Opel Corsa GSE is an 800 hp electric car, but you can only drive it in Gran Turismo

Opel has just revealed one of its wildest concepts ever, one that blurs the line between a video game fantasy and a tangible future for electric cars. The German automaker revealed its Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo, a striking all-electric show car with performance figures that seem to defy its small-car origins.

The new Corsa is far from being just a static model for an auto show - it's a fully developed virtual racer that will be playable in the Gran Turismo 7 racing simulator, before making its physical debut at the IAA Mobility 2025 show in Munich this September.

At the heart of this aggressive concept is a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive electric powertrain. Together, the motors on the front and rear axles produce a combined output of 588 kW, which translates to 800 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.

For a car with a footprint similar to a standard Corsa, those numbers are extraordinary. This power allows the Corsa GSE to launch from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.0 seconds, with a top speed of 199 mph. To make virtual overtakes a bit easier, engineers included a boost function that provides an extra 59 kW (80 hp) for four-second bursts, which recharges in 80 seconds.

Despite housing an 82 kWh battery pack, the vehicle maintains a remarkably low weight of just 2,579 lb. Opel achieved this by using lightweight materials throughout the car's construction. The concept is built on the STLA Small platform, which allows for dramatic proportions. While it shares a similar length with the production Corsa, the concept is significantly lower and wider, giving it a powerful, planted stance.

The car's exterior design is a technical and aggressive interpretation of Opel's "Bold and Pure" philosophy. At the front, a slim version of the "Opel Vizor" grille panel features an illuminated "Blitz" logo at its center. This forms the heart of what Opel calls the "Compass," a design element where horizontal and vertical lighting signatures intersect.

The theme continues at the rear with a distinctive, full-width braking light. The entire look is enhanced by a suite of aerodynamic solutions, including active aero components like a diffuser and spoiler that adjust downforce based on driving conditions. Aero curtains and fender flares help manage airflow around the body, while specialized wheels are designed to reduce turbulence.

The exterior details are just as carefully considered. The turn signals are cleverly hidden as slim lights in the fenders. The car's pearl white body is contrasted with bold yellow on the hood and aero elements, while the roof and fender flares are finished in black. This three-tone color scheme extends to the wheels, which are a staggered set of 21-inch rims at the front and 22-inch rims at the rear, wrapped in Goodyear tires, with Bilstein dampers working behind them to keep the car glued to the road.

Inside, the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo offers what Opel calls a "detoxed racing experience." The cockpit is minimalist and driver-focused, completely doing away with traditional screens. Instead, all vital information is projected onto a head-up display. A suspended, lightweight sport seat with a six-point harness and a full roll cage ensures the driver is both secure and safe.

In a novel approach to safety tech, onboard sensors detect vehicles in the blind spot and issue a warning using illuminated fabrics that cover the dashboard and doors. This interesting idea shows a future where safety alerts are integrated directly into the cabin's materials.

While the Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo is unquestionably an extreme concept, it actually serves a real purpose. It shows the direction of Opel's GSE performance sub-brand as it transitions to an all-electric lineup.

It also reaffirms the company's commitment to the small car segment, proving that high-performance EVs don't have to be large or heavy. And by launching it first in the virtual world of Gran Turismo, Opel connects with a global community of car enthusiasts, giving them a chance to experience the future of the brand long before a production version ever hits the streets.

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