevant channels.
“The GSE sub-brand stands for particularly dynamic, exhilarating, and emotional Opel models. In 2025, we will take the next important step. The new GSE models will be fully electric. This demonstrates how powerful, exciting, and inspiring battery-electric mobility can be," teased Opel CEO Florian Huettl.
As early as 2022, Opel heralded the return of the iconic ‘GSE’ abbreviation – since then, GSE has stood for ‘Grand Sport Electric’ – and shortly thereafter offered the Opel Astra, Astra Sports Tourer and the previous Grandland generation as particularly bold and dynamic electrified top models with plug-in hybrid drive. With the next GSE generation, the sub-brand will now enter a fully-electric era and become even more emotional. Even the new GSE trailer – the cinematic GSE manifesto, so to speak – shows in one minute that "Three letters are enough to send pulses racing!"
G for: Grand, German engineering meets goosebumps, great grip and G-forces
S for: Sport, speed, sweat and sliding through S-curves
E for: Electric, excitement, exhilaration and euphoria
And Opel promises: "There will be more this year. So better not blink or miss all the fun!" Because everyone who drives a new battery-electric GSE model will experience the proverbial OMG feeling – full of excitement and adrenaline! In addition to the sporty look, which is based on the award-winning Opel design, future GSE customers can look forward to a chassis set-up that directly integrates the driver and offers exciting driving pleasure. In addition, the GSE, like all other models with the Blitz, are designed to be stable when braking, cornering and at high speeds on the Autobahn – and combine this with locally emissions-free mobility. Opel is thus proving once again that all-electric vehicles are also full of emotions.
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.
Development plan’s targets: Sales start this summer, first deliveries in fall
Polar circle Test Centre, Sweden: Man and machine deep frozen at -30° C
Dudenhofen Test Centre, Germany: Chassis development for balanced handling and comfort
Rüsselsheim EMC lab: Resistance to electro-magnetic waves
Opel engineers have been testing the next-generation Corsa for several months in Swedish Lapland, around 40 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle.
Sixth-generation Opel Corsa is getting ready for its launch this fall. While the new model has been created with the help of the newest, fastest and most efficient virtual development methods, Opel engineers now take it on their usual playgrounds to test, refine and validate it in real-life conditions. Since January chassis, powertrain, electronics, lighting and other Opel engineering experts have been using the long polar winter in Swedish Lapland for intensive testing in ultra-low temperatures on frozen lakes and snow-covered roads. Elsewhere, pre-production cars are currently lapping the test tracks at the Dudenhofen Test Centre while laboratory testing such as electro-magnetic compatibility also takes place at the Russelsheim facilities.
“During the development of the next-generation Opel Corsa, we placed special importance on increasing efficiency,” said Thomas Wanke, Global Lead Development Engineer, Vehicle Performance, who is working on a new generation of the Corsa for the fourth time in his career. “The new model is significantly lighter, which lowers fuel consumption and also increases the fun factor. As with the previous generations I worked on, the chassis we are currently refining was developed on all kinds of European roads including the high-speed German autobahn. Our aim is clearly to offer the customer top chassis execution with an optimum balance between safety, comfort and fun.”
Customers can look forward to a very fun and efficient Opel Corsa. Thanks to lightweight engineering, the new generation of the bestseller – more than 13.6 million units sold so far, with five generations since 1982 – is ten percent lighter than the previous model. Chassis delivers the typical Opel balance of sportiness and comfort, even though the new model is perceptibly more dynamic than its predecessor. Opel will also offer the Corsa for the first time as a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), right from the start of sales early this summer.
Winter testing: High comfort and safety under all conditions
As they have done for decades now, the Opel engineers have been testing the next-generation Corsa for several months in Swedish Lapland, around 40 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle. Among others, experts from the chassis controls department have been setting up the electronically controlled systems for stability, traction and anti-lock braking on low-grip surfaces, at temperatures as low as -30° C. The purpose of these extreme tests: regardless of ice, snow, slush or asphalt, and differing levels of grip on either side of the car, the control systems must always function reliably. As for delivering high levels of safety, comfort and driving dynamics, Opel engineers are refining the calibration of the chassis systems down to the smallest detail: where does “fun-to-drive” stop and stability control begin? At the Arctic Circle, the conditions for such fine tuning are more suitable than anywhere else. The engineers therefore repeatedly lap the specially prepared handling course, oval and surfaces, continuously optimising the control systems.
Testing with heavily camouflaged cars in Lapland began shortly after Christmas on public roads. From January through March, the ice on the frozen lakes was around one metre thick, so that the test cars, snow-ploughs and water sprinkler trucks could drive on them. The long polar nights also enabled extensive testing of the Adaptive IntelliLux LED technology which, after having premiered in their respective segments with the Astra and Insignia, will also be available for the first time in the Corsa class. The climate and environment in Northern Sweden made it possible to precisely evaluate and optimise the automatic glare-free matrix headlights which continuously adapt to the prevailing traffic situation and surroundings and simply “cut out” approaching traffic and preceding vehicles from the illuminated area. Making this system, which minimises glare while constantly providing drivers with optimum visibility, available in a popular, small car such as the Corsa is another demonstration of the democratisation of technology from Opel.
High-speed testing: Around the banked oval at Dudenhofen Test Centre
During their night-time test drives on the oval, handling circuit and comfort track at the Dudenhofen Test Centre, the Opel engineers also appreciate the high output of the new Corsa’s headlights. The long straights were used to prepare the new generation for driving on the autobahn, where Opel sets especially high standards for the steering and suspension.
“We place the highest importance on body control,” said Wanke. “For example, every Opel must deliver a firm, precise ride over undulating surfaces at autobahn speeds. The car must never feel too soft. The new Corsa impresses in this regard.”
The speed-dependent steering has been tuned for optimum precision, a progressive build-up of steering force and good feedback. The shock absorbers are designed to react immediately to the slightest ripple in the road surface or change in direction. The pre-production cars used for conducting all these tests also had to meet high standards for lane-changing and stability under braking. The new Corsa must remain controllable even at speeds higher than 140 km/h; brake-oversteer is forbidden. The bodywork is also tested while the car is driving at high speed on the oval – no part is allowed to flutter or vibrate, or cause annoying noises.
After completing all its tests for the autobahn, the new Opel Corsa can take a bath – in the drive-through water trough, at various depths from a minimum of 25cm. Although the car pushes a big wave ahead of itself, water is not allowed to enter the vehicle; the engine must not “inhale” any water, the electrical system and every part must remain protected from the wave. The lower engine cover in particular, although under high pressure from the water, must not malfunction.
Electronic testing: Around the clock in the Rüsselsheim EMC
While development prototypes and pre-production vehicles drive in the far north, in Dudenhofen and at various secret places in and outside of Germany, others also undergo severe testing in Rüsselsheim’s test rigs and laboratories. Electro-magnetic compatibility, (EMC) tests, for instance, take place throughout development. They ensure there is no susceptibility of the various electronic systems to disturbances. In the past it was only necessary to prevent the crackling on the radio that was caused by the alternator, the ignition, the windscreen wipers or similar systems. Nowadays the task is much more complex – after all, the new Opel Corsa is full of highly advanced electronic equipment. These include safety devices such as ESP, numerous assistance systems like matrix headlights, as well as the whole infotainment system.
In a purpose-built chamber at the EMC lab in Rüsselsheim, the Opel team tests the immunity of the car’s electronic systems against electro-magnetic emissions. These can be conducted along cables in the wiring harness or over the air. The test car is exposed to emissions radiated across a wide range of frequencies. The special absorbers on the walls “soak up” the transmitted emissions so that they do not reflect uncontrollably back into the chamber. The engineers thus obtain clean, reliable data. The car receives the green light only when all its systems have demonstrated their immunity against electro-magnetic emissions. New Opel Corsa has already passed its test; the electronics are optimally protected from disturbances.
Safety first: Communication between the “Ko-HAF”-safety server and the car
Driving on the Autobahn: Opel will build a prototype for highly automated driving
Prototype planned: Opel will build a prototype that can display the essential functions of cooperative highly automated driving on the Autobahn.
Any driver who spends a lot of time in the car often wonders if this time could be used more efficiently, for example, by reading the newspaper, doing emails, or simply enjoying the ride. Cars that drive automatically, which do not require permanent control from the driver, would make such dreams reality.
Among the major challenges to automated driving are the highly detailed, computerized maps (so that the car knows exactly about the road it is driving down) and the process of disengaging the car from the automated driving condition, thus returning control to the driver.
These are two areas of automated driving being studied intensively by Opel in “Ko-HAF – Kooperatives hochautomatisiertes Fahren”, a German project researching cooperative highly automated driving.
Experts estimate that it takes about ten seconds for a human being to turn his attention from another activity to driving. A car that drives automatically must therefore be able to recognize the driving environment and assess the traffic situation within that time-period.
In order to make an accurate assessment, the car also needs significantly more information that it can obtain from its sensors and the map of the onboard navigation system.
This is where “Ko-HAF” and Opel come in with their research into a back-end solution called the Safety Server. In “Ko-HAF”, cars communicate with the Safety Server, supplying data such as presence and quality of lane markings or objects on the road from their own onboard sensors. The Safety Server processes this information and then provides the cars with a forward-looking digital map, which the cars need for highly automated driving.
Opel is working especially on the communication between server and car – e.g. designing the server-architecture, defining the interfaces and implementing the communication protocols.
Opel’s second area of focus concerns the driver’s actions. The company’s engineers are developing software and a system of sensors to detect and categorize the driver’s actions while the car is driving automatically.
In order to predict how the driver might react when he or she must retake control, the correlation between driving situations and the driver’s actions inside the car is of special interest.
An additional core-task is the development of a self-localization process for the vehicle. Opel is designing algorithms for visual mapping and localization which are then merged with information from back-end and onboard maps, movement sensors and the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).
Opel will build a prototype that can display the essential functions of cooperative highly automated driving on the Autobahn, i.e. automatically entering the Autobahn and merging with the traffic, driving on the Autobahn including over-taking maneuvers, and finally exiting the Autobahn automatically.
Initially Opel will test and validate the prototype hardware and the highly automated driving functionality on a proving ground. Testing will continue on public roads as soon as the prototype technology has reached a sufficiently advanced stage.
The “Ko-HAF” research initiative began in June 2015 and will run until November 2018. The project has a budget totaling 36.3 million euros and is supported by the Federal Ministry for Economy and Energy.
