Vauxhall has unveiled its new GSe electrified performance branding. The company will soon expand its line-up with sporty versions of its plug-in hybrid and pure-electric cars, which will feature more aggressive body kits and more ‘driver-focused’ suspension setups.
Vauxhall hasn’t yet confirmed which of its cars will receive the GSe treatment, but we expect to see hot versions of the Corsa-e, Mokka-e and Astra at the least. Vauxhall also hasn’t told us whether its GSe models will receive an increase in power to match the sporty new looks.
The new Vauxhall GSe branding is a tribute to the company’s old GSi badge, which was used on the firm’s hottest petrol-powered cars. Memorable models include the original Nova GSi, the Carlton GSi and the Mk3 Astra GSi, which was powered by the brand’s famously strong 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, affectionately known as the ‘red top’ by enthusiasts.
Vauxhall’s GSe sub-brand will add another dimension to the company’s dramatic electrification strategy. Hopefully, the sharper suspension setup and racy styling will attract keen drivers back to the brand – and it’s important that Vauxhall maintains its fanbase during this time of upheaval.
The company has already said that it’ll electrify every model in its range by 2024. By 2028, Vauxhall will ditch combustion power altogether, selling only pure-electric cars from that point onwards. This drastic change in strategy will mean that Vauxhall is ahead of the curve by the time the government’s ban on pure combustion vehicles comes into force in 2030.
Vauxhall’s acting managing director, James Taylor, said: ‘GSe will offer sports handling and looks combined with the performance and responsibility of electrified powertrains. Sitting atop the newly simplified Vauxhall range, the GSe name is both a nod to GSi performance models from our heritage as well being a complement to the GS versions in our line-up today.’
The Vauxhall GSe badge could also feature on the rear of the soon-to-be-reincarnated Manta. The British brand will revive the iconic car in 2025 as a sporty crossover – and a performance version of that car would give the brand a direct competitor for the likes of the Volkswagen ID.5 and the Kia EV6 GT. You can learn more about Vauxhall’s electrification strategy on our sister site CAR Magazine.
