Showing posts with label Paris Motor Show 2026. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paris Motor Show 2026. Show all posts

Wednesday, 23 September 2026

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.

Friday, 18 September 2026

New Opel Astra GSE Line Celebrates Debut at Paris Motor Show 2026

  • Dynamic GSE accents: New trim featuring sharper front styling, distinctive alloy wheels and characteristic interior design
  • GSE style with free choice of powertrains: Available across the entire range, right up to the future top-of-the-range variant with 206 kW (280 hp)
  • From spring 2027: Opel Astra GSE Line kicks things off, with further GSE Line models to follow later in the year

 

The new all-electric everyday sports cars Opel Mokka GSE and Opel Corsa GSE – which has been available to order for just a few days – are wowing the media and the public alike with their performance, precision and highly dynamic design. Consequently, Opel is following up quickly, bringing the GSE experience to other models – with the latest Astra debuting the new trim. The compact class bestseller made in Rüsselsheim will be on display as the Opel Astra GSE Line at the Paris Motor Show for the first time with first images of the newcomer now available.


With the new trim, customers will be able to drive their own car in the distinctive GSE design while retaining a free choice of powertrains. The new GSE Line, which will replace the existing GS trim from spring 2027 and give the Astra an even sharper look, can be combined with battery-electric, plug-in hybrid or hybrid powertrains, as well as conventional internal combustion engines.

“More dynamic, sharper, more attractive – what applies to the new Opel Mokka GSE and Corsa GSE hot hatches is something we want our customers to be able to experience in our other cars as well. At the same time, we want them to have a free choice and be able to drive their preferred sporty model with exactly the powertrain which suits their needs. Visitors of the Paris Motor Show will be able to experience first-hand how this extra sportiness is combined with maximum practicality for everyday use, as demonstrated by the new Opel Astra GSE Line,” said Marc Fetzer, Opel Vice President Current Product.

Consistent strategy: Opel Astra GSE Line enhances high-performance GSE experience

GSE stands for ‘Grand Sport Electric’ and thus for goosebumps, speed and emotions. Opel demonstrates this in motorsport with the Opel Mokka GSE Rally in the ADAC Opel GSE Rally Cup and, very soon, with the new Opel GSE 27FE racing car in Formula E, as well as with the 207 kW (281 hp) all-electric Opel Mokka GSE and Opel Corsa GSE on the road. The latter will also make its motor show debut in Paris.

With the new GSE Line trim, Opel expands its strategy to offer customers even more GSE feeling. While the Opel Astra GSE Line features the same high-quality standard items as the previous GS specification, it has an even more dynamic visual appearance. The further refined Opel Astra front contributes to this at first glance. The front inserts below the Opel Vizor now shine in a specific GSE Line colour design. Added to this is distinctive ‘GSE LINE’ lettering on the bumper. The diamond-cut alloy wheels – available as standard in 17-inch or, on request, in 18-inch – emphasise the highly dynamic appearance.

Opel Astra GSE Line drivers immediately sense the GSE atmosphere the moment they get into their car. The designers have paid attention to even the smallest details: the seats, as well as the steering wheel, door inserts and centre armrest, feature the characteristic bright yellow stitching. The driver controls acceleration and braking via aluminium sports pedals. Optional special sports seats with integrated headrests also ensure optimum support (on Astra, Astra Hybrid and Astra Plug-in Hybrid).

Opel Astra GSE Line customers will in future be able to choose from the compact class model’s full range of powertrains to suit their individual performance requirements. And following the official launch of the Astra GSE Line in spring 2027, Opel will introduce a very special variant with an output of 206 kW (280 hp) 1 and additional highlights later in the year. Further GSE Line models will also follow. Opel will announce details in Paris.

[1] Vehicle, trim level and powertrain not yet available to order.

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’.

Friday, 24 April 2026

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.

Monday, 30 March 2026

Finetuning on the Nürburgring: New Opel Corsa GSE Undergoes Final Testing

  • Special attention: GSE-specific chassis put through its paces
  • Hot hatch: New Opel Corsa GSE promises thrilling, fully-electric performance
  • Show premiere: Newcomer to be on display at Paris Motor Show
After recently announcing the arrival of the new Opel Corsa GSE later this year, the brand with the Blitz is putting the all-electric hot hatch through its paces. The newcomer was recently tested on the legendary Nürburgring with special attention being paid to the fine-tuning of the chassis.

The Nürburgring in the Eifel region of Rhineland-Palatinate has made a name for itself as one of the most beautiful and challenging racetracks in the world. It is therefore no surprise that Opel saw it as the ideal place to apply the final tweaks to the new Opel Corsa GSE before it goes into serial production later this year.

“The Opel Corsa GSE will be the next addition to the GSE family. We want everybody to enjoy fully-electric hot hatchback performance and exciting driving dynamics. That’s why we specifically travelled to the Nürburgring to put the final touches on the set-up. I am sure that everybody will enjoy the locally emissions-free driving pleasure it will offer,” said Marcus Lott, Member of the Opel Executive Committee and Senior Vice President Stellantis Lead Engineering Central Europe.

As can be expected from a performance model, the Opel Corsa GSE will come with a sport chassis with specific throttle, steering and ESC tuning matching its power output. While at the Nürburgring, the team focused on the fine-tuning of precisely these elements to ensure the perfect set-up of the series production vehicle which will then be the most powerful series Corsa ever built.

Elsewhere, the all-electric high-performance variant of Germany's most popular small car will celebrate its show premiere at this year’s Paris Motor Show (October 12 to 18). With its electrifying design details, it will stand out from the crowd. And, of course, it will also deliver on this claim with thrilling performance on the road – tested on the Nürburgring. So, stay tuned – more detailed information will follow soon.