Following the recent announcement that Opel will revive the GSe badge as a new EV sub-brand, the German brand has now released advance information and images of its first new GSe models.
The new Opel Astra GSe hatchback and the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer GSe estate plug-in hybrids, will offer the optimum balance between ride comfort and performance, combined with the option of emissions-free mobility, according to Opel.
Opel chief executive Florian Huettl said: “The new Opel Astra GSe and new Astra Sports Tourer GSe are the ideal cars for launching our dynamic new sub-brand, in full alignment with our strategy to become an all-electric brand by 2028.”
With a power output of 165 kW / 225hp and maximum torque of 360 Newton metres (WLTP) the new Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe will match the best in their respective classes for launch from a standstill, acceleration, and maximum speed.
Opel says it has achieved high performance-oriented handling characteristics by equipping the new Opel Astra GSe models with a dedicated chassis, lowered by 10 millimetres, to deliver superior stability during cornering, under braking and while driving at higher motorway speeds.
The sporty calibration of the steering is GSe-specific, while the unique springs and oil-filled dampers of the front and rear suspension are specially tuned not only for dynamic driving but also for comfort.
The dampers feature KONI FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) technology, which enables different damping characteristics at high frequencies (suspension control) versus low frequencies (body control).
The ESP settings are also exclusive to GSe models, with the activation threshold adjusted upwards to match the dynamic driving behaviour.
The new-generation Opel Astra hatchback, launched in Ireland this summer, will be joined by the Sport Tourer estate version in 2023.
