Exciting Look into the Future: Opel STX Concept and Opel GSE 27FE Celebrate World Premieres at the Paris Motor Show

• Sports Tourer design of tomorrow: Opel CEO Florian Huettl, Vice President Marketing Rebecca Reinermann and Vice President Design Mark Adams present visionary STX Concept

• Epitome of GSE: GSE 27FE Formula E GEN4 race car in the final design

• GSE experience for all: New Opel Corsa GSE and Astra GSE Line in Paris for the first time
• Best future prospects: Four new Opel models by 2030 plus investments of more than one billion euros in Germany

• Unique trade fair appearance: Until October 18, visitors can immerse themselves more deeply in the Opel world of German precision and high performance at booth A42 in hall 4

 

“It is an exciting time for Opel. After the successful launch of the Grandland, Mokka and Frontera, we are on course for growth,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl at Opel press conference of the Paris Motor Show. “We have an outstanding offer for our customers. At the same time, we are investing in our future, with investments of more than one billion euros and four new models by 2030,” announced Huettl.

The vision for the future became very clear in the following minutes: The world premieres, which Huettl unveiled together with Opel Vice President Marketing Rebecca Reinermann and Opel Vice President Design Mark Adams, stand for the next groundbreaking step in German engineering and high performance – the visionary Opel STX Concept and the Opel GSE 27FE Formula E GEN4 racing car.

World premiere 1: Opel STX Concept shows Sports Tourer design of tomorrow

“The Opel Sports Tourer eXperimental Concept, or Opel STX Concept for short, celebrate Sports Tourer history and reimagines this Opel favourite for a new generation,” said Huettl. It combines German engineering, emotional design and intelligent technologies in such a way that drivers and passengers experience the highest level of driving engagement. “It has an even bolder, more confident brand face with a more prominent Opel Vizor and a new light signature,” said Vice President Design Mark Adams. “The STX Concept represents the next ambitious and exciting step forward in Opel design.” 

 

At the same time, the visionary study combines technical and emotional styling with groundbreaking solutions that ensure better aerodynamics and efficiency. The STX Concept is not only a show car that presents modern design with innovative technology ideas, but also anticipates the visionary further development of the Sports Tourer and already carries elements of future Opel models.

World premiere 2: Opel GSE 27FE as the epitome of the GSE world

Just like the latest study from Rüsselsheim, the second Opel world premiere, the Opel GSE 27FE Formula E racing car, is also characterised by German engineering and precision combined with innovative technologies. “GSE is the most thrilling expression of Opel. We bring this spirit to life across three dimensions with Race, Drive and Play,” said Vice President Marketing Rebecca Reinermann.

“Race means nothing less than that the GSE spirit comes to life on the racetrack – since its launch last year, we have achieved great success with the Mokka GSE Rally. Now, we take the ultimate next step – into Formula E,” said Reinermann. The Opel GSE 27FE is the race car for the GEN4 generation of the Formula E World Championship, which begins with the coming season – and it represents the epitome of the Opel GSE performance concept ‘Grand Sport Electric’. The high-performance electric vehicle has permanent all-wheel drive, offers over 800 hp of power, achieves a recuperation power of up to 700 kW and thus raises electric motorsport to a completely new level.

The whole GSE world: New Opel Corsa GSE, Mokka GSE and Astra GSE Line

Reinermann also showed how customers can experience GSE for themselves with the two other GSE pillars ‘Drive’ and ‘Play’. After the introduction of the Opel Mokka GSE last year, the new Opel Corsa GSE celebrated its exhibition premiere in Paris. The hot hatch shines in the characteristic GSE design and offers emotion, excitement and high performance combined with all-electric driving excitement. With 207 kW (281 hp), 345 Newton metres of torque and 5.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, it is the most powerful Corsa to date and accelerates faster than any other current production Opel.

 And those who want to drive an Opel in the GSE design not only fully electrically, but independently of the drive variant, will be able to do so with the new GSE Line. To kick things off, the manufacturer presented the Opel Astra GSE Line in Paris, which will be available from next spring.

But GSE at Opel does not only take place on the race and rally track as well as on the road. “Car culture is no longer limited to the road. It happens online. In communities. And in games. – that's exactly what we mean by 'play',” said Reinermann. The ‘Pit Stop Experience’, developed in cooperation with GIANTX, combines performance, technology and gaming at the Opel booth. Inspired by the Opel Formula E programme, visitors can race on an exclusive digital Trackmania track. In interaction with the motorway architecture of the entire booth Opel is thus creating an appearance that spatially translates the further development and future of the German manufacturer.

 “We are on clear path for growth this year thanks to our great products and with our Formula E team we are taking GSE to the next level. The significant investments represent a clear commitment to Germany as an industrial location. We will introduce four new models by 2030 – including the next generation Opel Astra. And the Opel STX Concept shows a clear vision for the future design of our cars,” summarised Huettl.

Opel STX Concept: Visionary Study from Rüsselsheim Shows the Estate Design of Tomorrow

• New chapter: With the STX Concept, Opel presents a vision for future estate cars at the Paris Motor Show

• Bolder, purer, even more emotional: New Opel Vizor lighting signature with lamella light animations and even more prominent vertical Opel Compass and illuminated emblem plus clean, downward-sloping rear

• Pure efficiency: Intelligent aerodynamic solutions with extendable diffuser elements and alloy wheels in a three-zone design

Opel at the Paris Motor Show – this means premieres that will reveal the wide range of emotional automotive excellence ‘made in Germany’. For example, the new Opel GSE 27FE Formula E racing car will celebrate its world premiere in the French capital, and the new Opel Corsa GSE hot hatch, which is now on sale, will make its exhibition debut. Furthermore, a very special show car is set to turn heads at the ‘Mondial de l'Auto’ from October 12 to 18: the Opel Sports Tourer eXperimental Concept, or Opel STX Concept in short. The name gives a clear indication that the German manufacturer is showing its vision of future estates. The abbreviation ‘ST’ is closely associated with the Sports Tourer models with the Blitz, such as the latest generation Opel Astra Sports Tourer. But the Opel STX Concept is more. It also symbolises the next stage of Opel's design philosophy – even bolder, even purer, even more emotional and even more efficient.

“Our Opel STX Concept reinterprets the estate! With its bold design, the latest concept car from Rüsselsheim reaffirms what we at Opel understand by German engineering paired with visionary design. The STX Concept gives a taste of how exciting and emotional the estate of tomorrow can be – with maximum functionality and efficiency. The study shows characteristic features that will be found in future Opel models and underlines Opel's role as an estate pioneer in Europe,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

Future Design: New Opel Vizor even bolder and more confident

The Opel STX Concept is the bold vision of the electric estate of tomorrow. It illustrates Opel’s next design ambition, combining this with German engineering and intelligent technologies in such a way that drivers and passengers experience the highest level of driving pleasure. The latest concept car from Rüsselsheim thus continues Opel's long tradition as an estate pioneer in Europe. The manufacturer was largely responsible for the breakthrough of this type of vehicle in Europe as early as the 1950s: In 1953, Opel introduced the Olympia Rekord Caravan. The Opel Kadett Caravan and many other models up to the latest Opel Astra Sports Tourer followed. All these models always impressed with style-defining design and innovative technologies.

The conviction that forward-looking technology should not remove emotions from the automobile but rather amplify them is at the heart of the Opel STX Concept. The concept car is a modern expression of Opel's engineering excellence, which combines intelligent technology with bold, precise design. The result is an electric car that is as efficient as it is emotional.

What stands out at first glance is the further development of the Opel Vizor. The characteristic brand face now appears even bolder than in its previous iterations. While many electric cars today feature an ultra-slim ‘face’, the Vizor of the Opel STX Concept is higher and more prominent. It thus matches the size of the vehicle and reflects its undeniably German character. In addition, the new lighting signature uses precise vertical slanting lamellas that form the outside boundary of the Vizor but gradually fade more towards the centre. As usual, the illuminated Opel Blitz forms the visible centre of the Opel Compass; the characteristic crease in the bonnet is further emphasised by the sporty, sharp front design.

This motto is also taken up by the rear of the STX Concept: it drops steeply and thus combines the highest practical benefit through the additional space gained in the cargo compartment with modern design. Here, too, the Opel Compass is even more precise than before – with slim, illuminated compass axes and the illuminated OPEL wordmark in the centre. The horizontal taillights on the left and right reflect the lamella look of the front.

Furthermore, the entire surfacing serves as an eye-catcher. Flush, precisely shaped and with a distinctively technical appearance, it emphasises the concept car’s character. One example is the striking C-pillars. Here, the glass light strips protruding from the window line towards the rear – and which continue into the roof of the Opel STX Concept – create exceptional visual accents. Illuminated ‘STX’ lettering on the sides, which taper towards the front, and details such as the geometrically precise and sharply defined cameras on the driver’s and passenger’s sides (replacing the usual wing mirrors) further emphasise the combination of high technical standards and desirable design.

High-speed efficiency: Custom-fit body and intelligent aero solutions

The side view of the Opel STX Concept, shimmering in silver and blue, is dominated by the low, aerodynamic silhouette designed for long-distance efficiency and stability at high speeds on the German Autobahn. The sculpted body with short overhangs and wide flared areas around the wheel arches underline the stretched and at the same time bold lines.

To this end, the Opel STX Concept presents aerodynamic solutions that not only reduce consumption but also increase range, directional stability and driving pleasure. Among other things, the aerodynamically optimised 3-section alloys combined with 285/35 R22 Goodyear tyres contribute to an engaging driving experience.

In addition, the Opel STX Concept has an active aerodynamic system that continuously adapts to the driving situation, using moving elements at the rear to optimise airflow, reduce drag and improve stability. For example, at the right speed, blue-coloured diffusers protrude from under the rear; behind the wheels, vertical bumper elements extend sideways to the rear to support the streamlined stance.

All this helps transfer the performance of the visionary concept car safely to the road. The Opel STX Concept combines an innovative electric architecture with all-wheel drive and a top speed of over 200 km/h. In this way, it proves that efficiency, performance and emotional driving pleasure can go hand in hand in the electric age.

The interior is also designed precisely for this experience. In the future, the designers and engineers will realise an interior here that continues the ‘Painting with Light’ idea of the 2023 Opel Experimental and the 2025 Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo with immersive lighting elements and special lightweight seats, and take it to the next level of development.

The Opel STX Concept is not only a show car that presents groundbreaking design and controlled desirable surfacing with innovative technology ideas. It also anticipates the visionary further development of the estate body style and already contains elements of future Opel models. The characteristic Opel design language is even more sculptural and expressive and integrates the technologies of tomorrow clearly and coherently into the overall picture.

Together with Vice President Marketing Rebecca Reinermann and Vice President Design Mark Adams, Opel CEO Florian Huettl will present these and other highlights with the Blitz to an international audience at the Opel Press Conference, which will take place at the Opel stand A42 in hall 4 at 11.00 CEST on Monday, October 12.

Opel STX Concept: German Manufacturer Reveals Name of Next Visionary Concept Car

• New chapter: Opel STX Concept shows vision for estate cars of the future at the upcoming Paris Motor Show
• For racetrack or road: Opel GSE 27FE race car and Corsa GSE hot hatch define pure electric performance on the Opel stand A42 in hall 4
• Practical and flexible: Latest Opel Astra Sports Tourer continues long tradition of innovative Opel estates

With the Paris Motor Show drawing ever closer Opel has revealed that its latest concept car will be called Opel Sports Tourer eXperimental Concept or STX Concept for short. The show car from Rüsselsheim will celebrate its world premiere at the ‘Mondial de l'Auto’ where it will take centre stage alongside the Opel GSE 27FE, the manufacturer’s race car for the upcoming season of ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and the recently launched Corsa Opel GSE hot hatch.

The name STX Concept gives a clear indication that the German manufacturer will show its vision for the future of estate cars in Paris with the abbreviation ST closely associated with Sports Tourer models with the Blitz – such as the latest Opel Astra Sports Tourer. Opel played a pioneering role in establishing the estate body style in Europe with the introduction of the Olympia Rekord Caravan in 1953. 

Today, the Opel Astra Sports Tourer continues this long-standing tradition in the Opel portfolio and impresses with outstanding practicality, flexibility and technology. Thanks to its sophisticated design with the illuminated Blitz emblem of the characteristic Vizor brand face the Opel Astra Sports Tourer can comfortably double as a stylish family car or as an eye-catching workhorse that offers up to 1,634 litres of load volume.

Opel CEO Florian Huettl confirmed: “As the name indicates, the Opel STX Concept will give our vision of the future of an aero-efficient estate – a body style that Opel played a pioneering role in establishing in Europe. It shows our next generation design language and feature elements that you will see in future production models.”

Motorsport genes: Opel GSE 27FE and new Opel Corsa GSE

The STX Concept will be one of the highlights on the Opel stand (Hall 4, Stand A42). It will sit alongside the Opel GSE 27FE, Opel’s GEN4 racing car for the 2026/27 Formula E season. With permanent all-wheel drive, an output of over 800 hp and a recuperation output of up to 700 kW, the GEN4 cars will take electric motorsport to a completely new level. With record winner Mitch Evans and rookie Théo Pourchaire on board, and preparations progressing smoothly and to plan, the Opel GSE Formula E Team is gathering momentum ahead of the new season.

Furthermore, the recently launched Corsa GSE will show how Opel is bringing high-performance electric motoring into series production. The latest hot hatch with the Blitz already benefits from the extensive work done by the engineers in Rüsselsheim and the Opel Motorsport team with the Corsa GSE sharing a powertrain with the Opel Mokka GSE and its rally counterpart, the Mokka GSE Rally. With 207 kW (281 hp) and 345 Newton metres of torque the Corsa GSE accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds – faster than any other current production Opel.

Together with Vice President Marketing Rebecca Reinermann and Vice President Design Mark Adams, Opel CEO Florian Huettl will present these and other highlights with the Blitz to an international audience at the Opel Press Conference, which will take place at 11.40 CEST on Monday, October 12. Further details on the new concept car will follow closer to the Paris Motor Show.

Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo Available to Play in Gran Turismo 7 on September 24

• Digital experience: Opel’s high-performance concept car available in a racing simulator for the first time
• Pure Performance: Overall output of 588 kW (800 hp), 800 Nm of torque and a top speed of 320 km/h
• Gaming event: The world’s best Gran Turismo players compete in thrilling races in Berlin

The wait for gaming fans is almost over. In the build-up to the Gran Turismo World Series event held in Berlin on Saturday, September 20, gaming legend and Gran Turismo series producer Kazunori Yamauchi and Opel CEO Florian Huettl had teased that the first ever phygital concept car from Rüsselsheim, Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo, will be available to play in the world’s premier racing simulator very soon. Today, Gran Turismo confirmed that the latest concept car from Rüsselsheim will be part of the game update on September 24.

“Today I'm very pleased to announce the Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo. I actually have a very personal connection with Opel, because Mr. Hideo Kodama, who used to be the chief designer for Opel is also my mentor in car design. From Mr. Kodama, I learned about the history of automotive design, and received explanation about many different cars from around the world and throughout history,” said Gran Turismo series producer Kazunori Yamauchi.

“I am delighted that the Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo will be available in Gran Turismo 7 from September 24. Its recent world premiere at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich generated a lot of interest – and we are now looking forward to putting into the hands of the gaming community. I hope everybody enjoys the epitome of our GSE label,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

At the second round of the Gran Turismo World Series held at the Uber Eats Music Hall in Berlin, the Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo provided the stunning backdrop as the premier Gran Turismo players in the world battled it out in front out thousands of spectators in the hall and millions watching the online broadcast.

As the name suggests, the Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo not only gives a preview of upcoming all-electric GSE models, it also underlines Opel's commitment to the small car segment. In addition, the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo offers another premiere, as it can be experienced and driven by anyone in one of the world's leading racing simulators – Gran Turismo 7 – from September 24. With its extraordinary design, a system output of 588 kW (800 hp), 800 Newton meters of torque, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.0 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h, the Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo represents the epitome of Opel's high-performance GSE label.

The muscular and powerful appearance of the Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo underlines its exceptional performance. The body is characterised by sharp and precise contours, combined with technical and mechanical details. The leitmotif that runs through the entire vehicle is the further sharpened Opel Compass. In addition, the high-performance show car shines with numerous aero solutions, from special aero curtains in front of the confidently designed front and rear fenders to particularly efficient aero wheels, the active aero diffuser and aero spoiler.

The cockpit also clearly follows the Opel Compass motif and conveys a pure racing driver feeling. The slim steering wheel allows a direct view of the most important information projected onto the head-up display – additional screens are superfluous. In this way, the Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo opens up completely new perspectives. With the latest study, Opel is merging the digital world with the real world.

Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo & New Opel Mokka GSE Celebrate World Premieres at IAA Mobility

• Phygital first: Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo live on site and can be experienced in Gran Turismo 7 for the first time
• Order books open: "With the Opel Mokka GSE, we are bringing rally feeling to the road."
• Opel Mokka GSE Rally: First vehicle developed according to FIA eRally5 regulations

"We have reinvented Opel GSE for the electric age and are going 'all in'. We are boosting performance and taking the electric driving experience to the next level,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl at today's Opel press conference at the IAA Mobility. The breathtaking Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo study – Opel's first concept car that merges the digital and real worlds – and the new Opel Mokka GSE were the centre of attention. With the high-performance production model, which can be ordered now, Opel is bringing a battery-electric rally feeling to the road. It is based on the Opel Mokka GSE Rally, which is also present at this year’s IAA Mobility, and thus benefits from Opel’s extensive motorsport know-how.

Vision of the GSE future: Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo

"Our latest groundbreaking concept car from Rüsselsheim represents the vision for our GSE label. It brings together two icons – our best-selling Corsa and the world's leading racing simulator, Gran Turismo 7. The Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo is tangible and can be driven virtually," announced Opel CEO Florian Huettl, Head of Marketing Rebecca Reinermann and Head of Design Mark Adams at today's world premiere. Opel is thus presenting a study that will once again go down in history 60 years after the legendary Experimental GT. Because it inspires motorsport enthusiasts as well as gaming fans. On the one hand, because of its visionary design developed by the team led by Vice President Design Mark Adams and, on the other hand because of its characteristics. 588 kW (800 hp) of system output, 800 Newton meters of torque, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.0 seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h speak for themselves. "Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo is our vision for the future of GSE – and more," said Adams. But on the other hand, because the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo is Opel's first concept car that everyone will soon be able to experience for themselves – in Gran Turismo 7.

"Our GSE philosophy is based on three pillars: Race, Drive and Play. Play, brought to life by the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo, is the ultimate stage to unleash our next chapter of GSE — thrilling, immersive, and accessible to EVERYONE," added Rebecca Reinermann.

Race and Drive: Opel Mokka GSE Rally and Opel Mokka GSE

Those responsible also left no doubt about which vehicles will now fill the first two pillars of the new GSE philosophy with life: Opel Mokka GSE Rally was developed as a next-generation all-electric rally car for professional racing – its production counterpart, Opel Mokka GSE will provide customers with an unparalleled ‘drive’ experience on the road. And best of all, the 207 kW (281 hp) Opel Mokka GSE can be ordered as of today. Leasing rates start at an attractive €399 per month 2. In addition, customers can decide for themselves whether they want to lease, buy or subscribe the new high-performance road car.

Opel Grandland Electric: Soon with a range of around 700 kilometres (WLTP 3)

Another Opel star at this year's IAA Mobility is the top-of-the-line SUV Opel Grandland. Visitors will be able to take a closer look at the new Opel Grandland Electric AWD (All Wheel Drive) on site. The brand's first electric all-wheel-drive vehicle has a system output of 239 kW (325 hp) and a maximum torque of 509 Newton metres. In the Ultimate trim, which is already available to order, the SUV, which is designed, engineered and made in Germany, can cover up to 489 kilometres (WLTP 3) between charging stops; further trim levels with a range of up to 501 kilometres (provisional value according to WLTP 3) will follow. But that's not all: "Soon we will launch an all-electric Grandland variant with a range of up to around 700 kilometres (preliminary value according to WLTP 3)," said Opel CEO Huettl.

Opel will be present at the IAA Mobility in Munich at two locations until September 14. Journalists and trade visitors can experience the brand at the IAA Summit booth B20 in Hall B3 of the exhibition centre. The public can see Opel’s latest highlights at the innovative open-space booth OP340 at Odeonsplatz from September 9. In addition, Opel Mokka GSE Rally will also be on display at the ADAC booth KP195 at Königsplatz.

[1] A vehicle's values not only depend on the vehicle's efficient use of fuel, but are also influenced by driving behaviour and other non-technical factors.

[2] Example mileage leasing offer for Opel Mokka GSE, electric motor 207 kW (281 hp) with automatic electric drive with fixed gear ratio; special leasing payment €0.00; term (months)/number of instalments: 48; mileage 10,000 km/year; vehicle price €47,300.00. A non-binding private customer mileage leasing offer (subject to creditworthiness) from Stellantis Bank SA, German branch, Siemensstraße 10, 63263 Neu-Isenburg. All prices include VAT. Settlement after the end of the contract: Any excess or shortfall in mileage (allowance of 2,500 km in each case) will be settled, as will any compensation for damage. Transfer costs are not included in the leasing offer and must be paid separately to the participating Opel partner delivering the vehicle. Offer valid from September 8, 2025, to September 30, 2025. Only at participating Opel partners.

[3] The stated range was determined using the WLTP test procedures (Regulation (EC) No. 715/2007 and Regulation (EU) No. 2017/1151). The actual range may vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular personal driving style, route conditions, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning as well as thermal preconditioning. Equipment variant with up to 501 km and Opel Grandland Electric variant with a range of up to around 700 km are not yet available.

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 unveils New Iconic ‘Blitz’ Emblem

• Bold: Sharpened, confident new ‘Blitz’
• Central: ‘Blitz’ forms key element of Opel Compass
• Prominent: New emblem to feature at the IAA Mobility in Munich

Today, Opel has revealed a new interpretation of its iconic emblem, the ‘Blitz’, which will feature on production vehicles as early as 2024. It will continue to form a central element of the Opel Compass, one of the main features of the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker’s exciting and critically acclaimed design philosophy, while simultaneously continuing to sit proudly at the centre of the Opel Vizor brand face. The lightning bolt – or ‘Blitz’ in German – is closely associated with electricity and is the ideal emblem to symbolise Opel’s approach to the era of electromobility.

“Our ‘Blitz’ is more relevant than ever before. It not only symbolises our commitment to the democratization of innovation and mobility but also conveys our commitment to becoming a fully electric brand in Europe by 2028. This year, we will already have 15 electrified models in our portfolio and can proudly say that Opel is electric,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

“The ‘Blitz’ is the icon for our Bold and Pure philosophy. The sharpened, confident new ‘Blitz’, intersects the pure supporting ring, giving our iconic emblem a progressive, modern look. It is positioned proudly at the centre of our compass, which is our key graphic design principle. The compass is the backbone of our front, rear and interior design elements,” said Mark Adams, Vice President design.

The German carmaker will gradually roll out the new ‘Blitz’ across its product portfolio in the coming years with the first production vehicle set to sport the new look in 2024. However, Opel CEO Florian Huettl announced that the new emblem will feature prominently this year already. “The IAA Mobility is one of the biggest motor shows in the world and therefore the perfect location to proudly introduce a large, international audience to our new ‘Blitz’. Furthermore, we also have a surprise planned. Visitors of our presence in Munich will be thrilled,” he said.

Designed for Success: Opel Astra Wins Red Dot Award 2023

• Visionary and full of character: Opel Astra takes award in “Product Design” category
• Expressive: Bold and pure design with Opel Vizor brand face
• Focussed on essentials: Fully digital and intuitive Pure Panel cockpit
• Serial winner: Opel Astra adds Red Dot Award to growing list of accolades

Opel Astra impresses at first sight – as a five-door model as well as Opel Astra Sports Tourer estate. A statement that the international expert jury of Red Dot Awards fully agrees with. Panel of experts, consisting of 43 judges this year, awarded compact class bestseller from Rüsselsheim Red Dot Award 2023 in "Product Design" category. This adds yet another award to Astra’s growing list of accolades. Among others, it has already won ”Golden Steering Wheel 2022” 1, was voted “FAMILY CAR of the Year 2022” 2, and independent expert jury of the "German Car Awards" (GCOTY) voted Opel Astra "German Compact Car of the Year 2023" 3.

“Our Bold and Pure design philosophy really shines in our latest generation Opel Astra. Like every new Opel model, Astra comes with expressive Opel Vizor brand face and combines innovative technology with emotional design. We also developed cockpit according to this principle. Fully digital Pure Panel can be operated intuitively and is focused on essentials,” said Opel’s Vice President Design Mark Adams.

Bold, pure, expressive: Opel Astra design stands out in compact class

Current Opel Astra not only thrills with its locally emission-free plug-in hybrid drives and soon as a fully electric Opel Astra Electric – it also stuns with clear, exciting lines without superfluous flourishes. Opel Vizor (new face of brand first seen on Opel Mokka and central exterior design element) follows Opel Compass where vertical and horizontal axes – sharp crease in hood and wing shaped graphic of daylight running lamps – intersect with Opel Blitz emblem in middle. Stretching across front, making new Opel Astra look even wider, Vizor also seamlessly integrates technologies such as the optional ultra-slim IntelliLux LED headlamps and front camera of Intelli-Vision system. Viewed from side, next-generation Astra looks especially dynamic thanks to pronounced forward rake of  C-pillar.

At rear, Opel Compass is repeated by centrally mounted Blitz, vertically aligned high-mounted brake lamp and tail lamps (energy-saving LED, as is all exterior lighting). Blitz emblem also doubles as latch for tailgate, which is made of state-of-art composite material. This technology is not only light in weight and rigid, it also allows precise execution of design details such as especially slim tail lamps.

Fully digital and fully glazed: Intuitively operated, focussed Pure Panel Cockpit

Same German precision and balance applies throughout the interior where a leap in time has taken place. Absolute highlight is the next generation of the Pure Panel. This expansive, digital cockpit (fully glazed depending on variant) features two 10-inch displays, integrated – together with the driver’s side air vent – in a horizontal format. Analogue instruments are consigned to history in new Opel Astra. Thanks to a shutter-like layer that prevents upward reflections in the windscreen, design dispenses with a hood over displays, which further enhances high-tech functionality and ambience.

Opel designers and engineers have taken great care to ensure that the driver receives all the necessary information and useful operating options, but is not burdened with superfluous data or functions. With physical controls reduced to minimum in form of finely crafted keys, Pure Panel achieves the optimum balance between digitisation and intuitive operation, detoxed of irritating visual stimuli and without the need for sub-menus. “Visual detox” is the keyword here. In combination with the high-quality and precisely designed AGR-certified ergonomic active seats,  Astra offers a modern feel-good atmosphere – inside and out.

Red Dot Award: Design highlights for over 60 years

Current Opel Astra generation expands the long line of Red Dot Award winners from Rüsselsheim. Numerous other Opel models and communication tools have already received the coveted award. As one of the world's largest design competitions, "Red Dot Award" has been recognising innovative design in the categories "Product Design", "Brands & Communication Design" and "Design Concept" for over 60 years. In 2023, expert jury evaluated products from 60 countries. This award is not conducted as a competition, but rather through an individual product test.

[1] AUTO BILD edition 45/2022 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 46/2022, category for “Best car up to €50,000”.

[2] “FAMILY CAR of the Year 2022” by AUTO Straßenverkehr, categories “Design” and “Technology” (up to €25,000).

[3] “German Compact Car of the Year” (compact class category, up to €30,000).

Opel Shark Cult spreads to All-New Astra Sports Tourer

• Shark shoal: All-New Opel Astra Sports Tourer is home to several marine predators
• Cult origins: Shark tradition began with little boy’s bright idea
• Shark as symbol: Opel designers show their passion for tiniest details

All-New Opel Astra Sports Tourer

Real Opel fans immediately begin the search whenever the brand launches a new model. Not for the numerous advanced technologies included in the standard equipment, but for the marine lifeform hiding in and around the car: the shark. Miniature avatars of the creature that sits atop the ocean food chain have amused Opel drivers and passengers for years – as now in the new Astra Sports Tourer.

While the interior of most Opel models, such as the award-winning Mokka-e and Corsa-e, somewhere conceals one shark, the newest generation of the compact estate hosts several – one near the front, another towards the rear and others in more unusual places (but even Opel sharks must get their energy from somewhere). Exploring the new Astra Sports Tourer in search of sharks – for example as plug-in hybrid (WLTP combined fuel consumption1: 1.2-1.1 l/100 km; CO2 emissions 27-25 g/km) – is almost as much fun as driving it.

“Little sharks hidden in the new Opel Astra and Sports Tourer show our designers’ love for the tiniest of details”, said Design Director Karim Giordimaina. “Our customers can feel this passion and in the meantime Opel’s sharks have become a cult. This also demonstrates how approachable the Opel brand is.”

Opel Design Director Karim Giordimaina

From idea to cult: Opel sharks story began in 2004

But how do miniature sharks come to be hiding in Opel cars? One Sunday afternoon in 2004, designer Dietmar Finger was at home working on a sketch for a new Corsa. He was designing the ordinary outer panel of the glove box, which is mostly invisible because it is hidden by the closed passenger door. However, when the glove box is opened, this panel must ensure stability – which it does with ribs integrated in the plastic surface. Finger was designing the ribs when his son looked at the sketch and said, “Why don’t you just draw a shark?” “Why not!” thought the designer and gave the ribs their characteristic shape!

Opel Corsa Chief Designer at the time, Niels Loeb, was immediately sold on the idea. Shark in the glove box went into series production and the “Opel Shark Story” began. Next came Opel Zafira, where Karim Giordimaina, then in charge of the interior design, hid three sharks in the compact van’s cockpit. More followed, first in the Opel ADAM, then the Astra and other cars such as the Crossland and the Grandland SUV flagship.

In the meantime, every interior chief designer has placed a shark or two inside a new Opel model.  Wxact location always remains secret, even from Design top management. Fish therefore stay hidden until the launch, which makes for an interesting search for shark lovers both inside and outside the company.

Shark cult is set to continue with future Opel models. Exactly where they will be hiding in the car remains a mystery, but customers can already look forward to having fun looking for them.

[1] Values were 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.