NEW VAUXHALL CORSA GSE – PRESS INFORMATION

Key Facts

• High-performance variant of Britain’s best-selling small car
• GSE: Grand Sport Electric. 
• Most powerful production Corsa of all time: 281PS (207kW) and 345Nm of torque
• Fastest accelerating Vauxhall on sale: 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds
• Up to 232 miles (WLTP) of range
• Revives the tradition of sporty Vauxhall superminis, including Nova GTE/GSi, Corsa GSi, and Corsa VXR
• Performance-tuned limited slip differential for rally-inspired driving dynamics 
• Powerful braking from Alcon® four-piston front callipers and 355mm front brake discs; 100% friction braking in Sport mode
• GSE-optimised pedal tuning and electrically assisted steering with faster rack
• Nürburgring-developed chassis with lower ride height, wider tracks, stiffer spring rates, uprated axles and shocks, and new rear anti-roll bar for greater body control
• Bold GSE interior presents modern interpretation of classic Vauxhall hot hatch
• Alcantara® and cloth upholstery with chequered pattern reminiscent of Nova interior
• Unique GSE performance data available to drivers such as G-force display, acceleration data, battery management, and more
• The attainable electric hot hatch: Corsa GSE available from just £34,495 OTR (£32,995 inc. Electric Car Grant – pending approval)
• Available to order from September with UK deliveries from Winter

Hot hatch design

• Confident and dynamic GSE design with striking front splitter
• GSE-specific front and rear bumpers
• High-gloss black wheel arch extensions for performance-inspired look
• Contrasting black roof and rear spoiler
• Alcon® four-pot front callipers in GSE yellow with 355mm front brake discs
• Aero-optimised three-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels
• GSE decals on front bumper and door
• Interior:
  • Alcantara® and cloth performance seats with integrated headrests and chequered black, grey, and yellow pattern reminiscent of Nova
  • Striking yellow seatbelts and matching accent stitching
  • Alcantara® wrapped steering wheel
  • GSE-specific door inserts, made from sustainable, 100% recycled ReNewKnit® material
  • Premium aluminium pedals
  • Highly customisable 10-inch digital driver information display and 10-inch central touchscreen; adorned with GSE logo and GSE colours and displays
  • Touchscreen showing GSE performance data including G-force meter, race timer 0-62mph, battery voltage and temperature, and front wheel torque distribution
  • New GSE sound ambience, user-selectable

Small car, exhilarating performance

• Synchronous electric motor with 281PS (207kW) and 345Nm torque
• Power-to-weight ratio: 181PS/tonne
• Torque-to-weight ratio: 222Nm/tonne
• Acceleration: 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds; 112mph top speed
• 54kWh (gross) lithium-ion battery (51kWh useable capacity)
• Range: Up to 232 miles (WLTP)
• Torsen® mechanical limited-slip differential optimised for maximum traction under acceleration, greater stability and improved handling whatever the conditions
• Three driving modes:
  • Sport: full 281PS, 345Nm of torque and track calibration for throttle, steering, brakes, and ESP. 112mph top speed.
  • Normal: 231PS, 345Nm of torque, and sporty calibration for throttle and steering. 112 mph top speed.
  • Eco: 190PS, 300Nm of torque and smoother acceleration for efficient driving. 93mph top speed.
  • Full power and torque in every mode when ‘Kickdown’ is applied but limited to the top speed of the mode.

Specific GSE components

• Torsen® multi-plate limited-slip differential
  • Acceleration: max. 38% lock
  • Braking: max. 28% lock
• Lowered, stiffened suspension
  • Front
    • Macpherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
    • +54mm track
    • -24mm ride height
    • Spring rates +67%
  • Rear
    • Beam axle with trailing links, Panhard rod, coil springs, anti-roll bar
    • +20mm track
    • -11mm ride height
    • Spring rates +29%
  • New rear anti-roll bar
    • 30.8 x 24.8mm (hollow bar)
    • +153% rear anti-roll stiffness
    • +23% overall anti-roll stiffness
  • New shock absorbers with hydraulic bump stops and GSE suspension bushings all round
• GSE-optimised steering and pedal tuning
  • Electrically assisted rack and pinion steering
  • New knuckle setup with reduced 14.5 rack ratio (standard Corsa 16.2)
  • 2.7 turns lock-to-lock
  • Maintains a compact turning circle of 10.3m
• Brakes
  • Monoblock Alcon® four-piston front callipers
  • 355mm front brake discs and 268mm rear brake discs
  • Maximum heat dissipation and fade resistance
  • Sport mode: 100% friction braking performance
    • Optimised pedal feel and sensitivity
    • Regeneration effect during deceleration available if in ‘B’ mode
• Tyres
  • Standard: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 215/40 R18 tyres
    • Noise class: B / Wet grip class: B / Efficiency class: C
    • WLTP range: up to 220 miles
  • Optional: Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 215/40 R18
    • Noise class: A / Wet grip class: A / Efficiency class: A
    • WLTP range: up to 232 miles
• Specific ESC tuning in Sport mode
• Gearbox
  • Single-speed transmission
• Chassis & body
  • Steel unitary construction
  • Kerb weight (without driver): 1,554kg
  • Wheels: 7.5Jx18

Hot hatch heritage

The Corsa GSE brings the sporty genes of previous Vauxhall superminis back to life. Among the first Vauxhall hot hatches was the Nova GTE, launched in 1987 with a 100bhp 1.6-litre fuel-injected engine, a kerb weight of just 876kg, and a 117mph top speed. Ventilated front discs, anti-roll bars, low-profile tyres, and a five-speed close-ratio gearbox completed the transformation of the humble Nova into a thrilling hot hatch. Following the Nova’s facelift in 1990, the GTE version was renamed GSi to align with other models in the range.

In 1993, the first Vauxhall Corsa was launched in Britain, and with it a GSi derivative. Powered by a 16-valve, double-overhead-cam 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 105bhp at 6,000rpm, and with a kerb weight of 960kg, the GSi would sprint to 60mph in 9.2 seconds, and on to a 121mph top speed. A five-speed gearbox, firmer suspension, bigger brakes and wider tyres turned the little Corsa into a sporty hatch that punched above its weight.

2007 saw the arrival of the Corsa VXR with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 189bhp, 192lb/ft of torque, and weighing 1,278kg. A track-focused Nürburgring Edition was launched in 2011, which saw power and torque increase to 202bhp and 206lb/ft as well as the addition of a mechanical multi-plate limited-slip differential. This was followed by the Clubsport Edition in 2014, featuring a Remus sports exhaust.

A second-generation Corsa VXR was launched in 2015, weighing in at 1,293kg. Its powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged engine propelled it from 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 143mph, while an overboost function provided an additional 26lb/ft of torque for five seconds. Customers could specify an optional Performance Pack, which added a limited-slip differential, 18-inch wheels, bigger brakes, and upgraded suspension.

Motorsport

Vauxhall has a rich heritage of motorsport dating as far back as the 1910s. The brand famed for its rally success in the 1980s, and touring car dominance through the 1990s and 2000s, returned to the track in 2026 following a 17-year absence. Vauxhall has joined sister brand Opel in the all-electric one-make ADAC GSE Rally Cup, fielding a full works entry with the all-electric Mokka GSE Rally driven by talented young British driver Ioan Lloyd. The season has begun with success, seeing Vauxhall return to the podium with a third-place finish in the opening round at the ELE Rally in the Netherlands, followed by a win at Rally Vosges Grand-Est in France. The ADAC GSE Rally Cup features seven rounds across six European countries.

Based on the serial production Vauxhall Mokka GSE, the Mokka GSE Rally retains the same striking design and even employs the same 54kWh battery. However, through motorsport engineering and experience from the Corsa Rally Electric, which was the former competition car, the software tuning for the powertrain and battery management has been designed for maximum efficiency, driveability under competitive conditions, and performance.

This knowledge gained from the racetrack helps shape Vauxhall’s cars on the road. The extreme racing environment is the ultimate testbed to observe the near-production technology, particularly the high-voltage components such as the electric motor, inverter, and battery, which are optimised and developed for high-performance GSE road-going versions.

Further information on the Mokka GSE Rally can be found here.

Mokka GSE

The Mokka GSE, which launched in 2025, is the first fully electric GSE model. Inspired by the Mokka GSE Rally, it shares many components with the competition car, including the motor, inverter, and 54kWh battery. The result is a high-performance EV that produces 281PS (207kW) and 345Nm of torque – identical to the Mokka GSE Rally - and achieves a 124mph top speed, making it the fastest electric Vauxhall production model.

Specific GSE components, such as steering, chassis, and brakes have also been tuned and refined thanks to rally engineering to deliver the unique, exhilarating performance of a Vauxhall GSE model. 

Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo

Vauxhall provided a glimpse of what its future line-up of sporty GSE models could look like with the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo, an all-electric concept unveiled in August 2025. Developed as a Vision Gran Turismo car for the Gran Turismo 7 videogame, its cutting-edge design previews future GSE models with a sharper interpretation of the Bold & Pure design philosophy, including an evolution of the Vauxhall Vizor.

The concept is powered by two 350kW (476PS) motors – one front, one rear – for a combined total peak power output of 588kW (800hp), 800Nm torque. With AWD, the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo accelerates from 0-62mph in 2.0s with a 199mph top speed, all from a lightweight 1,170kg body.

Further information on the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo can be found here.

Exterior

The new Corsa GSE design immediately strikes all the hallmarks of a powerful electric hot hatch with a sporty and dynamic look that catches the eye. Setting itself apart from the standard Corsa range, its GSE-specific styling begins at the front where a dramatic front splitter with large air intakes combines with a sharp line running from the prominent Griffin emblem at the front, up through the middle of the bonnet, alongside angular and aggressive Intelli-Lux Matrix headlights.

The confident design continues at the back where a muscular GSE bumper and black rear spoiler further emphasise its sporty silhouette. Performance-inspired details feature across the Corsa GSE with wide, high-gloss black wheel arch extensions, GSE badging along its flanks, dark tinted rear windows, and a contrasting black roof (body-coloured roof available as no-cost option). Corsa GSE is available in five body colours: Carbon Black is standard, while Voltaic Blue, Contour White, Crystal Silver, and Graphic Grey are available for £650. 

A powerful road presence is completed with the Corsa GSE sitting on aero-optimised three-spoke 18-inch, black diamond cut alloy wheels, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 215/40 R18 tyres as standard, while Alcon® four-piston front callipers in striking GSE yellow highlight the model’s uncompromising performance. Customers can choose to upgrade to Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 215/40 R18 tyres, which enhance efficiency and provide an additional 12 miles of range, for a total of up to 232 miles (WLTP).

Interior and convenience

The Corsa GSE’s cabin provides a bold reimagining of the classic Vauxhall hot hatch style, with GSE-specific styling creating a performance-focused feel. The driver and front passenger sit on heated Alcantara® and cloth performance seats with integrated head restraints, with covers in a black, grey, and yellow chequered pattern - a design cue from the Nova’s interior.

A heated Alcantara®-covered flat-bottomed steering wheel adds to the racing ambience alongside premium aluminium pedals, yellow seatbelts and armrests with yellow accent stitching, plus a black headliner for a stylish finish. Door inserts are made from eco-friendly ReNewKnit™ material, which is sustainably made from fully recycled plastic (PET) bottles for a smooth, suede-like effect. 

The instrument panel with GSE logo is set against a silver-grey background, while located adjacent is the centrally positioned 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The highly customisable system features unique GSE-specific information such as G-force display, acceleration and torque values, battery management data, and more.

Further driver convenience is delivered with the 10-inch Multimedia Navi infotainment system featuring satellite navigation with electric vehicle route mapping and wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™.

In-car amenities include a wireless charger for mobile devices, front and rear USB-C power outlets, and a six-speaker audio system. In addition, electric folding, adjustable and heated door mirrors, rain-sensitive windscreen wipers, and keyless entry and start are also included as standard.

On the road, driver safety and assistance are supported by Vauxhall PureSense, which features adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go, lane positioning assist, side blind spot alert, and front and rear parking sensors with a 180° rear view camera for simple and safe manoeuvring.

An 11kW on-board charger with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability is fitted as standard; a V2L adapter is available as an accessory through Vauxhall retailers. Battery recharging from 0-80% takes 30 minutes using a 100kW DC rapid charger, while a 0-100% charge from an 11kW AC charger will take 5 hours and 45 minutes. A full charge from a 7kW AC charger will take approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.

Specification highlights

Exterior

• GSE-specific front splitter
• High gloss black wheel arch extensions
• 18-inch three-spoke black diamond-cut alloy wheels
• Alcon® four-piston front brake callipers in GSE yellow
• GSE-specific front and rear bumpers with high gloss black lower trim
• Aero inserts front and rear
• Black rear spoiler
• GSE decals on front bumper and front door
• Contrasting black painted roof (body coloured available as no cost option)
• Black gloss side mirrors
• Dark tinted rear windows

Interior

• GSE Alcantara® and cloth heated performance seats in retro black, grey and yellow chequered pattern – 6-way adjustable with integrated headrests

• Yellow seat belts

• Heated Alcantara® flat-bottomed steering wheel
• Yellow accent stitching
• Aluminium pedals
• ReNewKnit™ door inserts
• Black headliner

PureSense

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane positioning assist
• Extended speed sign recognition
• Side blind spot alert
• Front and rear parking sensors
• 180-degree reversing camera
• Enhanced automatic emergency braking
• Driver drowsiness alert
• Forward collision alert
• Lane departure warning with lane keep assist

PureConnect

• 10-inch digital instrument cluster
• 10-inch touchscreen with connected navigation and EV route mapping
• Wireless Apple CarPlay™/Android Auto™
• GSE performance pages (G-force meter, race timer. 0-62mph, battery voltage and temperature, and front wheel torque distribution)
• Wireless phone charger
• Natural voice recognition
• Front and rear USB connections (Type C)
• Six speakers

Charging

• 11kW on-board charger with vehicle-to-load charging (adapter sold separately)

Comfort and Convenience

• Intelli-Lux Matrix headlights
• LED taillights
• Fog lamps
• Electronic climate control
• Power folding/adjustable/heated door mirrors
• Keyless entry & start
• Electro chromatic rear-view mirror
• Rain-sensitive windscreen wipers
• Automatic lighting control with high beam assist
• 60/40 split folding rear seats

Safety

• Four-star Euro NCAP score
  • Adult occupant – 84%
  • Child occupant – 86%
  • Vulnerable road users – 66%
  • Safety assist – 69%

Pricing

Options

• Body-colour roof (in lieu of black) – No Cost Option
• Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 tyres (provide an additional 12 miles of range) - TBC

Technical specification

Power, performance and efficiency

Powertrain

Dimensions

Weights

Luggage capacity

ENDS

ABOUT VAUXHALL MOTORS

Vauxhall Motors started making cars in the UK in 1903. Today, as the oldest and most familiar of Britain’s automotive manufacturers, its philosophy is to build vehicles that are relevant to all and offer design, high levels of equipment and technology, and electrification at an attainable level. Vauxhall is one of few automotive brands to produce electric vehicles in Britain at its manufacturing plant in Ellesmere Port – the UK’s first electric-only manufacturing plant where the Combo Electric van is made. Vauxhall’s Electric Streets of Britain campaign raises the profile of the need for more on-street electric vehicle charging so that everyone can benefit from the switch to electric. Find out more at www.electricstreets.co.uk 

Vauxhall is part of Stellantis NV, a global leader created for the new era of sustainable mobility as a result of the merger between Groupe PSA and FCA Group in January 2021. Vauxhall is a leader in electrification – as of 2021, it was one of the first manufacturers to offer fully electric versions of all its vans. Since the end of 2024, Vauxhall has offered a fully electric version of every model in its car and van line-up. Info: www.vauxhall.co.uk