Even Americans Can Drive the 789-HP Opel Corsa GSE in the Virtual World

Stellantis

The Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo has been revealed ahead of its debut at the IAA auto show in Munich in September.
The concept features a pair of electric motors that generate a combined 789 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, with a zero-to-62-mph time of 2.0 seconds.
The Corsa GSE previews future electric performance models from the German brand and will be playable in the Gran Turismo video game this fall.

SUVs have a commanding presence in the U.S. market, and while they are gaining ground in Europe, the hatchback is still clinging to its position atop the transportation hierarchy in the Old World. Europe’s longtime obsession with city cars has birthed a rich list of hot hatches, offering performance and driving engagement to the masses. Now Opel, a German brand formerly owned by General Motors and now part of the vast Stellantis stable, has revealed the eye-catching Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo, a concept that previews how the hot hatch could transform in the electric future.A Concept You Can Drive, At Least VirtuallyAs the latter part of the name suggests, this concept has been designed for the Gran Turismo video game and will join the game’s lineup of playable vehicles this fall. The concept has also been shown under the British brand Vauxhall, with Opel and Vauxhall having shared models for over 20 years.StellantisThe Corsa GSE’s electric powertrain produces 789 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque from a pair of electric motors, with one on each axle for all-wheel drive. The GSE is fitted with a single-speed transmission and a boost function, which injects an extra 79 hp for up to four seconds. After being used, the boost function can be recharged in four 20-second segments. Opel says the Corsa GSE tips the scales at just 2579 pounds, thanks to the use of lightweight materials and the fact that the battery only measures 82 kWh. With that much power and a relatively low weight, the Corsa GSE is incredibly quick, zipping from zero to 62 mph in 2.0 seconds and topping out at 199 mph.StellantisOpel also packed the Corsa GSE with active aerodynamics, with the rear diffuser and spoiler adjusting their angles of attack for either increasing downforce when braking and turning or reducing drag when accelerating. The sleek disc-like wheels, which sport a three-spoke design, also help minimize turbulence in the wheel arches.Muscular, Rally-Inspired StylingThe Corsa GSE oozes performance with its brawny bodywork and vibrant yellow accents. Although it has a similar footprint to the standard Corsa, a subcompact hatchback measuring 159.8 inches from nose to tail, the concept is around five inches longer and is significantly wider and lower, at 73.6 inches and 55.1 inches, respectively.Within those diminutive dimensions, the Corsa GSE packs a lot of attitude. The bodywork is covered in sharp creases and the bulging fenders make the hatchback look planted. Up front, a slim black trim piece, which Opel calls the “Vizor,” houses thin LED headlights and an illuminated badge. Vertical LED light strips above and below the Opel logo signal the center of the car, a motif that appears again at the rear.StellantisThe black front wheel arches are fashioned from Bcomp, which Opel says is a lightweight, strong material made from flax that is similar to carbon fiber but more environmentally friendly. The Corsa GSE sits on a staggered setup, with 21-inch front wheels and 22-inch rear wheels, both attached via Bilstein pushrod suspension. The cabin is simple, with a mostly blank white dashboard and an octagonal steering wheel. Key information is communicated via a head-up display, and the driver’s seat features a six-point harness. Opel says the car serves as a preview for upcoming GSE performance models, and while we will likely never see anything like the Corsa GSE concept in the United States, we’re glad to see that Opel is brainstorming how to keep the hot hatchback alive and well as Europe continues its push towards electrification.More Vision Gran Turismo Cars