Vauxhall, alongside its counterpart Opel, is poised to unveil an exciting new track-focused GSE concept at the highly anticipated Munich Motor Show. This upcoming reveal marks a notable shift in the direction for the GSE performance subbrand, following a somewhat understated initial launch with a Mokka-based concept. Enthusiasts who longed for a more spirited offering, reminiscent of Vauxhall's heritage with models like the VX220 and various VXR hot hatches, are likely to find this new direction more appealing.
Initial glimpses provided by the brand's stylistically charged images offer tantalizing clues about the new concept. A steering wheel that appears to be borrowed from a hypercar, along with prominent neon yellow-green highlights, immediately suggest a performance-driven machine. Furthermore, the accompanying press materials hint at the vehicle's track capabilities, explicitly stating it will be 'At home on the racing track' and confirming the presence of a roll cage. Adding to the intrigue, the concept's wheels are said to pay homage to the iconic Opel Manta 400 rally car, a detail sure to captivate automotive history buffs.
However, it is important to temper expectations regarding a full-fledged production sports car emerging from this concept. Instead, this track-focused GSE concept is more likely to serve as a design precursor, influencing the aesthetic and perhaps performance characteristics of Vauxhall's forthcoming range of GSE-badged electric vehicles. This suggests that elements such as the distinctive wheel designs and the vibrant yellow-green color scheme could be adopted, in a more refined manner, across a variety of future electric crossovers from the brand.
Nevertheless, the unveiling could also reignite speculation about a production model inspired by the Opel Manta GSE Elektromod, which was showcased several years ago. While reports in 2022 suggested a modernized, road-going version of the Manta was in the works, concrete developments have yet to materialize. As next month approaches, more details, including the concept's official name and potentially additional information about the upcoming Mokka GSE, are expected to be released by Opel.
In essence, the forthcoming GSE concept represents a pivotal moment for Vauxhall's performance division, signaling a renewed commitment to dynamic vehicles while strategically influencing its electric future.