Opel's designers and engineers have kept their spirits and creativity alive during the shutdown of Germany and created the Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD. It connects the history of Opel with the technology of the future bound together by the love for Opel. Manta launched over 50 years ago with a four-cylinder petrol engine. Now, the Opel Manta is back in top form with the iconic classic design in a wonderful combination with state-of-the-art sustainable technology, the best of both worlds. It is electric, emission-free and built with love.
"The Manta GSe demonstrates in a distinguished way the passion with which we build cars at Opel. It consolidates our proud Opel history with our current goal of delivering attractive emission-free mobility for a sustainable future. Opel has various electrical goods, and now the legendary Manta has also been electrified," says Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller.
The Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD originates from the fascination of a growing trend among car enthusiasts, where classic cars like the Manta are being converted to RestoMods with modern technology and updated design elements. The 100% electric Manta is as sporty as an original Opel GSe, but "e" stands for electric here. The historic Manta had a four-cylinder engine under its iconic black bonnet, whereas the rebuilt Manta GSe has an electric motor that develops 108 kW / 147 hp and has 255 Nm. Thus, it is the most powerful Opel Manta A Opel factory has ever built.
As something unique, the driver can choose between shifting manually from the original four-speed gearbox or putting it in fourth gear immediately, whereby the car runs automatically without gear shifting, like any other electric car. The Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD has rear-wheel drive and drives like a classic sports car, with an innovative modernized driveline.
The Opel Manta electric car has a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 31 kWh and provides a range of about 200 kilometres. Like the Corsa-e and Mokka-e, the Opel Manta GSe electric car is equipped with a regenerative braking system that collects energy during braking. The electric car charges 9.0 kW from the built-in charger with a single- or three-phase AC charge. A full battery charge takes just under four hours.
Manta A was the inspiration for Opel's new face Opel Vizor, found on both the new Mokka and Crossland. On the Manta GSe, the front has become the Opel Pixel-Vizor, pointing into the future by being one large cohesive LED screen that communicates via messages and graphics to its surroundings. For example, it writes, "My German heart has been ELECTRIFIED" or "I am on a zero e-mission", after which it rolls out a small graphic sequence that supports the message. LED technology is also used for the integrated headlights and the wing-shaped daytime running lights, as well as the three-dimensional taillights.
The neon yellow colour matches Opel's new visual identity, which has recently been updated and stands in stark contrast to the black radiator hood. The Opel Manta GSe electric car is equipped with specially designed 17-inch rims from Ronal, with 195/40 R17 tires at the front and 205/40 R17 at the rear. At the same time, the original chrome mouldings of the original have been removed, very similar to what was done at the time with both tuned versions and race cars.
The interior has also been updated and improved with the latest Opel technology. The classic round instrument housings have had to give way to Opel's new digital Pure Panel, which, like the new Mokka, extends across the instrument panel. The driver-oriented 12- and 10-inch screens that make up the Pure Panel display important information about the car, such as charging status and range. The music comes via a Bluetooth box from the legendary amplifier manufacturer Marshall.
The sports seats in the Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD are an old acquaintance and come from the Opel Adam S; they have added a yellow stripe in the middle that matches the exterior colour. The result is a far more comfortable and supportive driving position than in the original Manta. Also, the three-prong steering wheel has been re-designed by Opel and to highlight the sporty nature of the car; it is equipped with a yellow centre marker. On the whole, the interior is sportily puristically decorated with black leather, grey Alcantara and details in Opel neon yellow.
The Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD is history, driving pleasure and technology created by the passion for Opel. So far, it will only be built in this one copy. But it testifies that "The New Opel" is also about celebrating the glorious past as the future develops. Manta "goes electric", and so does Opel. By the end of 2024, all Opel models will be available in an electrified variant. In Europe, Opel dealers hold the "Opel goes electric" advertising campaign and have reasonable offers on electricity and plug-in hybrids.
