Opel to reintroduce GSe Sub-Brand for Dynamic Models

• Modern twist: GSe to return as a dynamic, electrified Opel sub-brand
• Opel CEO Florian Huettl: GSe now also stands for Grand Sport electric
• Comprehensive electrified offer: From Opel Corsa-e to Astra plug-in hybrid and Movano-e

GSe – three letters with a very clear connotation for Opel customers: highly-equipped, sporty models. Today, with the German carmaker’s clear plan to offer an electrified version of each model in its portfolio by 2024 and to be a fully electric brand in Europe by 2028, Opel is reviving and redefining GSe as a new range-topping sub-brand. Unlike in the past when the label was the abbreviation of “Grand Sport Einspritzung” (Grand Sport Injection) as on the Commodore GS/E and the Monza GSE, it will have a new meaning going forward.

“I am very happy to announce the return of GSe as our top of the range, sporty sub-brand in the immediate future. We have once again taken inspiration from our rich heritage – as we did for our new critically acclaimed bold and pure design – and given it a modern twist. In future, the label GSe will not only signify dynamic, fun to drive cars but also stand for ‘Grand Sport electric’, in full alignment with our ambitious plans to become a fully electric brand,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

In addition to athletic looks based on Opel’s award-winning design, future GSe customers can look forward to a chassis set-up to deliver a high level of driving fun and engagement. And like all Opel models, GSe line-up will be “Autobahn proof” thanks to extensive testing on German motorways. Simultaneously, GSe models will combine these values with the option of locally emissions-free mobility, thus redefining the performance Zeitgeist.

Opel most recently presented Manta GSe, a modern take on the legendary Manta from 1970. It shows how timeless the lines from 1970 still are today. What was sculptural and straightforward half a century ago still fits perfectly with the Opel design philosophy today. It takes a strong, clear stance and confidently starts a new future: electric, locally emission-free – full of emotions. Opel Manta GSe is also a tribute to the beautiful Manta A that most recently provided the inspiration for the design of the new brand face – the Opel Vizor, which organically integrates into one single module the grille, the lighting system and the Blitz brand emblem. All new Opel models feature the Vizor – including the new Opel Astra and Opel Astra Sports Tourer.

Multi-award-winning Manta GSe also follows Opel’s “simply electric” route to the electrification of the brand, whether as passenger car or light commercial vehicle. Every Opel model will be electrified by 2024, and the customer already has the choice between 12 electrified models today, from plug-in hybrids such as the Grandland and the Astra to all-electric battery-electric vehicles from the Corsa-e small car to the Zafira-e Life “lounge on wheels”, and from the Combo-e Cargo to the Movano-e van.

Opel Classics to participate in Germany’s biggest Oldtimer Rally

• Classic Opel competition cars among 197 starters of Olympia Rally ’72 Revival
• World rally champion Walter Röhrl pilots Opel Commodore GS/E and Ascona 400
• Opel Astra plug-in hybrid for organisers

Opel Classic will participate in the Olympia Rally '72 Revival, which will take place across Germany from August 8-13. One hundred and ninety-seven teams from nine nations will complete 6 daily stages between Kiel in the north and Munich in the south – a total of 2,252 kilometres. Among the starters is rally legend and double world champion Walter Röhrl, whose career took off exactly 50 years ago on the original Olympia Rally.

“We are delighted to be able to contribute real gems to this great revival with classic Opel models such as the 1971 Rallye Kadett and the Commodore GS/E Coupé. And of course, the Opel Olympia will also play a part to match the title of the rally. Just like our new Astra plug-in hybrid, which will attract attention with its bold, clear design and pioneering technologies as an advance and crew vehicle,” said Harald Hamprecht, Vice President Communications.

“1972 Olympia Rally was unique and the Revival will thrill the fans”, said Opel Classics Manager Leif Rohwedder. “Our legendary Opel cars are sure to bring back lots of memories for the participants and spectators.”

Walter Röhrl drives Opel Commodore GS/E and Ascona 400

Walter Röhrl describes the 1972 Olympia Rally as “the rally of the century. After this, nothing was the same as before.” His first works contract with Opel followed. “Under the guidance of Opel tuner Günter Irmscher, I prepared for my first Monte Carlo Rally and an exciting ‘73 season with my new co-driver Jochen Berger.” Bavarian went on to win the European Rally Championship in 1974 in a works Opel Ascona A and the drivers’ world championship title (for the second time) in 1982 with the Ascona 400.

On Thursday, August 11, Röhrl will start the rally in the Commodore GS/E from Opel Classic. It was precisely with a car like this that Röhrl and Berger made their Irmscher/Opel-debut at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1973. Röhrl will then cover the second leg from Pferdsfeld in an Opel Ascona 400 – a car with which he celebrated numerous successes, above all victory on the Monte Carlo Rally in 1982. The day's destination is the Speyer “Technik Museum”, home of Europe's largest space exhibition.

In addition to the Opel classics driven by Walter Röhrl, a special Opel Kadett B will be piloted on the Olympia Rally ’72 Revival by ADAC sport president Hermann Tomczyk and motorsport veteran Günther Holzer. They will share the Rallye Kadett driven by Swedes Anders Kulläng and Bruno Berglund in the 1970s.

Finally, an “Olympia Rally” would be incomplete without an Opel of the same name and the one taking part in this year's revival is an Olympia 1100 SR from 1967. This particular example features the 1100 SR engine with 44 kW/60 hp. More powerful Olympia 1900 could reach a top speed of up to 170 km/h – sports car territory at the time.

Opel Astra plug-in hybrid bold and pure course car

To ensure that the organisers of the Olympia Rally revival can travel in the same bold and pure style as the classic models from Rüsselsheim, Opel has put a new Astra plug-in hybrid at their disposal. Electrified Astra matches the rally’s climate-neutral concept and produces 133 kW/180 hp in system power and 360 Newton metres of maximum torque (WLTP combined fuel consumption1: 1.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 26-24 g/km). In pure electric mode, the five-door compact can cover up to 60 km locally emissions-free (WLTP1).

[1] Provisional range determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). Actual range can vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular on personal driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and thermal preconditioning.

!NEW! Successful race weekend: Opel at 16. Südsteiermark Classic

Last weekend ushered in the southern Styria Classic for already the sixteenth time a domestic classic car season. Around 160 teams from eight nations with their classic cars at the start, among them Opel Austria with five teams, which provided a perfect appearance.

Opel team in Südsteiermark Classic 2016: Opel GT, Opel Ascona A 400, Opel Commodore B GSE, Opel GT, Opel Kadett B

Not only Mag. Alexander Struckl, CEO Opel Austria was pleased with his 90 hp Opel GT from 1969 to contest the classic race, and Peter Christian Küspert, sales director of Opel Group, took the sport the cult model Opel Commodore B GSE challenge. A Opel Ascona Rallye and an Opel Kadett B Coupé Rallye, driven by Peter List, Chairman of Opel Partner teams (with co-pilot Markus Oppel, Sales Manager Opel Austria) thrilled the audience.

Peter List and Markus Oppel with the Opel Kadett B

Achievements for the Opel team

The Opel team can look back on a successful and successful race weekend. Ronny Rockenbauer could reach the first place in the team standings. Alexander Struckl took the 2nd place in class "Postwar" on the 2nd special stage and the 1st place in the SP 9 "Lödersdorf". Peter Christian Küspert emerged victorious in the team competition on the SP 15 "Einöd" forth.

"It is always a special experience to be in the southern Styria Classic with this. The special flair, the mixture of nostalgia and sporting ambition, and not least the wonderful scenery make this race every year so special. This year Südsteiermark Classic was perfectly complemented by the successes of the Opel team, "says Alexander Struckl, CEO Opel Austria.

One of the stops, lead the team well for Autohaus Opel Krammer in Gleisdorf. Longtime Opel dealer presented its business in a new light. Many guests enjoyed the afternoon sun and were visibly impressed by the new look of the traditional company Krammer.

Special Guest Walter Röhrl

A special guest, who is considered one of the most outstanding rally drivers in motor racing history, could be welcomed as a special guest. Synonyms like "Genius on Wheels" and "Rally driver of the century" show how inextricably Walter Röhrl is connected to the motor sport. Opel also has its history with Walter Röhrl. 1973 Röhrl first came to Opel, several victories in the same year could be celebrated. After switching to other brands Röhrl returned 1982 again back to Opel. The Opel Ascona 400 he won then his second Monte win.

Showpieces from the years 1909 to 1973

The range of exceptional classic cars in southern Styria Classic is remarkable. In the individual periods, the first ranges from about 1908-1935, the last of 1967-1972, vintage fans get their money. The oldest model, with a driver of Liechtenstein was launched was a "Lion Peugeot Racing voiturette" from 1909.

The southern Styria Classic - Every year a special race

The southern Styria Classic enthusiastic again this year participants and spectators alike. It is and remains a synonym for sports, scenic uniqueness, sociability and culinary enjoyment. Enthusiastic driver and front passenger, exceptional vintage, the blend of nostalgia and sporting ambition make Südsteiermark Classic one of the three most important classic car events in Austria. Starting and finishing in Gamlitz the classic car season has been also opened in 2016 in Austria.