Showing posts with label Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S. Show all posts

Friday, 11 September 2026

New Hot Hatch Ready to Impress: Opel Corsa GSE now Available to Order

  • Pure electric power: 207 kW (281 hp), 345 Nm of torque, from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds
  • Design sends pulses racing: GSE front and rear, 18-inch wheels, Alcon high-performance brakes, performance seats, yellow seatbelts, performance displays and much more
  • Comprehensively equipped: Opel Corsa GSE available from 39,900 euros (RRP incl. VAT in Germany)

For fans of hot hatches, the wait is over. Because today Opel is opening the order books for the new Opel Corsa GSE. The new high-performance variant of Germany's best-selling small car takes the tradition of hot hatches with the Blitz into the future. All those who want to experience the unmistakable GSE feeling can now order the all-electric Opel Corsa GSE from €39,900 (RRP incl. VAT in Germany).

For just a few thousand euros more than a similarly equipped Opel Corsa Electric, customers will get almost twice as much electric power, plus a complete GSE package that leaves little to be desired: This starts with the typical GSE design, which has many highlights in store both outside and inside. The output of 207 kW (281 hp) is transferred to the road via a specifically tuned sports chassis. In addition, drivers and passengers can expect the finest sporty comfort from the Alcantara performance seats, the extensive infotainment and assistance systems to name but a few. In a nutshell, the new Opel Corsa GSE combines the best of two worlds: emotional sportiness with proven practicality. Following the launch of the Opel Mokka GSE last year, the new Corsa GSE expands the range of battery-electric Opel everyday sports cars and takes the GSE experience to the next level.

From 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds: No current Opel accelerates faster

The new Opel Corsa GSE promises emotions, excitement and high performance combined with all-electric driving pleasure – and is equipped accordingly. With 207 kW (281 hp) and 345 Newton metres of torque, the newcomer offers just as much electric power as the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ 2 winning Mokka GSE. But the Corsa GSE flexes its muscles a little more. Because it sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds – faster than any other current production Opel! Drivers can push the needle to 180 km/h on a clear German Autobahn. The performance is underlined by an active sports sound developed exclusively for the new Opel Corsa GSE in Rüsselsheim, which accompanies the driving experience depending on acceleration and speed. This makes the performance audible to the driver and passengers.

The sophisticated technology supports exceptional performance, handling stability and direct feedback. For example, the Corsa GSE has front-wheel drive with a Torsen-multi-plate limited-slip differential as well as a lowered sports chassis with specifically designed axles, stabilisers and hydraulic bump stops. 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.

Depending on the track, traffic situation and preference, Corsa GSE drivers can choose from three different drive modes: ‘Sport’ with special ‘racetrack’-optimised calibration for the pure performance feeling, ‘Normal’ for everyday use or ‘Eco’ for the greatest possible efficiency. The new Corsa GSE stores its energy in a 54 kWh lithium-ion battery (51 kWh usable capacity). Up to 374 kilometres (according to WLTP 3) can be covered locally emissions-free with a full battery. And when the newcomer needs recharging, this can be done in around 27 minutes at a public DC fast-charging station 4 (from 20 to 80 per cent of the battery capacity).

Opel Corsa GSE: A design that gives you goosebumps, speed and emotions

However, the new Opel Corsa GSE does not only convey its high-performance claim when the accelerator pedal is pressed – it also does so at first glance. For example, the GSE-specific front apron and the rear are even sharper than in the other model variants. Characteristic black trim and inserts in the lower part of the vehicle and on the wide wheel arches provide a strong contrast to the Kontur White metallic paintwork. The carbon-black roof as well as the black exterior mirror housings and the black rear spoiler reinforce this effect.

With sporty 18-inch wheels – more precisely: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 215/40 R18 tyres – the new Opel Corsa GSE retains its grip even in high-performance mode. The striking rims in a three-spoke design and the yellow Alcon brake calipers with clearly visible GSE lettering are further eye-catchers. And the characteristic GSE abbreviation is confidently emblazoned on the sides of the vehicle.

Inside, the new Opel Corsa GSE combines traditional hot hatch elements with forward-looking GSE design. The prime example of this are the Alcantara performance seats with fabric inserts in a black, grey and yellow retro chequered pattern. The firm and secure hold is guaranteed by the taut side bolsters and the headrests integrated into the seats, which also bear the GSE logo. Bright yellow belts as well as the door inserts and the centre armrest with yellow stitching form a strong contrast.

High-performance meets everyday life: Extensive standard equipment in sporty style

The driver has everything under control with the Alcantara-covered sports steering wheel; Acceleration and braking commands are given via the aluminium sports pedals. The multi-customisable digital driver information display and the central 10-inch colour touchscreen transmit the necessary information. And for sporty drivers, the GSE-style displays provide performance data, G-force display, acceleration values, battery management data and much more.

For all its sportiness, the new Opel Corsa GSE also demonstrates its everyday qualities: Like every battery-electric Corsa it offers a load volume of 267 to 1,042 litres. Standard equipment details such as the heated seats and steering wheel as well as the 180-degree reversing camera, navigation system, adaptive cruise control and the Keyless Entry & Start system increase comfort and safety. And if Corsa GSE drivers want to power external devices this can be supplied from the vehicle battery thanks to the bidirectional onboard charger (V2L) 5.

The high-performance version of the small car bestseller, which can be ordered now, thus combines emotional sportiness with proven, battery-electric everyday usability. Opel and the new Corsa GSE will also demonstrate this in October at the Paris Motor Show, where the latest production GSE addition will celebrate its trade fair premiere.

[2] AUTO BILD issue 47/2025 and BILD am SONNTAG issue 47/2025, category ‘Small Cars’.

[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.

[4] The charging power / charging time is influenced by several factors and can vary depending on the type and power of the charging station, the outside temperature, the battery temperature, the battery charge and aging status, the vehicle equipment and settings on the vehicle, among other things.

[5] For full V2L functionality, an accessory adapter is required.

Wednesday, 6 May 2026

New Opel Corsa GSE: Electrifying Resurrection of the Hot Hatch

  • Power aplenty: 207 kW (281 hp) and 345 Nm of torque
  • No other production Opel accelerates faster: From 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds
  • Hot, hotter, hot hatch design: GSE-specific front and rear, 18-inch wheels, Alcon high-performance brake system, performance seats, yellow seatbelts, digital displays with performance data and much more
  • Back to the future: Opel Corsa GSE revives the tradition of sporty Corsa models

The new all-electric Opel Mokka GSE Rally competition vehicle, the Opel Mokka GSE rally car for the road and the breathtaking high-performance Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept: 2025 marked the resurrection of the highly dynamic GSE models. In 2026, Opel will once again expand the electrifying driving pleasure for everyone – with the new Opel Corsa GSE 1. The new high-performance variant of Germany's best-selling small car takes the sporty GSi genes of the first Corsa generation into the future – pulsating, exciting and fully electric. The most powerful production Corsa of all time to date will be released this year and will celebrate its exhibition premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October. However, Opel has already removed the covers today by publishing the first official pictures of the new ‘hot hatch’.

Electrifying Opel Corsa GSE: Small car, exhilarating performance

The Opel Corsa GSE brings the sporty genes of previous Corsa generations back to life. As a GSi, the Corsa A already thrilled fans of highly dynamic small cars who wanted to experience driving pleasure and performance. With the new Opel Corsa GSE, Opel returns to the market of real ‘hot hatches’ and charges it with even more emotion, excitement, performance and all-electric driving pleasure. Because that's exactly what GSE stands for: Grand Sport Electric!

Opel has already shown that battery-electric peak performance should not only be reserved for customers in the luxury segment with the introduction of the Opel Mokka GSE last year. And in the same way, the new Opel Corsa GSE makes a clear statement with its performance figures. With 207 kW (281 hp) and 345 Newton metres, the newcomer will offer just as much electric power as the current ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ [3] title holder Mokka GSE. At the same time, however, the Corsa GSE 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 performance seat more vehemently than any other current Opel production model. It reaches its top speed at 180 km/h 1.

Opel Corsa GSE drivers can choose from three different driving modes: In ‘Sport’ mode, the electric car is tuned for pure performance and calls up full power with its special ‘racetrack’-optimised calibration; in ‘Normal’ mode it delivers 170 kW (231 hp) and a sporty set-up design, the top speed of up to 180 km/h1 is also possible, and in ‘Eco’ all settings are trimmed for the greatest possible efficiency; here the top speed is 150 km/h1. The new Opel Corsa GSE stores its energy in a 54 kWh lithium-ion battery (51 kWh usable capacity). In order to ensure long-term, reliable sporty driving pleasure, the engineers have also adapted the temperature management system for the battery to the high GSE requirements.

Sophisticated technology also contributes to the exceptional performance, handling stability and direct feedback: the 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.

Opel Corsa GSE design with wow effect: Hot everyday athlete at first glance

The new Opel Corsa GSE confidently displays its performance. While the well-known variants of the current Corsa generation already have a dynamic design, the ‘hot hatch’ also visually emphasises its high-performance claim down to the last detail with the GSE-specific front apron immediately catching the eye. Just like the rear, it is even sharper than in the other model variants. This is ensured, among other things, by visual ‘air intakes’ as well as the black trim in the lower part of the vehicle and on the wide wheel arches, which contrasts with the contour white shimmering paintwork. The black roof and the black rear spoiler reinforce this effect.

With sporty 18-inch rims and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 215/40 R18 tyres the new Corsa GSE boasts an uncompromising stance. Under the striking rims in a three-spoke design, the Alcon brake calipers with clearly visible GSE lettering are eye-catchers. This high-performance look is also underlined by the specific GSE abbreviation on the sides of the vehicle.

Opel Corsa GSE interior: Modern interpretation of the classic Opel hot hatch style

The bold GSE design is also reflected in the interior. Here, the ‘hot hatch’ idea comes back to life – as a reminiscence of the sporty models of the Opel Corsa A generation and at the same time interpreted in a modern and forward-looking way. The driver and front passenger sit on performance seats with Alcantara applications and integrated head restraints, which evoke memories with covers in a black, grey and yellow chequered pattern. Bright yellow seatbelts form a strong contrast. The highest quality is also conveyed by the Alcantara-covered steering wheel and door inserts, the armrests with yellow stitching and the instrument panel with GSE logo against a silver-grey background. Acceleration and braking commands are given via the aluminium sports pedals. Further specific interior trim options complete the offer for the Opel Corsa GSE.

The necessary information is transmitted to the driver by the digital driver information display, which can be personalised in many ways, and the central 10-inch colour touchscreen. This contains GSE performance data, G-force display, acceleration values, battery management data and much more. The displays were also designed in the typical GSE style. The new Opel Corsa GSE is characterised by a technically high-quality and highly dynamic design down to the smallest detail, both inside and out.

In addition, the Opel Corsa GSE is equipped with numerous technology and comfort details that are as high-quality as they are practical. The repertoire includes features ranging from heated seats and steering wheel to the 180-degree reversing camera and the Keyless Entry & Start system to the bidirectional onboard charger (V2L), which not only allows the everyday athlete to be charged, but can also be used to supply external devices from e-bikes to electric grills with energy directly from the vehicle's battery.

All this shows that the new Opel Corsa GSE is not a car that simply takes fans from A to B. It is a fully electric and at the same time practical ‘hot hatch’ that touches the soul and delivers a real OMG! GSE feeling. More information about the new Opel Corsa GSE will follow shortly.

[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.

[3] AUTO BILD issue 47/2025 and BILD am SONNTAG issue 47/2025, category ‘Small Cars’.

Monday, 4 December 2017

Ready, Steady, Go: Order Books Open for New Opel Insignia GSi

  • Top-class sports feeling: Be an Opel Insignia GSi pilot from prices starting at €45,595
  • Powerful engines: Choice of BiTurbo diesel or turbocharged petrol unit
  • Like clockwork: FlexRide chassis and all-wheel drive with torque vectoring
  • Exciting appearance: Bumpers, side sills and rear spoiler in GSi design
  • Top comfort with touring car flair: Newly developed, AGR-certified integral seat
  • Tailored flagship: Opel Insignia Grand Sport and Sports Tourer available as GSi


The Opel Insignia GSi celebrated its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. And now everybody who wants to experience the car for themselves can do so with the opening of the order books for Opel’s dynamic flagship. Prices for the GSi start at €45,595 (all prices RRP including VAT in Germany) for the Grand Sport variant. The car promises maximum driving pleasure on all roads. Families eager to experience the sporty feeling together can look to the spacious GSi Sports Tourer variant for prices starting at €46,595. It offers an equally rewarding driving experience plus additional space and practicality.


“The Insignia GSi already impressed with its uncompromising styling at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Our customers can feel that certain something as soon as they get behind the sport steering wheel,” said Peter Küspert, Managing Director Sales and Marketing, Opel Automobile GmbH. “This is the time to change. Because as of now, all sport drivers can now order their Insignia GSi. They will receive a sports machine for connoisseurs – sharp, precise and efficient.”

The entry-level Opel Insignia GSi Grand Sport is already equipped with the 154 kW/210 hp 2.0 litre BiTurbo diesel that delivers a hearty 480 Nm of torque at 1,500 rpm (Official fuel consumption GSi 2.0 BiTurbo in accordance with the New European Driving Cycle: urban 8.9 l/100 km, extra-urban 6.1 l/100 km, combined 7.3 l/100 km, official specific combined CO2 emissions 192 g/km).

People who prefer a powerful turbocharged petrol unit for the Opel  Insignia GSi can choose the 191 kW/260 hp 2.0 litre engine (Official fuel consumption in accordance with the New European Driving Cycle: urban 11.2 l/100 km, extra-urban 7.1 l/100 km, combined 8.6 l/100 km, official specific combined CO2 emissions 197 g/km) for prices starting at €47,800. The 2.0 turbo delivers maximum torque of 400 Nm from 2,500 to 4,000 rpm. It propels the Insignia GSi Grand Sport from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and gives it a top speed of 250 km/h.

In addition, both powertrain versions come with an especially dynamic set-up of the FlexRide chassis, adaptive all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, especially grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres along with a new eight-speed automatic transmission which also enables manual shifting via the paddles on the steering wheel.

It really gets stuck in …

The all-new GSi chassis is the base for maximum driving pleasure and effective power output: Shorter springs lower the GSi by 10 millimetres and special sports shock absorbers reduce body movements to a minimum. You can feel exactly where the Opel Insignia GSi received its fine-tuning in every corner and in every movement – on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring, the toughest racetrack in the world.
 

The mechatronic FlexRide chassis adapts shock absorbers and steering in fractions of a second; the control unit also changes the calibration of the accelerator pedal and the shift points of the eight-speed automatic. The driver can choose between Standard, Tour and Sport modes. Subject to the chosen mode, steering and throttle-response is then even more direct. Exclusive to the GSi is the Competition mode, which is activated via the ESP button. A double-press allows skilful drivers more yaw and switches off traction control. Insignia GSi pilots who truly want to control everything themselves can also change gears via the steering wheel paddles.


Elsewhere, the Twinster all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring – unique in the segment – is the ideal match for the sports chassis. The conventional differential on the rear axle is replaced by two clutches, which can accelerate each rear wheel individually in fractions of a second. Depending on the driving situation, this results in the Insignia GSi following the line its driver wants to take. Furthermore, Brembo brakes ensure outstanding braking performance even at high speeds.

… and immediately gives a race-driver feeling


These ingredients create a highly active driving experience which is matched by the Insignia GSi’s sporty looks. Large chrome air intakes at the front, GSi bumpers and side sills along with the optional prominent rear spoiler for the Grand Sport clearly show: here comes a real sports machine. Furthermore, drivers can enjoy the standard AGR-certified ergonomic seats or alternatively choose the optional integral leather performance seat developed especially for the GSi. It comes with the customary comfort features such as ventilation, heating, massage function and adjustable side support along with a high back rest with integrated head rest. The standard aluminium sport pedals provide additional sporty flair. With these features the Opel Insignia GSi delivers unparalleled driving pleasure both as a Grand Sport and as a Sports Tourer.

Wednesday, 11 October 2017

New Opel Insignia GSi Conquers the Nürburgring Nordschleife

  • Best time: Up to twelve seconds per lap quicker than previous Opel Insignia OPC
  • In the best hands: Volker Strycek and team put finishing touches to GSi at the Ring
  • Best ingredients: Lightweight construction, mechatronic FlexRide chassis, all-wheel drive

Familiar territory: New Opel Insignia GSi shows what it is made of on the legendary Nordschleife of the Nürburgring.

The new Opel Insignia GSi is a precision instrument. Ten millimetres closer to the road than a normal Insignia and at least 160 kilogrammes lighter than a previous generation Insignia OPC. With intelligent all-wheel drive, that sends a perfectly dosed amount of power to each individual wheel thanks to torque vectoring. This improves handling even further and annoying understeer is eliminated. Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres on 20-inch rims ensure an outstanding level of grip while the powerful Brembo brakes guarantee short braking distances and maximum safety. Furthermore, the direct steering, adjustable shock absorbers along with the engine and transmission control are interlinked and react sharply when the Sport Mode is activated. Briefly, the GSi is an automotive foil for aficionados of modern, highly efficient sports limousines. A “Connoisseur’s Choice” edition with the “Tested on the Nürburgring” seal of approval – because every sporty Opel is fine-tuned on the legendary Nordschleife.

“The toughest place in the world to test a car to the max” (Volker Strycek)

On June 18, 1927, the original 28 kilometre long “mountain, racing and test track” at the foot of the Nürburg was inaugurated. The founding fathers attached great importance to the Nürburgring containing sections with country road characteristics so that the booming automotive industry could test its cars accordingly. The first race in the Eifel was won by superstar Rudolf Caracciola, who later admitted that he found the course “really tough”, in 1927. Three-time Formula 1 world champion Sir Jackie Stewart later gave the hilly course, which is surrounded by forest, its legendary nickname – “The Green Hell”. Today, one of the leading experts on the Nürburgring is Opel Director Performance Cars and Motor Sport, Volker Strycek. In 2003, he won the 24-hour race in an Opel Astra V8 Coupé. More recently, Strycek and his team developed the set-up of the Insignia GSi on the Nürburgring.


“The lightweight architecture, the excellent chassis configuration with uprated damper hydraulics and software adjustment, the unique all-wheel drive along with the performance tyres make the GSi as precise and sharp as we wanted it to be,” said Strycek after his test drives. “The results speak for themselves. I can complete a lap of the Nordschleife in the new Insignia GSi up to twelve seconds faster than in the more powerful OPC predecessor – but I obviously push the car every inch of the way.



As soon as the course becomes more demanding such as in the corners or stretches with low friction, i.e. when the car needs to react in an especially agile and precise manner, the GSi is definitely faster and easy to control.”

“This is precisely the efficiency I expect from a modern sports car.”

The Opel engineers have treated the GSi to a new chassis compared to the new Insignia. Shorter springs lower the GSi by ten millimetres and special sports shock absorbers reduce body movements to a minimum. The powerful Brembo four-piston brakes (diameter 345 millimetre) and the already direct steering were adapted accordingly. The Insignia GSi is equipped as standard with the mechatronic FlexRide chassis. It adapts shock absorbers and steering in fractions of a second; the control unit also changes the calibration of the accelerator pedal and the shift points of the eight-speed automatic. The driver can choose between Standard, Tour and Sport modes. Subject to the chosen mode, steering and throttle-response is then even more direct. Exclusive to the GSi is the Competition mode, which is activated via the ESP button. A double-press allows skilful drivers more yaw and switches off traction control – for a fast lap of the Nordschleife, for example.

Nürburgring expert: Opel Director Performance Cars and Motorsport Volker Strycek pushed the new Opel Insignia GSi to the limit on the Nordschleife.


The sports-chassis, developed in combination with the extra grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres and big 20-inch wheels, offers almost limpet-like levels of adhesion. A major contribution comes from the all-wheel drive with torque vectoring fitted as standard, which is unique in this segment. In this high-tech system, a conventional differential on the rear axle is replaced by two clutches, which can accelerate each rear wheel individually in fractions of a second, depending on the driving situation.

“The all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring is truly unique in the Insignia segment. It banishes the tendency to understeer known from more conventional systems,” said Strycek.

The sports sedan is powered by an impressive gasoline turbo engine that combines fuel efficiency with performance. The powerful 2.0-litre turbo produces 191 kW (260 hp) and develops generous torque of 400 Nm (NEDC fuel consumption: 11.2 litres per 100 km urban; 7.1 l/100 km extra-urban; 8.6 l/100 km combined; 197 g/km CO2). Alternatively, the GSi is also available with the 154 kW/210 hp 2.0-litre BiTurbo diesel (Official fuel consumption 2.0 BiTurbo in accordance with New European Driving Cycle: urban 8.9 l/100 km, extra-urban 6.1 l/100 km, combined 7.3 l/100 km, official specific combined CO2 emissions 192 g/km) – a unit that is tailor-made for the Opel flagship and delivers torque of 480 Nm. Both four-cylinder units are mated to an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission. The driver has the option of shifting gears via paddles at the steering wheel without taking his hands off the steering wheel or his eyes off the road. In addition, the shift points of the automatic transmission can be preselected via the Standard and Sport modes.


The new Opel Insignia GSi is available as either a sports limousine or an even more family friendly estate – then called the Opel Insignia GSi Sports Tourer.