Opel teases retro Manta GSe Elektromod as brand embraces electrification
German brand Opel – you know, the one who supplied Holden with that final Commodore/Insignia we refused to buy – has teased a factory electric project called the Manta GSe Elektromod.
With design paying tribute to the brand’s Manta model from 1970 – a rear-drive sporting coupe which enjoyed some rally success – this GSe Elektromod is a full battery electric vehicle (BEV) with completely digital cockpit.
Sadly, Opel has provided just the single image (very stylish though it is) and nothing in the way of specifications. Instead, we have to rely on good ol’ PR fluff to remind us the car’s there for “Maximum emotions, zero emissions” and that it’s an “Electrically driven icon for a digitised and sustainable future.” Lovely.
On a more serious note, the Manta GSe Elektromod serves as a link between the German brand’s past, present and future. Opel has announced a “simply electric” route to the electrification of the brand across its passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
The plan is for every Opel model to be electrified by 2024. Right now it offers BEVs from the Corsa-e small car to the Zafira-e Life people mover, plus vans in the shape of the Combo-e cargo and Vivaro-e.
Those who better appreciate Opel’s heritage will be more interested in the restomod Manta GSe EV, which most likely utilises an electric drivetrain currently in one of its production EVs. The just-launched (in Europe) Opel Mokka-e crossover SUV uses a 100kW/260Nm motor with 50kWh battery for a 324-kilometre range.
Interestingly, electric Opels have a history almost as old as the Manta model itself. In 1971 Opel’s first electric car was called the Elektro-GT – based on the sporting Opel GT – and it proved quite the record breaker.
It set six new world records for EVs at the German Hockenheim track, including a 188.86km/h “flying kilometre”, a 115.88km/h from stationary kilometre, and stationary quarter-mile at 85.87km/h.
Opel is the latest brand to embrace the idea of an electric restomod to help engage the market. Renault gave us the e-Plein Air, Jaguar has produced a BEV E-Type Zero while Aston Martin Works slung an electric drivetrain into a 1970 DB6 Volante.
Retro-inspired offerings are coming thick and fast too, including the Renault 5 Prototype, Honda E and Fiat Nuova 500.
