Opel has given its GSE performance sub-brand for electric vehicles a fresh update, and before the first production model hits the streets, they’ve already rolled out a rally car. Named the Mokka GSE Rally, it’s a more rugged, performance-focused version of the compact SUV, featuring an electric powertrain and a suite of chassis upgrades.

Visually, the rally-ready Mokka stands out with a special livery featuring black, gray, and yellow graphics. It rolls on large alloy wheels with yellow brake calipers, and the sporty front and rear bumpers, along with a roof-mounted intake, set it apart from the standard Mokka Electric.

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Some of these features, like the more aggressive body kit, will likely carry over to the roadgoing Opel Mokka GSE. This performance version of the electric SUV is expected to debut in late 2025, likely sharing specs with its mechanically similar counterparts, the Abarth 600e and Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce.

Back to the rally car, it is compatible with the FIA’s new eRally5 regulations and will eventually replace the Opel Corsa Electric Rally that has been around since 2019. The SUV is fitted with a single electric motor delivering 278 hp (207 kW / 280 PS) and 345 Nm (255 lb-ft) of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a multi-plate limited-slip differential and a racing transmission.

The 54 kWh battery pack is carried over from the Mokka Electric but gets added protection with a special encapsulation and underride guard. Chassis upgrades include a rally-spec suspension from Bilstein, with reinforced McPherson struts in the front and modified springs and dampers on the rigid rear axle. Additionally, the ABS, ESP, and traction control systems have been removed, giving drivers full freedom to push the Mokka to its limits across various terrains.

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The interior of the rally car has been stripped out, and features a FIA-certified roll cage, as well as a pair of bucket seats with six-point harnesses. For safety, the 400-volt system will automatically shut down in the event of a collision, while the fire extinguishing system features an electrically non-conductive extinguishing agent.

Opel plans to offer the Mokka GSE Rally to private customers and teams starting in the 2026 rally season, but before that, you’ll get a chance to see the prototype in action at the ELE Rally Eindhoven in the Netherlands, set for May 23-24. This event is part of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup, which will feature the Corsa Rally Electric, another electrified rally contender.

Opel has announced that its GSE sub-brand for performance models will go fully electric, abandoning its previous route of plug-in hybrid powertrains. The first model of this new era will be the Mokka GSE, which is expected to debut later this year.

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Introduced in 2022, Opel and Vauxhall’s GSE performance sub-brand initially included electrified models with plug-in hybrid powertrains. The Astra hatchback, Astra Sports Tourer estate, and Grandland SUV all received GSE versions, featuring a sharper chassis setup and more dynamic performance. However, starting this year, the GSE name will be rebranded with a fresh logo and applied exclusively to fully electric vehicles.

What Does GSE Really Stand For?

According to Opel, G stands for Grand, German engineering, goosebumps, great grip and G-forces, S stands for Sport, speed, sweat and sliding through S-curves, while E stands for Electric, excitement, exhilaration and euphoria. German humor at its finest.

The GSE models will sport a more aggressive look and feature an upgraded chassis setup that aims to “directly integrate the driver” and offer “exciting driving pleasure.” According to the company, these performance EVs are designed to be “stable when braking, cornering, and at high speeds on the Autobahn.” So, don’t expect any track-focused beasts, it’s more about sharp handling on real-world roads.

Details about the electric powertrains haven’t been shared yet, so it’s unclear whether there will be significant improvements in that area.

The Mokka GSE: A Sneak Peek

The Mokka will be the first model to wear the GSE badge, with a market launch scheduled for 2025. The small SUV is expected to follow a similar performance path as the Abarth 600e and Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, producing up to 278 horsepower (207 kW / 280 PS) from a single electric motor mounted on the front axle.

A teaser image shows the Mokka GSE will likely feature special decals, along with redesigned bumpers, larger alloy wheels, and brake calipers finished in a striking yellow. Note that the current generation Mokka was introduced in 2020 and received a mild facelift in 2024.

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Judging from recent spy shots, the Grandland is also expected to gain the GSE moniker, with similar styling and chassis upgrades.

Opel has also launched an “OMG! GSE” campaign, designed to communicate the feeling of driving one of their new electric performance models for the first time. CEO Florian Huettl stated: “The GSE sub-brand stands for particularly dynamic, exhilarating, and emotional Opel models. In 2025, we will take the next important step. The new GSE models will be fully electric. This demonstrates how powerful, exciting, and inspiring battery-electric mobility can be.”