More photos and data of the electric retro runabout
In addition to more photos of the Manta GSE concept car, Opel has also published some technical specifications. (Photo: Opel)
The electric Manta Coupé has a switchable gearbox and can communicate with the outside world via an LED front. Inside, too, there is a mix of retro-chic and modernity.
After initial considerations about resurrecting the Manta as an electric vehicle, action follows. After the teaser in March, the PSA Group company has now raised the curtain further and reveals technical data. Accordingly, a 108 kilowatt rear engine (147 hp) drives the concept car. The GSE Elektromod is said to be the most powerful Manta that Opel has ever built. The driver has 255 Newton meters of torque available from a standing start, he writes Manufacturer in the press release. The most powerful factory model GT / E had a 77-kilowatt unit. The tuning scene is likely to have produced more powerful models. Observers are puzzling as to whether the addition of “electric mod” indicates upgradeability. Opel explains: “Mod stands for change, for technical and stylistic modifications as well as a modern lifestyle.”
Contents
Manual and automatic
The battery has a capacity of 31 kilowatt hours. The vehicle is expected to travel around 200 kilometers on one charge. The prototype lacks official certification of this information. The battery should be fully charged in just under four hours using the nine-kilowatt charger; there is no direct current charging option. In contrast to its electric sisters, the manufacturer has given the Manta a four-speed manual transmission. It is up to the driver to change gears manually or to use the automatic mechanism behind fourth gear.
Opel also states that the new “Vizor” front design is inspired by the Manta A. Now, after the Mocha and Crossland, the GSE is getting a new face – but across the entire width. That means, a wide LED screen shows the logo. Alternatively, the Manta pilots can show rudimentary animations, texts or ticker. Inside, too, Opel has allowed the new era to move in and installed two LED displays instead of the usual round instruments. Before that, however, the designers put a classic sports steering wheel in the style of the 70s. In the center console there is a Bluetooth box from Marshall in the look of a guitar amplifier. Sports seats and aluminum wheels specially developed for the Manta round off the look of the retro coupé.
Feasibility study, small series or series?
As early as May, Opel boss Michael Lohscheller announced that the car would first be properly presented and then “played through in market research. And then we will answer the question: new Manta – yes or no? “. The first step is taken. It had previously been suspected that Opel might be producing a limited series. Voices are now being raised that the Manta GSE will probably not be launched on the market. It will be exciting to see whether the last step in Lohscheller’s plan will result in a new edition of the icon as an electric car.
