Opel has announced that it will recover the GSe name to designate its sportier electric models. These acronyms, which on the Commodore GS/E and Monza GSE meant “Grand Sport einspritzung” (Gran Turismo injection), will change to adapt to the new era in which we live: from now on they will mean “Grand Sport electric”.
“I am very pleased to announce the return of GSe as our high-end sports sub-brand in the immediate future. Once again, we have taken inspiration from our rich heritage, as we did with our critically acclaimed bold new design [language], and given it a modern twist,” explains Opel CEO Florian Huettl.
“In the future, the GSe label will not only stand for dynamic and fun-to-drive cars, but it will also stand for ‘Grand Sport electric’, in full alignment with our ambitious plans to become an all-electric brand.” As readers will remember, Opel aims to be 100% electric from 2028.
Everything indicates that the first model to use this commercial name will be the Astra-e, whose launch is scheduled for next year. Although the technical specifications of the electric hot hatch have not yet been revealed, it will probably go a step further than the 156 hp (115 kW) of power of the Peugeot e-308, with which it will share a platform.
The Opel Astra-e could release the name GSe
It is to be hoped that the company’s next electric releases will also feature GSe versions. Although it is not clear if the restyling of the Corsa-e will receive a variant of this type (remember that Peugeot has canceled the development of the e-208 PSE, its sister model), it seems clear that the future Manta-e will be available with this option.
This sports crossover, which will be launched on the market in 2024-2025, will be one of the first models of the Stellantis group to use the STLA Medium modular platform. Conceptually it will resemble the Ford Mustang Mach-E, although it will be more affordable; therefore, among its rivals will be the CUPRA Tavascan, the Skoda Enyaq Coupé iV, the Volkswagen ID.5, and the future Ford Capri.
The next Insignia-e, which was confirmed to launch a few months ago, may also have a GSe version. Through this sub-brand, Opel will seek to enhance its image and consolidate itself as an aspirational firm located one step above its generalist rivals, the same objective pursued by Peugeot.
