In May 2021, Opel hinted at the revival of “GSe” with an electric restomod project based on the Manta. Fast forward to a few weeks ago, the Stellantis brand confirmed that the three letters will return for sports cars with hybrid or purely electric drivetrains. Instead of “grand SPort Einspritzung” (Grand Sport Injection), it now means “grand SPort Eelectric.” Leading the way is the 2023 Astra GSe in hatchback and wagon body styles.
The electrified performance formula uses a plug-in hybrid configuration with a combined output of 225 horsepower (165 kilowatts) and a generous maximum torque of 360 Newton-meters (265 pound-feet). That said, that’s less than the Volkswagen Group’s Skoda Octavia RS iV, VW Golf GTE and Cupra Leon eHybrid, all three delivering 245 hp (180 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft).
12 Pictures
If the Astra GSe’s output sounds familiar, there’s a very good reason. The mechanically linked Peugeot 308 bears the same numbers. They are supplied by a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine working with an electric motor, a 12.4 kWh battery and an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels.
Compared to a regular Astra, the GSe sits 10 millimeters (0.4 inches) closer to the road and benefits from reworked shock absorbers on the front and rear axles. Rüsselsheim engineers also tweaked the steering for a more direct response while installing new 18-inch alloy wheels derived from those of the previously mentioned Manta GSe.
Along with the mechanical changes, the spicy hatch and wagon duo has a slightly more aggressive exterior with redesigned bumpers as well as an upgraded interior with sporty Alcantara-wrapped seats exclusive to this version. The GSe badge inside and out lets everyone know this is no ordinary Astra.
The sporty plug-in hybrid derivative of its popular model sits at the top of the Astra range and represents a stepping stone for Opel to become a purely electric range in Europe from 2028. All brands of the Stellantis conglomerate will bid farewell to combustion engines in their passenger cars by the end of the decade, some sooner than others.
In May 2021, Opel hinted at the revival of “GSe” with an electric restomod project based on the Manta. Fast forward to a few weeks ago, the Stellantis brand confirmed that the three letters will return for sports cars with hybrid or purely electric drivetrains. Instead of “grand SPort Einspritzung” (Grand Sport Injection), it now means “grand SPort Eelectric.” Leading the way is the 2023 Astra GSe in hatchback and wagon body styles.
The electrified performance formula uses a plug-in hybrid configuration with a combined output of 225 horsepower (165 kilowatts) and a generous maximum torque of 360 Newton-meters (265 pound-feet). That said, that’s less than the Volkswagen Group’s Skoda Octavia RS iV, VW Golf GTE and Cupra Leon eHybrid, all three delivering 245 hp (180 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft).
12 Pictures
If the Astra GSe’s output sounds familiar, there’s a very good reason. The mechanically linked Peugeot 308 bears the same numbers. They are supplied by a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine working with an electric motor, a 12.4 kWh battery and an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels.
Compared to a regular Astra, the GSe sits 10 millimeters (0.4 inches) closer to the road and benefits from reworked shock absorbers on the front and rear axles. Rüsselsheim engineers also tweaked the steering for a more direct response while installing new 18-inch alloy wheels derived from those of the previously mentioned Manta GSe.
Along with the mechanical changes, the spicy hatch and wagon duo has a slightly more aggressive exterior with redesigned bumpers as well as an upgraded interior with sporty Alcantara-wrapped seats exclusive to this version. The GSe badge inside and out lets everyone know this is no ordinary Astra.
The sporty plug-in hybrid derivative of its popular model sits at the top of the Astra range and represents a stepping stone for Opel to become a purely electric range in Europe from 2028. All brands of the Stellantis conglomerate will bid farewell to combustion engines in their passenger cars by the end of the decade, some sooner than others.