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Stellantis Revives Opel’s Hot Hatch, In A Very Different Form

  • The Corsa GSE is a fully-electric hot hatch version.
  • It will likely use a 278 hp motor with a limited-slip diff.
  • Expect sharper looks, bigger brakes, and tighter suspension

Stellantis has confirmed a new performance version of the Opel and Vauxhall Corsa subcompact hatchback. It will wear the GSE badge, effectively reviving the spirit of the long-retired Vauxhall Corsa VXR and its Opel Corsa OPC twin, only this time with electrons instead of petrol.

So far, the company has released a single teaser image of the upcoming hot hatch, zoomed tightly on the front wheel. The car wears a camouflage wrap featuring Corsa and GSE lettering, along with black, yellow, and white graphics. The 18-inch alloy wheels have a distinctive three-spoke design, with yellow brake calipers visible behind them.

More: The First Electric GTI Isn’t From VW

The body panels appear largely unchanged from the current-generation Corsa introduced in 2019 and updated in 2023. The GSE does gain additional cladding around the wheel arches, echoing the treatment seen on the new Peugeot E-208 GTI.

 Stellantis Revives Opel’s Hot Hatch, In A Very Different Form
Opel Mokka GSE

Expect redesigned bumpers and a few sharper details borrowed from the unhinged Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept. Whether it also gains a slimmer Vizor grille with updated LEDs is still anyone’s guess, but it would hardly be a surprise.

Shared Underpinnings

Stellantis is keeping the hard numbers quiet for now, yet the safe money says the Corsa GSE will share its hardware with the Mokka GSE subcompact SUV. That puts it in the same technical family as the Abarth 600e, Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, Peugeot E-208 GTI, and Lancia Ypsilon HF.

More: One Lancia Ypsilon HF Is Fast The Other Just Pretends

Like those cars, it is expected to use a front-mounted electric motor producing 278 hp (207 kW or 280 PS) and 345 Nm (254.5 lb-ft) of torque. A Torsen limited-slip differential, uprated brakes, and a firmer suspension setup complete the package. Power will likely come from the familiar 54 kWh lithium-ion battery, good for an estimated 200-230 miles (322-370 km) of range.

 Stellantis Revives Opel’s Hot Hatch, In A Very Different Form
Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo Concept

According to Eurig Druce, Managing Director of Vauxhall and the Stellantis UK Group:

β€œThe Corsa GSE will combine small and agile practicality with thrilling, pure electric, motorsport-inspired power and dynamics. Vauxhall has a proud heritage of hot hatches, and we’re excited to now offer customers those same thrills but combined with the electrifying performance and zero emissions in use of these new GSE models.”

More: Opel Corsa Gains Sporty Bits, Lowered Suspension, And More Power By Irmscher

The Opel and Vauxhall Corsa GSE will arrive in Europe and the UK later this year, stepping in as the new flagship of the Corsa lineup above the GS Line. Alongside its Peugeot E-208 GTI and Lancia Ypsilon HF relatives, it will square up against the upcoming VW ID.Polo GTI and the rumored Hyundai Ioniq 3 N.

 Stellantis Revives Opel’s Hot Hatch, In A Very Different Form
The facelifted version of the Opel Corsa F debuted in 2023.
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