New Opel Corsa GSE: Hot Hatch Tradition Reloaded

• Back to the future: Opel Corsa GSE revives the tradition of sporty Corsa models
• Small, strong, fast: 207 kW (281 hp), 345 Nm, from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds 
• From the Opel Corsa A GSi to the new Opel Corsa GSE: Each Corsa generation enthuses fans with at least one highly dynamic version

Compact, quick and seriously powerful: the new Opel Corsa GSE 1 delivers electrifying driving pleasure in its purest form! This new everyday performance car – which will arrive later this year and will celebrate its exhibition premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October – is turning heads not just with its striking, racy ‘hot hatch’ design. Above all, its performance figures speak for themselves: With 207 kW (281 hp) and 345 Newton metres of torque it will offer just as much electric power as the Opel Mokka GSE. Added to this is the fastest acceleration of any current Opel production model: in just 5.5 seconds, the Opel Corsa GSE propels the speedometer needle from 0 to 100 km/h 1. This is high performance in a compact package and makes the new Corsa GSE the most powerful production Corsa to date.

At the same time, the new high-performance version of Germany’s and UK’s bestselling small car takes the sporty GSi genes of the first Corsa generation into the future. Ever since the first generation of the model, Opel has been offering Corsa fans the chance to drive an extra-hot and sporty version of the beloved small car. The ‘hot hatch’ fun all began in 1988 with the Corsa GSi. Since 2007, the various versions and generations of the Corsa OPC have been providing adrenaline rushes. And now the new, all-electric Corsa GSE is on the starting blocks, ready to deliver the ultimate driving experience a small car can offer!

The first Opel Corsa GSi: A car as dynamic as a motorcycle

In 1988, the first Opel Corsa GSi entered the market. A car as dynamic as a motorcycle: ultra-compact, 820 kilogrammes light, with prominent wheel-arches, sports seats, 74 kW (100 hp) and 188 km/h fast.

The 1.6-litre injection engine newly developed for the launch accelerated the sportive first-generation Opel Corsa to 100 km/h in around 9.5 seconds. With powerful low-end torque, the car has always brought a smile to Opel Corsa GSi drivers’ faces when they step on the accelerator pedal. To bring the higher performance and agility onto the road, Opel engineers adapted the chassis and brakes of the Corsa to the GSi specification. The extra features included stiffer springs, specially tuned shock absorbers as well as larger, internally ventilated front disc brakes. Anti-roll bars at the front and rear kept the car safely on track in corners.

The designers also reflected the sporty character of the first Opel Corsa GSi in its appearance. The standard specification at the time already included sports seats, a three-spoke sport steering wheel, a rev counter, sports alloy wheels and wide tyres. With its technology and design, the first-generation Opel Corsa GSi paved the way for future generation sporty Corsa models.

GSi = fun-to-drive: Opel Corsa B GSi and Opel Corsa C GSi boost performance

A particularly sporty model variant hit the road in 1993, the Opel Corsa GSi 16V. It featured colour-keyed side-sills and bumpers as well as front and rear spoilers. The standard equipment also included electronically controlled ABS, a rev-counter and wide tyres.

As most powerful Corsa model of its time, the second-generation Opel Corsa GSi offered 80 kW (109 hp) and impressed once more with plenty of power from low revs (‘low-end torque characteristics’). The small car could sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 195 km/h. A sporty chassis and gas-filled shock absorbers helped to bring the performance onto the road. The Corsa driver could shift gear using the five-speed sports gearbox, and the standard power steering helped to steer through tight bends with ease. Sports seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel created the right atmosphere in the cockpit.

In 2001, the Opel Corsa C GSi followed in the footsteps of its predecessor – stronger, faster and more powerful than before. With a top speed of 202 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds, the third-generation Corsa GSi was the fastest production Corsa to date. At the same time, the Corsa GSi’s 92 kW (125 hp) 1.8-litre engine impressed not only in terms of power but also, thanks to 165 Newton metres of torque, with sporty bursts of acceleration while maintaining modest fuel consumption. This was made possible by an advanced engine management system controlling sequential fuel injection, particularly precise fuel distribution, ignition and other functions. Even back then, the developers focused on delivering sporty driving pleasure in the most resource-efficient way possible.

Start of the Opel Corsa OPC era in 2007: Even sportier, stronger and more expressive

From 2007 onwards, the ‘OPC’ abbreviation had finally come to stand for pure dynamic driving fun in the Opel Corsa as well. In that year, Opel presented the Corsa D OPC with 141 kW (192 hp) and 266 Newton metres of torque. With a dark-contrasting diffuser, striking gills, powerful front and rear aprons and a roof spoiler, the OPC showed at first glance what drivers could expect. But the end of the line had not yet been reached. In 2010, the Corsa OPC ‘Nürburgring Edition’ – the most powerful Corsa to date – followed. Its characteristics: 154 kW (210 hp), 280 Newton metres of torque, from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h! The newly developed Bilstein performance chassis and the special high-performance braking system from Brembo brought the power safely to the road.

Opel continued to cater to GSi fans amongst Corsa drivers too: For all those who preferred a more discreet sportiness with superior power delivery, Opel had also the fourth-generation Corsa GSi on offer. With 110 kW (150 hp) and a top speed of 210 km/h, the for the first time turbo-charged car closed the gap between the ‘ordinary’ production Corsa and the high-performance OPC variant.

 

The OPC of the fifth-generation Corsa, which followed in 2015, also demonstrated right from the start that, whether on the famous Green Hell of the Nürburgring race track or in the urban jungle, the Corsa E OPC feels at home anywhere. Once again being the fastest member of the Corsa family with a top speed of 230 km/h, it combined uncompromising sportiness with superb everyday practicality. This sporty car, just under four metres long, impressed with its powerful turbo engine delivering 152 kW (207 hp) and 280 Newton metres of torque, its agile handling and, last but not least, its sporty design: Recaro performance seats, a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel and sports pedals inside, as well as large air intakes, a strongly contoured bonnet, bold side skirts, a dominant rear spoiler and the twin exhaust tailpipes flanked by a diffuser on the outside all bore witness to the power of the Corsa OPC. And to channel this power onto the road in a controlled manner, the Corsa E OPC featured, for the first time, a suspension system with Frequency Selective Damping technology.

‘Hot hatch’, the next level: The new Opel Corsa GSE electrifies the public

To all who want to experience an exhilarating, high-performance driving experience in a state-of-the-art small car before the end of this year will not have to wait much longer. The new Opel Corsa GSE is on the way. It succeeds the Opel Corsa OPC as the most powerful Corsa to date and takes the ‘hot hatch’ experience to the next level – uncompromising, thrilling and, above all, fully electric and locally emissions-free. After all, that is exactly what GSE stands for: Grand Sport Electric!

 With 207 kW (281 hp) – that is 181 hp per 1,000 kilogrammes of vehicle weight! – and 345 Newton metres of torque, the new Opel Corsa GSE will offer just as much electric power as the Opel Mokka GSE. At the same time, however, the top-of-the-line version of the model family becomes even more dynamic. With an acceleration of just 5.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h1, the high-performance Corsa pushes its driver into the GSE sports seat more vehemently than any other current Opel production model.

Sophisticated technology also contributes to the exceptional performance, handling stability and direct feedback: the Opel Corsa GSE has front-wheel drive with Torsen-multi-plate limited-slip differential and a lowered sports chassis with specifically designed axles, stabilisers and hydraulic shock absorbers. GSE-optimised steering and pedal tuning underlines the highly dynamic driving experience. And if necessary, four-piston performance brakes ensure immediate deceleration from high speeds.

The new Opel Corsa GSE confidently showcases its performance. Numerous details – from the GSE-specific front and rear to 18-inch wheels, performance seats, yellow seatbelts to digital displays with performance data and much more – create a Corsa GSE design with genuine wow-factor and demonstrate what emotional, all-electric ‘hot hatch’ driving fun is all about in its purest form.

[1] All data are provisional. Vehicle not yet homologated and not yet available.

[2] The values of a vehicle depend not only on the efficient use of fuel by the vehicle, but are also influenced by driving behavior and other non-technical factors.

Born to Turn Heads: New Opel Corsa GSE in Sporty Camouflage

• Striped and chequered decals: Modern tribute to the sporty Opel Corsa A of the 1980s
• Camouflaged and concealed: Electrifying design details of new Opel Corsa GSE still remain a secret
• Hot prospects: Sporty new Opel Corsa top-of-the-range model available to order this year

“OMG! What a stunning car is that?” This is probably what many Opel fans asked themselves when they saw the first spy shots of the new Opel Corsa GSE. Because Opel will soon be expanding its range of GSE models, as the manufacturer announced recently. The new Opel Corsa GSE will be available to order later this year.

However, there is still some time to go before the high-performance version of Germany’s best-selling small car is officially unveiled. This is why the new Opel Corsa GSE is currently still camouflaged; after all, not all of its hot design details are to be revealed in advance. At the same time, the sporty-looking wrap on the exterior is much more than just a practical disguise – it pays homage to the sporty Corsa A variants of the 1980s, thus, with a modern twist.

“With the camouflage for the new Opel Corsa GSE, we’re combining classic design with an exciting, forward-looking look that highlights the spirit of our GSE models,” said Andreas Kubis, who, as ‘Technical Lead Confidentiality’, is responsible for camouflaging Opel’s prototypes and pre-production vehicles. “Of course, the primary purpose of the camouflage is to prevent all the details of the upcoming model from being revealed too early,” explained the prototype protection expert. “With the Opel Corsa GSE, however, it was immediately clear to us that this ‘disguise’ should convey a message. Its sporty design with black, white and yellow accents whets the appetite for this hot hatch, whilst also paying homage to Opel’s motorsport heritage.”

At Opel, GSE stands for goosebumps, speed and electric emotions. The new Opel Corsa GSE was designed to embody all of this not just in its final production version, but right from the first glance as a prototype. Andreas Kubis and his team have done a sterling job here. Even the matt black base colour of the wrap conveys the vehicle’s performance character. The large yellow and white stripes, complete with GSE lettering, unmistakably herald the new hot hatch. The stripes have been arranged to resemble a sporty chequered pattern, complemented by white and yellow dotted double lines that look like finely stitched seams.

Opel fans will find all this familiar. The sports seats in the first Opel Corsa GSi, back in the late 1980s, already featured a very distinctive striped pattern. And the yellow and white stripes on the bodywork of the new Opel Corsa GSE, now arranged at different angles to one another, deliberately draw inspiration from the chequered design of the seat covers, which is inextricably linked to the Opel Corsa SR and Opel Corsa GT of the first generation of this best-selling small car.

The new Opel Corsa GSE is already whetting the appetite for powerful performance in its matching hot GSE styling. Opel will soon reveal which design details will make the new high-performance model even more striking. Visitors of this year’s Paris Motor Show (12 to 18 October) can already look forward to seeing the Opel Corsa GSE in the flesh as the hot hatch will celebrate it exhibition premiere in the French capital.

30 Years Opel Corsa B: Innovative Bestseller

• 1993 until 2000: Second Opel Corsa generation continued success of best-selling small car
• Safety benchmark: Opel Corsa B was first in class with double door beams and seatbelt tensioners
• Pocket rocket: Opel Corsa GSi with 80 kW/109 hp, sports chassis and sharp styling
• Start of new era: Second generation Corsa was first to be “Made in Eisenach”
• Fun to drive goes electric: Locally emissions-free new Opel Corsa Electric in two power outputs available now

Opel Corsa is a success story, a long-running hit. Since its launch in 1982, more than 14.5 million units have been produced. The bestseller goes from success to success. It was the best-selling car in the United Kingdom in 2021 and Germany's most popular small car over the past two years. Now sales of the new Opel Corsa have begun – more modern, more digital and more diverse than ever. The new Corsa is available for the first time in two battery-electric performance levels as the Corsa Electric. In addition, the adaptive IntelliLux LED Matrix light, which the Corsa brought to the small car market segment in 2019, has also been further optimised. These are just two examples of the recipe that has made Opel’s smallest such a great success: make innovations from higher classes available to small car buyers – and above all affordable.

This applied especially to the second Opel Corsa generation. After the breakthrough of Opel Corsa A, introduced in 1982, it went one step further when it was launched exactly 30 years ago. With an independent design and features that set safety standards, as well as a high level of comfort and practical benefits, it celebrated worldwide success and even cracked the four-million mark in sales by the year 2000. In addition, as of 1993, Opel Corsa B opened a new era as the first Opel Corsa “made in Eisenach”.

Rounding the edges: Opel Corsa B - variants with new styling cues

The designers led by Hideo Kodama took a risk with the successor to the first Corsa. Despite the great success of the angular Opel Corsa A, the decision was made in Rüsselsheim to make Opel Corsa B more appealing to women. So Kodama got to work and designed a much rounder, softer Opel Corsa, whose headlights looked like large eyes. The smooth, rounded shapes were inspired by the Junior concept car, which had caused a stir a few years earlier. But the softly flowing contours also had a practical effect: they improved aerodynamics and thus reduced fuel consumption.

Also noticeable was the different design of the three and five-door models. The designers had practically created two models with their own character. They gave the three-door model a sporty silhouette with a coupé-like rear, while the five-door was the “family” variant with a more upright tailgate. The rear was more spacious for the passengers in the second row and the luggage volume increased to a maximum of 1,150 litres.

Opel Corsa B especially stood out with its wide range of variants. Five equipment levels from Eco to Swing, Joy and Sport to the GSi offered something for every taste, also thanks to the matching fabric patterns and colours. In addition, Opel complemented the three and five-door hatchbacks with an estate, a four-door notchback and even a pick-up for certain markets.

Benchmark for comfort and safety: Opel Corsa B set standards in its class

The further development from generation A to B also benefited comfort and, above all, safety. Opel Corsa grew by 10 centimetres to almost 3.73 metres in length, had a longer wheelbase and extremely short body overhangs. In addition, the windscreen had been pulled further forwards and the rear of the five-door model sloped down at a steep angle. All these measures enabled the Corsa B to offer the best values in its class in terms of space and freedom of movement (head, shoulder and leg room). Large windows and narrow pillars created a light, airy interior atmosphere and enabled good all-round visibility. In order to ensure a clear view from all sides, even in bad weather, a special windscreen surround on the sides kept rainwater away from the windows; the aerodynamically designed exterior mirror housings also had a small lip that prevented the accumulation of dirt on the mirror surface and the windows.

The second Opel Corsa generation set new safety standards in the small car segment. The torsional rigidity of the body had been increased by 40 per cent compared to its predecessor. For the first time in this class, double steel beams in the doors, offering passengers additional protection in the event of a side impact, and mechanical seabelt tensioners on the front seats, were fitted as standard. Height-adjustable seatbelts at the front and rear as well as anti-submarining ramps in the seat frames were other important safety features of all Opel Corsa models. And shortly after the launch, a full-size airbag for the driver was also available.

Opel’s little sportscar: Fun-to-drive Opel Corsa GSi

A particularly sporty variant hit the road in 1993, Opel  Corsa GSi 16V. The sportiest Corsa of the time featured colour-keyed side-sills and bumpers as well as front and rear spoilers. The standard equipment also included electronically-controlled ABS, a rev-counter and wide tyres.

Opel Corsa GSi could sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 195 km/h. A sporty chassis and gas-filled shock absorbers helped to bring the performance onto the road. Sports seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel created the right atmosphere in the cockpit.

Fun with responsibility: Resource conservation was built into the Opel Corsa B

At the same time, Opel showed even then that driving pleasure goes hand in hand with responsibility. Sustainability and resource conservation has always been a focal point of development for the brand with the Blitz.

The second Corsa generation set the benchmark here too, thanks to its efficient petrol engines with fuel injection and catalytic converters. With its particularly economical 1.2-litre engine (33 kW/45 hp), the Corsa already met emission standards in 1993 which came into force only three years later. And with an average consumption of 4.66 l/100 km, the Corsa Eco was “Europe's most economical car” in terms of weight and performance according to the ADAC and the ÖAMTC. In addition, with a pass-by noise of just 72 decibels in the early 1990s, it was also one of the quietest cars in Europe.

In 1990, Opel was the first car manufacturer with a recycling loop for automotive plastics. The subsequent recycling of end-of-life vehicles was therefore already considered during the design of the Corsa B. Unmixed plastic composites and easy-to-dismantle fastening techniques for individual components made an important contribution to environmentally compatible recycling. With the start of production at the Eisenach site 30 years ago, the Corsa was produced at one of the most modern and resource-efficient automobile plants in Europe.

Opel Team Belgium is back in Rally!!

• 100% electric: Opel is pioneering with the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup 2021
• Opel Team Belgium is making a revival and is taking part in this Cup that takes place in Germany
• Bernard Munster provided a spectacle 30 years ago
• Charles Munster Junior sets the torch on fire again

Charles Munster Junior with the fully electric Opel Corsa-e Rally

30 years ago, Opel Team Belgium was active in Belgian Rallying, in the hands of Bernard Munster , among others . With his Opel Corsa he created a spectacle and even turned his Corsa GSi into a Corsa pickup with a roll over, to the delight of the audience in Ypres. Now it is time for a revival and this time Charles Munster will defend the Belgian colors in a unique concept. After all, Opel is the first manufacturer to organize a Rally Cup with the fully electric Opel Corsa-e.

“I drove an Opel Corsa GSi for Opel Team Belgium for three years. I look back on that period with great pleasure. It was always a pleasant sight, I as a tall pilot and Willy Lux as a small co-pilot. We were a perfect duo and had a great time ”, Bernard tells us, now owner of BMA Motorsport.

Opel Corsa GSi - Opel Team Belgium

And he raised Rally driving to his sons. Both Grégoire and Charles were highly successful in the Opel ADAM Rally Cup for several years. They also learned the business with the Opel cars.

Munster family was immediately ready to take a chance with the Opel Corsa-e, which will compete in a number of competitions in the German championship this year. Electrification is obviously a very big step for them for a family with petrol in their veins, but it is also a unique evolution for them towards better protection of the environment.

Charles thus includes the gloves in the international plateau of this new formula.

“I am really looking forward to defending the colors of Opel Belgium in the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup 2021. This new formula is groundbreaking and is fully in line with the current realm of the responsibility that the automotive sector takes in the context of protecting the environment. I am already fully preparing - physically and mentally - for this championship ”, the sympathetic Charles Munster tells us.

“Car's “early torque” is particularly spectacular. And another big adjustment for us as pilots is especially good management of the brakes, since braking on the engine is not possible or less severe ”, says Charles.

Charles also told us that he has a good feeling about it because all aspects of safety are covered and go even further than for Rally cars with a petrol engine.

Deutscher Motor Sport Bund is responsible for ensuring that strict safety regulations can be met at all times during an event. One of the most important tasks for the DMSB is to train the rally marshals, from the marshals on the special stages to the staff of the Service Park. For all persons who have to perform certain tasks on or with an electric competition car, different safety certificates are required, which are categorized according to the colors blue-green, yellow-orange-red. Only those certified in the red category are allowed to work on the high voltage system of the Opel Corsa-e Rally or any other electric rally car.

The newly developed safety concept for the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup thus covers all relevant areas for the use of electric rally vehicles. It includes the technical specifications, the training of teams and rally marshals, as well as information for spectators at the special stages and in the Service Park.

We will keep you informed of the first achievements that Charles has in store for us!!

Fun-to-Drive Duo: All-New Opel Corsa GS Line and Opel Corsa A GSi

• Engaging drive guaranteed: All-new Opel Corsa generation model athlete available to order
• Centre-stage: New Opel Corsa GS Line debuts at IAA Frankfurt Motor Show
• Long tradition: GS and GSi mean extra-sporty Opel model

Opel Corsa GS Line is making its premiere at the IAA Frankfurt International Motor Show (until September 22). Its famous ancestor, the legendary Opel Corsa A GSi, also made its debut at the IAA – exactly 32 years ago. The first generation of the sporty small car has lost nothing of its appeal to this day. All-new Corsa GS Line and its ancestor Corsa A GSi – a perfect fun-to-drive duo.

Grand Sport injection: Passion on four wheels

GSi – the Opel abbreviation for "Grand Sport injection" (formerly GT/E) has stood for the particularly sporty models with the lightning flash emblem since the 1980s and means pure passion. The Kadett E GSi and Manta GSi were followed in 1988 by the athlete in the small car class, the Opel Corsa GSi. A car as dynamic as a motorcycle: ultra-compact, 820 kilogrammes light, with prominent wheel-arches, sports seats, 100hp and 188km/h fast. Opel’s ambition has always been to make innovations and an engaging drive accessible for everyone – and the automaker has remained true to this commitment through the decades. The best example is the descendant of the Corsa A GSi – the new Corsa GS Line. The origins of the new car's genes are obvious at first glance. Just like the 1980s GSi, new Corsa GS Line features chili-red paint and a black roof, leaving no doubt that sportiness is the key.

Meeting of the generations: Opel Corsa A and new Opel Corsa GS Line for sport enthusiasts

The sixth-generation Corsa is trimmed for efficiency down to the finest detail and is more modern and dynamic than ever before. Fans of extremely sporty looks will get their money's worth with the top GS Line. As the dynamic shining star, the Corsa GS Line is a real eye-catcher – just like the Corsa GSi.

The 1.6-litre injection engine newly developed in 1988 accelerated the sporty first-generation Corsa to 100 km/h in around 9.5 seconds. With powerful low-end torque, the car has always brought a smile to Corsa GSi drivers’ faces when they step on the accelerator pedal. To bring the higher performance and agility onto the road, Opel engineers adapted the chassis and brakes of the Corsa to the GSi specification. The extra features included stiffer springs, specially tuned shock absorbers as well as larger, internally ventilated front disc brakes. Anti-roll bars at the front and rear kept the car safely on track in corners.

And what about today? New Corsa GS Line is also equipped with state-of-the-art technology, such as the 96 kW/130 hp 1.2-litre turbo engine with eight-speed automatic. With the top-of-the-line petrol engine the Corsa now reaches speeds of up to 208 km/h and sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds (fuel consumption NEDC: urban 5.5-5.4 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.2-4.0 l/100 km, combined 4.7-4.5 l/100 km, 106-103 g/km CO2; fuel consumption WLTP: combined 6.0-5.6 l/100 km, 136-128 g/km CO2, preliminary figures). Engine delivers maximum torque of up to 230 Nm. An engaging drive guaranteed!

Pure sports feeling – inside and outside

A must in the interior back then (with the Corsa GSi) and today (with the new Corsa GS Line): sports seats as standard. The tachometer and additional instruments such as oil pressure gauge and voltmeter provided the Corsa GSi driver with important data. With sports rims and wide tyres, the Corsa GSi showed that it would not only feel comfortable in normal road traffic, but also on the Nürburgring – just like the new Corsa GS Line. Available from €19,880 (RRP incl. VAT in Germany), the newcomer is recognisable at first glance by its chrome-plated tailpipe and sporty bumpers front and rear. The Sport mode ensures even more dynamic steering and engine response.

By the end of production in 1993, more than 10,000 of the first-generation Corsa GSi had rolled off the assembly line. And with the Corsa B GSi, the successor was already in the starting blocks to continue the success story in the 1990s.

GSi in all classes: from sporty Opel Corsa to Opel Insignia GSi

Opel Corsa B GSi 16V impressed with 109 hp and its powerful “low-end-torque“. Then came the Corsa C GSi with 125 hp and a top speed of 202 km/h, and from 2007 the Corsa D GSi with turbocharging for the first time and 150 hp from 1.6 litres. Opel continued the GSi tradition in the small car class with the fifth-generation Corsa in 2018. The 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine produces 110 kW/150 hp. The diminutive sports car accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 207 km/h.

But one year earlier in 2017, Opel already presented great things to the public at the IAA when the Opel Insignia GSi made its world premiere. With the sporty Insignia as the Grand Sport limousine and the Sports Tourer estate, there was a dynamic duo at the Opel stand. Once again, the brand with the lightning flash presented a sports model with all-wheel drive. The Insignia GSi features four-wheel drive with torque vectoring for additional driving precision and lateral acceleration. The Insignia GSi made its debut with a 2.0 turbo petrol engine with 191 kW/260 hp. Shortly afterwards an efficient turbo diesel followed. The 2.0-litre BiTurbo delivers 154 kW/210 hp and has maximum torque of 480 Nm (fuel consumption NEDC1: urban 9.6 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.7-5.6 l/100 km, combined 7.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined 187 g/km; fuel consumption WLTP2: combined 7.9-7.5 l/100 km, 206-195 g/km CO2). This takes the Opel Insignia GSi Grand Sport to 233 km/h and the Sports Tourer to 231 km/h – and Opel offers GSi driving pleasure from the small car class all the way to the flagship.

Opel GT and Opel Corsa A GSi are “Vintage Cars of the Year”

• Premiere: First time one brand wins two awards in Auto Bild Klassik readers’ choice
• Celebrities: Opel designer Erhard Schnell and touring car legend Volker Strycek accept awards

Vintage Car of the Year in the sports car and coupé segment: Opel GT designer Erhard Schnell next to his award-winning brainchild.

The 1968 Opel GT and the 1988 Opel Corsa GSi have won “Vintage Car of the Year” awards. It is the first time ever that two cars made by a single brand have celebrated victories at the “Golden Vintage Car” readers’ choice award organised by magazine Auto Bild Klassik. The pan-European award was established in 2010 and readers can choose their favourites in six categories. The iconic Opel GT won the “Sports cars and coupés” segment while the speedy Opel Corsa A GSi impressed in the “Small and compact car segment”. Two very special Opel ambassadors travelled to the award ceremony in Stuttgart. 91-year-old former Opel designer Erhard Schnell accepted the award for his brainchild – the Opel GSi. Elsewhere “Mister GSi”, Opel Director Performance Cars Volker Strycek, collected the trophy for the Corsa GSi.

“The courage we displayed when designing the Opel GT has paid off time and time again. I am delighted that its design still fascinates people today and has resulted in it winning ‘Vintage Car of the Year’,” said Erhard Schnell. “Opel has always built cars that spark emotion. This is demonstrated by icons such as the Opel GT but also by little sports cars such as the Corsa GSi – of which the latest variant is currently available,” added Volker Strycek.

Vintage Car of the Year in the small and compact car segment: “Mister GSi” Volker Strycek with the 1988 Opel Corsa A GSi.

Opel Corsa GSi was launched exactly 30 years ago. It was as dynamic as a motorbike: extremely compact, 820 kg light, with cheeky wheel arches, sport seats, 100 hp and a top speed of 188 km/h. It laid the foundations for further Corsa GSi models and its DNA can still be seen in its latest descendent. The latest generation Corsa GSi celebrated its world premiere a few weeks ago. Powered by a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine (fuel consumption^[1]: urban 8.0-7.7 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.5-5.1 l/100 km, combined 6.4-6.1 l/100 km, 147-139 g/km CO₂) it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 second and has a top speed of 207 km/h. The new Corsa GSi and its big brother the Insignia GSi are thus continuing Opel’s successful GSi tradition.

A groundbreaking design was already a feature of the very first sketch for Opel’s other winner at this year’s awards, the Opel GT. Presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1965, the Opel GT was already rolling off the production line three years later thanks to the excitement it stirred. The advertising slogan “Only flying is better” is just as iconic as the “Coke bottle” shape and the “sleeping eyes” pop-up headlights. Even back then, those responsible combined sportiness with comfort and trendsetting efficiency – just as the Opel designers are doing today with the Opel GT X Experimental. The forward-looking brand concept is a bold, 4.06-metre, 5-door, all-electric compact SUV with coupé appeal and brimming with innovative ideas, which gives a preview of what the future holds for Opel models.

 

---

^[1] Values measured according to WLTP and converted to NEDC for comparison.

Small and Sporty: Sales Start for New Opel Corsa GSi

• Powerful engine: Turbocharging for outstanding throttle response and pulling power
• Agile chassis: OPC chassis set up on Nürburgring “Nordschleife”
• Long tradition: First Opel Corsa GSi debuted in 1988 with 100 hp

New Opel Corsa GSi 

The eagerly-awaited new Opel Corsa GSi has arrived on the market. With turbo boost and OPC chassis the newcomer represents a machine for true connoisseurs. After the Insignia, the Corsa is the second GSi model now on offer. It impresses with its ultra-precise OPC chassis – for exemplary handling and short braking distances. The Corsa GSi is powered by Opel’s lively 1.4-litre turbo with 110 kW/150 hp and 220 Nm of torque (fuel consumption¹ l/100 km: 8.0-7.7 urban, 5.5-5.1 extra-urban, 6.4-6.1 combined, CO₂ g/km 147-139 combined). Mated to a short-ratio, six-speed gearbox, the four-cylinder power unit delivers outstanding punch in second and third gears, as well as a maximum torque plateau from 3,000 to 4,500 rpm.

The “hot hatch” from Rüsselsheim is therefore very quick off the mark (zero to 100 km/h is covered in only 8.9 seconds) and impresses with great elasticity: it takes just 9.9 seconds to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear. Top speed is 207 km/h. The sporty Opel Corsa GSi can be now be ordered for €19,960 (RRP including VAT in Germany).

The OPC chassis and the disc brakes with red calipers have been set up on the legendary Nürburgring “Nordschleife” racetrack by Opel’s Director Performance Cars and Motorsport, Volker Strycek. Agile handling and short braking distances are guaranteed, especially when combined with the optional 18-inch light alloy wheels with 215/40 ZR18 sports tyres.

The high performance of the new Opel Corsa GSi is complemented by the athletic exterior looks featuring large air intakes, sculptured bonnet, prominent rear spoiler and precisely modelled side sills. From the front, the bold Opel GSi fascia with large honeycomb grille and the central Opel Blitz supported by two wings, along with the exterior rear view mirror housings in carbon racing-look become visible. The large chrome-ringed design elements that are visually connected in a horizontal line via black crosspieces running across the front, along with the black traverse cleat on the bonnet support the impression of sportiness. The vibrant styling is also present when viewed from the rear. The prominent spoiler on the edge of the roof creates additional downforce, the sporty chrome tailpipe is framed by the vibrant design of the rear apron in body colour.

The feeling of pure sportiness is also conveyed by the interior of the Opel Corsa GSi, especially when the sports steering wheel, leather gearshift knob and aluminium pedals are complemented by the optional Recaro performance seat.

Sporty GSi cars have a long tradition at Opel. The first to raise the adrenalin level were the Manta GSi and the Kadett GSi (115 hp from 1.8 litres) in 1984. Only four years later the 2.0-litre DOHC 16-valve engine in the Kadett 2.0 GSi 16V delivered 150 hp. The first Opel Astra also featured this engine.

Opel Corsa GSi family was founded in 1988 by the 100 hp Corsa A (now a much sought-after classic) and reached a brief hiatus in 2012 with the Corsa D. Until now: Opel Corsa GSi is back.

  ^[1] Values measured according to WLTP and converted to NEDC for comparison.

New Opel Corsa GSi Powertrain Promises Great Driving Fun

• 1.4-liter turbo engine with six-speed manual gearbox optimised for winding roads
• Pure driving precision thanks to the OPC sports chassis
• Recaro seats and sports steering wheel on inside, carbon elements on the outside
• Opel Corsa GSi follows in high-performance wheel tracks of dynamic Opel Insignia GSi

In search of the next corner: Dynamic sports chassis adopted from the OPC version makes the new Opel Corsa GSi ideal for tackling winding roads

When the new Opel Corsa GSi follows the Insignia GSi onto the market this summer, it will be powered by the brand’s punchy 1.4-liter turbo engine with 110 kW/150 hp and 220 Nm of torque (fuel consumption l/100 km^[1]: 7.9-7.8 urban, 5.4-5.2 extra-urban, 6.3-6.2 combined, CO₂ g/km 147-143 combined). Thus 

Opel’s “hot hatchback” is not only quick off the mark (zero to 100 km/h is covered in only 8.9 seconds), it also impresses with great elasticity – on its way to the maximum speed of 207 km/h, the Corsa GSi takes just 9.9 seconds to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear. The “pocket-rocket” from Rüsselsheim is also part of Opel’s Euro 6d-TEMP rollout.

When configuring the engine, which delivers a specific power output of more than 100 hp/litre, engineers specifically optimised responsiveness for great driving fun on winding country roads. Thus, the turbocharged engine with short-ratio, six-speed gearbox impresses with outstanding punch in second and third gears as well as a maximum torque plateau of 3,000 to 4,500 rpm tailor-made for spirited driving.

The Corsa GSi also emits pure precision: The sport chassis known from the OPC version and the brakes with red calipers ensure precise athleticism, outstanding handling and short braking distances also when combined with the optional 18-inch light alloy wheels with high-grip 215/40 R18 tyres.

The high performance of the new Opel Corsa GSi is matched by the athletic exterior looks. It has a characteristic design with large air intakes, sculptured bonnet, prominent rear spoiler and precisely modelled side sills.

From the front, the cheeky Opel GSi fascia with large honeycomb grille and the central Opel Blitz supported by two wings, along with the exterior rear view mirror housings in carbon racing-look become visible. The large chrome-ringed design elements that are visually connected in a horizontal line via black crosspieces running across the front, along with the black traverse cleat on the bonnet support the impression of road-clinging athlete. The vibrant styling is also present when viewed from the rear. The prominent spoiler on the edge of the roof creates additional downforce, the sporty chrome tailpipe is framed by the vibrant design of the rear apron in body colour.

The pure feeling of sportiness is also conveyed by the interior. Opel Corsa GSi driver sits on the optional Recaro performance seat and puts his hands on the sports steering wheel. Select the gear via the leather gearshift knob, put your foot on the aluminium sport pedal and pure driving pleasure commences.

^[1] Values measured according to WLTP and converted to NEDC for comparison.

Small Sports Star, Big Name: New Opel Corsa GSi

• Continuation of GSi tradition: Opel Corsa GSi to follow Opel Insignia GSi
• Pure precision: Sport chassis from fast Opel Corsa OPC sibling
• Uncompromising appearance: Dynamic Opel design with crisp and precise lines
• Touring car feeling: Recaro seats and sports steering wheel on inside, carbon elements on the outside

What you see is what you get: Sporty design of the Opel Corsa GSi reflects its fun-to-drive character.

Pure precision for pure driving pleasure: What the Opel Insignia GSi is already impressively showing in the midsize class, will be brought to the small car segment by the new Opel Corsa GSi. A precise sports machine that becomes a cornering virtuoso thanks to its sports chassis fine-tuned on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring. The exterior design of the Corsa GSi leaves no doubts: Here comes a true athlete that is equally impressive in everyday driving.

“We are continuing our long GSi tradition with the new Opel Corsa GSi. There was already an especially sporty variant of the very first Opel Corsa, which is a sought after classic-to-be.

Our latest athlete will set new standards in the segment with its OPC sports chassis,” said Peter Küspert, Opel Managing Director Sales and Marketing.

True to the motto “hot, hotter, Corsa GSi” the three-door small car impresses with precise lines: It has a characteristic design with large air intakes, sculptured bonnet, prominent rear spoiler and precisely modelled side sills .From the front, the cheeky Opel GSi fascia with large honeycomb grille and the central Opel Blitz supported by two wings, along with the exterior rear view mirror housings in carbon racing-look become visible. The large chrome-ringed design elements that are visually connected in a horizontal line via black crosspieces running across the front, along with the black traverse cleat on the bonnet support the impression of road-clinging athlete. The vibrant styling is also present when viewed from the rear. The prominent spoiler on the edge of the roof creates additional downforce, the sporty chrome tailpipe is framed by the vibrant design of the rear apron in body colour.

Eye-catcher: Clean lines and a prominent roof spoiler – New Opel Corsa GSi looks the business from any angle, including the rear.

The pure feeling of sportiness is also conveyed by the interior. Opel Corsa GSi driver sits on the optional Recaro performance seat and puts his hands on the sports steering wheel. Select the gear via the leather gearshift knob, put your foot on the aluminium sport pedal and pure driving pleasure commences. Opel Corsa GSi also emits pure precision: The sport chassis known from the OPC version and the brakes with red callipers ensure precise athleticism, outstanding handling and short braking distances also when combined with the optional 18-inch light alloy wheels.

Opel Corsa GSi occupants can also enjoy outstanding connectivity with the optional IntelliLink infotainment system and bring the world of Apple iOS and Android smartphones into the car.