2018 Opel Corsa GSi now has a sport chassis from OPC variant

After Opel’s launch of the Insignia GSi last year in a liftback and a wagon body styles, Opel is ready to add the “GSi” badge on the Corsa. This will probably be the last variant for the current generation of the supermini, and the hot hatch version will have a three door body style to make it stand out from the lesser models of the range. Standard features that it will get include larger air vents, a honeycomb front grille, red brake calipers, a chrome exhaust tip, and a new set of 18 inch wheels.

The Opel Corsa GSi’s main highlight will be the Sport chassis that it borrowed from the hardcore OPC version that makes the hatchback feel more nimble around the corners. It had also been equipped with a beefier roof mounted spoiler that will boast the model’s visual appearance, while also generating extra downforce to keep the car close to the road when it is going fast.

At this moment, the automaker has not shared photos of the car’s interior cabin, but we do know that customers will be given the possibility to upgrade to Recaro seats if they are willing to spend a little more. There is also a leather wrapped sports steering wheel, as well as the leather wrapped sporty gearshift knob. An aluminum sport pedal set finishes off the upgrades in the Corsa OPC’s cabin.

With all this information, there is one thing that we feel Opel is not ready to share. And that is related to the Opel Corsa’s performance figures. We have a strong feeling that it will feature the strongest engine available for a non-OPC model, similar to the case of the Insignia GSi.

What we are trying to say is that do not be shocked if the Corsa GSi will use a turbocharged 1.4 liter gasoline unit with 148 horsepower and 162 pound feet (220 Newton metres) of torque. With that engine, it will be able to do the zero to 62 miles per hour sprint (100 kilometers per hour) in 8.9 seconds, before continuing to a top speed of 129 miles per hour (207 kilometers per hour).

Now, the new Opel Corsa GSi not only continues the GSi tradition, being similar to the Insignia GSi. But it also focuses on pure precision, and still has an uncompromising appearance (with the signature Opel design with crisp and precise lines). To complete the whole package, it also has a touring car feeling with the sportier Recaro seats, sportier steering wheel, and carbon elements on the exterior.

The Opel Corsa GSi is scheduled to make its way to dealerships later this year, before it is joined by its Vauxhall badged sibling for the United Kingdom market.

PRESS RELEASE

Small Sports Star, Big Name: The New Opel Corsa GSi

Pure precision for pure driving pleasure: What the Opel Insignia GSi is already impressively showing in the midsize class, will be brought to the small car segment by the new Opel Corsa GSi. A precise sports machine that becomes a cornering virtuoso thanks to its sports chassis fine-tuned on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring. The exterior design of the Corsa GSi leaves no doubts: Here comes a true athlete that is equally impressive in everyday driving.

“We are continuing our long GSi tradition with the new Corsa GSi. There was already an especially sporty variant of the very first Corsa, which is a sought after classic-to-be. Our latest athlete will set new standards in the segment with its OPC sports chassis,” said Peter Küspert, Opel Managing Director Sales and Marketing.

True to the motto “hot, hotter, Corsa GSi” the three-door small car impresses with precise lines: It has a characteristic design with large air intakes, sculptured bonnet, prominent rear spoiler and precisely modelled side sills .From the front, the cheeky Opel GSi fascia with large honeycomb grille and the central Opel Blitz supported by two wings, along with the exterior rear view mirror housings in carbon racing-look become visible. The large chrome-ringed design elements that are visually connected in a horizontal line via black crosspieces running across the front, along with the black traverse cleat on the bonnet support the impression of road-clinging athlete. The vibrant styling is also present when viewed from the rear. The prominent spoiler on the edge of the roof creates additional downforce, the sporty chrome tailpipe is framed by the vibrant design of the rear apron in body colour.

The pure feeling of sportiness is also conveyed by the interior. The Corsa GSi driver sits on the optional Recaro performance seat and puts his hands on the sports steering wheel. Select the gear via the leather gearshift knob, put your foot on the aluminium sport pedal and pure driving pleasure commences. The Corsa GSi also emits pure precision: The sport chassis known from the OPC version and the brakes with red callipers ensure precise athleticism, outstanding handling and short braking distances also when combined with the optional 18-inch light alloy wheels.

Corsa GSi occupants can also enjoy outstanding connectivity with the optional IntelliLink infotainment system and bring the world of Apple iOS and Android smartphones into the car.